# Khamba Thoibi Jagoi

Khamba Thoibi Jagoi (Meitei: ꯈꯝꯕ ꯊꯣꯢꯕꯤ ꯖꯒꯣꯢ, lit. 'Khamba Thoibi dance'), also known as Khamba Thoibi classical dance or Khamba Thoibi ballet, is a traditional Meitei ritualistic and theatrical classical dance form, which is usually enacted as a part and parcel of the Lai Haraoba performances, dedicated to God Thangching (Old Manipuri for 'Thangjing'), the national deity of Ancient Moirang realm. Notably, it is one of the cultural elements, giving inspirations to the development of the Manipuri Raas Leela classical dance drama form.
The dance form is believed to be first performed by Khuman Khamba and Moirang Thoibi, in the premise of the deity.
Another remarkable achievement of Meitei cultural heritage, directly related to the Khamba Thoibi dance, is Khamba Thoibi Sheireng (Meitei for 'Epic poem about Khamba and Thoibi'), the third longest Indian epic poem, next to the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, which is a classical Meitei language epic poem, having 39,000 lines, recognised and honoured to be the national epic of the Manipuris, originated from the traditional ballads, popularly sung by minstrels or bards, by playing Pena (musical instrument).

## Origin

In Ancient Moirang, once Khuman Khamba and his rival Nongban (alias Kongyamba) were asked by the then ruling king, to bring rare orchid flowers from the hilly and mountainous terrains, for the celebration of the annual sacred Lai Haraoba festival in honour of deity Thangching (Old Manipuri for 'Thangjing'). With great difficulty but by the grace of gods, Khamba brought finest of all the available flowers from the wilds, with extreme care. On the other hand, without any difficulty, Kongyamba brought some flowers which were messy due to his carelessness. Kongyamba distributed the flowers to the King first and then to others. However, Khamba, being humble, sought advice from a high priestess, and first set flowers before deity Thangching, and then to the King, the Queen, the high officers of kingdom. Pleased with the courtesy, decorum and etiquette of Khamba, the royalties and nobles presented him rare gifts, many times more than the customary presents which Kongyamba received. After Kongyamba and his wives had danced, Khamba and his lover Thoibi danced and sang before God Thangching, and their party was great, and the people gathered together and shouted with joy as they danced, whirling together, till at last they knelt in salutation before the God.

## Khamba Thoibi dance drama

In the 1960s, Mrs. Vimala Raina composed a new dance drama cum ballet, known as Khamba Thoibi dance drama, based on the traditions of Khamba and Thoibi. It was performed for the first time on 1 January 1960, in an event attended by Humayun Kabir, the then Union Minister for Scientific Research and Cultural Affairs of the Government of India. It was again performed in Delhi on 6 and 7 November 1961, where it was acclaimed by the Times of India. The art form was later even witnessed by John Kenneth Galbraith, the then US Ambassador to India, and Mrs. J.K., Galbraith on 2 May 1962. Afterwards, the Khamba Thoibi dance drama was staged multiple times in numerous places, where it was praised and appreciated.

## Influences to notable personalities & groups
### Humayun Kabir

   “I was delighted to see Khamba Thoibi at Manipur when you produced it as perhaps the first full scale ballet in the Manipuri form of dancing. The whole conception and execution was excellent and some of the dancers were obviously highly talented and extremely well trained. I personally think that the Manipuri style is the most graceful form of Indian dancing and I wish you every success in your attempt to develop and popularise it.”

### Times of India

   “Khamba Thoibi is a Manipuri tale of delicate charm. This ballet of unusual charm has been composed by Vimala Raina. The most appealing aspect of the show was the care and patience with which the music, dances, costumes and settings had been brought together to create authenticity. Every scene was realistic that one felt transported to the magic land of Manipur in the medieval days of the King of Moirang. The market scene and the water-sports on the lake were quaint and beautiful.”

### The Baltimore Sun

   “Ambassador John Kenneth Galbraith is inclined to agree-- The Manipuri Dance managed and directed by Mrs Vimala Raina staged a beautiful performance of Khamba Thoibi. It is a Dance Drama based on a story of royal life in the 11th century. He believes Khamba Thoibi would win acclaim in any America theatre.”

### Catherine Galbraith

   “I shall never forget the beautiful dancing in your ballet. The story was so lively and the whole thing moved along with grace and drama. We wish this kind of ballet could come to the United States. It has colour and vitality and good appeal to Western audiences. Your ballets were easy to understand as well as charmingly done.”