Khong Lanmi

Khong Lanmi (), also known as Khongmi Lanmi (), refers to the infantry or foot soldiers of the Meitei traditional army. It was one of the three main divisions of the military, along with Sagol Lanmi (cavalry or horsemen) and Hi Lanmi (naval or boat army).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.

 Overview 

The Khong Lanmi were the most numerous and important branch of the Manipuri military forces. These infantry soldiers were trained to engage in direct hand-to-hand combat and often faced enemies fearlessly, sometimes fighting against several opponents at once.

 Organization and structure 

The Meitei army, including the infantry, was organized using a decimal system, similar to that of the Mughals. The basic unit was a regiment of 1,000 soldiers, originally called Fauji or Doli, later known as Tuli. The entire army was made up of 13 Tulis, each with its own name and command.

Each Tuli was divided into several Lups (companies). A Tuli usually had 7 to 17 companies. Each Lup was led by a Lakpa, and below him were various officers including Hidang Hanjaba, Thangsuhanba, Thangsunaha, Tenshuhanba, Tenshunaha, and Meiraba. During the British period, ranks like Captain, Subedar, and Jamadar were also used. The commander of a Tuli was called Lallup Chingba or Tulinaha Major.

 Training and recruitment 

The Khong Lanmi were recruited through the Lallup system, a type of compulsory military service. All able-bodied Meitei males aged 17 or 18 to 60 years were trained as soldiers. They had to serve the state for 10 days out of every 40 days, ensuring the kingdom had a constant supply of well-trained troops.

 Weapons and equipments 

The infantry used both traditional and modern weapons, especially in different historical periods. Common weapons included:

 Thang (sword)

 Ta (spear)

 Langshoi (club or blunt weapon)

 Tapak (broad-tipped spear)

 Oblong shields

 Shingjang (axe)

 Naori (sling)

From the late 16th century, firearms began to be used. King Mungyamba brought guns from Khamral (Burma or China) in 1584 C.E. Later, King Khagemba used guns against enemies in Cachar and Tripura. In Pamheiba’s reign (1709–1748), bell metal cannons called Sen Kamran were used. By 1825, Raja Gambhir Singh received 1,500 muskets from the British, indicating further modernization of the army.

 Numbers and strength 

At various points in history, the infantry had a significant strength:

 King Garibaniwaj had 13,000 well-equipped foot soldiers and an additional 7,000 auxiliary troops.

 The Manipuri army had a total of 13 regiments (Tulis), each with about 1,000 soldiers.

 Named Tulis (Regiments) 

The thirteen regiments of Khong Lanmi included:

1. Tulihal

2. Tuliyaima

3. Tulinaha

4. Bhitna Tuli

5. Vishnu Senahal Tuli

6. Vishnu Naha Tuli

7. Top Tuli

8. Loya Tuli

9. Kang Tuli

10. Kangnao Tuli

11. Oinamlong Tuli

12. Naya Tuli

13. Bamdiyar Tuli

 Role in society 

The Khong Lanmi were not just a military force but also an integral part of Meitei society. The Lallup system tied military duty to citizenship, ensuring that military service was both a responsibility and a rite of passage for all Meitei men.

 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:History of Manipur
Category:History of Myanmar
Category:Army
Category:Military
Category:Culture of Assam
Category:Culture of Manipur
Category:Burmese culture