Nongyai (ancient tribe)

Nongyai
Holy and sacred totem of the Khumans to whom the Nongyais merged their ethnicity
Regions with significant populations
Ancient Kangleipak
Languages
Ancient Meitei language
Religion
Sanamahism
Related ethnic groups
Khuman

The Nongyais (Meitei: ꯅꯣꯡꯌꯥꯏ) were an ancient and numerous prominent tribe in Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur). Gradually, they became connected with the Khuman clan (Meitei: ꯈꯨꯃꯟ ꯁꯂꯥꯢ), and the term Khuman-Nongyai (Meitei: ꯈꯨꯃꯟ-ꯅꯣꯡꯌꯥꯏ) started to represent their merged identity.[1] Historically, the Khumans were also known as Adon (Meitei: ꯑꯗꯣꯟ) or Nongyai (Meitei: ꯅꯣꯡꯌꯥꯏ), showing this deep-rooted connection.[2][1][3]

History

The Nongyais were related to the Nongbal (Nongpan) tribes.[3][1] While their identity eventually merged with the Khumans, the Nongyais kept their historical recognition in Meitei tradition, mainly in the context of ancient tribal formations and early regional alliances. It is believed that Nongyai Thingkonhanba, the father-in-law of Meitei king Irengba is the first chief of the merged Khuman-Nongyai tribe.[3]

Migration and early settlement

The Nongyais were one of the first groups to settle in Ancient Kangleipak. They originally settled in the foothills and hillocks surrounding Mount Koubru, which are connected with early sacred geography and ancestral settlements.[4][5] They established a network of early communities in the northern regions by living side by side with other early tribes like the Nongpans and Wangams. After that, the Nongyais migrated eastward to the area near Yaingangpokpi on the valley's eastern edge. Finally, they moved south and joined the Khumans to become the combined group known historically as the Khuman-Nongyai.[1][3]

Conflict with the Meiteis

During the reign of Meitei King Ayangba, an important event occurred that brought the Khuman-Nongyai into direct confrontation with the Meitei kingdom. While the Meitei king was out hunting, a wild beast fled as far as the Moicha hills, a region considered part of Khuman-Nongyai territory. The intrusion was taken as an insult by the Khuman-Nongyai people, who saw it as a breach of their land. In response, the entire Khuman group declared war on the Meiteis.

Even with the bold stand of the Khuman-Nongyai, the Meiteis emerged victorious in the conflict. Several notable Khuman warriors were captured during the encounter, namely; Thingaruk Kokchaopa, Thingkaruk Ngangsapa, Thingaruk Nungnang, and Aahui Kampong the Brave.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Hareshwar Goshwami. Hareshwar Goshwami History Of The PEOPLE OF MANIPUR. p. 110.
  2. ↑ Admin, IT Web (2018-05-15). "The Evolution of The Meetei State". News from Manipur - Imphal Times. Retrieved 2025-07-13. Around the 7th century the Khuman Chief "Adon" Laiphengba shifted the capital to "Nongyai" Leikoipung (now Mayang Imphal)… Till the 13th Century, the Khumans were able to preserve their sovereignty…
  3. 1 2 3 4 Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal. The History Of Manipur. p. 118.
  4. ↑ "The DNA stamp in Koubru Hills". Imphal Free Press. 20 June 2021. ProQuest 2509780925. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  5. ↑ Gyaneswor, Kh. (2 February 2019). "A Short History of Agriculture in Meetei Leibak (Manipur)". My Manipur Journal. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  6. ↑ Parratt, Saroj Nalini (2005). The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: 33-1763 CE. Routledge. p. 30. ISBN 978-0-415-34430-2.
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