Groups of Meitei ethnicity

The Meitei people (also spelled Meetei)[1] are the predominant ethnic group of the central valley region of Manipur, a state in northeastern India.[2] Traditionally settled in the fertile Imphal Valley, the Meiteis have historically organized themselves into seven major clan lineages known as the Yek Salai, each consisting of numerous familial lineages called Yumnaks.[3][4][5][6]

Apart from these seven clans, there are also groups of Meitei identity that fall outside the Yek Salai framework, including the Chakpa people, Meitei Pangals (Meitei Muslims), Meitei Bamons (Meitei Brahmins), Meitei Kshetriyas (Kshetrimayums).[7][8]

The Meiteis have a rich cultural heritage rooted in the indigenous religion Sanamahism, a developed script known as Meetei Mayek, and a long history recorded in royal chronicles like the Cheitharol Kumbaba.[9] Over centuries, Meitei society has evolved through processes of integration, assimilation, and political unification, particularly during the rise of the Ningthouja dynasty.[10]

References

  1. ↑ Samson, Kamei (2019). "Theorising Social Fear in the Context of Collective Actions in Manipur". Journal of Northeast Indian Cultures. 4 (2): 12–43. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2020. P.20: "historically, academically and conventionally Manipuri prominently refers to the Meetei people." P.24: "For the Meeteis, Manipuris comprise Meeteis, Lois, Kukis, Nagas and Pangal."
  2. ↑ "Meitei People". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  3. ↑ Monihar, N. (2000). Sagei Salai Apoklon (in Manipuri). India: Internet Archive; Digital Library of India.
  4. ↑ Neelbir, Sairem (2004). Erat Thouram Thounirol Lairik (in Manipuri). India: Internet Archive; Digital Library of India. p. 140.
  5. ↑ Shakespear, J. (1910). "33. Note on the Manipuri "Yek."" (PDF). Man. 10: 59–61. doi:10.2307/2787995. ISSN 0025-1496.
  6. ↑ "Evolution of Meitei Society". www.ijaresm.com. Retrieved 2024-10-27. The confederacy was formed by the union of seven clans viz; Ningthouja, Angom, Khuman, Luwang, Kha-nganba, Moirang and Sarang-Leishanthem...
  7. ↑ "The Social Structure of the Meiteis of Manipur". ResearchGate. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  8. ↑ Hodson, T. C. (2006-02-01). The Meitheis - A Study of the Tribe of the Brahmaputra Valley. Read Books. ISBN 978-1-84664-437-5.
  9. ↑ Singh, Chandreshwor (18 January 2023). "The Evolution of the Meetei State". Imphal Times. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  10. ↑ Devi, Nunglekpam Premi (2018-04-14). A Glimpse of Manipuri Literary Works. FSP Media Publications. p. 41.
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