Kege (ancient tribe)

The Kege (), also spelled Keke (), was an ancient tribal group in Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur). They are believed to have originated from the Kabaw Valley region and later settled in the southern areas of the Imphal Valley. Gradually, the Kege merged with the Moirang people, forming a composite identity known as Kege-Moirang.

 Origin and migration 
The Kege were a mixed ethnic group primarily associated with the Moriya () principality in the Kabaw Valley () of present-day Upper Myanmar, according to some historical accounts. Some claim that their name comes from the word "Khe" used by Tai groups such as the Pong or Mau Shan. The Kege is believed to have contained elements of the Pyu, Tai, Chin, Sakya (Chakha), and other Tibeto-Burman populations. They most likely arrived in the southern Imphal Valley before the Moirangs''' arrival.

 Settlement areas 
The Kege initially settled in the Ethai () region, which is southeast of the later Moirang territory. They gradually spread to neighbouring regions, such as Ngangkha-rawai () which now makes up a large portion of the southern Imphal Valley. These regions developed into their main habitat and the hub from which they communicated with nearby communities.

 Integration with the Moirangs 
As time went on, the Kege people started to blend in with the Moirangs, eventually creating a shared identity known as Kege-Moirang (). Due to shared settlement and intermarriage, the two groups had mostly combined by the 13th century. In light of the later blurring of the lines between the two groups, some historical sources, such as the Cheitharol Kumbaba, refer to the Kege as belonging to the Moirang'' people.

 Gallery 

 Related pages 
 Moirang
 Yek Salai
 Moirang Kangleirol
 Ancestors of Yek Salai Taret

 References 

Category:Meitei people
Category:Ancient people
Category:History of Manipur