Classicism in Meitei culture explained
The cultural heritages of Meitei civilization has classicism in diverse traditions of cinemas, dances, language, literature, music, theatre, etc.
In dances
The steps, gaits and poses of using mni|thang|sword and mni|ta|spear in the traditional Meitei dance-cum-martial art form of Thang-Ta form the basic foundation of the classical choreographic steps of Lai Haraoba, Manipuri Raas Leela, Meitei Sankirtana and Pung Cholom.[1]
The Manipuri classical dance, also known as the Manipuri Raas Leela (Manipuri: {{Script|Mtei|ꯖꯒꯣꯏ ꯔꯥꯁ/ꯔꯥꯁ ꯖꯒꯣꯏ[2] [3] [4]), is a jagoi and is one of the major Indian classical dance drama forms, originating from mni|[[Kangleipak]]|[[Manipur]].[5] Formally developed by Meitei Hindu King mni|[[Ching Thang Khomba]]|[[Rajarshi Bhagyachandra]] of Manipur Kingdom in the 18th century CE,[6] [7] [8] the Manipuri classical dance form, which is considered to be the highest spiritual expression of the worship of Hindu deity Krishna,[9] spreads across the Indian subcontinent in subsequent centuries.[10] Owing to its huge influences on the diverse cultural heritages across India, it is recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India as one of the few primary classical dance forms of the Republic of India,[11] and is honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Manipuri every year.[12]
Pung Cholom and Meitei Nata Sankirtana are the other classical dance forms, which are also related to the Manipuri Raas Leela.[13]
The ritualistic and theatrical dances of the Lai Haraoba, in general and one of its primary forms, the mni|[[Khamba Thoibi Jagoi]]|Khamba Thoibi dance in particular, are also considered to be classical dances.[14] Notably, Lai Haraoba's mni|[[Khamba Thoibi Jagoi]]|Khamba Thoibi dance is one of the cultural elements, giving inspirations to the development of the Manipuri Raas Leela classical dance drama form.[15]
In music
Nat (a shortened form of Meitei Nat Sankirtan)[16] is a classical form of music of Manipur. It is a product of the Sanskritisation of traditional Meitei culture with Hindu culture by the Brahmanas, having 6 ragas and 36 raginis.[17]
Contrasting to the other forms of Indian classical music, which are performed by sitting, in the Meitei Nata-Sankirtana, artists perform musical instruments as well as sing songs, simultaneously performing the delicate movements of the body and hands, based on the form of mni|Khuthek Anoi|language of hand movements, aligning to different footsteps, based on the mni|Khongthang Anoi|language of footsteps.[18]
In language and literature
Meitei language, also known as Manipuri language, is a classical language of Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan linguistic family, having a literary tradition of not less than 2000 years.[19] Some of the early literary works include the Ougri (c. 1st century CE musical composition),[20] the Numit Kappa (c. 1st century CE narrative work),[21] the Poireiton Khunthok (c. 3rd century CE narrative work),[22] the Khencho (pre-7th century CE musical composition),[23] 6th-7th century CE copper plate inscriptions of king Khongtekcha,[24] the Panthoibi Khonggul (c. 8th century CE narrative work),[25] the Loiyumpa Silyel (c. 11th-12th century CE written Constitution, drafted in 429 CE), etc.[26] Besides, Meitei language is best known for its classical association with the Manipuri classical dance and other intangible cultural heritages of Meitei civilization.[27]
, the third longest Indian epic poem, next to the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, is a classical Meitei epic poem,[28] having 39,000 lines, and is regarded as the national epic of the Manipuris.[29] The Meitei classic tale of Khamba and Thoibi became an Assamese classic as well, after being translated into Assamese language as "Khamba Thoibir Sadhukatha", by Assamese author and anthropologist Rajanikanta Bordoloi (1869-1939).[30] [31]
Besides the Khamba Thoibi, other notable ancient Meitei narrative literary works which are considered to be classics, include the Nungpan Ponpi Luwaopa, the Chainarol and the story of Petanga.[32]
The tales of Meitei folklore, which are considered to be classical in heights, include the stories of Sandrembi and Cheisra,[33] Emoinu (Imoinu),[34] Hanuba Hanubi Paan Thaaba, Pebet and Hoidong Lamboiba, Thabaton and Keibu Keioiba, Lai Khutshangbi, Uchek Langmeidong, Eeta Thangmei and Tapta.[35]
Since ancient times, it was continuously used to be the sole "court language" of the Durbar (court) as well as all the other courts in the Kingdom of Manipur,[36] later even officially declared as such in the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947, before Manipur became a territory of the Republic of India.[37]
Owing to its huge literary heritage of ancient and medieval eras written in traditional Meitei script,[38] it was recognised by the Sahitya Akademi of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India as one of the major advanced languages of India in 1972, and since then, it was honoured annually with the Sahitya Akademi Award for Meitei, the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize for Meitei, the Yuva Puraskar for Meitei and the Bal Sahitya Puraskar Award for Meitei.[39] Later, it was again recognised by the Government of India as an official scheduled language, enlisted in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India in 1992.[40] Since 2013,[41] Meitei classical language movement for the official recognition of Meitei as a "classical language" is carried out widespreadly, in Manipur, Assam and Tripura, endorsed by the Government of Manipur, several civil society organizations and various language experts.[42]
In cinemas and theatres
World Classic
mni|[[Ishanou]]|[[The Chosen One (1990 film)|The Chosen One]], a 1990 Indian Meitei language film, was screened in the Un Certain Regard section in the 1991 Cannes Film Festival,[43] and again after a gap of 33 years, it was recognized as a "World Classic" in the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Notably, it was the only film selected from India for the event in that year.[44] [45] [46]
Meitei adaptations of classical Greco-Roman plays
Numerous theatrical plays based on Antigone, a princess from ancient Greek mythology, was and is frequently produced in Meitei language in its own adaptation,[47] [48] [49] in Imphal.[50] Malemnganbi is a Meitei adaptation of Sophocles' ancient Greek tragedy play named Antigone, rescripted by Makhonmani Mongsaba and directed by Chanam Nillabira Meitei.[51] In 1985–86, Lengshonnei, a play based on Antigone, adapted into Meitei language, by Ratan Thiyam, was performed in Imphal.[52] [53] Some sources say that he adapted from Antigone (Sophocles play)[54] [55] while some others assert that it was from Antigone (Brecht play).[56] [57] [58]
Hojang Taret is a classical Meitei language play based on Euripides's ancient Greek tragedy named "The Phoenician Women".[59] Directed by Oasis Sougaijam and produced by The Umbilical Theatre in Imphal,[60] [61] [62] the play shows the moral uncertainty of the royal sibling rivalry that led to the destruction of the ancient city of Thebes, Greece.[63] [64] [65]
Bacchae (Thiyam play) is a classical Meitei language play, based on the eponymous ancient Greek tragedy, authored by Euripides (480-406 BCE), one of the 3 tragedians of classical Athens. Directed by Thawai Thiyam, the Meitei play shows the story of king Pentheus of Thebes and Olympian god Dionysus.[66] [67]
Meitei adaptations of classical Sanskrit plays
Classical Sanskrit plays such as Urubhangam (originally authored by Bhasa in 2nd-3rd century CE) was reproduced into its Meitei version by Ratan Thiyam, shown in Imphal,[68] [69] Panaji,[70] Edinburgh,[71] as well as in Athens.[72] Its another Meitei version was directed by Uttamkumar Naorem, shown in Kakching.[73]
Others include Shakuntala (based on Kalidas' Abhigyanam Shakuntalam), directed by Kshetri Jugindro, shown in the Jawaharlal Nehru Dance Academy in Imphal.[74] Bhagwatajjukiyam (based on Bodhayana's Bhagavadajjukam) was produced in a Meitei version, directed by Kshetri Jugindro, under the "Manipuri Ensemble", notably staged in the 2023 Bharat Rang Mahotsav.[75] [76]
See also
Notes and References
- Book: Dzüvichü . Lipokmar . Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation . Baruah . Manjeet . 2017-11-13 . . 978-1-351-27134-9 . 373 . en.
- Book: Banerjee, Utpal Kumar . Indian Performing Arts: A Mosaic . 2006 . Harman Publishing House . 978-81-86622-75-9 . en.
- Book: Sruti . 2006 . P.N. Sundaresan . en.
- Book: Derek, O' Brien . Knowledge Trek 7, 2/E . 2006 . Pearson Education India . 978-81-7758-055-6 . en.
- Web site: 6 Classical Dances of India Britannica . 2023-11-12 . www.britannica.com . en.
- Book: Meitei . Sanjenbam Yaiphaba . The Cultural Heritage of Manipur . Chaudhuri . Sarit K. . Arunkumar . M. C. . 2020-11-25 . . 978-1-000-29629-7 . 55 . en.
- Book: Kulasrestha, Mahendra . Culture India . 2006 . . 978-81-8382-013-4 . 257 . en.
- Book: Balasubramanian, G. . A beautiful life: Value education & life skills . . 978-81-317-6644-6 . 30 . en.
- Book: Sarwal, Amit . The Celestial Dancers: Manipuri Dance on Australian Stage . 2022-05-15 . . 978-1-000-62550-9 . 25 . en.
- Web site: Manipuri History, Characteristics, & Facts Britannica . 2023-11-12 . www.britannica.com . en.
- Web site: Dance Ministry of Culture, Government of India . 2023-11-12 . www.indiaculture.gov.in.
- Web site: Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar (Akademi Awards) . https://web.archive.org/web/20120216050006/http://www.sangeetnatak.com/sna/awardeeslist.htm . 2012-02-16 . 2012-02-16 . Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
- Book: Dzüvichü . Lipokmar . Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation . Baruah . Manjeet . 2017-11-13 . . 978-1-351-27134-9 . 373 . en.
- —Book: Pathway Volume 41 . 1988 . University of Michigan
- Marg Foundation (Mumbai, India), Modern Architectural Research Group, Modern Artists and Architects Research Group, National Centre for the Performing Arts (India)
. 41 . XV . en . First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances..
—Book: Doshi, Saryu . Dances of Manipur: The Classical Tradition . . 1989 . 978-81-85026-09-1 . XIX . Marg Publications . en . First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances. They have an element of abhinaya (histrionic representation)....
—Book: DM Silveira's India Book . 1994 . Classic Publishers . . 978-81-900218-2-1 . 230 . en . ...Lai Haraoba is the ritual folk-cum-classical dance of Manipur and tells the story of creation according to the Manipuris. Khamba Thoibi is a popular Manipuri dance which tells the story of princess Thoibi and poor boy Khamba....
—Book: Mãrg . Pennsylvania State University. 41 . 109 . en . First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances. They have an element of abhinaya histrionic representation)... . 1–2.
—Web site: Khuraijam . Bobo . 2011-03-13 . Three Cheers – KanglaOnline . 2023-11-13 . en-US . ... Would it not be like asking for a Hip-Hop dance from a classical Khamba-Thoibi jagoi performance if we expect street aggression from our teachers? ....
- Book: Dances Of India . Har-Anand Publications Pvt. Limited . 2010 . 978-81-241-1337-0 . 19 . en . ...The Rasa Lila dances of Shiva and Parvati, Radha and Krishna, and the local deities Khamba and Thoibi form the foundation of the Manipuri dance....
- Book: Sanajaoba, Naorem . Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization . 1988 . Mittal Publications . 978-81-7099-853-2 . 293 . en.
- Book: Singh, G. P. . Historical Researches Into Some Aspects of the Culture and Civilization of North-East India . 2009 . GPH . 978-81-212-1012-6 . 51 . en.
- Book: Dzüvichü . Lipokmar . Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation . Baruah . Manjeet . 2017-11-13 . . 978-1-351-27134-9 . 361 . en.
- —Web site: 2018-02-21 . 'Manipur language which belongs to Tibeto-Burma has touched the criteria of a classical language' . en-GB.
—Web site: Manipuri is a classical language .
- —Book: Ayyappappanikkar . Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections . 1997 . . 978-81-260-0365-5 . 326 . en . Ayyappa Paniker.
—Book: Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam . https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466183/page/n81/mode/2up . History Of Old Manipuri Literature . Digital Library of India. Manipur University Library; North Eastern States Libraries . India . 81, 82, 83 . mni . Ougri . Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra.
—Book: Singh, Ch Manihar . A History of Manipuri Literature . . 1996 . 978-81-260-0086-9 . India . 13, 14 . en, mni . The Early Period (Ritual Songs) : Ougri . Again from amongst the songs mentioned above, 'Ougri' and 'Khencho', in view of their more archaic diction and much advanced historical allusions, may be considered earlier than the rest. ... 'Ougri' is referred to as sung at the coronation of Nongdā Lāiren Pākhangbā, which took place in 33 A.D. ....
—Book: Ayyappappanikkar . Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections . 1997 . . 978-81-260-0365-5 . 329 . en . Ayyappa Paniker.
- —Book: Wouters . Jelle J. P. . The Routledge Companion to Northeast India . Subba . Tanka B. . 2022-09-30 . . 978-1-000-63699-4 . 473 . en . ... Numit Kappa, a Meitei text from the 1st century CE, is particularly relevant and insightful in examining this peculiar relationship between power and violence. The text is recited as incantations during chupsaba, a cleansing ritual for 'violent' death....
—2009-10-03 . Shooting the Sun: A Study of Death and Protest in Manipur . . en . . 44 . 40 . ... Numit Kappa gives one such version. Considered one of the earliest known literary compositions in Meitei script, it is dated to the first century AD... . University of Texas.
—Book: Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam . https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466183/page/n95/mode/2up . History Of Old Manipuri Literature . Digital Library of India. Manipur University Library; North Eastern States Libraries . India . 95, 96 . mni . Numit Kappa . Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra.
—Kshetrimayum . Jogendro . 2009 . Shooting the Sun: A Study of Death and Protest in Manipur . Economic and Political Weekly . 44 . 40 . 48–54 . 25663656 . 0012-9976.
- —Book: Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam . https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466183/page/n121/mode/2up?view=theater . History Of Old Manipuri Literature . . Manipur University Library, Imphal . India . 121, 122 . en, mni . Poireiton Khunthokpa . The Poireiton Khunthokpa, is the most conspicuous one of all pre-Garibniwaz manuscripts. From a linguistic point of view, it seems to be much earlier than any of the books yet come under our review. Circumstantial and other incidental evidences would confirm that the book might have been of the time of the third century A. D. It describes the colonization of the valley by a band of people from the land of Death under Poireiton. They first established their colony near the Langol Hill; probably the vast area between the Koubru Hill and the Langol Hill was their kingdom. --Report on the Archaeological studies in Manipur Bulletin No. 1-by W. Yumjao Singh, pp 18-19. . Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra.
—Book: Bhaṭṭācāryya, Haridāsa . The Cultural Heritage of India: Languages and literatures . . . 1953 . India . 663 . en . ... The beginnings of this Old Manipuri literature may go back to 1,500 years or even 2,000 years from now. ... Poireiton Khunthok, a prose work describing the settlement of some Meithei tribes, is the oldest work in Manipuri going back to the third century A.D. ... . Haridas Bhattacharya.
- —Book: Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam . https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466183/page/n97/mode/2up . History Of Old Manipuri Literature . Digital Library of India. Manipur University Library; North Eastern States Libraries . India . 97, 98 . mni . Khencho . Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra.
—Book: Ayyappappanikkar . Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections . 1997 . . 978-81-260-0365-5 . 330 . en . Ayyappa Paniker.
—Book: Singh, Ch Manihar . A History of Manipuri Literature . . 1996 . 978-81-260-0086-9 . India . 14, 15 . en, mni . The Early Period (Ritual Songs) . ... 'Khencho' is quite obscure and entirely unintelligible to the present generation though it forms an inseparable element of the daily proceedings of the festival. ....
- —Web site: মণিপুরি ভাষা ও লিপি – এল বীরমঙ্গল সিংহ আপনপাঠ ওয়েবজিন . 16 September 2021 . bn.
—Book: Devi, Yumlembam Gopi . Glimpses of Manipuri Culture . 16 June 2019 . LP . 978-0-359-72919-7 . 25 . en.
—Book: Paniker, K. Ayyappa . Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections (Assamese-Dogri) . 1997 . . 978-81-260-0365-5 . 325 . en.
—Book: Sen, Sipra . Tribes and Castes of Manipur: Description and Select Bibliography . 1992 . Mittal Publications . 978-81-7099-310-0 . 28 . en.
- —Book: Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi . Glimpses of Manipuri Culture . 16 June 2019 . LP . 978-0-359-72919-7 . 119 . en . ... the text Panthoibi Khongul generally believed to have been written by Akoijam Tomboy during the reign of King Khongtekcha Yoiremba (763 A.D.) ....
—Book: Mukherjee, Sujit . A Dictionary of Indian Literature: Beginnings-1850 . . 1998 . 978-81-250-1453-9 . 280 . en . Panthoibi khongul (? C ; Manipuri) : prose narrative, the original of which was believed to have been composed in ancient Meitei language in first half of 8th century AD ... . Sujit Mukherjee.
—Web site: . The relationship between Thang-Ta & Meitei Pung maintained by our Ancient ... . ccrtindia.gov.in . . 4.
- —Book: Sanajaoba, Naorem . Manipur: Treatise & Documents . 1993 . Mittal Publications . 978-81-7099-399-5 . 2 . en . Manipur, known as 'Meetei Leipak' or 'Kangleipak' in the two millennia old Meetei manuscripts had experienced some form of constitutional government under a proto-Constitution in 429 A.D. which was reduced to a final format in 1110 A.D. Constitution entitled 'Loiyamba Shinyen' during the regime of King Loyumba..
—Book: Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam . https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466183/page/n142/mode/2up . History Of Old Manipuri Literature . Digital Library of India. Manipur University Library; North Eastern States Libraries . India . 142 . mni . Loiyumba Shinyen - Waayen Pathaap . Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra.
—Book: Sanajaoba, Naorem . Law and Society: Strategy for Public Choice, 2001 . 1991 . Mittal Publications . 978-81-7099-271-4 . 304 . en . The constitutionalism had developed with the adoption of a prototype of a constitution in 429 A.D. which was finally moulded into the written constitution in 1110 A.D., called 'Loyumba Shinyen' till it was substituted by Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947 which operated till Manipur's merger with India on October 15, 1949..
- Book: Munsi . Urmimala Sarkar . Traversing Tradition: Celebrating Dance in India . Burridge . Stephanie . 2012 . . 978-1-136-70378-2 . en . 35 . en . ... This means a command of Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya, Meitei, Persian, or Arabic. ....
- —Web site: KanglaOnline . 2011-04-04 . The great Meitei Reconciliation Process: Revisiting the classical folklore on "Emoinu Chakhong Ngahongbi" by Late Shri Ningomabam Angouton Meetei – KanglaOnline . 2023-11-12 . en-US . ... The folklore of Emoinu Celebration from the story "Washak Ngakpa" meaning Keeping the Promise, written by Late Shri Ningombam Angouton Meetei and the classical love story "Khamba -Thoibi" are classical examples of successful reconciliation process of the old Meitei factions....
—Book: Delhi, All India Radio (AIR), New . https://books.google.com/books?id=xf_2DwAAQBAJ&dq=manipuri+classics&pg=PA7 . AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXIII, No. 12 (17 MARCH, 1968) . 1968-03-17 . All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi . India . 7, 8 . en . Some Classics of Manipur . All India Radio.
—Book: Bond, Ruskin . https://books.google.com/books?id=NZv0AwAAQBAJ&pg=PT4 . The Penguin Book of Classical Indian Love Stories and Lyrics . 2000-10-14 . . 978-93-5118-814-8 . 3, 4 . en . The Story of Khamba and Thoibi . Ruskin Bond.
- —Book: George, K. M. . Modern Indian Literature, an Anthology: Surveys and poems . 1992 . . 978-81-7201-324-0 . India . 258 . en . H. Anganghal Singh's Khamba Thoibi Sheireng (Poem on Khamba Thoibi, 1940) is a national epic of the Manipuris based on the story of Khamba and Thoibi of Moirang. The poet composes the whole epic in the Pena Saisak style of folk ballads sung by minstrels or bards popular in Manipur..
—Book: Datta, Amaresh . Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: Devraj to Jyoti . . 1988 . 978-81-260-1194-0 . India . 1186 . en.
—Book: Das, Sisir Kumar . A History of Indian Literature: 1911-1956, struggle for freedom : triumph and tragedy . . 2005 . 978-81-7201-798-9 . 190 . en . His epic Singel Indu was published in 1938 which was followed by his magnum opus Khamba Thoibi Sheireng (1940), a poem of 39000 lines, considered to be the 'national' epic of the Manipuris, written in the Pena Saisak style of folk ballads..
- Book: Dalby, Andrew . Dictionary of Languages: The definitive reference to more than 400 languages . 2015-10-28 . Bloomsbury Publishing . 978-1-4081-0214-5 . 399 . en.
- Book: Bardoloi Nirmalprabhya . Rajani Kanta Bardoloi . . Internet Archive. 1995 . India . 14 . en.
- Book: Delhi, All India Radio (AIR), New . https://books.google.com/books?id=xf_2DwAAQBAJ&dq=manipuri+classics&pg=PA7 . AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXIII, No. 12 (17 MARCH, 1968) . 1968-03-17 . All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi . India . 7, 8 . en . Some Classics of Manipur . All India Radio.
- Web site: KanglaOnline . 2013-01-07 . Manipur FASHION Extravaganza – KanglaOnline . 2023-11-12 . en-US . ... The grand finale was marked with his pompous show named "Sandrembi and Cheisra" which he derived from Manipuri classic folklore 'Sandrembi and Cheisra'. ....
- Web site: KanglaOnline . 2011-04-04 . The great Meitei Reconciliation Process: Revisiting the classical folklore on "Emoinu Chakhong Ngahongbi" by Late Shri Ningomabam Angouton Meetei – KanglaOnline . 2023-11-12 . en-US . ... The folklore of Emoinu Celebration from the story "Washak Ngakpa" meaning Keeping the Promise, written by Late Shri Ningombam Angouton Meetei and the classical love story "Khamba -Thoibi" are classical examples of successful reconciliation process of the old Meitei factions....
- Book: Meitei . Sanjenbam Yaiphaba . The Cultural Heritage of Manipur . Chaudhuri . Sarit K. . Arunkumar . M. C. . 2020-11-25 . . 978-1-000-29629-7 . 342 . en . ... These tales became popular as the funga-wari, wari meaning story. Hanuba Hanubi Paan Thaaba, Pebet Amasung Hoidong Lamboiba, Thabaton amashung Kabuikeioiba, Lai Khutshangbi, Uchek Langmeidong; Eeta Thangmei, Tapta, etc. are some classic examples of these folk tales that every Meitei child could relate to (Singha 2012). ....
- —Book: Sanajaoba, Naorem . Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization . 1988 . Mittal Publications . 978-81-7099-853-2 . 290 . en.
—Book: Mohanty, P. K. . Encyclopaedia of Scheduled Tribes in India: In Five Volume . 2006 . Gyan Publishing House. 978-81-8205-052-5 . 149 . en.
- —Book: Chishti, S. M. A. W. . Political Development in Manipur, 1919-1949 . 2005 . Gyan Publishing House. 978-81-7835-424-8 . 282 . en.
—Book: Sharma, Suresh K. . Documents on North-East India: Manipur . 2006 . Mittal Publications . 978-81-8324-092-5 . 168 . en.
—Book: Tarapot, Phanjoubam . Bleeding Manipur . 2003 . Har-Anand Publications . 978-81-241-0902-1 . 309 . en.
—Book: Sanajaoba, Naorem . Manipur: Treatise & Documents . 1993 . Mittal Publications . 978-81-7099-399-5 . 369 . en.
—Book: Sanajaoba, Naorem . Manipur: Treatise & Documents . 1993 . Mittal Publications . 978-81-7099-399-5 . 255 . en.
- Book: Sanajaoba, Naorem . Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization . 1988 . Mittal Publications . 978-81-7099-853-2 . 290 . en.
- —Web site: Loanwords in Manipuri and their impact. sealang.net. Hajarimayum Subadani Devi. In 1972 the Sahitya Akademi, the highest body of language and literature of India recognized Manipuri (Manipuri Sahitya Parisad. 1986:82). en.
—Web site: Dr Thokchom Ibohanbi - first Manipuri writer to get Akademi award : 24th feb22 ~ E-Pao! Headlines . e-pao.net.
- —Web site: The Constitution (Seventy-first Amendment) Act, 1992 National Portal of India . www.india.gov.in.
—Web site: Manipuri language in 8th Schedule By Jeet Akoijam .
—Web site: Languages Included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution Department of Official Language Ministry of Home Affairs GoI . rajbhasha.gov.in.
- Web site: Manipur steps up to renew push for inclusion of Manipuri among India's classical languages . . en-GB . The movement for recognizing Manipuri as a classical language began in 2013, yet there has been a gap in the follow up actions..
- —News: IANS . 2016-08-20 . Classic language status for Manipuri demanded . Business Standard India .
—Web site: Classic language status for Manipuri demanded . MorungExpress.
- Web site: Festival de Cannes: The Chosen One . festival-cannes.com.
- News: 2023-05-06 . Manipuri feature film 'ISHANOU' recognised as World Classic . The Economic Times . 0013-0389.
- Web site: Aribam Syam Sharma's ISHANOU recognised as World Classic . . en.
- Web site: Manipuri Film 'Ishanou' Becomes India's Only Restored Film To Be Screened At Cannes 2023 . Outlook India.
- Web site: The Fight for Regional Autonomy through Regional Culture: Antigone in Manipur, North-East India . 2023-11-12 . academic.oup.com . Oxford University Press.
- Mee . Erin . 2010-06-01 . Chapter 7: Classics, Cultural Politics, and the Role of Antigone in Manipur, North-East India . Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies . en . 53 . Supplement_108 . 131–142 . 10.1111/j.2041-5370.2010.tb00032.x . 0076-0730.
- Hall . Edith . Vasunia . Phiroze . Alston . Richard . Riddiford . Alexander . Thorne . James . Roberts . Deborah . Mee . Erin . Mcconnell . Justine . 2010 . India, Greece, and Rome, 1757 to 2007 . Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies. Supplement . 108 . iii–180 . 44216106 . 2398-3264 . ...Meitei performance in Antigone needs to be seen as an contradistinction to both British and Bengali/Indian influence....
- Book: Mee . Erin B. . Antigone on the Contemporary World Stage . Foley . Helene P. . 2011-06-16 . . 978-0-19-161811-6 . 108 . en.
- Web site: MALEMNGANBI – 20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2019 . 2023-11-12 . en-US.
- Web site: Appendix Antigone on the Contemporary World Stage . 2023-11-13 . academic.oup.com . Oxford University Press.
- Web site: The Fight for Regional Autonomy through Regional Culture: Antigone in Manipur, North-East India . 2023-11-13 . academic.oup.com . Oxford University Press.
- Web site: Ratan Thiyam to highlight social issues : 01st may11 . 2023-11-13 . Among his masterpieces which include Sophocles' "Antigone", adapted as "Lengshonnei", and "Chakravyuha" assumes a special place..
- Web site: PUBLIC . 2013-12-22 . India needs more regional schools of theatre: NSD chairperson Ratan Thiyam . 2023-11-13 . The Shillong Times . en-US . ..."Lengshonnei" (an adaptation of Sophocles' Antigone),....
- Web site: Ratan Thiyam is new NSD chair . ... and "Lengshonnei" (an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's "Antigone") are some of his popular plays....
- Web site: 'In India, many talented actors have no place to go' . 2023-11-13 . www.telegraphindia.com . en . ...Some of his best Manipuri productions include Chakravyuha, Lengshonnei (an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's Antigone) and Ritusamharam (based on Kalidasa's work)....
- Web site: 2013-08-20 . Ratan Thiyam is new NSD chair . 2023-11-13 . en . ..."Lengshonnei" (an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's "Antigone") are some of his popular plays....
- Web site: 2018-12-25 . At This Stage 2018: Looking back . . en.
- Web site: Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards . Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards . en.
- Web site: 2018-03-21 . WHAT TO EXPECT FROM 10 META PLAYS? - Art Culture Festival . en-US.
- Web site: Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards . Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards . en.
- Web site: Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards . Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards . en.
- Web site: 2018-03-21 . WHAT TO EXPECT FROM 10 META PLAYS? - Art Culture Festival . en-US.
- Web site: Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards . Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards . en.
- Web site: 2015-08-25 . Discover the richness of northeast at NSD . . en.
- Web site: williamgurumayum . 2015-08-24 . Bacchae to open NE Play Festival . Imphal Times . en-US.
- Web site: Revisiting Ratan Thiyam's Urubhangam - Footloose and fancy free with Dr.Sunil Kothari . 2023-12-21 . narthaki.com.
- Web site: Urubhangam – Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities . 2023-12-21 . rupkatha.com . en-US.
- Web site: 2017-03-24 . 'Shastriya Natya Mahotsav'—a bouquet of classic Indian plays . 2023-12-21 . en-US.
- Web site: DHNS . The journey to centrestage . 2023-12-21 . Deccan Herald . en.
- Web site: 2020-03-01 . How Ratan Thiyam brought Manipur onto the global stage . 2023-12-21 . The Indian Express . en.
- Web site: 'Urubhangam' staged . 2023-12-21 .
- Web site: Shakuntala's saga, in the colours of Manipur - Kalidas epic on imphal stage . 2023-12-21 . www.telegraphindia.com . en.
- Web site: BHAGWATAJJUKIYAM – 22nd Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2023 . 2023-12-21 . . . en-US.
- News: 2023-02-20 . Intriguing plays staged on the fourth day of Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2023 . The Times of India . 2023-12-21 . 0971-8257.