Ponglen Hanba
| Ponglen Hanba | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King of Moirang | |||||
| Monarch | 52 BC – 28 AD | ||||
| Predecessor | Iwang Puriklai Sunacha | ||||
| Successor | Iwang Puriklai Telheiba | ||||
| |||||
| House | Moirang dynasty | ||||
| Religion | Sanamahism | ||||
| Occupation | Monarch | ||||
Iwang Puriklai Phang Phang Ponglen Hanba, commonly known as Ponglen Hanba (Old Manipuri: ꯄꯣꯡꯂꯦꯟ ꯍꯟꯄ, romanised: Ponglen Hanpa), was an early ruler of the Moirang kingdom, a principal polity of Ancient Kangleipak (modern-day Manipur). He is traditionally recognized as the first historically documented human king of Moirang.[1] His reign, dated from 52 BC to 28 AD, is widely regarded as the beginning of Moirang’s chronological royal history.[2][3][4]
Historical context
[edit]According to the royal chronicle known as the Moirang Ningthourol Lambuba, seven rulers are listed before Ponglen Hanba, though their reigns are undated and regarded as mythological or semi-legendary in nature.[5][6] The accession of Ponglen Hanba in 52 BC is generally accepted by scholars as marking the commencement of Moirang's recorded dynastic chronology.
Reign
[edit]Ponglen Hanba's reign is noted for several foundational reforms and cultural developments in the Moirang polity:
- He institutionalized the tradition of royal coronation ceremonies held at Keke Kangla, the sacred capital and spiritual seat of Moirang.[4]
- He introduced the practice of a symbolic ritual known as the "coronation war", conducted near the Loktak Lake, meant to assert territorial dominion and divine legitimacy.[7]
- A monumental seven-tiered palace was constructed under his reign at Keke Kangla, which served as both a royal residence and a center for administrative and ritual affairs.[8][1]
- He introduced a system of territorial administration by dividing the kingdom into eight leikais (wards), each containing nine market zones, indicating a sophisticated model of governance.[7]
Religion and cultural influence
[edit]Ponglen Hanba is closely associated with the spread and state endorsement of Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of the Meitei people.[3] His reign also witnessed the formalization of the Lai Haraoba festival and the growth of cultic worship associated with local deities, particularly the veneration of the Goddess of Loktak Lake.[8][3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "manipur channel >>Moirang Kangleirol ~ E-Pao! News About Manipur". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ^ "Moirang Ningthourol Moirang and Ebuthou Thangjing Part 6". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ^ a b c "History of Moirang Moirang and Ebuthou Thangjing Part 5". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ^ a b "manipur channel >>Moirang Kangleirol ~ E-Pao! News About Manipur". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ^ "Moirang Ningthourol – Part 6". E-Pao.net. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ Bhogeshwar Oinam (1982). Moirang Ningthourol Lambuba. Digital Library of India. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ a b "manipur channel >>Moirang Kangleirol ~ E-Pao! News About Manipur". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ^ a b "Salwons And Langwons Moirang and Ebuthou Thangjing Part 9". www.e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-20.