Ponglen Hanba

Iwang Puriklai Phang Phang Ponglen Hanba, shortly known as Phang Phang Ponglen Hanba () was an early king of the Moirang Kingdom, an ancient kingdom of Kangleipak (early Manipur). He ruled from 52 BC to 28 AD.

He is traditionally recognized as the first human king of Moirang. His reign is widely regarded as the beginning of Moirang's chronological royal history.

 Historical context 
The royal chronicle called the Moirang Ningthourol Lambuba mentions seven rulers who reigned before Phang Phang Ponglen Hanba. However, their reigns are considered to be mythological or semi-legendary, and no specific dates are provided. Most scholars agree that Ponglen Hanba's accession in 52 BC marks the start of the recorded history of Moirang dynasty.

 Worship of Lord Thangjing 
During his rule, something strange happened: the young girls and boys were silent, showing no smiles or tears. The roosters did not crow, and the dogs did not bark. Concerned about this odd situation, Thangyai Leihoubi, the King's daughter, sought answers. A priest named Thingkol Miribacha revealed through divination that the King had failed to perform the necessary ceremonies and offerings to Ibudhou Thangjing. Once the rites were completed according to Ibudhou Thangjing's instructions, normal life resumed.

Ibudhou Thangjing was to be honored by the fifteen thoyas, or Leikais. However, only eight were summoned to gather in front of Moirang Kangla Utra, which marked the beginning of the Moirang Thangjing Lai Haraoba festival. Ngangkha, Khoyol, Nganglou, Khambi, Higa, Okchin, Chenglei, and Yaoshu were the eight leikais. Khori, Ngangkha, Nongkhrangpokpi, Aaun, Okchil, Higa, Chenglei, and Yaos were the nine markets.

 Reign 
Ponglen Hanba's reign is noted for several foundational reforms and cultural developments in the Moirang polity:

 He institutionalized the tradition of royal coronation ceremonies held at Keke Kangla, the sacred capital and spiritual seat of Moirang.
 He introduced the practice of a symbolic ritual known as the "coronation war", conducted near the Loktak Lake, meant to assert territorial dominion and divine legitimacy.
 A monumental seven-tiered palace was constructed under his reign at Keke Kangla, which served as both a royal residence and a center for administrative and ritual affairs.
 He introduced a system of territorial administration by dividing the kingdom into eight leikais (wards), each containing nine market zones, indicating a sophisticated model of governance.

 Related pages 
 Moirang
 Ancient Moirang
 Sanamahism
 Lai Haraoba
 Loktak Lake

References

Category:List of rulers of Moirang
Category:Moirang kings
Category:History of Manipur