Abstract
This paper centres on the identity of the legendary King Chothe Thangwai/Thangmei Pakhangpa of Manipur whom the Chothe believe and worship as the avatar or the divine-incarnation of their principal supreme god Pu Lungchungpa (the Dragon–Python god). It also attempts to throw light on the doubt and confusion surrounding with the mysterious identity of ‘Nongda Lairen Pakhangpa’, the assumed first historical king of Manipur by the Meitei. The study reveals that Chothe Thangwai Pakhangpa (CTP) and King Nongda Lairen Pakhangpa to be one and the same person. It also describes his childhood, parentage, wife and his egnimism. This assertion is substantiated with the sacred manuscript under the title, ‘CTP’ written in ancient Meitei language and Meitei (Mayek) script and also supported by other important manuscripts of Manipur like Cheitharol Khumpap Fa, Moirang Ningthourol Lambuba and so on besides the Chothe oral history. The paper calls for the review of the Manipur history as it reveals many insights in the nature of interrelationship in the past and the confusion and doubt existing between the hill and the valley people.
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