Thougallon

Thougallon (), also known as Thougallol (), is the formal court register of the Meitei language, historically used in the royal administration, religious ceremonies, and classical literature of the Meitei civilization in Manipur Kingdom. It is characterized by its structured syntax, ceremonial vocabulary, and use of honorific expressions. Thougallon functioned as a medium for official communication within the court and in the composition of ritual and scholarly texts, often written in the traditional Meitei Mayek script. It is distinct from the vernacular forms of Meitei spoken by the general population and reflects the stratified linguistic practices of pre-modern Meitei society.Pettigrew, William. Manipuri (Mitei) grammar with illustrative sentences. India: Pioneer Press, 1912.Yashwanta Singh, Chungkham. Manipuri Grammar. India: Rajesh Publications, 2000.

 Etymology 
Etymologically, the Meitei language term "Thougallon" (; /tʰəu.gəl.lón/) is composed of thou (“duty” or “obligation”), gal, derived from kal (“to serve”), and lon (“language” or “speech”), collectively conveying the sense of a “language of duty and service.”

 Application of term 
Thougallon (; /tʰəu.gəl.lón/) denotes both (1) a specialized form of speech used in royal and aristocratic contexts, as well as (2) a codified system of etiquette governing verbal conduct in the presence of figures of authority, such as kings, ministers, and nobles. Thougallon functioned not merely as a linguistic variety but also as a normative framework prescribing appropriate modes of address, honorific usage, and ritualized expressions required in formal court settings. It is a medium through which social hierarchy, respect, and loyalty were formally articulated. Through its structured vocabulary and prescribed usage, Thougallon reinforced court protocol and symbolized adherence to the political and cultural order of the Meitei royal court.

 Spread 

Thougallon, the royal register of the Meitei language, originated within the royal dynasties of Manipur. Historically, it was predominantly used by the monarchy; however, its use gradually extended beyond the royal court. This shift occurred as commoner women ascended to positions as queens or palace attendants, and princesses married men from non-royal families, facilitating increased social interaction and cultural exchange between the royalty and commoners.

 Vocabulary 
 Words Latin transliterations Vernacular Meitei equivalents Latin transliterations English translations Note(s)  chaaithaba  irujaba to bath   lengba  chatpa to go or to move   lengkhatpa  hougatpa to arise   thonba / setpa / chinba to wear / to adorn   haaba  chaaba to eat   phaanba / faanba  thakpa to drink   mityeng taaba  yengba to see / to watch / to look   hang-gatpa  haaijaba to say / pray   chin kuppa  chin tengba to brush teeth / to wash mouth   khaangjet  pheijom / feijom traditional Meitei loincloth worn by men   kokthon  kokyet / luhup traditional Meitei headdress worn by men   khudaa  phidaa / fidaa cushion   namkhaang  phurit / innaphi coat / shawl phurit is actually translated as shirt, but also can be interpreted as coat, while innaphi is a clothing to be wrapped around the upper body as outerwear, and not innerwear, and can be loosely translated as shawl  sang-gaai / shang-gaai  yum house / building   khudong  hidaakphu / hidaakpu smoking pipe / hookah   luk / look  chaak meal   cheppa  hippa to sleep/lay down   yaambung  taada elder brother   ichem sija / ichem shija  eeche elder sister   ichal ibemma / ichan ibemma  eechal / eechan younger sister 

 For the kings exclusively 
 Words Latin transliterations Vernacular Meitei equivalents Latin transliterations English translations Note(s)  shakyeng mingshel / sakyeng mingsel  mingshel / mingsel mirror / looking glass   sana khongnet saa  sagol / samu horse / elephant In classical terminology, sana khongnet saa means "the animal deemed to be mounted by the royalty". Sagol / Shagol means horse and Samu / Shamu means elephant.  sana khutsu thang  thang sword 

 Gallery 

 Related pages 
 Ancient Meitei literature
 Ancient Khuman language
 Ancient Moirang language
 Ancient Meitei hymns
 Meitei ritual songs
 Meitei literature
 Meitei proverbs
 Meitei profanity
 Meitei grammar

 References 

Category:Meitei literature
Category:Meitei culture
Category:History of Manipur