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Sino Tibetan> Tibeto-Burman>Arakan Burmese>Kuki-Chin> Manipuri /Meithei /Meitei Manipuri, popularly known as Meiteilon / Meithei is historically one of the sister languages of Kuki-Chin groups of Arakan Burmese branch of Tibeto-Burman sub-family of Sino-Tibetan family of Language. However, W. Ibohal Singh (1986) opines that old Manipuri, which was developed in 900 A.D., was a product of Pre historic Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman of 800 A.D. Medieval Manipuri, which was developed in 1200 A.D., was again a product of Indo-Aryan and Old Manipuri (1000 A.D). Modern Manipuri (1600 A.D.) is the offshoot of Tibeto-Burman Kuki-Chin group and Medieval Manipuri.
In fact, from the new research findings it is learnt that Tibeto-Burman languages began to develop from about the early Christian era and became fully characterized from about 7th Century A.D. Early Poireis (the early inhabitant of Manipur) were a group of people belonging to a bulk of new-Tibetans. However, the founder of Poirei belonged to another Himalayan tribe called Chakkha (Sakiya/Sakya) who was the ruling clan of the Sakiya kingdom of Tagaung in the Upper Irrawady valley founded by Abhi Raja, the Sakiyan king in the second century B.C. Poireiton is believed to be a descendant of Abhi Raja. The dialect of Sakiyan tribes mixed with the Tai’s, particularly with Tho and Do. Thus, the dialect of the early Poireis was basically a mixed dialect. The Sakiyan dialect seems to contain much Pali words or words that became Pali. Hence, there is a view that the Pali or the old Sanskrit word found in Old Manipuri was mainly from the Sakiyan dialect. The nucleus of Manipuri is therefore the dialect of the Poireis.
i) The birth date of Manipuri is estimated to be about 800-850 A.D. Prior to this, Manipuri was the dialect of some ancient tribes. It appears from Manipuri accounts that the mixed dialect of Chakha (Sakiya), Khu (Khu-nu), Lei (Lei-nu), Nga (Nga-nu) and Nung (Nung-ba) are the basic foundation of Manipuri. In a similar way, the dialects of different tribes like Marem, Mahui (Moirang), Nongyai, Khamba, Keirem Khunjal, Senbi Kabo, Shelloy-Langmai etc. have been mentioned occasionally. By about 950 A.D., Shelloy-Langmai and Chenglei began to mix. It further expanded its mixing with the dialects of Leihou, Mahou, who spoke a neo-Tibetan mixed with Bodo elements or Sub-Himalayan dialects, Kharoi, Ngāngoi, Hangoi etc. who spoke Tibeto-Burman of neo-Burmese origin and Heirem Khunjāl etc. who spoke a Tai dialect etc. It also felt the impact of the dialects of the tribes like Haokap, Chingsāng, Khunpham, and Ngāngcheng etc. who spoke Tibeto-Burman of neo-Burman origin.
During 1225 A.D. when Proto-Bangal, Bangals and Mayangs settled at Lamangdong, some form of modern Indian writings perhaps appeared on the Imphal valley. These scripts are considered the predecessors of Bengali and Assamese scripts which are said to have developed from about 13th century A.D. Again, W. Ibohal (1986) opines that Brahmi script was in use from about 2nd century B.C. in Moriya city and the Kabow valley. In 15th century A.D. similar type of Bengali script and Devanagari script were in use. In 1616 A.D., King Khagemba introduced a new script altogether different from those earlier scripts used by different scholars. Henceforth, uniformity in script had been maintained up to certain limitation, and many people were taught the new script and several books had been produced that year. This new script is called Meitei script. It is the researchers’ unanimous view that Meetei script is the combination of modified Brahmi scripts with indigenous components. Again, from about the latter part of the 18th century A.D. modern Bengali and Assamese scripts began to replace slowly owing to the influence of British relations and absence of foundry and printing press in Meetei script.
In the history of Manipuri texts or literature, there are two scripts being widely used at different stages. From the early period when written works had been developed, Meitei script had been used for documenting records, texts etc. Then it was replaced by Bangla-Assames scripts. The changes and development of Meitei script and the place of Bangla –Assamese in Manipuri writing is briefly explained below. a) Meetei script /Manipuri script.
It is the native script of the state and takes the model of Indian writing. The writing has Vertical stroke, Horizontal stroke and Curves, and generally hand movement starts from left to right. In the earlier period, it was developed well as a literary language. However, it suffered, as Assamese and Bangla script were adopted in and around 18th century. At present, the revivalist movement of the script gradually strikes the mind of the natives and revivalist campaigns have been in progress in the state. The stage of development of Meetei script may be highlighted as:
i) Earlier stage (9 century A.D.to 1616 A.D.): The Manipuri language was originated in the 9th century A.D. It was adopted as a written language from about the 12th century A.D.
ii) Medieval stage (from 1616 A.D to 1890 A.D.): In this stage, the shape and number of the script had been fixed up to a certain extent. All the historical events including chronicles are recorded from this stage.
iii) Modern stage (1890 to onwards): In this stage, many changes like, voiced sounds merging in Meetei script have been found. Earlier voiced sounds were not in use. Some of the specimens written using this script, starting from the early phase to the modern period, are given below:
a) Copper plate Grants issued by the kings,
b) Royal stone Edicts erected by the kings at the important places of the country,
c) Royal Chronicles like Cheitharol Kumbaba,
d) Records, documents etc. preserved in the state Achieves, under the supervision of the Amaiba Loisang (Department of priest/scholars of the king).
It is a loan from Bangla and Assamese scripts, an offshoot of Ashokan Brahmi of 3rd century B.C. From the latter part of 18th century when the modern education system started prevailing in the state, the writing of the text books and school curriculum had been done in these scripts for the convenience of the non-native teachers and to meet the requirements of printing technology. Another reason for adopting Assamese-Bangla script is the non-availability of Meitei script printing machine. From then on Assamese and Bangla totally replaced Meitei Mayek in writing texts, articles, magazines, journals and other documents and publications.
According to W. Ibohal Singh (1986) the development of Manipuri language, can be divided into three phases.
i) First phase (from 800 A.D to 1200 A.D): Manipuri continued to grow, in spite of the incoming of various dialects.
ii) Second phase (from 1200 A.D to 1400 A.D): Manipuri assumed a new dimension in this phase.
iii) Third phase (from 1400 A.D to 1600 A.D): The new language continued to grow with the absorption of some of the words or the dialects of Senbi-Kabow, a mixed dialect of Tai and Asiatic tribes.
From 1600 A.D, the root of present Meiteilon has been firmed. However, the language of the 17th century A.D. as seen today contains much obsolete words. The written accounts so far available, belonged to 17th century A.D. writings. There were not many impacts of other groups of tribes like Chakpa (arrived on 12th Century A.D.), Austric (arrived on 14th century A.D.) and Indo-Aryan (16th century A.D.). However, the early Poirei dialect was greatly influenced by other Tibeto-Burman speakers than the Aryan speakers.
From the viewpoint of phonetics and vocabulary, Manipuri literary language, which has begun from 800 A.D. onwards, may be classified into four periods:
i) Old Manipuri Period (OMP) 800 A.D. –1070 A.D., is characterized by archaic forms of language. The literature of the copper plate was found in this period. The literature found in this period was written in both verse and prose styles. The main literary work of this period was religious literature. (For details refer In Literature)
ii) The Early Medieval Manipuri Period (EMMP) 1709 A.D to 1970 A.D is characterized by the conglomeration of archaic and derived contemporary Manipuri along with other borrowed or loan words e.g., Indo-Aryan, Dravidian and Sino-Tibetan languages. In this period, there were no much literary works except few. This was the period when people were mainly engaged in warfare.
iii) The Late Medieval Manipuri period (LMMP) 1709 A.D. to 1819 A.D., is characterized by Manipuri, English and other Indo European, and Indo-Aryan languages and a bit of Dravidian languages either. In this period Bengali and Sanskrit literature waved into Manipuri literature. The literary texts of this period may again be classified into two,
(a) Literature influenced by Hindu tradition, theme and story. Some of the texts include Ram Nongaba, Birat Sathuplon, Luxmi Charit, Bidhi Nongdamba, Dhanajoy Laibu Ningba, Sana Manik etc.
(b) Purely Native theme and story: Some of them are Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba, Sanamahi Laikan, Samsok Ngamba, Takhel Ngamba, Langlon etc. The emergence of 19th century marked a change in the grammar and sound system of the language. Notable books of this time are Khagi Ngamba, Awa Ngamba, Gambhir Singh Nonggaba, Chahui Leirongpanba, Gobinda Lingkhatpa etc.
iv) The Modern Manipuri Period (MMP) 1819 A.D. till date). The literature of this period can be grouped into four groups basing upon the language used.
i) Prose/poetry written without any foreign/exotic vocabulary.
ii) Literary pieces written by using foreign, archaic and modern words.
iii) Poems written by using a language mixed with Bangla and Brajaboli.
iv) Prose/poetry written by using completely modern language.
Chronologically the period again could be classified into three stages:
v) The early stage (covers the ending years of medieval period extending upto 1813 A.D.).
vi) The middle stage (1813-1947 A.D.)
vii) The late stage (1947- til the current time)
Manipuri is the only Language among the different groups and sub-groups of Tibeto-Burman Language family in the Trans-Himalayan regions of India, which has developed as a potent and effectual instrument for the promulgation and nourishing of rich Indian Cultural heritage among the Tibeto-Burman People dwelling in the North Eastern frontier regions of India. Profound literary works of India like Mahabharata, Ramayana, a portion of Rigveda, Bhagavata Purana, Bhagavad Gita, the dramas of Bhasa and Kalidas, Kadambari of Vanabhatta Manusamhita, Gita Govinda etc. have been translated into Manipuri. Thus, Manipuri is linking with the rest of the Country. This language was included in the 8th schedule of the constitution on August 20,1992, as one of the national languages of India. As of the state, according to 2001 census report, Manipuri is spoken by approximately 23,88,634 people of which 13,61,521 are Meeteis population, 1,67,204 are Meetei Pangal (Muslim); 7,13,813 are Tribal communities and 1,46,096 are outsiders/Non-Manipuris.(Source: 2001 Census).
As an important note, this language has the following significant levels of planning;
• Manipuri is a lingua franca amongst the people of hills and plains in the state. For instance, in pursuance of section 56 of the Hill area Act.1956, the proceedings of the village authorities are kept in Manipuri.
• From the time immemorial, Manipuri has been the state language of Manipur. The Government of Manipur used this language as the medium of communication with other foreign powers like East India Company during the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Manipuri has been used as a court language in the state. Judgment of law courts are delivered and summons to the partial serve in Manipuri.
• The Government of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting recognizes Manipuri as a regional language of the state. About 70% programs of AIR&TV, Imphal are devoted to the Manipuri medium.
• Manipuri is used as a medium of instruction in schools and colleges. The University of Dibrugarh (Assam) has recognized it as a medium of instruction upto B.A. level and Kolkata has recognized Manipuri as a Modern Indian Language. The Board of Secondary Education, Delhi has recognized it for the High School Leaving Certificate Examination. Manipur University offers courses of M.A., M. Phil, and Doctoral Studies in Manipuri.
It is one of the National Languages, which has been recognized as a methodology subject for the B.T., B.Ed., and UPSC Examinations. Although, Manipuri is mainly spoken by the Manipuris as their native tongue, it is also spoken in outside the state and country. In India, it is spoken in Assam, Tripura, Uttarpradesh and West Bengal. In Burma, it is spoken in the areas of Mandalay, Bhamo, Rangoon, Mytkiana, Kalemyo, Tamu, Samjok, Kalewa, Heijang, Mangun, Mingin, Tuangji, Moklai, Tenanyung, Hemjada, Homelin, Maniwa, Sagain etc. In East Pakistan, it is spoken in the areas of Dacca and Sylhet.
At the National level, Manipuri writers are awarded with the titles of Padmasri and Sahitya Akademi.
In the beginning, say from 800 A.D. to 1890 A.D., Meetei scripts had been used by the native Manipuris of Manipur to record literary accounts. The downfall of this script, due to Bangla dominion, started from the end of 18th century. From this period, Assamese-Bangla script (Brahmi) totally replaced Meetei script and this influenced the literary mode and education system. From 1890 to 1973 A.D., the fate of the indigenous script was not in a favorable position. The wave of revivalist movement emerged later. Finally in the year 1973 A.D., Meitei Mayek Advisory committee was set up. In 1982, the Government of Manipur announced its decision to include Manipuri in the school education.
Genetically Meiteilon/Meithei or Manipuri is a member of New Tibeto-Burman language that has evolved from Proto-Tibeto Burman language and mixed with Indo Aryan language. W.Ibohal Singh (1986) opines that old Manipuri, which was developed in 900 A.D., was a product of Pre historic Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman of 800 A.D.-C-Type.
Manipuri has been gradually developed from the Proto -Tibetan. (Benedict.1972.)There is maximum number of similarities of vocabulary at the morphological level. (Haudricourt 1966:4)
Typologically, Manipuri is an agglutinative analytic language.
• Manipuri sentence pattern is SOV.
• Manipuri is a flexible language (as long as verb ends the sentence). In most of the phrases, the heads and qualifying words are interchangeable at various occurrences.
• Typical order of a VP is NP+V.
• Typical order of a NP is Adj./V+NP ~NP+Adj/V
• Manipuri is a tone language. It has two tone levels with allotones. They are level tone and falling tone. Manipuri makes use of register tone system.
• Manipuri has monomorphemic to polymorphemic structures.
• Manipuri is an agglutinating language.
Mainly Tibeto-Burman languages are spoken in East Asia (EA) and South East Asian countries (SEACs). In India, maximum numbers of Tibeto-Burman language speakers are settling down in the North Eastern fringes of India (more than 80 lgs.). Manipuri is one of them. Really speaking, Manipuri is a Northeastern Indian language in South East Asia surviving with a number of Tibeto-Burman languages like Angami, Ao, Gallong, Garo, Konyak, Lotha, Sema and Tibetan. It also borders other Non-Tibeto Burman languages like Assamese in the West and North Western region, Tibeto-Burman languages like Naga languages in the northern region, Burmese in the south and Mizo in the southwestern region.
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