Meitei people in Assam

{{Short description|none}} {{Contains special characters|Meitei}} {{Infobox ethnic group | group = Assam Meiteis (Meitei people in Assam) | native_name = 50px| | native_name_lang = mni | flag = Flag of Kangleipak.svg | flag_caption = Cultural flag of the Meiteis | image = Colorful cultural performance by artistes, on the occasion of the 12th South Asian Games-2016, at Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, in Guwahati, Assam on February 05, 2016 (1).jpg  | image_caption = Traditional Meitei dance, Pung Cholom performance in Guwahati, Assam | image_alt = | image_uprigh = | total = 168,127 | total_year = 2020 | total_source = <ref name="censusindia.gov.in">{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Assam |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020113828/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref> | total_ref = <ref name="censusindia.gov.in">{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Assam |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020113828/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref> | total1 =  | total1_year =  | total1_source =  | total1_ref =  | genealogy = | regions =

| languages = 20px Meitei language {{small|(officially known as Manipuri language)}} | religions = '''Majority''': 15px Hinduism '''Minority''': {{hlist|30px Sanamahism, 15px Islam}} | related_groups = other Indian people | footnotes = }} The Meitei people ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯀꯥꯡꯂꯨꯞ}}|}}), also called Manipuri people ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ ꯀꯥꯡꯂꯨꯞ}}|}}), is one of the minority ethnic groups in Assam. They are referred to as '''''Mekhlee''''', '''''Mekhelee''''', '''''Meckley''''', '''''Monipuri''''', '''''Monipuriya''''', '''''Magalu''''', '''''Mogolu''''', '''''Moglie''''', '''''Moglai''''', among many other names dedicated to them by the other people of Assam.<ref>Historical and Cultural Relations Between Manipur, Assam, and Bengal. India: Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, 1986.</ref> Meiteis call Assam as "Tekhao" or "Tekhau" or "Tekhaw" ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯇꯦꯈꯥꯎ}}|}}).<ref>Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. India: Mittal Publications, 1988. p. 20-22, 115</ref> In October 2020 their population was estimated 168,127 with its population, the Meitei tribe is a fairly large ethnic minority in Assam and Meitei culture can be found in everywhere places.<ref name="censusindia.gov.in">{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Assam |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020113828/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>

== History == {{Further|Meitei people in Bangladesh#History|History of Assam|History of Manipur}} In the 16th century, the kings of Tekhao (Meitei language term for Assam) and Manipur had friendly relations. This friendship grew stronger after a route to Assam opened in 1536–37, leading to more social and cultural exchanges, as well as people moving between the regions. Meitei people started settling in Assam after a royal marriage in 1537.<ref name="MPP">Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. India: Mittal Publications, 1988. pp. 20–22, 115</ref>

When Burmese King Bayinnaung of the Toungo dynasty captured Manipur kingdom during the reign of Meitei King Mungyamba ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯃꯨꯡꯌꯥꯝꯕ}}|}}, 1562–1597), many people left Manipur. This movement continued until September 18, 1891. The emigrants from Manipur had to choose one of the routes through the hills, either Tongjei Maril ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯇꯣꯡꯖꯩ ꯃꯔꯤꯜ}}|}}) or Akhui routes. The lower plains of the Surma Valley (also known as Barak Valley) were good places for the Meitei people to settle because of their favorable geography, politics, and economy.<ref name="MPP" />

In Assam's history, a Meitei princess named Kuranganayani ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯂꯩꯃ ꯀꯨꯔꯪꯒꯅꯌꯅꯤ}}|}}), the queen of Assamese King Swargadeo Rajeshwor Singh, became a heroine when she killed a rebel named Raghav Moran with a sword in 1769. Historian S.K. Bhuyan says she is honored among Assam's heroic women. Another royal marriage happened after the death of Swargadeo Rajeshwor Singh, when his brother Swargadeo Lakshmi Singh married a Meitei princess. These events led to more Meitei people settling in Tekhao (Assam).<ref name="MPP" />

One reason for the Meitei settlement in the Barak Valley is a conflict in 1604 between King Khagemba ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯈꯥꯒꯦꯝꯕ}}|}}) and his youngest brother Sanongba ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯁꯥꯅꯣꯡꯕ}}|}}) over a minor issue involving a broken boat. Khagemba fled to Cachar with two generals, Yakharek ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯌꯥꯈꯥꯔꯦꯛ}}|}}) and Bhimbol ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯚꯤꯝꯕꯣꯜ}}|}}). This event led to the Meiteis settling in Cachar, also known as the Barak Valley.<ref name="MPP" /> Another reason is a matrimonial alliance recorded in 1720. Raja Ram Chandra Narayan, the ruler of Cachar, married Rani Projabati Devi ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯔꯥꯅꯤ ꯄ꯭ꯔꯣꯖꯥꯕꯇꯤ ꯗꯦꯕꯤ}}|}}), a Meitei princess. During Ram Chandra's reign, the capital of Cachar was Khaspur. The Meitei attendants of Princess Meitei Chanu Projabati Devi began to settle permanently in Cachar.<ref name="MPP" />

During the rule of Meitei King Chitsai ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯆꯤꯠꯁꯥꯏ}}|}}), some Meitei people had to move to Cachar because of political exile. King Chitsai and his followers were forced to live in Cachar from 1752, after the assassination of Meitei King Pamheiba ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯄꯥꯝꯍꯩꯕ}}|}}), also known as Garibnawaz.<ref name="MPP" /> Meitei King Bheigyachandra ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯚꯩꯒ꯭ꯌꯆꯟꯗ꯭ꯔ}}|}}, 1759–1758) lost and regained his power four times. After each Burmese invasion, he had to flee with his followers. Because of his frequent need for political asylum, the emigrants formed a network.<ref name="MPP" />

Meitei King Modhuchandra ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯃꯣꯙꯨꯆꯟꯗ꯭ꯔ}}|}}) ruled from 1800 to 1803. In 1803, his brother Chourjit Singh ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯆꯧꯔꯖꯤꯠ}}|}}) overthrew him. Modhuchandra then sought refuge in Cachar with his family and followers. In 1806, he arranged for his daughter to marry King Krishnachandra ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯀ꯭ꯔꯤꯁ꯭ꯅꯆꯟꯗ꯭ꯔ}}|}}) of Cachar.<ref name="MPP" />

[[File:Silhouette of a classical Meitei sculpture of King Gambhir Singh (riding on a Meitei horse alias Manipuri pony & holding a sword), a Meitei ruler of the Ningthouja dynasty, who was a Maharaja of erstwhile Manipur kingdom.jpg|thumb|Manipur Levy was established in Assam by the Meiteis to attack and win back the then Burmese occupied Manipur]]

== Language and scripts == {{Main|Meitei language in Assam|Manipur Sahitya Parishad, Assam|Department of Manipuri, Assam University|Meitei associate official language movement}} Meitei language ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯩꯇꯩꯂꯣꯟ}}|}}), also known as Manipuri language ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ ꯂꯣꯟ}}|}}), is one of the official languages of the state government of Assam. It serves as the additional official language in all the three districts of the Barak Valley (Cachar district, Hailakandi district and Karimganj district) as well as in the Hojai district of the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-02-24|title=Assam recognises Manipuri as associate official language in four districts|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/assam-recognises-manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-four-districts-101708770769105.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=PTI|date=2024-02-24|title=Assam Cabinet gives nod to recognise Manipuri as associate official language in four districts|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/assam-cabinet-gives-nod-to-recognise-manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-four-districts/article67881260.ece|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Today|first=North East|date=2024-02-24|title=Manipuri Language Approved As Associate Official Language For Four Assam Districts|url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/2024/02/24/manipuri-language-approved-as-associate-official-language-for-four-assam-districts/|website=Northeast Today|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2024, the State Cabinet of the Government of Assam approved the Meitei script to be used in the education of Meitei language across all the academic institutions of Assam,<ref>{{Cite news|date=2024-03-12|title=Cabinet nod to Meitei script in educational institutions|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/cabinet-nod-to-meitei-script-in-educational-institutions/articleshow/108431069.cms|issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Service|first=Statesman News|date=2024-03-11|title=Assam govt's nod for inclusion of Meitei script in schools of state|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/assam-govts-nod-for-inclusion-of-meitei-script-in-schools-of-state-1503278318.html|website=The Statesman|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Tribune|first=The Assam|date=2024-03-11|title=Meitei script to be introduced in educational institutions of Assam|url=https://assamtribune.com/assam/meitei-script-to-be-introduced-in-educational-institutions-of-assam-1524916|website=assamtribune.com|language=en}}</ref> to help the students interested in the Meitei literature (also known as Manipuri literature) to know better about the subject.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-03-11|title=Assam government mulls to introduce Meitei script in educational institutions of the state|url=http://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-government-mulls-to-introduce-meitei-script-in-educational-institutions-of-the-state-928558-2024-03-11|website=India Today NE|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-03-11 |title=Assam: Government Considers Introducing Meitei Script in Educational Institutions |url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/assam-government-considers-introducing-metei-script-in-educational-institutions |website=Sentinel Assam |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=NEWS|first=NE NOW|date=2024-03-11|title=Assam government approves introducing Meitei script in educational institutes|url=http://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/assam-mulls-introducing-meitei-script-educational-institutes.html|website=NORTHEAST NOW|language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:The vowel and consonant letters of the Naoriya Phulo script (invented Meetei Yelhou Mayek), a constructed script developed by Naoriya Phulo for writing Meitei language.jpg|thumb|The vowel and consonant letters of the Naoriya Phulo script (invented Meetei Yelhou Mayek), a constructed script developed by Naoriya Phulo for writing Meitei language]]

A unique form of writing system called "Meetei Yelhou Mayek" ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯌꯦꯜꯍꯧ ꯃꯌꯦꯛ}}|}}), better known as Naoriya Phulo script, totally different from the general Meitei script, was developed by Naoriya Phulo ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯥꯎꯔꯤꯌꯥ ꯐꯨꯂꯣ}}|}}) in Cachar, Assam, to write Meitei language in particular cases.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Meetei Yelhou Mayek / Naoriya Phulo script|url=https://www.omniglot.com/writing/meeteiyelhoumayek.htm|website=www.omniglot.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-01-19|title=Atlas of Endangered Alphabets: Indigenous and minority writing systems, and the people who are trying to save them.|url=https://www.endangeredalphabets.net/meetei-yelhou-mayek/|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Culture == {{Further|Meitei culture}} [[File:Mohd. Hamid Ansari presenting the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-2010 to Shri Phanjoubam Iboton Singh, Assam, for his outstanding contribution to Manipuri Dance.jpg|thumb|Phanjoubam Iboton Singh receiving the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-2010 from Mohammad Hamid Ansari.]]

=== Agriculture === There is a Meitei agricultural institution named Loungak Marup ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯂꯧꯉꯥꯛ ꯃꯔꯨꯞ}}|}}), having the primary aim to save agricultural lands and depreciate selling of land to other people.<ref name="e-pao.net">{{Cite web|title=Meitei Diaspora In Assam Stick To Traditions, Cultures, Roots : 26th apr13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=4..260413.apr13|access-date=2024-09-27|website=www.e-pao.net}}</ref>

=== Cinema === {{Main|Meitei language in Assam#Cinema}}

=== Literature === {{Main|Meitei language in Assam#Literature|Manipur Sahitya Parishad, Assam|Department of Manipuri, Assam University}}

=== Religion {{anchor|Religions}} === {{Main|Traditional Meitei religion|Apokpa Marup|Laininghal Naoriya Phulo}} [[File:Panthoibi at Hojai, Assam 02.jpg|thumb|Panthoibi Iratpa festival dedicated to goddess Panthoibi celebrated in Hojai, Assam]] Lai Haraoba ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯂꯥꯏ ꯍꯔꯥꯎꯕ}}|}}) dedicated to the Umang Lai ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯎꯃꯪ ꯂꯥꯏ}}|}}) deities is common among the Assam Meiteis. Goddess Panthoibi ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯄꯥꯟꯊꯣꯏꯕꯤ}}|}}) is also commonly worshipped by them.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AMUCO interacts with Meiteis and Meitei Pangals in Assam|url=https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/amuco-interacts-with-meiteis-and-meitei-pangals-in-assam|access-date=2024-09-27|website=Imphal Free Press|language=en}}</ref>

A modern Meitei social and religious institution named Apokpa Marup was founded by Laininghal Naoriya Phulo in Cachar.<ref>Singh, N. Joykumar (2005). Revolutionary Movements in Manipur. Akansha Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-87606-92-5.</ref><ref>Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1998). Recent Researches in Oriental Indological Studies: Including Meiteilogy. Parimal Publications.</ref><ref>Raha, Manis Kumar (1995). The People of the Himalayas: Bio-cultural and Ecological Aspects. Anthropological Survey of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Culture, Government of India. ISBN 978-81-85579-30-6.</ref><ref>Dena, Lal (1991). History of Modern Manipur, 1826-1949. Orbit Publishers-Distributors.</ref><ref>Danda, Ajit K. (1999). Ethnicity, Nationalism, and Integration. Asiatic Society.</ref>

== Groups == === Development council === Inspired by the development of the autonomous councils for Karbi people and Bodo people, the Meiteis living in Hojai developed the ''"Manipuri Development Council"'' with the approval of the Government of Assam, after two rounds of protests against the government in front of Assam State Assembly. During the 2012 financial year, the Government of Assam gave Rs 1.50 lakh to the Manipuri Development Council. For the 2013 financial year, they gave Rs 2.30 crores for the same. The development council is run as an Ad hoc committee. Many Meitei candidates were elected in Panchayat elections.<ref name="e-pao.net"/>

=== Others === The following groups took active role in the historic Meitei associate official language movement: * All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU)<ref>{{Cite web |title='Make Manipuri an associate official language of Assam' campaign continues; AMSU backs MYFA : 25th jul20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=18..250720.jul20 |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=e-pao.net |quote=All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) has endorsed the movement carried out by Manipuris in Assam, demanding the recognition of Manipuri language as an associate official language of Assam.}}</ref> * Assam Manipuri Meira Paibi Lup<ref name="Stir">{{Cite web |date=2010-09-15 |title=Stir to include Manipuri as associate official language in Assam |url=https://assamtribune.com/stir-to-include-manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-assam |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=assamtribune.com |language=en}}</ref> * Assam Manipuri Sahitya Parishad<ref name="guwahatiplus.com">{{Cite web |title=Demands to Include Manipuri Language in APSC Exams Raised |url=https://www.guwahatiplus.com/guwahati/demands-to-include-manipuri-language-in-apsc-exams-raised |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=www.guwahatiplus.com |language=en}}</ref> * All Assam Manipuri Muslim Youth Front<ref name="Stir" /> * All Assam Manipuri Students Union (AAMSU)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Make Manipuri associate official language of Assam: AAMSU : 22nd sep21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=39..220921.sep21 |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Manipuri language should be one of Assam's associate official languages: AAMSU |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/9888/manipuri-language-should-be-one-of-assams-associate-official-languages-aamsu |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=Imphal Free Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-22 |title=AAMSU demands Associate Official Language status to Manipuri language |url=https://www.time8.in/aamsu-demands-associate-official-language-status-to-manipuri-language/ |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=TIME8 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AAMSU for Associate Official Language status : 22nd sep21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=7..220921.sep21 |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref> * Guwahati Manipuri Coordination Committee (GMCC)<ref name="guwahatiplus.com"/> * Manipuri Youth Front of Assam (MYFA)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-01 |title=Assam: Youth body demands recognition of Manipuri as associate official language |url=http://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-youth-body-demands-recognition-manipuri-associate-official-language-404906-2020-07-01 |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=India Today NE |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Make Manipuri language official: MYFA : 14th jul20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..140720.jul20 |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Recognise Manipuri language as Assam's associate official language : MYFA |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/1239/recognise-manipuri-language-as-assams-associate-official-language-myfa |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=Imphal Free Press |language=en}}</ref> * Union of Association of Manipuri Writers<ref>{{Cite web |title=Union of Association of Manipuri Writers backs MYFA's movement : 03rd aug20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=15..030820.aug20 |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref> * Youth's Action Committee for Protection of Indigenous People (YACPIP)<ref>{{Cite web |title=YACPIP appeals Assam Govt to include Manipuri Language as Associate official Language : 15th jul20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=10..150720.jul20 |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

== Notes == {{Notelist}}

== Bibliography == * Historical and Cultural Relations Between Manipur, Assam, and Bengal. India: Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, 1986. * Vaghaiwalla, R. B.. Assam, Manipur and Tripura. India: India Office House, 1953. * Encyclopaedia of Indian Tribes: Assam & Manipur. India: Anmol Publications, 1994. * Tribes of Assam and Manipur. India: Anmol Publ., 1997. * Kshetri, Rajendra. The Emergence of Meetei Nationalism: A Study of Two Movements Among the Meeteis. India: Mittal Publications, 2006.

== References == {{Reflist}}

== Other websites == {{Authority control}}

Category:Meitei people Category:Social groups of Assam