Kangjei (Khamba Thoibi)

Kangjei () is an event from the Khamba Thoibi classical epic in Moirang Kangleirol genre of Meitei mythology and folklore. The event focuses on traditional wrestling (Mukna Kangjei) and hockey (Khong Kangjei) contests and marks Khuman Khamba’s first public recognition in the Moirang kingdom.

 Entry into the wrestling club 

Khamba went among the men of the kingdom and joined the wrestling club. An elderly man noticed Khamba’s great strength and asked him to wrestle. At that time, Angom Nongban Kongyamba was the national wrestling champion of the Moirang kingdom. He invited Khamba to wrestle with him.

To everyone’s surprise, Kongyamba was defeated by Khamba.

 Question of identity 

After the match, Minister Chaoba Nongthonba asked Khamba his name. Khamba at first refused to reveal his true identity. He had been warned by his elder sister, Khamnu, not to disclose his background. He also avoided naming his father.

Nongthonba became angry at Khamba’s refusal. Khamba then explained that his father had died when he was an infant and that his sister had raised him. Nongthonba carefully observed Khamba and realized that his appearance closely resembled that of Puremba, his close friend.

 Revelation and acceptance 

Nongthonba felt regret for speaking harshly and asked Khamba again about his identity. With Khamnu’s permission, Khamba revealed the truth. Nongthonba expressed sorrow over the loss of Khamba’s father and spoke of how people often forget their own kin.

Nongthonba developed deep affection for Khamba. He informed his wives about the young man and asked them to prepare fine clothes and good food for Khamba and Khamnu. He also remembered the earlier marriage engagement between his son, Feiroijamba, and Khamnu.
Nongthonba and his family went to Khamnu’s house. At first, Khamnu hid herself in the women’s chamber and wept. After hearing their lament, she came out and accepted the gifts they brought.

 Introduction to the royal family 

Nongthonba later took Khamba to the marketplace, where Crown Prince Chingkhu Akhuba, the king’s brother, was present. Nongthonba introduced Khamba to him. Khamba was then presented to King Chingkhu Telheiba.

The king treated Khamba kindly and offered him the duty of collecting flowers for God Thangjing.

 Royal recognition 

Khamba told Khamnu everything that had happened. The crown prince also showed kindness toward Khamba and spoke publicly about Khamba and his late father. He reminded the people of late Puremba’s high official position, noble birth, and service to the kingdom. Princess Thoibi asked her father to honor Khamba by building him a house.

 Related pages 
 Meitei traditional games
 Meitei martial arts

 References 

Category:Meitei mythology
Category:Meitei folklore
Category:History of Manipur
Category:Hockey
Category:Wrestling