Punshi Yumoiba (Old Manipuri: ꯄꯨꯟꯁꯤ ꯌꯨꯃꯣꯢꯄ, romanized: Punshi Yumoipa) was the tenth monarch of the Khuman dynasty of Ancient Manipur (present-day Manipur, India). He reigned from 620 CE to 700 CE.[1][2] He lived during the time of Meitei king Naothingkhong of the Ningthouja dynasty.[3][4]
Reign and alliances
During his reign, Punshi Yumoiba enhanced the political and cultural significance of Mayang Imphal, the capital city originally founded by his father.[1][2][3][4] He forged a strong alliance with the Meitei king Naothingkhong, who ruled the Ningthouja dynasty from 663 to 763 CE. Punshi Yumoiba gave shelter to Naothingkhong and later gave his daughter, Keirunghangbi, in marriage to the Meitei monarch. With this alliance, Punshi Yumoiba also gave a portion of Khuman territory to Naothingkhong. However, this political gesture triggered a disagreement among Khuman nobles, leading to a rebellion led by Senba Mimaba.[1][2][3][4]
Religion and cultural legacy
Punshi Yumoiba is also remembered for starting the worship of the goddess Imoinu. He established her shrine at the royal palace at Mayang Imphal, which was an act that played a significant role in starting her worship into the cultural and spiritual practices of the Khuman dynasty.[1][2][3][4]
References