Classicism in Meitei culture

What links here Related changes Page information
Created by SonOfZeus
Last edited February 11, 2024

About: the overview of the classical cultural heritage of Meitei civilization

its national level recognition in India

Template:Contains special characters

Template:Infobox literary genre

The cultural heritages of Meitei civilization has classicism in diverse traditions of cinemas, dances, language, literature, music, theatre, etc.

In dances Template:Anchor

The steps, gaits and poses of using Template:Langnf and Template:Langnf in the traditional Meitei dance-cum-martial art form of Thang-Ta form the basic foundation of the classical choreographic steps of Lai Haraoba, Manipuri Raas Leela, Meitei Sankirtana and Pung Cholom.[1]

The Manipuri classical dance, also known as the Manipuri Raas Leela (Template:Lang-mni[2][3][4]), is a jagoi and is one of the major Indian classical dance drama forms, originating from Template:Langnf.[5] Formally developed by Meitei Hindu King Template:Langnf of Manipur Kingdom in the 18th century CE,[6][7][8] the Manipuri classical dance form, which is considered to be the highest spiritual expression of the worship of Hindu deity Krishna,[9] spreads across the Indian subcontinent in subsequent centuries.[10] Owing to its huge influences on the diverse cultural heritages across India, it is recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India as one of the few primary classical dance forms of the Republic of India,[11] and is honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Manipuri every year.[12]

Pung Cholom and Meitei Nata Sankirtana are the other classical dance forms, which are also related to the Manipuri Raas Leela.[13]

The ritualistic and theatrical dances of the Lai Haraoba, in general and one of its primary forms, the Template:Langnf in particular, are also considered to be classical dances.[14] Notably, Lai Haraoba's Template:Langnf is one of the cultural elements, giving inspirations to the development of the Manipuri Raas Leela classical dance drama form.[15]

In music Template:Anchor

Nat (a shortened form of Meitei Nat Sankirtan)[16] is a classical form of music of Manipur. It is a product of the Sanskritisation of traditional Meitei culture with Hindu culture by the Brahmanas, having 6 ragas and 36 raginis.[17]

Contrasting to the other forms of Indian classical music, which are performed by sitting, in the Meitei Nata-Sankirtana, artists perform musical instruments as well as sing songs, simultaneously performing the delicate movements of the body and hands, based on the form of Template:Langnf, aligning to different footsteps, based on the Template:Langnf.[18]

In language and literature Template:Anchor

Template:Further Template:Quote box

Meitei language (Template:Lang-mni), also known as Manipuri language (Template:Lang-mni), is a classical language of Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan linguistic family, having a literary tradition of not less than 2000 years.[19] Some of the early literary works include the Ougri (c. 1st century CE musical composition),[20] the Numit Kappa (c. 1st century CE narrative work),[21] the Poireiton Khunthok (c. 3rd century CE narrative work),[22] the Khencho (pre-7th century CE musical composition),[23] 6th-7th century CE copper plate inscriptions of king Khongtekcha,[24] the Panthoibi Khonggul (c. 8th century CE narrative work),[25] the Loiyumpa Silyel (c. 11th-12th century CE written Constitution, drafted in 429 CE), etc.[26] Besides, Meitei language is best known for its classical association with the Manipuri classical dance and other intangible cultural heritages of Meitei civilization.[27]

Template:Langnf, the third longest Indian epic poem, next to the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, is a classical Meitei epic poem,[28] having 39,000 lines, and is regarded as the national epic of the Manipuris.[29] The Meitei classic tale of Khamba and Thoibi became an Assamese classic as well, after being translated into Assamese language as "Khamba Thoibir Sadhukatha", by Assamese author and anthropologist Rajanikanta Bordoloi (1869-1939).[30][31]

Besides the Khamba Thoibi, other notable ancient Meitei narrative literary works which are considered to be classics, include the Nungpan Ponpi Luwaopa, the Chainarol and the story of Petanga.[32]

The tales of Meitei folklore, which are considered to be classical in heights, include the stories of Sandrembi and Cheisra,[33] Emoinu (Imoinu),[34] Hanuba Hanubi Paan Thaaba, Pebet and Hoidong Lamboiba, Thabaton and Keibu Keioiba, Lai Khutshangbi, Uchek Langmeidong, Eeta Thangmei and Tapta.[35]

Since ancient times, it was continuously used to be the sole "court language" of the Durbar (court) as well as all the other courts in the Kingdom of Manipur,[36] later even officially declared as such in the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947, before Manipur became a territory of the Republic of India.[37]

Owing to its huge literary heritage of ancient and medieval eras written in traditional Meitei script,[38] it was recognised by the Sahitya Akademi of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India as one of the major advanced languages of India in 1972, and since then, it was honoured annually with the Sahitya Akademi Award for Meitei, the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize for Meitei, the Yuva Puraskar for Meitei and the Bal Sahitya Puraskar Award for Meitei.[39] Later, it was again recognised by the Government of India as an official scheduled language, enlisted in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India in 1992.[40] Since 2013,[41] Meitei classical language movement for the official recognition of Meitei as a "classical language" is carried out widespreadly, in Manipur, Assam and Tripura, endorsed by the Government of Manipur, several civil society organizations and various language experts.[42]

In cinemas and theatres Template:Anchor

World Classic

Template:Langnf, a 1990 Indian Meitei language film, was screened in the Un Certain Regard section in the 1991 Cannes Film Festival,[43] and again after a gap of 33 years, it was recognized as a "World Classic" in the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Notably, it was the only film selected from India for the event in that year.[44][45][46]

Meitei adaptations of classical Greco-Roman plays Template:Anchor

Template:Further Numerous theatrical plays based on Antigone, a princess from ancient Greek mythology, was and is frequently produced in Meitei language in its own adaptation,[47][48][49] in Imphal.[50] Malemnganbi is a Meitei adaptation of Sophocles' ancient Greek tragedy play named Antigone, rescripted by Makhonmani Mongsaba and directed by Chanam Nillabira Meitei.[51] In 1985–86, Lengshonnei, a play based on Antigone, adapted into Meitei language, by Ratan Thiyam, was performed in Imphal.[52][53] Some sources say that he adapted from Antigone (Sophocles play)[54][55] while some others assert that it was from Antigone (Brecht play).[56][57][58]

Hojang Taret is a classical Meitei language play based on Euripides's ancient Greek tragedy named "The Phoenician Women".[59] Directed by Oasis Sougaijam and produced by The Umbilical Theatre in Imphal,[60][61][62] the play shows the moral uncertainty of the royal sibling rivalry that led to the destruction of the ancient city of Thebes, Greece.[63][64][65]

Bacchae (Thiyam play) is a classical Meitei language play, based on the eponymous ancient Greek tragedy, authored by Euripides (480-406 BCE), one of the 3 tragedians of classical Athens. Directed by Thawai Thiyam, the Meitei play shows the story of king Pentheus of Thebes and Olympian god Dionysus.[66][67]

Meitei adaptations of classical Sanskrit plays

Classical Sanskrit plays such as Urubhangam (originally authored by Bhasa in 2nd-3rd century CE) was reproduced into its Meitei version by Ratan Thiyam, shown in Imphal,[68][69] Panaji,[70] Edinburgh,[71] as well as in Athens.[72] Its another Meitei version was directed by Uttamkumar Naorem, shown in Kakching.[73]

Others include Shakuntala (based on Kalidas' Abhigyanam Shakuntalam), directed by Kshetri Jugindro, shown in the Jawaharlal Nehru Dance Academy in Imphal.[74] Bhagwatajjukiyam (based on Bodhayana's Bhagavadajjukam) was produced in a Meitei version, directed by Kshetri Jugindro, under the "Manipuri Ensemble", notably staged in the 2023 Bharat Rang Mahotsav.[75][76]

See also

Notes

Template:Notelist

References

  1. ↑ Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Taylor & Francis(2017-11-13). ISBN 978-1-351-27134-9
  2. ↑ Indian Performing Arts: A Mosaic{{#if:Banerjee|, Banerjee}. Harman Publishing House(2006). ISBN 978-81-86622-75-9
  3. ↑ Sruti{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. P.N. Sundaresan(2006)
  4. ↑ Knowledge Trek 7, 2/E{{#if:Derek|, Derek}. Pearson Education India(2006). ISBN 978-81-7758-055-6
  5. ↑ 6 Classical Dances of India | Britannica. www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  6. ↑ The Cultural Heritage of Manipur{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Routledge(2020-11-25). ISBN 978-1-000-29629-7
  7. ↑ Culture India{{#if:Kulasrestha|, Kulasrestha}. Lotus Press(2006). ISBN 978-81-8382-013-4
  8. ↑ A beautiful life: Value education & life skills{{#if:Balasubramanian|, Balasubramanian}. Pearson Education India. ISBN 978-81-317-6644-6
  9. ↑ The Celestial Dancers: Manipuri Dance on Australian Stage{{#if:Sarwal|, Sarwal}. Routledge(2022-05-15). ISBN 978-1-000-62550-9
  10. ↑ Manipuri | History, Characteristics, & Facts | Britannica. www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  11. ↑ Dance | Ministry of Culture, Government of India. www.indiaculture.gov.in. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  12. ↑ Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar (Akademi Awards). Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2012-02-16.
  13. ↑ Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Taylor & Francis(2017-11-13). ISBN 978-1-351-27134-9
  14. ↑ —Pathway Volume 41{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}(1988)
    —Dances of Manipur: The Classical Tradition{{#if:Doshi|, Doshi}. Marg Publications(1989). ISBN 978-81-85026-09-1
    —DM Silveira's India Book{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Classic Publishers(1994). ISBN 978-81-900218-2-1
    —Mãrg{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}
    —Three Cheers – KanglaOnline, Khuraijam, Bobo(2011-03-13). Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  15. ↑ Dances Of India{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Har-Anand Publications Pvt. Limited(2010). ISBN 978-81-241-1337-0
  16. ↑ Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization{{#if:Sanajaoba|, Sanajaoba}. Mittal Publications(1988). ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2
  17. ↑ Historical Researches Into Some Aspects of the Culture and Civilization of North-East India{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. GPH(2009). ISBN 978-81-212-1012-6
  18. ↑ Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Taylor & Francis(2017-11-13). ISBN 978-1-351-27134-9
  19. ↑ —'Manipur language which belongs to Tibeto-Burma has touched the criteria of a classical language'(2018-02-21).
    —Manipuri is a classical language.
  20. ↑ —Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections{{#if:Ayyappappanikkar|, Ayyappappanikkar}. Sahitya Akademi(1997). ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5
    —History Of Old Manipuri Literature{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Digital Library of India; Internet Archive
    —A History of Manipuri Literature{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Sahitya Akademi(1996). ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9
    —Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections{{#if:Ayyappappanikkar|, Ayyappappanikkar}. Sahitya Akademi(1997). ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5
  21. ↑ —The Routledge Companion to Northeast India{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Taylor & Francis(2022-09-30). ISBN 978-1-000-63699-4
    —Shooting the Sun: A Study of Death and Protest in Manipur. Economic and Political Weekly({Template:Date).
    —History Of Old Manipuri Literature{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Digital Library of India; Internet Archive
    —Shooting the Sun: A Study of Death and Protest in Manipur. Economic and Political Weekly({Template:Date).
  22. ↑ —History Of Old Manipuri Literature{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Digital Library of India
    —The Cultural Heritage of India: Languages and literatures{{#if:Bhaṭṭācāryya|, Bhaṭṭācāryya}. Ramakrishna Mission, Institute of Culture(1953)
  23. ↑ —History Of Old Manipuri Literature{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Digital Library of India; Internet Archive
    —Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections{{#if:Ayyappappanikkar|, Ayyappappanikkar}. Sahitya Akademi(1997). ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5
    —A History of Manipuri Literature{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Sahitya Akademi(1996). ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9
  24. ↑ —মণিপুরি ভাষা ও লিপি – এল বীরমঙ্গল সিংহ | আপনপাঠ ওয়েবজিন(16 September 2021).
    —Glimpses of Manipuri Culture{{#if:Devi|, Devi}. LP(16 June 2019). ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7
    —Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections (Assamese-Dogri){{#if:Paniker|, Paniker}. Sahitya Akademi(1997). ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5
    —Tribes and Castes of Manipur: Description and Select Bibliography{{#if:Sen|, Sen}. Mittal Publications(1992). ISBN 978-81-7099-310-0
  25. ↑ —Glimpses of Manipuri Culture{{#if:Devi|, Devi}. LP. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7
    —A Dictionary of Indian Literature: Beginnings-1850{{#if:Mukherjee|, Mukherjee}. Orient Blackswan(1998). ISBN 978-81-250-1453-9
    —The relationship between Thang-Ta & Meitei Pung maintained by our Ancient .... ccrtindia.gov.in. Centre for Cultural Resources and Training.
  26. ↑ —Manipur: Treatise & Documents{{#if:Sanajaoba|, Sanajaoba}. Mittal Publications(1993). ISBN 978-81-7099-399-5
    —History Of Old Manipuri Literature{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Digital Library of India; Internet Archive
    —Law and Society: Strategy for Public Choice, 2001{{#if:Sanajaoba|, Sanajaoba}. Mittal Publications(1991). ISBN 978-81-7099-271-4
  27. ↑ Traversing Tradition: Celebrating Dance in India{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Routledge, Taylor & Francis(2012). ISBN 978-1-136-70378-2
  28. ↑ —The great Meitei Reconciliation Process: Revisiting the classical folklore on "Emoinu Chakhong Ngahongbi" by Late Shri Ningomabam Angouton Meetei – KanglaOnline, KanglaOnline(2011-04-04). Retrieved 2023-11-12.
    —AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXIII, No. 12 ( 17 MARCH, 1968 ){{#if:Delhi|, Delhi}. All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi(1968-03-17)
    —The Penguin Book of Classical Indian Love Stories and Lyrics{{#if:Bond|, Bond}. Penguin UK(2000-10-14). ISBN 978-93-5118-814-8
  29. ↑ —Modern Indian Literature, an Anthology: Surveys and poems{{#if:George|, George}. Sahitya Akademi(1992). ISBN 978-81-7201-324-0
    —Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: Devraj to Jyoti{{#if:Datta|, Datta}. Sahitya Akademi(1988). ISBN 978-81-260-1194-0
    —A History of Indian Literature: 1911-1956, struggle for freedom : triumph and tragedy{{#if:Das|, Das}. Sahitya Akademi(2005). ISBN 978-81-7201-798-9
  30. ↑ Dictionary of Languages: The definitive reference to more than 400 languages{{#if:Dalby|, Dalby}. Bloomsbury Publishing(2015-10-28). ISBN 978-1-4081-0214-5
  31. ↑ Rajani Kanta Bardoloi{{#if:Bardoloi Nirmalprabhya|, Bardoloi Nirmalprabhya}. Sahitya Akademi(1995)
  32. ↑ AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXIII, No. 12 ( 17 MARCH, 1968 ){{#if:Delhi|, Delhi}. All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi(1968-03-17)
  33. ↑ Manipur FASHION Extravaganza – KanglaOnline, KanglaOnline(2013-01-07). Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  34. ↑ The great Meitei Reconciliation Process: Revisiting the classical folklore on "Emoinu Chakhong Ngahongbi" by Late Shri Ningomabam Angouton Meetei – KanglaOnline, KanglaOnline(2011-04-04). Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  35. ↑ The Cultural Heritage of Manipur{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Routledge(2020-11-25). ISBN 978-1-000-29629-7
  36. ↑ —Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization{{#if:Sanajaoba|, Sanajaoba}. Mittal Publications(1988). ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2
    —Encyclopaedia of Scheduled Tribes in India: In Five Volume{{#if:Mohanty|, Mohanty}. Gyan Publishing House(2006). ISBN 978-81-8205-052-5
  37. ↑ —Political Development in Manipur, 1919-1949{{#if:Chishti|, Chishti}. Gyan Publishing House(2005). ISBN 978-81-7835-424-8
    —Documents on North-East India: Manipur{{#if:Sharma|, Sharma}. Mittal Publications(2006). ISBN 978-81-8324-092-5
    —Bleeding Manipur{{#if:Tarapot|, Tarapot}. Har-Anand Publications(2003). ISBN 978-81-241-0902-1
    —Manipur: Treatise & Documents{{#if:Sanajaoba|, Sanajaoba}. Mittal Publications(1993). ISBN 978-81-7099-399-5
    —Manipur: Treatise & Documents{{#if:Sanajaoba|, Sanajaoba}. Mittal Publications(1993). ISBN 978-81-7099-399-5
  38. ↑ Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization{{#if:Sanajaoba|, Sanajaoba}. Mittal Publications(1988). ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2
  39. ↑ —Loanwords in Manipuri and their impact. sealang.net.
    —Dr Thokchom Ibohanbi - first Manipuri writer to get Akademi award : 24th feb22 ~ E-Pao! Headlines. e-pao.net.
  40. ↑ —The Constitution (Seventy-first Amendment) Act, 1992| National Portal of India. www.india.gov.in.
    —Manipuri language in 8th Schedule By Jeet Akoijam.
    —Languages Included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution | Department of Official Language | Ministry of Home Affairs | GoI. rajbhasha.gov.in.
  41. ↑ Manipur steps up to renew push for inclusion of Manipuri among India's classical languages. Imphal Free Press.
  42. ↑ —Classic language status for Manipuri demanded. Business Standard India(2016-08-20).
    —Classic language status for Manipuri demanded. MorungExpress.
  43. ↑ Festival de Cannes: The Chosen One.
  44. ↑ Manipuri feature film 'ISHANOU' recognised as World Classic. The Economic Times(2023-05-06).
  45. ↑ Aribam Syam Sharma's ISHANOU recognised as World Classic. Imphal Free Press.
  46. ↑ Manipuri Film 'Ishanou' Becomes India's Only Restored Film To Be Screened At Cannes 2023. Outlook India.
  47. ↑ The Fight for Regional Autonomy through Regional Culture: Antigone in Manipur, North-East India. academic.oup.com. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  48. ↑ Chapter 7: Classics, Cultural Politics, and the Role of Antigone in Manipur, North-East India. Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies({Template:Date).
  49. ↑ India, Greece, and Rome, 1757 to 2007. Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies. Supplement({Template:Date).
  50. ↑ Antigone on the Contemporary World Stage{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Oxford University Press(2011-06-16). ISBN 978-0-19-161811-6
  51. ↑ MALEMNGANBI – 20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2019. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  52. ↑ Appendix | Antigone on the Contemporary World Stage. academic.oup.com. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  53. ↑ The Fight for Regional Autonomy through Regional Culture: Antigone in Manipur, North-East India. academic.oup.com. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  54. ↑ Ratan Thiyam to highlight social issues : 01st may11. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  55. ↑ India needs more regional schools of theatre: NSD chairperson Ratan Thiyam, PUBLIC. The Shillong Times(2013-12-22). Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  56. ↑ Ratan Thiyam is new NSD chair.
  57. ↑ 'In India, many talented actors have no place to go'. www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  58. ↑ Ratan Thiyam is new NSD chair(2013-08-20). Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  59. ↑ At This Stage | 2018: Looking back. The Indian Express(2018-12-25).
  60. ↑ Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards. Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards.
  61. ↑ WHAT TO EXPECT FROM 10 META PLAYS? - Art Culture Festival(2018-03-21).
  62. ↑ Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards. Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards.
  63. ↑ Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards. Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards.
  64. ↑ WHAT TO EXPECT FROM 10 META PLAYS? - Art Culture Festival(2018-03-21).
  65. ↑ Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards. Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards.
  66. ↑ Discover the richness of northeast at NSD. Hindustan Times(2015-08-25).
  67. ↑ Bacchae to open NE Play Festival, williamgurumayum. Imphal Times(2015-08-24).
  68. ↑ Revisiting Ratan Thiyam's Urubhangam - Footloose and fancy free with Dr.Sunil Kothari. narthaki.com. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  69. ↑ Urubhangam – Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities. rupkatha.com. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  70. ↑ 'Shastriya Natya Mahotsav'—a bouquet of classic Indian plays(2017-03-24). Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  71. ↑ The journey to centrestage, DHNS. Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  72. ↑ How Ratan Thiyam brought Manipur onto the global stage. The Indian Express(2020-03-01). Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  73. ↑ 'Urubhangam' staged. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  74. ↑ Shakuntala's saga, in the colours of Manipur - Kalidas epic on imphal stage. www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  75. ↑ BHAGWATAJJUKIYAM – 22nd Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2023. Bharat Rang Mahotsav. National School of Drama, Ministry of Culture (India). Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  76. ↑ Intriguing plays staged on the fourth day of Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2023. The Times of India(2023-02-20). Retrieved 2023-12-21.
Retrieved from "https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Classicism_in_Meitei_culture&oldid=443633"
Discover more