Hee Lanmi

Hee Lanmi (), also spelled as Hi Lanmi or Hee Lanmee, refers to the boat army or naval force of the traditional Meitei military. It was one of the three divisions of the military, along with Khong Lanmi (infantry) and Sagol Lanmi (cavalry). The Hee Lanmi played a crucial role in both warfare and transportation, especially in a time when roads and bridges were few.Singha, H Rajmani (2023). "Military Administration of Manipur". International Journal of Research in Social Sciences. Assam University, Silchar. US: International Journal of Research in Social Sciences (Vol. 13 Issue 08, August 2023). pp. 220–228. ISSN 2249-2496.Singh, Moirangthem Boby (2024). "Martial Tradition of Manipur: A Historical Perspective | Volume 2 | Issue 8 | August 2024". The Academic. Department of History, Manipur University. India: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research. pp. 219–224."MILITARY ORGANIZATION OF THE ANCIENT KINGDOM OF MANIPUR (by Mk. Washima Begum, Subhaarati Oinam, Sougrakpam Dharmen Singh)". ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts. pp. 123–129. ISSN 2582-7472.

The Hee Lanmi was an essential part of Manipur’s military and cultural history. It reflected the adaptability of the Meitei military system, using the region’s natural waterways for defense, trade, and communication, and forming a unique naval tradition that combined warfare and cultural celebration.

 Overview 

In ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur), the region was filled with rivers, lakes, swamps, and wetlands. Due to the lack of proper roads, boats were widely used for travel, trade, and communication. The Meitei kings developed the Hee Lanmi to carry out military operations on water. This force was skilled in rowing, fighting on boats, and handling various weapons while at sea or river.

 Organization and function 

To maintain a strong naval force, the kings:

 Kept a large number of boats on major rivers such as the Ningthi River in the east and the Barak River in the west.

 Trained the boat soldiers to be experts in combat, rowing, and handling traditional weapons.

 Held the Hiyang Tannaba, a traditional Meitei boat race, as a form of war training and later, as a festival for entertainment.

The Hiyang Loishang (Department of Boat Building) was responsible for constructing war boats. King Khagemba even set up a department called Mayang Hishaba Loishang, specifically for boat makers.

 Uniform and dress 

Though there was no strict distinction between infantry and cavalry uniforms, members of the armed forces (including the boat army) typically wore:

 Pheijom (loincloth/dhoti)

 Red jackets

 White Kokyets (headdresses/turbans)

 A piece of cloth called Khadangchet to tie the turban under the chin

High-ranking officers, such as generals, wore Khamenchatpa and decorated their headdresses with Pajeng Phiral (the champion's flag).

 Significance 

The Hee Lanmi allowed Meitei kings to conduct military campaigns via rivers, secure trade routes, and improve communication with distant regions. The annual boat races not only strengthened the navy but also kept the people engaged in cultural and martial traditions.

 Historical mentions 

Historical texts like the Shang Panabagi Masil mention the activities of the Department of War, including cutting trees and bamboo to construct boats and clear waterways.

 Gallery 

 Related pages 
 Shamu (Meitei culture)
 Meitei confederacy
 Pana
 Meitei martial arts
 Thang Ta
 Sarit Sarak
 Cheibi
 Meitei traditional weapons
 Meitei traditional toys
 Meitei traditional games
 Meitei royal etiquette
 Anglo Manipuri Treaty (1762)
 Manipur Levy
 Anglo Manipuri Treaty (1833)
 Agreement Regarding Compensation for the Kubo (Kabaw) Valley (1834)
 Anglo-Manipur War
 Ahom–Meitei relations
 Kuranganayani
 Meitei people in Assam
 Induprabha
 Burmese–Meitei relations
 Chakpa Makhao Ngambi
 Seven Years' Devastation (Chahi Taret Khuntakpa)
 Meitei people in Myanmar
 Meitei–Shan relations
 Takhel Ngamba
 Meitei queens of Tripura
 Meitei people in Tripura
 Meitei people in Bangladesh

 References 

Category:Meitei culture
Category:Navy
Category:Army
Category:History of Manipur
Category:History of Myanmar
Category:Culture of Manipur
Category:Burmese culture
Category:Culture of Assam