Lamjel (Khamba Thoibi)

Lamjel (), also known as Mukna Lamjen (), is a national racing and wrestling championship described in the Khamba Thoibi classical epic of Moirang Kangleirol genre of Meitei mythology and folklore. It took place in the ancient Moirang kingdom and occurred before the Kao (bull) capturing and Ukai Kappa incidents. The event highlights early rivalry between Khuman Khamba and Angom Nongban Kongyamba.

 Background 

As Khuman Khamba’s fame increased, Angom Nongban Kongyamba became envious of him. Athletes across the kingdom began preparing for the annual racing and wrestling championships. Each pana (state province) selected its own champions through its officers.

Khamba was chosen as the champion for his pana. He was known for running long distances very fast, keeping his chest low. Kongyamba was chosen for his pana. He ran quickly but held his head high and could not maintain speed over long distances.

 Championship 

That year, the organizers made the race longer than in previous years. Both Khamba and Kongyamba became champions of their respective panas in wrestling and running events.

On the night before the race, Kongyamba planned with his followers on how to defeat Khamba. He expressed fear of disgrace if he lost to Khamba. At the same time, Khamba’s elder sister, Khamnu, worried that jealousy might cause harm to her brother.

 Deception and exclusion 

On the following day, Kongyamba spread a false message among the people, claiming that it was harmful for the land if a poor man won the race, as it could bring scarcity. This message spread among the public.

Khamba was stopped and told that his name was not on the list of contestants. Believing this, he returned home in sadness and told Khamnu what had happened. The siblings reported the matter to Chaoba Nongthonba. Nongthonba went to the king, who ordered that Khamba should participate if the race had not yet begun.

 Race 

Khamba and Nongthonba’s son, Feiroijamba, hurried to the race starting point. The race was about to begin when they arrived. They announced that they carried the king’s order. Khamba immediately joined the race and ran with great speed.

Kongyamba’s men tried to stop Khamba during the race, but he struck them aside. Khamba eventually caught up with Kongyamba, who had become tired and was running slowly. Fifteen horsemen loyal to Kongyamba attempted to block Khamba, but he kicked them away.

Encouraged by Khamnu’s shout to run for their father’s honor, Khamba reached the finish line first. Kongyamba finished second.

 Aftermath 

Both Khamba and Kongyamba saluted the king. The king was especially pleased with Khamba and rewarded him with a gold embroidered coat. The queen gifted him fine clothes, and the ministers added many more gifts.

Khamba and his sister Khamnu generously distributed many of these gifts to elderly men and women of the kingdom.

 Related pages 
 Meitei traditional games
 Marathon

 References 

Category:Meitei mythology
Category:Meitei folklore
Category:History of Manipur
Category:Marathons
Category:Race