Yoimongba
| Yoimongba | |
|---|---|
| Ancient Prince of Manipur | |
| Father | Khuyoi Tompok |
| Religion | Sanamahism |
| Occupation | Crown Prince |
Yoimongba (Old Manipuri: ꯌꯣꯢꯃꯣꯡꯄ, romanized: Yoimongpa) was a prince of the NIngthouja dynasty of Ancient Kangleipak.[1] His father was King Khuyoi Tompok, and his younger brother was King Taothingmang.[a][2][3]
Life
A Meitei literary work known as Tutenglon tells of his exploits including improvement of his kingdom with the help of his brother Taothingmang by carrying out public works such as clearing rivers.[4][5]
River cleaning
As per the story in the Tutenglon, the two brothers engaged in a mission to clear rivers which were essential in agriculture and control of floods. Yoimongba dealt with the Imphal River and Taothingmang worked on the Iril River.[4][5]
In the process, they were attacked by a fierce evil monster bird called Kakyen Mingamba. [6] The monster bird consumed Yoimongba and he broke out of it cutting through its body using a magic sword.[7] In response to this, the brothers collaborated and killed the monster with the only means available through divine bow and arrows.[8][7]
Importance
The myth of Yoimongba is commonly viewed as a metaphorical novelty of the ancient beginning of the state construction and infrastructure basis within the territories of ancient Manipur.[8] The overthrow of Kakyen Mingamba by him and Taothingmang features in Meitei folklore whereby their fighting was centred to their bravery and the service to better the society and the help of the Gods.[8][2]
References
- ^ This suggests that the system of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherits the throne, was not practiced in ancient Manipur.
- ^ Parratt, Saroj Nalini (2005). The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: 33-1763 CE. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-34430-2.
- ^ a b Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.
- ^ Tensuba, Keerti Chand (1993). Genesis of Indian Tribes: An Approach to the History of Meiteis and Thais. Inter-India Publications. ISBN 978-81-210-0308-7.
- ^ a b "Tutenglon (1980 edition)". Digital Library of India. 1980. p. 6. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ a b Manaoyaima Singh, Nongmaithem (1980). Tutenglon. p. 6.
- ^ Luhar, Sahdev (2023-02-25). Folklore Studies in India: Critical Regional Responses. N. S. Patel (Autonomous) Arts College, Anand. ISBN 978-81-955008-4-0.
- ^ a b Manaoyaima Singh, Nongmaithem (1980). Tutenglon. p. 18.
- ^ a b c Hareshwar Goshwami. Hareshwar Goshwami History Of The PEOPLE OF MANIPUR. p. 43.