Women in Meitei culture

Women (Meitei: Nupi/Nipi) have significant roles in different elements of Meitei culture, including Meitei dances, Meitei festivals, Meitei folklore, Meitei folktales, Meitei literature, Meitei mythology, Meitei religion, etc.

"Nupi" redirects here. Not to be confused with NUPI.
An illustration of a Meitei woman

Women as goddesses
Further information: Ancient Meitei goddesses

Besides natural elements and phenomena personified as divine feminine beings, venerated and worshipped by the Meitei people in Meitei religion, many women are also deified to the same status. The personality of Imoinu, Panthoibi and Phouoibi shows as well as influences the boldness, courage, independence, righteousness and social honour of Meitei women.[1]

Leimarel Sidabi (Meitei: ꯂꯩꯃꯔꯦꯜ ꯁꯤꯗꯕꯤ), also known as Leimalel Sitapi (Meitei: ꯂꯩꯃꯂꯦꯜ ꯁꯤꯇꯄꯤ), is an ancient Meitei goddess associated with earth, nature and the household. In Meitei mythology and the religion of Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur), she is the highest female divinity as well as is revered as the mother of every living being in the universe.[2][3][4][5]

Imoinu, also spelled as Emoinu (Meitei: ꯏꯃꯣꯏꯅꯨ), is an ancient Meitei goddess, associated with household, hearth, family, fireplace, kitchen, wealth, peace and prosperity.[6][7][8] In Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur), she is also identified as a form of goddess Leimarel Sidabi.[9][10]

In Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur), Panthoibi (Meitei: ꯄꯥꯟꯊꯣꯏꯕꯤ, romanized: Paanthoibee, Old Manipuri: ꯄꯥꯟꯊꯣꯢꯄꯤ, romanized: Panthoipi), also known as Nongpok Leima (Meitei for 'Queen of the East'), is an ancient Meitei goddess associated with civilization, courage, fertility, handicraft, love, victory, warfare and wisdom.[11][12][13][14][15] She is considered to be a divine incarnation of goddess Leimarel Sidabi as well as that of Nongthang Leima.[16]

In Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur), Phouoibi, also known as Phouleima, is an ancient Meitei goddess associated with agriculture, crops, fertility, grains, harvest, paddy, rice and wealth.[17][18][19][20]

Women in Meitei literature
Further information: Meitei literature and Meitei Chanu (poem)

The Meitei Chanu (poem) depicts the feminization of the Meitei language and Meitei literature. Its opening lines notably shows the idea of a culture that is prevalent in the form of a shrine (Meitei: ꯂꯥꯏꯁꯡ, ꯂꯥꯏꯁꯪ, romanized: laishang[21]). The very literary temple refers to the remaining empty without a goddess (Meitei: ꯂꯥꯏꯔꯦꯝꯕꯤ, romanized: lairembi[22]) for a very long period of time. This metaphor shows significant transformation in history as "Ema" (Meitei: ꯏꯃꯥ, romanized: /í.ma/, lit. 'mother'[23]) or the "Meitei Chanu" (Meitei: ꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯆꯅꯨ, romanized: /mə́i.təi cə.nu/, lit. 'Meitei Lady') re-occupies the temple. The reasons why she could enter into her past shrine once again are because of the western education, their imitations and the feminization of language and literature.[24]

Women in music

In traditional music
Further information: Moirang Sai, Nura Pakhang (Eu e Tu), and Shakuhachi meets Pena

In the 2010s, Ima Thoinu, a traditional Moirang Sai singer, got only a few students to learn the endangered art form, which was the only means to keep it alive. A small group of performers are again learning the nearly extinct art form of the Moirang Sai to save it from total extinction. The art form was outstandingly revived due to the hard works of Mangka Mayanglambam (Meitei: ꯃꯪꯀꯥ ꯃꯌꯥꯡꯂꯝꯕꯝ), a traditional Meitei folk singer and artist of the "Laihui" (Meitei: ꯂꯥꯏꯍꯨꯏ). Mangka is re-popularising the nearly extinct art form among the present youth once again.[25][26][27]

Women's only market
Further information: Ima Market

The Ima Market (Meitei: Ima Keithel, lit. 'Mothers' Market'), also known as the Nupi Keithel (Meitei for 'Women's Market') or the Khwairamband Keithel (Meitei for 'Khwairamband Market'),[28] in Imphal,[29][30] is the only market in the world run entirely by women.[31] Inside the market, male shopkeepers and vendors are not allowed to sell anything.[32]

The three major building complexes of the Ima Market are named after three prominent ancient Meitei goddesses, who are Leimarel Sidabi (for Market No. 1), Emoinu/Imoinu (for Market No. 2) and Phouoibi (for Market No. 3).[33]

Ima Keithel is a classic example of the long-lasting tradition of business management done by Meitei women in Manipur. Traditionally, Meitei women always enjoyed high status in the economy of the society. Women lead the trade and commerce in food and vegetables, household things and clothes in Meitei society.[34] In history, it is the symbol of the empowerment and the leadership prospects of Meitei women in Manipur.[35]

Women's rebellions
Further information: Nupi Lan
A photograph of a Nupi Lan (Meitei for 'Women's war') in Manipur Kingdom against British colonial rule c. 1904

Women in sports

In traditional sports
Further information: Manipur Statehood Day Women's Polo Tournament and Daughters of the Polo God

In non traditional sports
Further information: Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, Oinam Bembem Devi, Bombayla Devi Laishram, Laishram Sarita Devi, and Kunjarani Devi

Women torch bearers
Further information: Meira Paibi

The Meira Paibi (Meitei for 'torch holding woman') are traditional Meitei women's social organisations and their movements in Manipur.They originated during the times when there were no artificial light available or rare in Manipur, hence the womenfolk used handmade torches to light the paths. They work against many different social evils, like the misuse of military powers by the Indian Army in Manipur, India. They are called the "Guardians of the society". The name comes from the burning torches that the women carry. The torch has become the symbol of peaceful protest for justice at all levels of life.[36][37][38]

Women in extravaganzas
Further information: Meetei Chanu and Miss Kangleipak

Miss Meetei Chanu, also spelled as Miss Meitei Chanu, is an international annual beauty pageant that is run by the Manipur based Lainingthou Sanamahi Sana Pung (LSSP), aiming to make Meitei women understand the culture and tradition of Sanamahism (traditional Meitei religion).[39][40][41]

See also

Notes

    References
    1. Kipgen, Tingneichong G. (2010). Women's Role in the 20th Century Manipur: A Historical Study. ISBN 978-81-7835-803-1.
    2. Devi, Lairenlakpam Bino (2002). The Lois of Manipur: Andro, Khurkhul, Phayeng and Sekmai. Mittal Publications. p. 48. ISBN 978-81-7099-849-5.
    3. Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (2020-11-25). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. p. 221. ISBN 978-1-000-29637-2.
    4. Karna, Mahendra Narain (1998). Social Movements in North-East India. Indus Publishing. p. 200. ISBN 978-81-7387-083-5.
    5. Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi. Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. p. 23. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
    6. Singh, Rocky; Sharma, Mayur (2014-07-25). Highway on my Plate - II: the indian guide to roadside eating. Random House India. p. 44. ISBN 978-81-8400-642-1.
    7. "A Hymn for Goddess Emoinu". e-pao.net.
    8. "Meiteis celebrate Emoinu". telegraphindia.com.
    9. Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi. Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
    10. "EMOINU AHONGBI THOUNIROL (A Traditional adoration to Goddess Emoinu)". e-pao.net.
    11. Jain, Jyotindra (1998). Other Masters: Five Contemporary Folk and Tribal Artists of India. Crafts Museum and the Handicrafts and Handlooms Exports Corporation of India.
    12. Parratt, Saroj Nalini (1997). The Pleasing of the Gods: Meitei Lai Haraoba. Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-259-0416-8.
    13. Session, North East India History Association (2001). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.
    14. Singh, R. K. Jhalajit (1992). A Short History of Manipur. R.K. Jhalajit Singh.
    15. Social Movements in Contemporary India - Page 98 - Bidyut Chakrabarty, Shibani Kinkar Chaube · 1999
    16. "Incarnations of Goddess Nongthang Leima by James Oinam". e-pao.net.
    17. Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
    18. Devi, Lairenlakpam Bino (2002). The Lois of Manipur: Andro, Khurkhul, Phayeng and Sekmai. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-849-5.
    19. Sanajaoba, Naorem (1993). Manipur: Treatise & Documents. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-399-5.
    20. Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (2020-11-25). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-000-29637-2.
    21. Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Laishang". dsal.uchicago.edu.
    22. Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Lairembi". dsal.uchicago.edu.
    23. Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Ema". dsal.uchicago.edu.
    24. Lancha, Ningthouja (2018-06-30). Kangla Lanpung Summer 2018. RK Sanatomba Memorial Trust, Palace Compound, Imphal -795001, Manipur. p. 64.
    25. "Mangka sings Moirang Sai with Laihui Ensemble – Manipur's Traditional Folk Music & Dance". Retrieved 2022-12-29.
    26. Shukla, Vandana. "Fighting all odds and jeers, a 21-year-old woman is reviving nearly-extinct Manipuri folk songs". Scroll.in. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
    27. "Glimpses of dying art form earn kudos". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
    28. Singh, Amita; Punia, Milap; Haran, Nivedita P.; Singh, Thiyam Bharat (2018-06-15). Development and Disaster Management: A Study of the Northeastern States of India. ISBN 978-981-10-8485-0.
    29. "India's Mother's Market run by women". BBC News. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
    30. "Manipur's historic women's only market damaged in earthquake". The News Minute. 2016-01-04. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
    31. –"India's Mother's Market run by women". BBC News.
      –Gupta, Om (2006). Encyclopaedia of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. ISBN 978-81-8205-389-2. 'Ima Keithel' at Khwairamband Bazar is the only market in the world where, as the name suggests, all the stalls are run by women.
      –Shivhare, Vishal (2016-08-17). Vyapar Shastra. ISBN 978-81-8495-898-0. Ima Keithel Market, Imphal, Manipur Ima market or Nupi Keithel, in Imphal, Manipur, is the only all-women marketplace in the world.
      –Singh, Dr Th Suresh (2014-06-02). The Endless Kabaw Valley: British Created Visious Cycle of Manipur, Burma and India. ISBN 978-93-84318-00-0. The world famous Ima Keithel, the only unique women ́s market in the world, situated at the heart of the capital : It was established in 1636 AD by king Khagemba as a part of his ...
      –"Manipur's historic women's only market damaged in earthquake". The News Minute. 2016-01-04.
      –Sahu (IAS), Barun Kumar (2020-01-01). AN INQUIRY INTO VIGILANCE AND CORRUPTION. ISBN 978-93-5322-856-9.
      –Patra, Jayanta Kumar; Das, Gitishree; Kumar, Sanjeet; Thatoi, Hrudayanath (2019-08-05). Ethnopharmacology and Biodiversity of Medicinal Plants. ISBN 978-0-429-67537-9. The Ima market or Ima keithel is a unique marketplace exclusively run by women.
      –Deshpande, Abhijeet (2017-12-19). Backpacking North East India: A Curious Journey. ISBN 978-1-946556-80-6.
    32. Rastogi, Priyanka (2019-05-13). Early Sunrise, Early Sunset: Tales of a Solo Woman Traveler Across North East and East India. Partridge Publishing. ISBN 978-1-5437-0523-2.
    33. "Asia's largest all-women market reopens in Manipur | News - Times of India Videos". The Times of India. Retrieved 2023-04-15. ... the names of the three Ima Markets as Leimarel Sidabi Ima Keithel for Market No. 1, Imoinu Ima Keithel for Market No. 2, and Phouoibi Ima Keithel for Market No. 3.
    34. Minahan, James (2012). Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific: An Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-59884-659-1.
    35. Shivhare, Vishal (2016-08-17). Vyapar Shastra. Jaico Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8495-898-0.
    36. Parratt, John (2005-01-01). Wounded Land: Politics and Identity in Modern Manipur. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-8324-053-6.
    37. Sharma, G. Amarjit (2021-07-05). State vs. Society in Northeast India: History, Politics and the Everyday. SAGE Publishing India. ISBN 978-93-91370-45-9.
    38. Karna, Mahendra Narain (1998). Social Movements in North-East India. Indus Publishing. ISBN 978-81-7387-083-5.
    39. "Contest on Meitei way of life". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
    40. "Meetei Chanu 2018 | Pothashang News". Pothashang. 2018-11-01. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
    41. "'MEETEI CHANU' FINAL CONTEST ON DECEMBER 23 | Pothashang News". Pothashang. 2017-12-20. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
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