Thongbu Wainucha

Thongbu Wainucha () was a warrior of the Khuman clan in ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur). He is notably mentioned in the classical Meitei text Chainarol (An Account of Combats), where he is portrayed as a brave fighter whose strength and fame were unmatched in his time. His tragic end, however, is remembered as a cautionary tale of betrayal in battle.–––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 
Thongbu Wainucha lived during a period when clan-based warfare and one-on-one ritual combat were central to the martial culture of ancient Meitei civilisation in Manipur. He belonged to the Khuman kingdom, one of the major clan-dynasty-based kingdoms before the unification of Manipur under the Meitei kings.

Thongbu Wainucha was celebrated for his physical prowess, courage, and invincibility in combat, often traveling with a companion or second to help assert territorial or honour-related claims.

 Encounter at Waya Khong 

Thongbu Wainucha’s most notable combat is recorded in the Chainarol, during his journey to annex the region of Waya Khong, a place admired for its beauty and strategic value. Accompanied by his comrade Makpiting Haomiyacha, Thongbu encountered Khoiri Tonjaosu, a warrior of Moirang kingdom, and his companion Khoiri Lamsingba, who had also come to claim the same territory.

At first, the two parties attempted a spear duel, which ended without a clear winner. They then engaged in wrestling, which too proved inconclusive for a long time.

 Betrayal and death 

The stalemate was broken when Khoiri Tonjaosu, prompted by his companion, resorted to dishonourable tactics. During the wrestling match, he bit Thongbu Wainucha’s private parts, causing severe injury. Overcome with pain and unable to continue, Thongbu collapsed.

Khoiri Tonjaosu then beheaded the wounded Khuman warrior, placing his head in a basket and returned triumphantly to Moirang. This act, though bringing victory, was seen as a breach of the martial code of honour upheld by the combatants of the time.

 Related pages 
 Khuman warrior traditions
 Meitei martial arts
 Meitei traditional weapons
 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
 Maithingkongaba
 Chakha Moiremba
 References 

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