Meitei traditional toys

Toys or **playthings** () are the objects for children to play with. These maybe typically models or miniature replicas of something. These play crucial roles in Meitei traditional games as well as different elements of Meitei culture, including but not limited to Meitei dances, Meitei festivals, Meitei folklore, Meitei folktales, Meitei history, Meitei literature, Meitei mythology, Meitei proverbs, traditional Meitei religion (Sanamahism), etc.

## Types 
### Kang 
Kang () is a round or spherical object, made of ivory or lac, flat and oblong in shape, used as a plaything in the eponymous Meitei traditional game of Kang, played on the floor of an indoor place, setting goals, hit by kang playthings. used in the Meitei traditional game of Sagol Kangjei (Meitei polo) as well as Khong Kangjei (Meitei hockey). It is usually made of seasoned bamboo and is hit with a Kangjei (mallet / polo stick / hockey stick) while riding on horses or running by feet. The goal of the game is to hit the kangdrum ball into the other team’s goal using the Kangjei mallet. are traditionally used as playthings. In the eponymous game, a player places a Kaangkhin seed on the dorsal side of their foot and lifts that leg while jumping with the other leg to reach a destination. The player must not let the seed fall off her foot. At the destination, there are other Kaangkhin seeds already placed, and the goal is to hit those seeds by using their foot to throw her own Kaangkhin seed, without using their hands.]]

Children play with khung or khoong tops () are primarily used as toys but also used as an important part of rituals of traditional Meitei religion. They are treated as if they are living spirits, with own feelings, referring to them as ‘Ita’ (), which means ‘a female companion’.

Popular laiphadibi dolls are made based on characters like Khamba and Thoibi, the famous lovers from Meitei stories, Sandrembi and Chaisra, the good and evil sisters from Meitei folktales, and Radha and Krishna, the eternal lovers from the raslila in Hinduism. There are also laiphadibi dolls representing different ethnic groups of Manipur, brides and grooms, goddesses, fishing women, and even Disney princesses like Cinderella.

### Phipul (Phibul) 
Phipul or Phipun (), or Phibul or Phibun (), the plaything of the Meitei traditional game of Phipul Haapi (), or Phibul Haabi (), is a large ball made from a pile of clothes, with one player throwing and another catching it. In the game, one player acts as a horse while another becomes the rider, sitting on the horse’s back. Teams are formed, and the players create a large circle facing inward. They pass  There are six horses and six riders, forming six pairs. The roles of horse and rider are swapped regularly. Team members cheer and encourage each other throughout the game. Unfortunately, this game is now nearly extinct and is no longer widely played.]]

Children fly Telanga kites () by holding the string and running to generate wind lift, allowing the Telanga to ascend into the air.) as a ball in the Meitei traditional game of Yubi Laakpi (), literally meaning "coconut snatching". The coconut is hard to hold because it is smooth and oily, making the game more difficult. Players try to pass, carry it, but it often slips or bounces in unexpected ways, making the game more fun and challenging. This is common in rural areas or during festivals.

### Story of Ita Laiphadibee 
There is a popular Meitei story called "Ita Laiphadibee" about a young girl who was very close to her laiphadibi (doll). When she grew up and had to marry, both she and her laiphadibi felt sad. As a gift for her love, the laiphadibi gave her the ability to understand animals' language. On her wedding night, the girl heard a fox talking about a dead man with a magic ring that would bring good luck. She went to find the body, not knowing her husband was following her. After struggling, she managed to get the ring off, but her husband thought she was a witch and reported her to the king. At court, the king asked what a crow was saying, and the girl replied that there was treasure under the tree, which was true. The king married her, made her queen, and the kingdom became prosperous. The story teaches that laiphadibis care for their human friends and can bring good fortune if treated well.
* Ita Laiphadibi (My Dear Doll): A Manipuri Folk Tale, a book
* Ema Laiphadibi (2010), a Meitei language movie

## Related pages 
* Women in Meitei civilization
* Meitei martial arts
* Meitei traditional weapons
* Lai Haraoba
* Meitei astronomy

## References