By: C Doungel
The main North-east region is formed by Brahmaputra Valley having Himalayan ranges, Naga hills, Garo-Khasi hills etc. sloping down into it. Shaped like a jewel, Manipur is cut up into a smaller but separate sub-region with valley in the middle and surrounded by hill ranges. The geographical structure is a factor which conditioned its political strategy and survival so long. Though serving as buffer kingdom, the eastern gateway through Kabow Valley which all along had been a bone of contention between Manipur and Myanmar (Burma), had frequently seen invading armies marching through as also defending armies repulsing and at times, advancing deep inside Myanmar. The importance of this eastern gateway had been ignored till recently.
Recounting annals of Manipur History as obtained from various sources, the present king (dynasty) i.e. ruler of Imphal, emerged as the overlord after fierce rivalries and wars, as king of Manipur. The kingdom would have contained the dominant community of assimilated cognate tribes (Meiteis) as the mainstream and periphery tribal units and villages in the hills. The king himself was primarily a military leader and his skill and prowess in war were essential in retaining power and kingdom. Custom based on tradition was the law and the king was the supreme arbiter. Though he was assisted by a court of elders of the Salais/tribes, chiefs/headmen etc., chief priest (maibas) and military leader were two most intimate officers. While Chief priest acted as adviser and astrologer, the military leader has to defend, lead campaigns and also act as security adviser. Thus, a rudimentary administrative set-up with direct rule over easily accessible valley areas was established while hills, because of their remoteness and difficulty in access were left autonomous. They were invited to important functions during which gifts were exchanged. They also provide fighting men during wars or workforce as and when required.
With consolidation of the kingdom, the society gradually shed their primitive mooring and became more organised. It is presumed (and correctly so) that the people then were not conscious of caste at all because hereditary professions were not there in the initial stages. Even in the same household, works were distributed and performed according to convenience. Three classes of people i.e. aristocracy or warriors, the priest and common people made up the society. This type of social composition existed in most societies emerging from tribal societies to a bigger community through assimilation of other tribes too. There was no rigid system of limiting marriages or taboos regarding social mixing, eating together etc. within these classes.
The nature of agrarian society remained unaffected by industrial revolution or any movement till the advent of Vaisnavite sect of Hinduism. Conversion of meiteis including the king brought radical changes in religious belief and social attitudes. All sorts of attempts were then made to somehow link the history of Manipur to the grand vedic tradition and even eradicate historical facts by destroying evidences. “Puya Meithaba” was one such outrageous example which caused irreparable loss to Manipur literature and culture. This resulted also in distortion of Manipur history. In fact, there had been attempts to create link to vedic origin of the priestly class in support of the theory that even Manipur is an appendage to Aryan racial group. A myth was even created in the interpretation of vedic scriptures (Mahabharata) that Arjun took as his wife the princess of Manipur which was found to be a reference to one kingdom in Kalinga. (Orissa-Andhra).
It would be interesting to note that the main factor leading towards existence of caste was treatment of Dasas (no-aryans) as beyond social mixing. The initial reasons could have been just fear of outsiders as well as of assimilation and loss of identity. With permanent settlement taking place-agriculture, trade and commerce growing, social values changed and differences in society became more pronounced. With emergence of the king as the dominant power the warrior class naturally enjoyed first rank. However, the priests being aware of the significance of great authority that can be wielded by the highest caste, managed to usurp that position by claiming that they alone can intercede in bestowing divine power to the king. They fully exploited the weakness of most hereditary monarchies being based on the divine will theory. Conversion to Hinduism, was also followed by extreme caste movement directed mostly against non-conformists meiteis (Sanamahi) than hill people which led to creation of artificial barriers and fragmentation of society. In the hills where Christianity was spreading, the effect of caste system was not felt much. Be that as it may, the reality is that in Manipur the twain - the occidental and the oriental are meeting. And leaving aside the religious aspect, the greatest gift of Hinduism had been the development of Manipur culture, particularly the Rash Lila dances which had been given the polishing by Guru Rabindranath Tagore himself. This now occupies an exalted position equal to other Indian classical dances like Bharat Natyam, Kathakali or Odissi etc.
Till India’s independence and as long as Manipur still remained a separate princely state, contacts with people of the mainland was mostly during pilgrimage or some people going out for studies. In course of such limited contacts, it had not been possible to fathom the attitudes and prejudices fo the people. Mainland India was considered a holy-land where Varanasi, Mathura, Brindavan etc. are situated along the banks fo the holy river Ganges and thought about her are associated with pilgrimage and worship. Such cherished thoughts changed quickly when actual social contacts started. One begins discovering the real human nature, their attitudes and prejudices. Because of lack of knowledge by the general Indian masses about Manipur till lately, they are taken to be tribals or foreigners of South-east Asian countries.
Post independent political treatment to Manipur and other related developments had been the subject matter of much discussions in various forums. Most Meitei Hindus found out that the social attitude of so-called mainland Aryan Hindus is not as they would do to one of their own kind but to outsiders. The same evil of caste that pained Gautama Buddha which made him emphasise on the equality of all men in his teachings is being experienced. These pent up feelings in the sub-conscious mind is one of the cause of alienation. Further, lack of development resulted in stagnation of the economy causing shrinkage in the job market. On the other hand, burgeoning unemployment and rising expectations add to frustration of the people. More favourable political treatment to the neighbouring states like Nagaland and Mizoram hastened the process of de-Indianisation in Manipur where as in the neighbouring tribal areas of Nagaland, Mizoram etc., gradual Indianisation process is taking place.
We have seen how insurgent groups aimed at protecting the people and Manipur territorial integrity/ancestral land sprang up. They could draw support from large number of public initially but with passing years, they have lost their dedication. They now fight among themselves or with the security force and also use all kinds of dubious method to keep their hold on the public. Their mainstay has now become extortion thereby throwing the state into anarchy. The beleaguered state government is hardly able to protect the capital city/district headquarters or national highways. Civil organisations like AMADA/MEELAL having links with insurgents or coming up on their own are enforcing prohibition or doing moral policing or promoting the development of Meitei literature. The state had been Talibanised by banning Hindi films and songs, enforcing dress codes/Meitei Mayek and banning consumption of certain items considered harmful or undesirable behavior. I am not questioning the merit of these actions but pointing out that every one taking the law into their hands undermines the constitution and the position of legitimate government. May be, the government we now have though stable is unable to win confidence of the public and command respect but the role of such civil societies ought to be complimentary. Similarly organisations like UCM/AUCO/UNC act in a manner more royal than the king and their extremism and chauvinistic actions divide society> Are they responsible enough to be entrusted with mundane things like determining course of action relating to future of people of the state. The aggressive and browbeating actions of Meitei insurgents; the highflying and unrelenting behaviour of NSCN (IM) and the mercenary conduct of Kuki militants (KNA) have made it almost impossible for people to live and pursue their professions without interference. Those who can afford moved out ot he state to study, get vocal or specialised training in some fields while there are others also who simply live outside for the time being.
I like to mention that it is our rich human resource which provides the silver lining. It has produced world famous athletes and sportspersons like Ms Kiranbala, Kunjarani, Dingko, Mary Kom, Sunitibala and many in football and hockey players etc. and the list could go on. They have not only done us proud but made Manipur known all over India and elsewhere.
There are also many who are working in central government and private establishments outside. It is relevant to observe here that the so-called diasporas regarding entry into the IT sector is a sign of our taking part in the global society. Outsourcing which has made this possible is the fruit of economic reforms started by our respected Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh when he was the Finance Minister It is a matter of pride that our boys and girls have ventured into the new brave world, carved out a small niche and are able to hold their ground. The simple message they are trying to give is that without having to go through the cumbersome process of hunting for jobs in Manipur which demand hefty payments together with the usual ‘Wanomba’, they got their jobs through merit. They have ceased to be a burden to the state and are beginning to shine and will be in a position to contribute something for Manipur in due course. May be they, as also those others working outside will play the role of helping the state in the same manner as what is know as money order economy of Kerala or they can play the role of accelerating economic activities like the NRIs through their remittances. As long as they do not severe ties with their root or nativity they are still an extended part of our society and inestimable asset.
It is relevant to observed that how we plan to develop and use the eastern gateway which only used to leave trials of blood behind marching or retreating armies in the past is something on which we should seriously apply our mind. Have we the vision to take advantage of the ‘look east’ policy and create conducive atmosphere to facilitate development of trade and commerce, thereby converting the route of miseries to one of prosperity? We have to realise that understanding and learning to work together will benefit all rather than cut-throat rivalries born of pettiness and hatred.
