Relevance:
The script, once patronised by Meitei rulers but which fell into disuse with the advent of Hinduism and eventually disappeared, is now enjoying a new lease of life after a decades-old movement for its revival.
About Meiteilon (Manipuri language) script:
- Epigraphic record – A stone inscription from Khoibu village which was erected on the orders of Meidingu Kiyamba (1467-1508).
- ‘Meidingu’ are kings who belong to the Ningthouja clan whose rule extends from 33 AD to 1949 AD.
- Chronology –
- 18-letter script on the coins of the 7th and 8th Century
- Expanded to 36-letter script on the advent of Hinduism in the 17th century during the reign of Meidingu Pamheiba.
About Meitei
- A dominant populationof Manipur in northeastern India.
- Religion: Vaishnavite Hindus.
- Society –
- No inter-clan marriages
- Marup system (literally means friendship association), a type of cooperative saving and credit institution.
- Language: Tibeto-Burman language
- Occupation: Rice cultivation.
With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to (2021)
a). dance forms of Northwest India
b). musical instruments
c). pre-historic cave paintings
d). tribal languages
Reference: Indian Express
