Iwanthaba
| Meidingu Iwanthaba | |
|---|---|
| Ningthou of Manipur | |
_and_%22Hemtou_Iwanthaba%22_(Modern_Meitei_name)_of_the_Meitei_king,_the_ruler_of_Kangleipak_kingdom_(Manipur_kingdom).png?lang=en) "Hemtou Iwanthapa" (Ancient Meitei name) and "Hemtou Iwanthaba" (Modern Meitei name) of the Meitei king, the ruler of Kangleipak kingdom (Manipur kingdom).png | |
| Reign | 1163–1195 CE |
| Predecessor | Atom Yoiremba |
| Successor | Thawanthaba |
| Issue | Thawanthaba |
| Dynasty | Ningthouja dynasty |
| Father | Loitongba |
| Religion | Sanamahism |
Meetingu Hemtou Iwanthaba (also called Iwanthaba) was a monarch of the Ningthouja dynasty of Manipur Kingdom, who ruled from 1163 to 1195 CE. He succeeded Atom Yoiremba after driving him out the kingdom and was followed on the throne by Thawanthaba.[1] His reign, which lasted for 32 years, is recorded in the royal chronicle of Manipur, the Cheitharol Kumbaba.[2][3]
Military campaign against the Khumans
[edit]During Iwanthaba's reign, a significant military conflict occurred between the Meeteis and the rival Khuman clan. The Meeteis launched a campaign against the Khumans and engaged in a battle at Uchiwa.[4] According to the *Cheitharol Kumbaba*, the Meetei forces encountered the Khuman queen while she was inspecting paddy workers in the field. She was killed during the confrontation, and her body was carried away by the Meeteis.
The death of the queen enraged the Khuman forces, who retaliated by marching toward Yairou to confront the Meeteis.[2] A fierce battle ensued, in which the Meeteis were victorious. Approximately thirty Khuman individuals were captured, including:
- Khunbu Loithangcha
- Thingbai Aamakchamba
- Tona Leichin Pamba Kaireima
- The son of Ponchengsu
Some Khuman warriors were killed in battle, while others managed to escape. The term used in the chronicle to describe the captives — pharouye — indicates that they were not only seized but also detained, suggesting a clear military victory for the Meeteis.[4]
Legacy
[edit]Meetingu Iwanthaba’s reign marked the continued consolidation of Ningthouja power in early medieval Manipur. His leadership during the campaign against the Khuman further solidified Meetei dominance in the region and is a key example of the inter-clan rivalries that shaped early Manipur history.[3][2] His 32-year rule is regarded as a significant period of expansion and assertion for the Ningthouja dynasty.[5]
See also
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| Meitei people |
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References
[edit]- ^ "A Brief history of the Meiteis of Manipur". themanipurpage.tripod.com. Retrieved 2025-05-31.
- ^ a b c "The court chronicle of the kings of Manipur : the Cheitharon kumpapa : original text, translation, and notes 9780203444276, 0203444272, 9780415344302, 0415344301". dokumen.pub. Retrieved 2025-05-31.
- ^ a b Parratt, Saroj Nalini (2005). The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: 33-1763 CE. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-34430-2.
- ^ a b An Early History of Manipur (PDF).
- ^ rahularya (2024-12-24). "Expansion of the Ningthouja Dynasty". Manipur PSC Notes- Dedicated Platform for MPSC Prelims and Mains Preparation-Detailed MPSC Notes and Tests. Retrieved 2025-05-31.
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