Sagol Lanmi

Sagol Lanmi (), also known as Sagon Lanmi (), refers to the cavalry or horse soldiers of the traditional Meitei army, using Manipuri pony. It was one of the three main divisions of the military, along with Khong Lanmi (infantry) and Hi Lanmi (naval or boat army). The cavalry was considered the most effective and important part of the Meitei military forces.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 Sagol Lanmi were known for their speed, skill, and powerful tactics. Meitei cavalrymen were expert horse riders and fighters who could encircle the enemy quickly, confuse them, and force them to surrender. Their fighting style involved moving rapidly in circles, making sudden attacks, and using different weapons with great accuracy.

Meitei horsemen were compared to centaurs—mythical half-man, half-horse beings—because of their close connection with their horses. A horseman could control his horse perfectly and fight while riding, jumping back and forth, and striking without pause.


 Weapons and tactics 

The Sagol Lanmi were trained to use many weapons, including:

 Thang (Sword)

 Ta (Spear)

 Arambai (poisoned darts thrown while riding)

 Lance

 Hunnata (Spear to hurl)

 Taronta

 Timenta

 Whip (usually with 5–9 strands)

Their tactic was to circle around the enemy, then suddenly strike, slash, pierce, and block the enemy's attacks. The combination of swift horse movements and weapon skills made the cavalry highly effective in battle. These techniques helped defeat enemies like the Awa (Myanmar/Burma), Khagi (China), Mayang (Bengal), and Takhel (Tripura).


 Dress and equipments 

The Meitei horse soldier wore:

 Pheijom (loincloth/dhoti) tucked up above the knee

 Half-sleeved shirt

 Greaves (leg armor) and gauntlets (arm guards)

 Lanphi (war cloth) worn across the right shoulder

 Wooden sandals (Khurum)

 Kokyet (headdresses/turban), tied with silk thread under the chin to cover the mouth

A sword was placed on the left waist under the Lanphi. A shield (chungoi) was worn on the chest or left side. On the saddle, quivers full of Arambai darts were placed on both sides. The soldier also carried Taronta, Timenta, and a whip. Before going to battle, the horseman would touch the forehead of the horse in respect, mount it from the left side, and ride into war.

 Historical use 

Horses were used by the Meitei for military purposes from ancient times. Following kings successfully used cavalry forces in their military campaigns:

 Kiyamba

 Mungyamba

 Khagemba

 Garibaniwaj

 Bhagyachandra

 Chourajit

 Marjit

 Gambhir Singh

During the reign of Garibaniwaj, Meitei horsemen created fear in the minds of the enemy, especially the Awa soldiers.

The cavalry operated under the Lallup system, a form of organized military service, and was considered a model of discipline and effectiveness.

 Significance 

The Sagol Lanmi played a major role in the success of Meitei kings in warfare. Their ability to strike quickly and escape, their skill in using many weapons, and their close coordination with horses made them one of the strongest and most respected military units in the region.


 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:Culture of Assam
Category:Culture of Manipur
Category:Burmese culture
Category:History of Manipur
Category:History of Myanmar
Category:Meitei culture