Meitei–Shan relations

The historical relationship between the Meitei people (alias Manipuris) of the Kingdom of Kangleipak, later known as Manipur (largely in modern day northeastern India), and the Shan people of the Pong Kingdom (largely in modern day Myanmar/Burma) was characterized by extensive cultural exchanges, diplomatic interactions, and mutual influence. While political boundaries defined the kingdoms, the interactions between the people—through royal marriages, trade relations, shared festivals, and diplomatic missions—played a significant role in shaping their social, cultural, and linguistic landscapes. Events such as the Boundary Treaty of 1470 were not merely political agreements but also reflected the personal and communal ties that developed over time. This relationship facilitated the exchange of traditions, languages, and customs, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of both communities. Shan people are known as "Pong" by the Meiteis, named after their homeland kingdom of Pong.

The boundary demarcation took place the following morning. Both monarchs, accompanied by their entourages, traveled to key locations to establish the agreed-upon borders. The territory of the Meitei Kingdom was defined as follows:

# Southern Boundary: Extending to Mratong, marked by the area of the celebrated Dwarf Mango tree.
# Eastern Boundary: Reaching five days’ journey beyond the Chindwin (Ningthee) River, bordered by the Loichari Hills.
# Northern Boundary: Defined by the Dwarf Mango areas of Munghkam-Mungwang.
# Western Boundary: Extending to the land where the sun sets.

It is noteworthy that the demarcation occurred in the eastern region, while the Meitei Kingdom, known at the time as the dominion of the Meitei King, was located further west.

After completing the boundary assessment, both royal parties returned to Songhsuk (referred to as Samjok by the Shan and Thuangdoot in Burmese contexts), where they encamped for the night. During the evening, Meitei King Kyamba overheard a conversation between a Shan commoner (referred to as Samjok) and a Meitei individual. The Shan man claimed that although the Pong King had granted Songhsuk to the Meiteis, they would not become subjects or servants of the Meitei people.

Disturbed by this conversation, King Kyamba promptly met with Pong King Chaopha-hum Kekhomba the following morning to address the issue. He inquired whether the land granted by the Pong King, referred to as Epu, included Songhsuk.

The Pong King responded that he had granted land extending to the Loichari Hills in the east, which was significantly farther from Songhsuk. He implied, with a slight smile, that the Meitei King’s concern was unwarranted, subtly suggesting that his counterpart was being overly cautious.

The Pong King then proposed a compromise: if the Meitei King was uncomfortable with Songhsuk being within the granted territory, it could serve as a meeting place for diplomatic visits. However, the Pong King asserted that all tributes from the region would still be received by the Meitei King.

Following this discussion, the two kings proceeded to the Dwarf Mango tree area, where they sat beneath the large, two-branched mango tree, shared a meal, and discussed their respective journeys back to their capitals.

Tragically, the royal cooks—Pong King’s maid cook and Meitei King’s cook Koiremba, who were husband and wife—had been secretly in love since their first meeting during the royal itinerary. Fearing that the two kings would never permit them to live together due to their statuses as servants, the couple decided to end their lives. They tied themselves together with a cloth, secured a heavy stone, and drowned in a nearby water body, fulfilling their pre-determined pact. Their tragic end reflects the personal sacrifices made amidst the political and diplomatic affairs of the time.

## Diplomatic Exchanges and the Departure of the Kings (1470 CE) 
Following the formalization of the boundary treaty between the Shan Kingdom of Pong and the Meitei Kingdom in 1470 AD, Pong King Chaopha-hum Kekhomba and Meitei King Chaopha-hom Kingyamba (Kyamba) engaged in further diplomatic exchanges characterized by mutual respect and customary gifts.

### Requests and Gifts 
King Kyamba, addressing Pong King Chaopha-hum Kekhomba as "Epu" (a term denoting respect and affection), requested the trumpet blower (Pere Khongba), a ceremonial musician from the Pong royal court. This request was granted without hesitation. In return, the Pong King requested the services of the Langte Drummer (Langte Pung Yeiba), a distinguished drummer from Sekta Village, commonly referred to as Pungyeib-O. This request was also accepted willingly.

### Farewell Wishes 
As the time of departure approached, the Pong King extended his heartfelt wishes to King Kyamba, expressing hopes for his safe return to his capital and a long, prosperous reign. He also acknowledged the strength of their friendship, hoping that it would be remembered in the years to come.

During their conversation, the Pong King reflected on their respective reigns:

King Kyamba was 27 years old at the time, with only three years on the throne.

The Pong King expressed his desire for Kyamba’s reign to be marked by prosperity and grandeur, with their shared experiences cherished as a testament to their diplomatic alliance.

### Historical Context and Departure 
The meeting between the two kings is recorded to have taken place in the year Kapchou (1470 CE), though some historians, including Pemberton, suggest the year might have been 1474, based on comparisons with Burmese and Myanma historical records.

Following their farewell, both kings returned to their respective capitals.

### Subsequent Reigns and Deaths 
Pong King Chaopha-hum Kekhomba continued his reign for an extraordinary 70 years, passing away in the year Kamou Lakli (approximately 1512–1513 CE, according to Pemberton).

Meitei King Kyamba reigned for 40 years, during which he implemented significant military campaigns and administrative reforms. He passed away in 1508 at the age of 64.

During Kyamba’s reign, many Shan people from the Kabaw Valley were integrated into Meitei society, contributing to the cultural and social fabric of the Meitei Kingdom. This era is remembered for its strong diplomatic relations, military alliances, and the enduring legacy of the friendship between the Pong and Meitei kingdoms.

## Related pages 
* Burmese–Meitei relations
* Meitei people in Myanmar
* Meitei clothing in Myanmar

## Bibliography 
* Shan (Pong) Relationship with Meitei: Mongmaorung, The Splendid Capital of The Kingdom of Pong at imphaltimes.com
* How Khagi (Yunnan) Sacked Pong (Shan) Through Guiles as per Ancient Meitei Chronicle ‘Soraren Macha Khunkumba’ at imphaltimes.com
* Shan (Pong) Relationship with Meitei: Mongmaorung, The Splendid Capital of The Kingdom of Pong at imphalreviews.in
* B. R.Pemberton- “The Eastern Frontier of India”,1835, reproduced in 1998,New Delhi
* N. Khelchandra Singh, “Ariba Manipuri Sahitya gi Itihas” (Manipuri),1969,Imphal
* Gangmumei Kamei, “History of Manipur, Vol One”, 1991,New Delhi,
* Brown, Statistical Account of Manipur” 1873, reproduced in 2001,New Delhi
* Ibungohal Singh and N.Khelchandra Singh, Cheitharol Kumbaba (Manipuri),1967,2nd edt 1989
* Oinam Bhogeshwar Singh, Ningthourol Lambuba,1967, Imphal
* L. Joychandra Singh, The Lost Kingdom, (Royal Chronicle of Manipur),1995,Imphal
* R. K. Jhalajit Singh, A Short History of Manipur, 1965, Imphal
* R. K. Sanahal Singh, A Short History of Manipur, 1989,Imphal
* W.Dun, Gazetteer of Manipur, 1886, reproduced 1992,Delhi
* N. Joykumar Singh, Emergence of Manipur as a Nation State,2015, New Delhi
* Konsam Manikchand Singh, Descent of the Scion of Sorarel on the Earth (Sorarel Machana Khulkumpa), 2014, Imphal
* Chanam Hemchandra, Ningthourol Lampupa, 2018, Imphal
* B. Kulachandra Sharma, 2000, Imphal, Manipur: “Mayamba Garibaniwaz”, 2000, Imphal

## References