Meitei dragons explained

Dragons play a significant role in the legendary accounts of Meitei folklore, Meitei literature, Meitei mythology and Meitei religion (Sanamahism) of Ancient Kangleipak (Ancient Manipur), Medieval Kangleipak (Medieval Manipur) and Modern Kangleipak (Modern Manipur).^{[1] [2] [3]}

List

• The Hiyang Hiren (Hiyang Hilen) is a well furnished race boat. This is often built in the shape of a dragon. Many legends say that it possesses spiritual powers.
• Kangla Sha is the Guardian dragon lion, safeguarding the Kangla Palace. Kangla Sha are usually depicted in pairs.
• Nongshaba, the dragon lion, is a child of Atingkok, the Supreme Being. Unlike his siblings, he always remains in the form of the mythical beast rather than that of a God (human figure).^[4]
• Pakhangba is the youngest son of Leimarel Sidabi, the supreme mother earth goddess. He was given the throne of the universe to protect and rule the world by Atingkok, his father. He could change himself into both a serpentine dragon and a human. Several legends revolve around his identity as an ancient historical figure.^{[5] [6] [7]}
• Poubi Lai is the tyrant dragon serpent of the primitive Loktak Lake. This huge dragon is a popular figure in Meitei folklore and mythology.^{[8] [9]}
• Taoroinai (Taoloinai) is a mythical dragon serpent, who lives in the cosmic ocean. It is known for bringing down the divine celestial egg (nonglum) down to earth.^{[10] [11] [12]}

See also

• Chinese dragon
• European dragon
• Japanese dragon
• Korean dragon

Notes and References

1. Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-063-0.
2. Book: Lisam, Khomdan Singh. Encyclopaedia Of Manipur (3 Vol.. 2011. 978-81-7835-864-2. 582 . Gyan Publishing House.
3. North East India History Association. Session (1990). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.
4. Internationales Asien Forum: International quarterly for Asian studies. Weltform Verlag. 1989
5. Museum, Indian (1998). Bulletin - Indian Museum.
6. Bahadur, Mutua; Santabai, Y. (1989). Tribal Art of Manipur. Mutua Museum.
7. Mohd. Anis Md. Nor (2012). Dancing Mosaic: Issues on Dance Hybridity. Cultural Centre, University of Malaya. ISBN 978-967-03-8017-9.
8. https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/editions/story-of-a-giant-poubi-lai-show-begins-on-jan-7.html 'Story of a Giant Poubi lai' show begins on Jan 7
9. https://www.theweek.in/leisure/society/2018/07/02/manipur-loch-ness-monster-and-other-folktales-wari-jalsa-storytelling-fest.html Manipur's Loch Ness monster and other folktales at Wari-Jalsa storytelling fest - The Week
10. Book: Dzuvichu. Lipokmar. Baruah. Manjeet. Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation. 2017. Taylor & Francis. 978-1-351-27134-9. 350 .
11. Wahengbam Ibohal (1986). The History of Manipur: An early period. Manipur Commercial Company.
12. Book: Lisam, Khomdan Singh. Encyclopaedia Of Manipur (3 Vol.. 2011. 978-81-7835-864-2. 578 . Gyan Publishing House.