Thangyi Khongjromba

Thangyi Khongjromba
King of Chenglei dynasty
Monarchyc. 5th century
PredecessorSara Ngannei
SuccessorThangyi Taobung Khongdouba
SpouseYaoreiba Chanu, Penu Leima
IssueNaophang Ahanba (by blood)

Chingjen Naran Panganba

Thangyi Taobung Khongdouba
Era name and dates
Ancient Kangleipak: c. 5th century CE
HouseChenglei dynasty
FatherSara Ngannei
MotherMangang Ningthou Chanu
ReligionSanamahism
OccupationKing of Chenglei dynasty

Thangyi Khongjromba (ꯊꯥꯡꯌꯤ ꯈꯣꯡꯖ꯭ꯔꯣꯝꯕ) or Khongji Nunglaiba (ꯈꯣꯡꯖꯤ ꯅꯨꯡꯂꯥꯢꯕꯥ) was a ruler of the Chenglei dynasty of Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur). He is important in early Manipuri literature and folklore, especially in the story of Chengleiron (ꯆꯦꯡꯂꯩꯔꯣꯟ). His reign includes tales of conflicts within the royal family, unusual events, and the rise of important heirs who shaped the histories of the Chenglei kingdom and Meitei kingdom.[1]

Role within the Chenglei dynasty

Thangyi Khongjromba is portrayed as a strong and respected leader of the Chengleis. His reign is noted for effective leadership and remarkable legendary events. Chengleiron mentions that he oversaw the building of earthworks to defend his territory. During one of these projects, a significant event in his family’s history took place.[1]

According to Hareshwar Goshwami, the accounts of Chenglei kings started with Thangyi Khongjromba.[2]

Birth of a son

While King Khongjromba was away with his soldiers, his wife Penu Leimaren (ꯄꯦꯅꯨ ꯂꯩꯃꯔꯦꯟ), the daughter of Soraren (ꯁꯣꯔꯥꯔꯦꯟ), gave birth to a boy named Chingjen Naran Panganba (ꯆꯤꯡꯖꯦꯟ ꯅꯥꯔꯟ ꯄꯥꯉꯟꯕꯥ). Despite being newly born and still connected to his mother by the umbilical cord, the infant started his journey to find his father. When they met, the boy showed incredible strength by helping with construction, lifting heavy dirt, and even pulling up a large tree. These feats amazed the king, who tried to persuade his son to stay. However, the boy continued westward, seeking new adventures.[3] His name eventually became a symbol of great power in Manipuri culture.[1]

Marriage and royal problems

Thangyi Khongjromba had two wives. Naokhamba (ꯅꯥꯎꯈꯝꯕꯥ), the Meitei king who ruled from 411 to 428 CE, abducted his first wife.[2] She later had a son named Naophang Ahanba (ꯅꯥꯎꯐꯪ ꯑꯍꯟꯕꯥ), and a second son during Meitei rule, who became King Naophangba (ꯅꯥꯎꯐꯪꯕꯥ, 428–518 CE) of the Meitei kingdom.[4][5] This event connected the royal lines of the Chenglei dynasty and Meitei dynasty.[1]

Khongjromba's second wife gave birth to Thangyi Taobung Khongdouba (ꯊꯥꯡꯌꯤ ꯇꯥꯎꯕꯨꯡ ꯈꯣꯡꯗꯧꯕꯥ).[2] He then married a Luwang princess named Toibi Leima (ꯇꯣꯢꯕꯤ ꯂꯩꯃꯥ). Their story is known for its deep emotions. After having two sons, Toibi Leima fell ill and went back to her parents’ home because her husband neglected her. Once she recovered, Khongdouba forcefully took her back after running into her during a hunting trip and being drawn to her renewed beauty.[1]

Legacy

Thangyi Khongjromba's influence remains evident in the stories found in Chengleiron, one of the oldest works of Manipuri literature. The story blends historical facts and mythical aspects, making it crucial for future literary traditions in Manipur. His descendants played a major role in shaping the region's royal families.[1]

The tale of Khongjromba and his family is often told or sung, ending with traditional prayers to the divine. His reign illustrates the intricate mix of myth, political story, and cultural history that defines early Manipuri stories.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. pp. 23–24. ISBN 978-81-2600-086-9.
  2. 1 2 3 Hareshwar Goshwami. Hareshwar Goshwami History Of The PEOPLE OF MANIPUR. p. 150.
  3. ↑ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. Mittal Publications. p. 11. ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2.
  4. ↑ Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal. The History Of Manipur. pp. 248, 541.
  5. ↑ Rao, V. Venkata (1991). A Century of Government and Politics in North East India, 1874-1980: Manipur. S. Chand. p. 241.
    • Singh, Nongmaithem Manaoyaima (1989). Chengleiron (in Manipuri). Digital Library of India.
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