Ningthemcha
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| Ningthemcha | |
|---|---|
| Prince of Manipur | |
| Born | Manipur |
| House | Ningthouja dynasty |
| Dynasty | Ningthouja dynasty |
| Father | Typically a royal descendant (not necessarily a reigning king) |
| Religion | Sanamahism (historically), later Hinduism (Vaishnavism) |
Ningthemcha (Meitei: ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯦꯝꯆꯥ) is a traditional Meitei royal title meaning "child of the king", specifically referring to a prince or a princess of the royal Ningthouja dynasty of ancient Manipur. The title was commonly used during the pre-Hindu period of the Meitei kingdom and reflected the indigenous political and familial structure of Kangleipak.[1]
Etymology
[edit]The word Ningthemcha is composed of two Meitei words...[2]
- Ningthem (ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯦꯝ) – "king" or "ruler"
- Cha or Chaa (ꯆꯥ) – "child" or "offspring"
Thus, the literal meaning is "child of the king", and it denotes a **royal prince** by birth.[2]
Usage
[edit]Ningthemcha was used for male royal children during the early and classical periods of Meitei history. It denoted both sons of reigning kings (Meidingu) and other male descendants of the royal lineage who were not direct heirs. In modern historical context, the title helps identify princely members of the royal family before the adoption of Sanskritic titles like Rajkumar.[1]
Relation to Ningthemchamayum
[edit]The surname Ningthemchamayum (ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯦꯝꯆꯃꯌꯨꯝ) literally means House of "Ningthemcha" or "House of the Prince". It is one of the recognized Yumnaks (clan surnames) among the Meitei people.[3] Families carrying this surname are generally understood to be descendants of early princes of the Ningthouja dynasty.[4]
Evolution of Titles
[edit]With the Hinduization of the Manipur court in the 18th century under King Garib Niwaz, many native titles such as Ningthemcha were replaced or coexisted with Sanskritic equivalents like:[1]
- Rajkumar – Prince
- Rajkumari – Princess
However, indigenous titles like Ningthemcha and Ibungo continued to be used in cultural and familial contexts.[5]
Related Royal Titles
[edit]Other traditional Meitei royal titles[1] include:
- Meidingu – King
- Ningthou – Ruler/King
- Ibungo / Ibungshija – Prince
- Ebemma – Daughter of the king
- Sanahal – First-born son
- Tampha Wangamlon – Eldest daughter
- Wangol Ningthou – Crown prince
Historical significance of Ningthemcha
[edit]In the traditional Meitei royal hierarchy, Ningthemcha was a title bestowed upon the sons of reigning kings, signifying their royal lineage. Princes holding the title often played important roles in the administration, military, and cultural affairs of the kingdom. The use of Ningthemcha predates the Sanskritization of royal titles in Manipur during the 18th century, after which Hindu titles such as Rajkumar became more widespread. Despite this shift, Ningthemcha remained in use, particularly among those seeking to preserve indigenous Meitei nomenclature.[6]
Ningthemchamayum: The House of Princes
[edit]The term Ningthemchamayum is a compound of Ningthemcha (meaning prince) and mayum, which means "house" or "clan." Thus, Ningthemchamayum translates to "House of the Prince." This surname is traditionally associated with the descendants of the royal family of the Ningthouja dynasty, the ruling dynasty of Manipur established by King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba in 33 CE.[7]
Over time, the Ningthouja dynasty branched into several prominent royal houses[1], including:
- House of Nara Singh: Descendants of Maharaja Nara Singh (r. 1844–1850) and Maharaja Devendra Singh (r. 1850).
- House of Karta: Descendants of Maharaja Bhagyachandra (r. 1762–1799), renowned for his contributions to Manipuri culture and Vaishnavism.
- Mantrimayum: Descendants of Prince Ananta Sai.
- Lourungpurenmayum: Descendants of Prince Haricharan Sai.
- Urungpurenmayum and Senapatimayum: Other notable royal lineages within the dynasty.
These houses illustrate the intricate lineage and continuation of royal heritage within Meitei society.
Legacy
[edit]Ningthemcha reflects an indigenous framework of royalty, power, and kinship that predates the later Brahmanical influence in Manipur. The continuity of surnames like Ningthemchamayum today highlights the living legacy of this royal title.[7]
See Also
[edit]- Ningthouja dynasty
- Cheitharol Kumbaba
- Sanamahism
- Meitei language
- List of monarchs of Manipur
- Yumnak
- Manipur (princely state)
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Parratt, Saroj Nalini (2005). The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: 33-1763 CE. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-34430-2.
- ^ a b Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary". dsal.uchicago.edu. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "Surname of Manipuri family title in Bangladesh and Myanmar". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "Surname of Manipuri family title in Bangladesh and Myanmar". www.e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "A History of Modern Manipur, 1826–2000".
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Ningthoujawas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b "Ningthouja dynasty".
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