Cheitharol Kumbaba

The Cheitharol Kumbaba, originally spelt as the Cheithalol Kumpapa, is a Meitei language royal court chronicle of the rulers of the Ningthouja dynasty of Manipur kingdom. It records various historical events happened in different reigns of the succeeding rulers right from the reign of Nongta Lailen Pakhangpa in 33 CE.

 Importance 

The Cheitharol Kumbaba is valued for its wide coverage of time and for its detailed record of events in social, political, economic, and religious life. It provides a continuous history of the Meitei rulers, regardless of how a king came to the throne or what his origin was.Singh, Ch. Manihar. A History of Manipuri Literature. India: Sahitya Akademi, 1996. p. 71, 72

For the people of Manipur, this chronicle is as important as the Buranji is to the Assamese people, the Bakhliar to the Marathas, the Twarikhi to the Moguls, and the Yazawin to the Burmese people.

 Origin and compilation 

According to the text itself, the compilation of the Cheitharol Kumbaba started during the rule of King Kyamba (1467–1508). It was based on the Saka era calendar. The earlier part of the chronicle gives accounts of earlier kings, starting with Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, who became king in 33 CE. These earlier records were likely written from memory and older manuscripts.

The opening lines of the chronicle read:

 Historical records 

One event recorded is the visit of Samlong, younger brother of Sukhampha, the king of Pong, in Saka 620. Samlong stayed in Manipur for ten years. The place where he stayed is still called Apong Eengkhol. This visit is also mentioned in the Shan chronicle, which was quoted by R.B. Pemberton in his 1835 book The Eastern Frontier of British India.

During Saka 1407, King Kyamba introduced the practice of Cheithaba, where a person volunteers each year to take on the sufferings of the people. That person’s name is given to the year. This tradition is still followed in modern days.

 Style of record 

From the time King Paikhomba took the throne on 5th Wakching (Pousha-Magh in Hindu calendar) of Saka 1589, historical events began to be recorded with exact days of the week, dates, and months. Before this, only the month and year were noted.

The language of the Cheitharol Kumbaba was rewritten in the 18th century in simple prose. The writing is fast-paced and vivid, fitting for the rapid sequence of events. While parts of the text may be repetitive, they are often interrupted by emotional and powerful passages.

 Battle of Khongjom (1891) 

One of the moving parts of the chronicle is the account of the battle between the Meiteis and the British forces at Khongjom in 1891. The chronicle describes the bravery of Major Paona:

He then charged the enemy with two unsheathed swords. The battle began early in the morning on Thursday, the 14th of Sajibu (Chaitra-Baisakh in Hindu calendar), Saka 1813. The Meitei forces were surrounded by British cavalry. Major Paona, Major Chongtha, and others fought hand-to-hand. Many died in the battle.

The British troops continued to advance. Most of the Meiteis at the front were killed. Only about one hundred men at the back survived. Many British soldiers were also killed or wounded. By sunset, both sides returned to their camps.

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Category:Meitei literature
Category:History of Manipur
Category:Puya