Ougri (Meitei)

The Ougri Hangen or the Ougri Hangken, also known as the Leiroi Nongloi Esei, is a Meitei cultural ritual song with various appellations of the sun and the mythology of creation.[1] It is often sung in the conclusion of the Lai Haraoba festival.[2][3][4] Its theme is closely associated with the creation myth of the earth itself.[5] It is also regarded as the song of thanksgiving to the Almighty God.[6] It is always sung in the chorus formed by the male singers with the maiba as the precentor and is strongly enjoined that the chains of the singers forming a circle should never be snapped.[7] It is also known for its incantatory power,[8] for with the alteration of a few lines, it is believed to have been able to cause either prosperity or destruction of the kingdom and the people.[9]

Many rulers performed by themselves the rites of singing it with an accompanying dance on the occasion of their conquests[10] or coronation. According to the manuscript "Laisra Pham", a treatise on administration and social conduct, "Ougri" is referred to as being sung at the coronation of Nongta Lailen Pakhangpa in 33 AD. The Naothingkhong Phambal Kaba mentions it as being taught by the sage Luwawg king to the Meitei prince as a part of the Meitei lore, which according to the chronicle Cheitharol Kumbaba, took place just prior to 663 AD. In some cases, it is also referred to as the actual war songs of the Meitei people.[11] It is regarded as one of the greatest works of early Meitei literature[9]

References
  1. Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.
  2. North East India History Association. Session (1995). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.
  3. Bezbaruah, Madan Prasad (2003). Fairs and Festivals of India: Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-212-0812-3.
  4. Bahadur, Mutua (1988). Jewelleries of Manipur. Mutua Museum.
  5. Fifth North Eastern Literary Conference, 8th, 9th & 10th January 1994, Agartala, Tripura [souvenir]. The Conference. 1994.
  6. Parratt, Saroj Nalini (1997). The Pleasing of the Gods: Meitei Lai Haraoba. Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-259-0416-8.
  7. 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.
  8. Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1998). Recent Researches in Oriental Indological Studies: Including Meiteilogy. Parimal Publications.
  9. Ahluwalia, B.K. (1984). Social Change in Manipur. Cultural Publishing House.
  10. Kabui, Gangmumei (2004). The History of the Zeliangrong Nagas: From Makhel to Rani Gaidinliu. Spectrum Publications. ISBN 978-81-87502-76-0.
  11. Yanao Lungharnao Roland Shimmi (1988). Comparative History of the Nagas, from Ancient Period Till 1826. Inter-India Publications. ISBN 978-81-210-0210-3.
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