There is no denying the fact that Manipuri women have consistently played a pivotal role in safeguarding Manipur’s interests. Throughout history, they have demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience, from the two Nupi Laan (Manipuri women’s wars against British colonial rule) to the numerous rallies and agitations they have organized to protest against government injustices. Time and again, Manipuri women have proven themselves to be fearless, outspoken, and unwavering in their commitment to protecting their state and its people.
Manipur’s rich history, with a recorded legacy spanning over 1,800 years, dating back to 33 AD, is replete with inspiring examples of Manipuri women who have emerged as beacons of hope and progress, illuminating the path forward for the kingdom.
This article is a heartfelt tribute to the indomitable spirit of Manipuri women, celebrating their unwavering courage and resilience. It shines a spotlight on the remarkable stories of three brave Meitei women, whose names have become synonymous with bravery and valour in the annals of Manipuri history.
Leima Linthoingambi:
In 1432 AD, Meidingu Ningthoukhomba ascended to the throne of Manipur, succeeding his father, Meidingu Punshiba, who had ruled from 1404 to 1432 AD. Leima Linthoingambi was his principal wife.
In 1443, Meidingu Ningthoukhomba embarked on a military campaign to the eastern frontier, specifically to the village of Akla Chingtombi. During his absence, a group of Tangkhul raiders launched a surprise attack on the capital, seeking to plunder the paddy stored in the state granary, which had been accumulated by the clans.
Undaunted by the sudden attack, Leima Linthoingambi swiftly devised a plan to defend her kingdom. Disguising herself and her maids in male attire, she donned the king’s regalia to confront the Tangkhul raiders, who were armed to the teeth with spears.
With remarkable courage and cunning, the queen, pretending to be the king, met the raiders and inquired why they had not joined him on the Akla expedition. The raiders, taken aback by the “king’s” sudden appearance, lost their nerve and claimed they had come to pay their respects. Seizing the opportunity, the queen hospitably offered them wine laced with tobacco leaves, which soon rendered them all intoxicated and helpless.
With the raiders incapacitated, Leima Linthoingambi took decisive action, ordering her attendants to bind the drunken Tangkhuls with ropes around their necks and secure them to the poles of the granary. The chief of the Tuisem Tangkhul, Hen Puringba, was taken captive, earning Linthoingambi the distinction of being hailed as the captor of Puringba. Through her bravery and cunning, the queen successfully defended her kingdom against the marauding raiders.
The Ningthourol Lambuba, a historical chronicle, further highlights Leima Linthoingambi’s remarkable exploits. According to the text, she led daring raids against the Tangkhul villages of Sunaching and Mongba Hiyanglam, demonstrating her military prowess. Her campaigns also took her to the east, where she conquered the Kabui Yangla, and to the south, where she vanquished the Khongyang Kumphei, Leisnokpung, and Kharam. Additionally, she emerged victorious against the Luhuppas.
Leima Linthoingambi’s conquests extended even further, into the Kabaw Valley, where she invaded and subdued the fertile region of Namtongpan. During this campaign, she captured a Shan warrior, Chaopha Shamchin, cementing her reputation as a fearless and skilled military leader.
Queen Kuranganayani:
In the latter half of the 18th century, Ahom King Rajeswar Singha (1751-1769) assisted Jai Singh (1748-1799), popularly known as ‘Bhagyachandra Maharaj‘, in reclaiming the throne of Manipur. As a gesture of gratitude, Jai Singh offered Kuranganayani‘s hand in marriage to Rajeswar Singha. She was the niece of Jai Singh and the daughter of late King Gourshyam.
A grand marriage procession accompanied Kuranganayani, consisting of two noblemen, an elephant, a horse, 200 attendants, and a substantial dowry. The wedding ceremony took place in Manaimaji in 1768. The royal couple remained together until Rajeswar Singha’s passing in 1769, following a 20-day illness.
After Rajeswar Singh’s death in 1769, the Moamaria sect, a religious group that practiced Vaishnavism, revolted against Lakshmi Singh, Rajeswar’s brother and successor.
The rebels, led by Ragha Moran, occupied the capital city Rangpur and overthrew the Ahom Government for a few months. During this time, Ragha Moran mistreated Kuranganayani, who then secretly collaborated with Lakshmi Singh’s supporters to plan her revenge. She bravely stabbed Ragha Moran with a sword during the Assamese festival of Bihu, and the royalists, disguised as Bihu singers, completed the task by killing him. The virgins collected by Ragha Moran at the palace also joined in, participating in the massacre of his family.
Lakshmi Singh regained the throne, and Kuranganayani’s services were publicly acknowledged. She was given the privileges and dignity of a principal queen.
Queen Kuranganayani is a powerful symbol of unity between Assam and Manipur, and her remarkable story is a testament to her bravery and heroism. She continues to inspire generations of women, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends time and geography.
Maharani Kumudini:
Maharani Kumudini‘s life stands as a witness to her bravery, strategic thinking, and dedication to her family and kingdom. As the wife of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, who ruled Manipur from 1825 to 1834, and the mother of King Chandrakriti Singh, she played a crucial role in shaping the kingdom’s history.
After her husband’s death in 1834, Maharani Kumudini feared that Nara Singh, the cousin of Maharaja Gambhir Singh and regent of the kingdom, might overthrow her son. To protect her son’s interests, she plotted to kill Nara Singh, but the attempt failed, and Nara Singh escaped. This incident led to Maharani Kumudini fleeing with her son to Cachar.
Despite the challenges she faced, Maharani Kumudini’s determination and strategic thinking ultimately paid off. After Nara Singh’s death in 1850, her son Chandrakriti became the king of Manipur, largely due to her efforts. During King Chandrakriti’s reign, Maharani Kumudini played a vital role in the kingdom’s administration, advising her son on major decisions and ensuring the continuation of the royal chronicle initiated by her husband.
Maharani Kumudini’s story stands out as a powerful tale of a mother’s love and dedication to her son. Her bravery and strategic thinking are an inspiration to women everywhere, showing that they too can play a significant role in shaping their families’ and communities’ destinies. Her legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated in Manipur, serving as a testament to the impact one woman can have on history .
Conclusion:
Manipur boasts a rich legacy of bravery and heroism, yet it is unfortunate that these inspiring stories are not thoroughly taught in schools and colleges, depriving the younger generation of valuable lessons. Nonetheless, the remarkable tales of Manipur’s brave hearts, such as Maharani Kumudini, Queen Linthoingambi, and others, deserve to be celebrated and shared alongside the likes of Rani Durgavati and Rani Lakshmibai, inspiring future generations to emulate their courage and resilience.
References:
- History of Manipur, Pre colonial Period; Gangmumei Kamei.
- A Brief History of Manipur, Pre History to 1972 AD; Shri Sapam Bheigya.
- https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.History_of_Manipur.The_Role_Of_Manipuri_Women_In_Administration_Part_1#:~:text=Maharani%20Kumudini,son%20chandrakriti%20ascended%20the%20throne
Daniel Yumkham | Film Critic and Researcher
Passionate about history and Manipuri culture, Daniel shares film reviews and research on:
-Manipuri Cinema (Instagram : thefilmdiary )
-Regional History and Traditions.