Heirem Khunja

The Luwang Heirem Khunja (), shortly known as the Heirem Khunja (), was an ancient sub-tribe within the Luwang clan of Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur). They ruled at Heirem village in Kakching’s Kereching region.

 Origin 
The Heirems were related to the Khunjans. They were believed to be of Tai origin, mixed with neo-Tibetan elements, while the Khunjans were of Tai origin descended from Ngai-Lao groups. Heirems first settled near the Thoubal River, likely around the present-day Yaingangpokpi area. They later settled close to the Khuman kingdom on the eastern side of Loktak Lake after migrating downstream with the Khunjans along the Thoubal River. They were subsequently referred to as the Heirem-Khunjans.

 Migration 
From Loklaobung, the Heirem-Khunjans moved to the Kiri Hills in what is now Manipur's Bishnupur district.

 Founding of the Luwang Heirem-Khunja 
The Luwang Heirem-Khunja was founded by Lumjeng Ahanba (alias Lumjenghanba), the son of Luwang Ningthou Punshiba, and Yusin Leima Chingnung Haoba Chanu The sons and grandsons of Luwang Ningthou Punshiba established many chiefdoms within the Luwang clan such as; Heirem-Khunja, Luwang Phantek, Lera Khongnang, Luwang Yumlen, etc.

 Territory and capital 
The Luwang Heirem-Khunja was bordered by the Khuman kingdom on the north, by Tharei (Wangoo) on the south, by the Heirok Hills on the east, and on the west by the Loktak Lake and the Moirang Kingdom.

The capital of the Luwang Heirem-Khunja was Heirem Khere (or Kere Ching Khunjan Lalum Thon).

 Rulers 
The rulers of the Luwang Heirem-Khunja were;

 Lumjeng Ahanba
 Yumjin
 Pana
 Pansareng
 Toureng Lanthaba
 Lairuba
 Lemba
 Chingjaroi Thabanba
 Kambong Waiba
 Kambong Amukoi
 Haying Khoiya Athouba
 Khuchupthang Tora
 Lasira

Chingjaroi Thabanba was an important king and Heirem Kangbishu was a famous warrior. During their time, the Heirem-Khunjas made it difficult for the Khuman kingdom to invade them.

 Dissolution 
The Heirem-Khunjans were completely destroyed with the combined forces of the Meitei dynasty (Ningthouja) and the Khuman kingdom during the reign of Meitei king Thawanthaba (13th century). Their last ruler may be Lasira as on Sagei Salairol.

Later on, the Heirem-Khunjans were merged into the Khuman kingdom.

 Related pages 
 Meitei confederacy
 Ancestors of Yek Salai
 Luwang Phantek
 Luwang
 Khuman
 Khuman dynasty
 Yek Salai

 References 

Category:Meitei people
Category:History of Manipur
Category:Tribes
Category:Ancient people
Category:Groups of Meitei ethnicity