Kaoba Hingamba

Kaoba Hingamba (), shortly known as Kaoba () or Kaopa (), was a warrior from the Khuman kingdom, neighboring to the ancient kingdom of Moirang. He is known for his role in the traditional story of Khuyol Haoba and Yaithingkonu. His actions, especially those driven by anger and pride, played a major part in the turning point of the lovers’ tale.Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. pp. 65–66. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.

Khuman Kangleiron, the royal chronicle of the Khuman dynasty, mentions Kaoba and Yaithing Konu, as the king and the queen of the Khuman kingdom.

Kaoba Hingamba is remembered not only for his strength and position as a Khuman warrior but also for his role in separating the lovers. His actions were influenced by pride, anger, and a sense of justice as he saw it. He remains a key figure in the traditional narrative of Moirang Kangleirol, the ancient legends of Moirang, as well as Khuman Kangleiron of the Khuman kingdom.

 Role 

Kaoba Hingamba encountered Luwang Huiningsumba, a nobleman and the father of Yaithingkonu, when the former's property was damaged by the latter. Huiningsumba went to a hunting expedition ordered by the king of Moirang but could not find any animal. In an effort to flush out game, the Luwang nobleman set fire to bushes in the forest. The fire quickly spread and became uncontrollable.

The fire extended into the Khuman kingdom and burned down the house and barn of Kaoba Hingamba. Furious at the destruction of his property, Kaoba captured Huiningsumba and his men. He refused to release them unless he was paid a rich ransom.

 Demands and marriage 

Kaoba demanded that Huiningsumba give him his daughter, Yaithingkonu, in exchange for the safety of himself and his men. The Moirang authorities agreed to the demand to avoid further conflict. A grand marriage was arranged, and Yaithingkonu was sent to Kaoba Hingamba’s house, even though she was already pregnant with Khuyol Haoba’s child.

 Discovery and final outcome 

Khuyol Haoba continued to secretly visit Yaithingkonu in disguise. However, Kaoba eventually discovered these meetings. In anger, he drove Yaithingkonu out of his home. This led to the final reunion of the two lovers, Haoba and Konu.

 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
 Maithingkongaba
 Thongbu Wainucha
 Chakha Moiremba
 Haoba Athouba
 Haokhong Sinaikhu
 Kangchin

 References 

Category:Khuman kingdom
Category:Meitei people
Category:Kings in Meitei mythology
Category:Meitei folklore
Category:Kings of Ancient Manipur