King Khagemba (Conqueror of the Chinese; 1597–1654), was a monarch from the Kingdom of Kangleipak.[1][2] He also introduced a new form of polo and new apparel styles. Under his regime he focused on a new form of Manipur and built many markets in different places like the Ema market.
During his regime many Chinese workers built bridges and walls.The present-day Kangla gate was also built by captured Chinese workers who taught the Manipuris how to make bricks.
He was called "The conqueror of the Chinese" or "Khagemba"(khage-Chinese and ngamba-win over) after defeating the Chinese at the northern border of the kingdom.
Also during his time Manipur introduced coins widely in the kingdom. Under his regime there was a migration of muslims into the kingdom and Manipur established good relationships with the Mughal Empire.[3]
Military Career
Initial Conflict With Mughals
Most of the northwestern parts of the Indian Subcontinent were already under Islamic invasion till the 15th century. In 1606 CE when the Mughals launched attacks on Manipur under the leadership of Shahjahan, Ningthou Hanba’s younger brother Prince Sanongba betrayed his Kingdom joining Mughal Army aspiring to become the new King of Manipur. Mughal Army and Sanongba were defeated and captured in Cachar. King Ningthou Hanba brought many Mughal Soldiers as Pow.[4][5][6][7]
Conflict With Chinese
In 1631 CE The Chinese Emperor Chongzhen Emperor of the Ming Dynasty Went on a trail to expand the south Eastern Borders of His Empire. After successfully capturing Myanmar he marched towards Manipur. Maharaja Ningthou Hanba defeated the Chinese Army and Emperor Chongzhen Emperor fled back to Yunnan. Ningthou Hanba brought many Chinese PoW and employed the skilled Chinese PoW in constructing bridges. The historical hump-backed arch bridge over Nambul River at Khwairam-band Bazar and the gate at the royal palace were built by the Chinese Pow. Bricks were made for the 1st time in Manipur, these Chinese bricks were small in size and were not burnt fully. The Chinese word for Brick was adopted into Manipuri language.[8][9][10][11][12][13]
Conflict with Burmese
Burmese Invasion of Manipur took place in 1649 CE which was easily bought to a halt by Khagemba's interference.[14]
Conflict with Tripuris
Khagemba had wars with the Tripuris in 1603 and 1634. In the war of 1634, his army captured 200 people of Tripura. [15]
^Chelliah, Shobhana L. (2005). "Asserting Nationhood through Personal Name Choice: The Case of the Meitei of Northeast India". Anthropological Linguistics. 47 (2): 169–216. ISSN0003-5483. JSTOR25132326.
^Thokchom, Jayanti (2011). "Migration and Settlement of the Brahmana as in Manipur". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 72: 468–475. ISSN2249-1937. JSTOR44146740.
^Devi, Khwairakpam Renuka (2011). "Representation of the Pre-Vaishnavite Culture of the Meiteis: "Cheitharol Kumpapa" of Manipur". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 72: 501–508. ISSN2249-1937. JSTOR44146744.
^[Sebastian, Rodney (2019). Cultural Fusion in a Religious Dance Drama: Building the Sacred Body in the Manipuri Rāslīlās (Thesis). University of Florida. ProQuest 2464172212.].
^[Sebastian, Rodney (2019). Cultural Fusion in a Religious Dance Drama: Building the Sacred Body in the Manipuri Rāslīlās (Thesis). University of Florida. ProQuest 2464172212.].
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