Collapse of the Khaba Kingdom

The **Khaba clan** was one of the most powerful ruling groups in Ancient Kangleipak (now called Manipur). They ruled many areas, including the holy place of Kangla. The Khabas ruled before other major clans, even before the rise of the Ningthouja (**Mangang**) clan. But after the Meitei king Nongda Lairen Pakhangba came to power, the Khaba clan started to lose its power and importance.

## Background

The **Khaba** clan was one of the earliest groups to rule the Imphal Valley. They ruled before the Ningthouja, Khuman, Luwang, and Moirang clans. The Khaba were strong in both politics and culture in early Ancient Kangleipak.

Later, the **Khaba** clan joined with another group called the **Nganba**. Together, they formed a new kingdom called Khaba‑Nganba. They ruled from Kangla, the sacred capital that later became the seat of the Meitei kings. Khaba kings like **Khaba Taoren** and **Khaba Tarang Khoinucha** are mentioned in old records.

Their kingdom had fixed borders: **Khonghampat** in the north, **Kakwa Lamdaibung** in the south, the **Iril River** in the east, and the **Langol Hills** in the west.

The **Khaba-Nganba** ruled through a clan-based system. They were one of the original seven clans, or Yek Salai, that made up Meitei society. Their customs, language, and religious practices helped shape early Meitei culture. But over time, their power weakened as rival clans like the Ningthouja grew stronger.

## Political structure and society

The Khaba clan followed a clan-based rule. Leaders were chosen from powerful families. They acted as both political rulers and religious heads. They ruled by Meitei customs—respecting elders, using oral laws, and practicing clan rituals.

Each village under Khaba rule had a local chief who followed the orders of the king at Kangla. These local leaders also performed religious duties and ceremonies.

The Khaba clan strongly believed in nature and their ancestors. They followed the Sanamahi religion, which became important in Meitei life later on.

## Conflict and fall

The last years of the Khaba-Nganba kingdom had many conflicts with other clans, especially the Ningthouja, Angom, and Luwang.

Rulers like **Khaba Tarang Khoinucha** and **Nganba Khamchingkon** led their people during these struggles. The Khaba fought with support from Chakpa and Chenglei, against the Meitei, Angom, Luwang, and other groups.

Later, **Khaba Nongjengba** briefly regained Kangla from Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. But Pakhangba returned with help from Moirang under the archer **Chaopa Soubol** and defeated the Khaba.

**Khaba Nongjengba**, his son **Sanggai Telheiba**, and daughter **Kangkham Ichumbi** were all killed in the final battle.

## Merger with Nganba

Before their fall, the Khaba merged with the Nganba clan to form the **Khaba-Nganba** kingdom. This happened during the time of leaders like **Khaba Tarang Khoinucha** and **Nganba Khamchingkon Haiheiba**.

But even with this alliance, they could not stop the growing power of the Ningthouja, Angom, and Moirang clans.

## Massacre and dispersal

After defeat, the Khaba clan faced attacks from rivals. Many were killed or forced to run.

A war with the Angom clan led to the death of a Khaba leader by Pureiromba. **Khamchingkon Haiheiba** tried to help but fled and asked Thongaren, king of Khamnung, to fight.

Many Khaba survivors joined nearby hill tribes like the Tangkhul, Kabui, and Mahou. Others moved to the Koubru hills and became known as **Khaba Umlen**. A few were protected by the Angoms.

One survivor, **Khaba Nonganba**, was spared by Pakhangba. But the clan never regained political power.

## Ancestry of Khaba-Nganba

Today, only the Nganba branch and two Khaba families seems to have survived. Most Khaba were likely wiped out during conflict.

The Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (Seven Years Devastation) caused more loss when Burmese invaders killed most of the population. Only 3,000 adult males survived.

Today, many families may not know if their roots are Khaba or Nganba.

## Infobox (clan)

- **clan name**: Khaba
- **image badge**: Classical Meitei illuminated manuscript painting — depicting a “Paphal” of 4 limbed Khaba dragon — from the “Pakhangba Lambuba”, an Ancient Meetei language text (engraved in traditional Meetei Mayek writing system).jpg
- **image badge size**: 150 px
- **country**: India
- **region**: Manipur
- **ancestry**: Turumba
- **founder**: Turumba
- **chiefs name**: Khaba
- **last chiefs name**: Khaba Nongjengba
- **allied clans**: Chenglei
- **rival clans**: Mangang, Angom