Customary inheritance and practices among Mei...

Customary inheritance and practices among Meitei women in Manipur‟s history

Author Name : Joyshree Nongthombam, Rohi Rajbar

ABSTRACT

There are erstwhile sovereign nations spread over the country, displaying great sides of cultural, linguistic, historical, and ethnic diversity. Manipur among others is a classic example that was once a sovereign kingdom, having royal chronicles and stories since the year 33AD. Manipur, before was known throughout the ages as Meitrapak, Kangleipak, or Meiteileipak and later got the name “Manipur” in the 18^th Century during the reign of Meidingu Pamheiba. It is the home of many different ethnic groups. Since the time, the Meitei people have lived and inhabited the valleys of Manipur alongside the highlanders in the hills and valley in peace.

Manipur is a small state yet with its rich history, customs, and culture they are profound to have made a huge impact in attracting people around the globe. Apart from that women are noted to have been the ones who carry and past the culture from generation to generation in different forms at a different level and at a certain point in time.

This study proposes the way of how Meitei women in Manipur reflects their lifestyles toward the customs and practices of the society. The legacy of Meitei’s women custom which has been pass down from the generations and the challenges they faced with the changes of time. Meitei women have always been known for their free-spirited behavior and their devotions towards their custom of protecting its motherland and safeguarding their child.

Keywords: Meitei’s Custom, Nupi Lal (Women Uprising), Customary Laws, Myth, NupiKeithel/ Ema Market/ Women Market, Idiosyncratic customs and culture, Hinduism, Sanamahism, Marriage customs, Changes with the Merger Agreement, Umang Lai Haraoba.