Maithingkongaba

Maithingkongaba () was a warrior of the Khuman clan who lived in ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur). He is notably mentioned in the historical classical Meitei text Chainarol, a collection of dramatic real-life duels between warriors from various clans. His encounter with the Meitei warrior named Akangsu is remembered for its ironic twist and serves as an example of both overconfidence and unexpected mercy in the warrior tradition of Manipur. His experience shows that even the most well-prepared warriors can fall if they let their guard down.–––Chainarol: Way of the Warrior. India: Human Rights Alert, 2012.Singh, Ch. Manihar. A History of Manipuri Literature. India: Sahitya Akademi, 1996.AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXIII, No.12 ( 17 MARCH, 1968 ). N.p.: All India Radio (AIR),New Delhi, 1968. p. 7

 Background 

During Maithingkongaba's times, clan-based warrior culture played a central role in maintaining honour, reputation, and social order. Warriors often issued direct challenges to their counterparts, and these duels were often ceremonial, featuring shared meals and a code of conduct even in the face of death.

Maithingkongaba’s tale is one of the many that show the unpredictability of combat, where not just strength, but wit and timing, play decisive roles.

 Encounter at Waisen Pheibok Yi 

Maithingkongaba, dressed up in full warrior attire and equipped with sword, spear, and shield, left his home in search of combat. His destination was Waisen Pheibok Yi, a known location for warrior duels.

There, he came across Akangsu, a Meitei man, engaged in fishing. Spotting what seemed to be an easy target, Maithingkongaba challenged Akangsu to a fight. However, Akangsu, being unarmed and focused on his fishing task, politely requested a short delay, stating that he had not yet caught enough fish. 
Maithingkongaba, confident and perhaps dismissive, agreed and settled under the shade of a nearby tree. In a moment of carelessness, he fell asleep.

 Turn of events 
As Maithingkongaba fell asleep, Akangsu seized the opportunity. Quietly approaching the sleeping Khuman warrior, he overpowered and bound Maithingkongaba’s hands and feet. The situation, which had begun with Maithingkongaba holding the upper hand, had completely reversed.

Fearing for his life, Maithingkongaba pleaded for mercy. He offered his fine warrior garments and weapons as trophies, hoping that Akangsu might spare his life and return home as a victor.
In a surprising act of compassion, Akangsu chose not to kill him. He untied the Khuman warrior and allowed him to live. Akangsu then returned to his people, displaying the captured weapons and garb as symbols of his cunning victory.

 Related pages 
 Khuman warrior traditions
 Meitei martial arts
 Meitei traditional weapons
 Khuman kingdom
 Moirang kingdom
 Khuman dynasty
 Khuman Apokpa
 List of Khuman kings
 List of Khuman queens
 Khuman royal necklace incident
 Khuman Kangleirol
 Moirang Kangleirol
 Khuman Puremba
 Khuman Khamba
 Khumanlol
 Khuman language
 Khuman Kwakpa Litonpanba

 References 

Category:Khuman kingdom
Category:Ancient people
Category:Meitei people
Category:Meitei folklore