Yoimongba
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| Yoimongba | |
|---|---|
| Ancient Prince of Manipur | |
| Father | Khuyoi Tompok |
| Religion | Sanamahism |
| Occupation | Crown Prince |
Yoimongba (Old Manipuri: ꯌꯣꯢꯃꯣꯡꯄ, romanised: Yoimongba) was a prince of the ancient kingdom of Kangleipak (present-day Manipur). He belonged to the Ningthouja dynasty.[1] His father was King Khuyoi Tompok, and his younger brother was King Taothingmang.[a][2][3]
Life
[edit]
Yoimongba is recorded in the Meitei literary work Tutenglon, which describes his efforts, alongside his brother Taothingmang, in strengthening their kingdom through public service projects such as river dredging.[4][5]
River cleaning
[edit]According to the narrative in the Tutenglon, the two brothers undertook a campaign to clear rivers that were vital to agriculture and flood prevention. Yoimongba was responsible for the Imphal River, while Taothingmang worked on the Iril River.[4][5]
During this endeavor, a formidable and malevolent creature known as Kakyen Mingamba attacked them.[6] The monster bird devoured Yoimongba, but he escaped by cutting through its body with a magical sword.[7] Following this, the brothers worked together to slay the creature using a divine bow and arrows.[8][7]
Importance
[edit]The legend of Yoimongba has been interpreted as a symbolic representation of early state-building practices and infrastructure development in ancient Manipur.[8][9] His and Taothingmang's defeat of Kakyen Mingamba is celebrated in Meitei folklore, highlighting their bravery, devotion to public welfare, and divine favor.[8][2]
References
[edit]- ^ This suggests that the system of primogeniture—where the eldest son inherits the throne—was not practiced in ancient Manipur.
- ^ Parratt, Saroj Nalini (2005). The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: 33-1763 CE. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-34430-2.
- ^ a b Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.
- ^ Tensuba, Keerti Chand (1993). Genesis of Indian Tribes: An Approach to the History of Meiteis and Thais. Inter-India Publications. ISBN 978-81-210-0308-7.
- ^ a b "Tutenglon (1980 edition)". Digital Library of India. 1980. p. 6. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ a b Manaoyaima Singh, Nongmaithem (1980). Tutenglon. p. 6.
- ^ Luhar, Sahdev (2023-02-25). Folklore Studies in India: Critical Regional Responses. N. S. Patel (Autonomous) Arts College, Anand. ISBN 978-81-955008-4-0.
- ^ a b Manaoyaima Singh, Nongmaithem (1980). Tutenglon. p. 18.
- ^ a b c Hareshwar Goshwami. Hareshwar Goshwami History Of The PEOPLE OF MANIPUR. p. 43.
- ^ Manaoyaima Singh, Nongmaithem (1980). Tutenglon. p. 6.