Meitei Community Research Articles

Locating Indigenous Meitei feminist counterspaces in Linthoi Chanu’s Wari: the (fem)animist prefiguration of Feminist Posthumanities

ABSTRACT This article explores the animist socio-cultural fabric of the Indigenous Meitei community in Manipur, India, to locate the feminist counterspaces embedded within it through a (con)textual analysis of two short stories from the anthology Wari (2019) by the Meitei author Linthoi Chanu. In this exploration, we conceptualize a distinctive praxis of Indigenous Meitei ‘femanimism’ – intertwining Indigenous Meitei feminism with animist philosophies. Furthermore, our discussion illuminates how the Indigenous Meitei ‘femanimist’ praxis, embodying a non-dualistic and relational genderscape, prefigures the emergent Western Feminist Posthumanist theoretical discourses, particularly hydrofeminist and vital materialist concepts of fluid and entangled human embodiment. Accordingly, the present study endeavours to bridge a synergistic conversation between Indigenous Meitei ‘femanimist’ praxis and the contemporary Western theoretical currents of Feminist Posthumanities, aspiring to forge a decolonized feminist vista that transcends hierarchical binaries of gender (man/woman), humanism (human/non-human), and colonialism (the Indigenous as primitive vis-à-vis the Western as modern).

Traditional aspects of Bamboo, with special reference to the Meitei community of Manipur (India)

Traditional aspects of Bamboo, with special reference to the Meitei community of Manipur (India)

Manipur Violence- A Geo-Political Analysis

Manipur is one of the states of North -Eastern India where many cultural arts originate like polo and Manipuri dance. Today, communal violence and ethnic clashes are common and about 252 were killed during ethnic conflict May, 2023 to till now. Here, 33 communities inhabiting the valleys and hills of the state has a long history of violent and deadly clashes. The violence outbreak in Manipur due to directing the Manipur High Court to pursue a 10 years old recommendation to grant Schedule Tribe status to the non- tribal Meitei community. It is bounded by the states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram the south, Assam to the East and the boundary of Myanmar to East. The total land of the state is 22,347 sq km. It is like a football stadium with Imphal valley representing the center of the playground and the surrounding hills its galleries. The main objective has to study about the Manipur violence and also to find out the solution of the conflict. The research is mainly based on secondary data. The situation of the state is dangerous. If the state government do not control the situation, a day will come a new slogan of separate country will echo in the North Eastern India.

An analytical research on traditional attires of Meitei community of Manipur

An analytical research on traditional attires of Meitei community of Manipur

PHYSICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION: FINDINGS FROM MULTI-SITED POPULATION-BASED STUDY FROM INDIA

Objective: Studies have shown variations in the degree of association between hypertension and its risk factors in different populations. Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play roles in modulating the relationship between hypertension and its physical and biochemical risk factors/markers. The present study aims to investigate the association of hypertension with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density density lipoprotein (VLDL), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) in three tribal (Liangmai, Mizo, and Bhil) and two non-tribal (Jat and Meitei) populations of India. Design and method: The present study is an outcome of four cross-sectional studies undertaken among three tribal, Liangmai (n = 339), Mizo (n = 269) and Bhil (n = 407), and two non-tribal, Jat (n = 1447) and Meitei (n = 1142), populations of India (total sample size = 3604). Recruited participants were adults (age range 18-86 years; mean age = 47.3±11.0 years) of both sexes (55.5% females). Socio-demographic data was collected using a pretested and modified interview schedule. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and hypertension were measured using standard techniques. Hypertension was defined as per ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guidelines. Values of TC, TG, and HDL levels were obtained using commercial kits (Randox, USA) through spectrophotometry. Values of LDL, VLDL, and Apo B were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension stage-1 and stage-2 was found to be 37.9% and 34.0%, respectively. The highest prevalence of hypertension (stage-1+sage-2) was found in Meitei community and the lowest in the Bhil community. Studied physical and biochemical risk factors showed variations in the degree of association with hypertension in different populations. Of the studied risk factors, BMI and WC showed most consistent and statistically significant positive association with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Though hypertension was found to be associated with some of the lipid variables in some populations, the pattern was not consistent across populations. Conclusions: The study suggests that physical variables (BMI and WC) may be better markers of hypertension than biochemical variables.

Society of Manipur Through the Historical Paradigm

In this paper, I propose to examine the history and evolution of the society of Manipur in the past through the historical pattern. Manipuri society over the centuries has been subject to changes under which the people have had to adjust themselves to the new environment. The concept of society is dynamic. Manipuri society does not follow the classification of traditional Indian society. They follow a system of social division where the society is divided between the Meiteis, Brahmans, Pangals or the Muslims and the Lois. The early Manipuri society consisted of seven clans or yek- salais and they were merged into the Meitei community (major community). Over course of time, many people get influxes in Manipur from various corners of the world. With the coming of such people, a new period of the social history of Manipur has emerged. History also reveals to us that Manipur had relations with Burma and the rest of India as far as immigration is concerned. History credits King Ngophamba (426-518) A.D., with the organization of society and the basis of clan assignments of the newcomers. From the fifteenth century onwards, the immigrants did not lose their identity even though they became part and parcel of the Meitei society.

TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY OF MEITEI COMMUNITY AND ITS ASSOCIATED BELIEF SYSTEMS

The present paper aims to understand the textile tradition in relation to its technology and associated beliefs of the Meitei community of Manipur. Technology not only means understanding raw materials, tools/implements, and processes of the technological system, but it also incorporates the psyche of the craftsmen and cultural values. Textile carries the cultural knowledge and ideological perception embedded in the community's social, economic, and political structures. Moreover, the tangible and intangible dimensions of technology reflect the collective Meitei folklife. Meitei traditional technology shapes not only the communal identity but also holds their social norms, values, belief systems, and gender identity. An account of ethnographic study has been approached to understand the values, norms, beliefs, and worldview of the Meitei community employing various tools and methods like an interview, focus group, and observation method. Therefore, the paper tries to study textile technology to understand the community's cultural expressive behavior.

SUBIKA ART: AN EARLY VISUAL ART FORM OF MANIPUR

There are six surviving manuscripts under the category of Subika namely Subika, Subika Achouba, Subika Laishaba, Subika Choudit, Subika Cheithil, and Thengrakhel Subika. For this paper the manuscript “Subika Laishaba'' has been discussed. Illustration of Subika Laishaba is the manuscript painting among the earliest surviving visual arts forms of Manipur. Though the advent of Subika Laishaba paintings has lately acquired from various individual collections, the painting possesses an interesting area of studying its visual elements and cultural values of Meitei community. The painting of Subika Laisaba is a composition of cultural motifs made by pre-existing features and other influences stimulated from their cultural worldviews. Such cultural ethics of scriber makes them to create a unique style seen as indication of establishing a thought of school in which cultural and regional features are highlighted. Subika Laishaba manuscripts represent the direct and authentic continuation of the tradition of Meitei cultural life projected through visual images. Though there is no particular founder mentioned in the royal chronicle/history known as Cheitharol Kumbaba, there may be a possibility that the art form may have existed when the writing tradition was introduced in the state. This paper is an attempt to study its purposes and visual language portrayed in the Subika Laishaba manuscripts to understand its school in the realm of visual art. This study of visual language may be able to work without judgment and self-criticism.

Hill-Valley Conundrum over “Anti-Influx Bills” in Manipur, Northeast India

The paper examines the contentions and contestations over the anti-influx bills passed in 2015 by the legislature of India’s northeastern state of Manipur. Passed in the backdrop of the demand from the state’s valley-dwelling majority Meitei community for a legal framework to regulate influx of “outsiders”, the bills evoked hostile reception from the hill-dwelling tribal communities. This paper sees the contestations that ensued over the bills as an emanation of the enduring hill-valley divide in the state. The bills’ contents and various provisions, as explicated in the paper, bear the weighty imprint of the majoritarian impulses that seek to erode the extant institutional and legal safeguards for tribals. This unsettles the tribals who perceive the bills as a trespass in their distinctive constitutional status. The paper concludes by underlining the import of a cautious public policy making, lending agency to the tribals and a deliberative policy-making processes.

Cultural entomology and edible insect diversity in a wetland ecosystem: A case study from the Loushi pat basin, Manipur.

Since time immemorial the Meitei community in the wetland ecosystems of Manipur valleys have been harvesting and consuming the edible insects. This paper brings out the diversity of the edible insects, traditional harvesting techniques, local food culture and its sustainability in the multi-use ecosystem of Loushi Pat basin in South Manipur. A total of thirty nine insect species were identified to be belonging to nineteen families and seven orders out of which thirty one are found to be edible. The edible insects consumed and sold are non-farmed and harvested from the wetlands. Harvesting and sale of the edible insects are largely done by local landless women from the local community. Understanding entomophagy and related livelihoods of the Loushi pat basin provides insights on sustainability of local livelihoods, vulnerabilities, food culture and ecology of modified wetlands in the region.

Determinants of Birth Weight of Meitei and Meitei Pangan Communities of Manipur

Background: Apart from various Fetomaternal factors Birth Weight also varies with Ethnic Groups. Thisstudy aims to find out various Fetomaternal, socioeconomic and behavioural factor which determines theBirth Weight of Meitei and Meitei Pangan Communities of Manipur, India.Material and Methods: The present study being a retrospective study, cross sectional sample of 150 womenbelonging to Meitei community and 100 women from Meitei Pangan community were selected after fulfillingthe inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected in a pre-designed, pre-tested structured schedule.The collected data were then compiled, classified, tabulated and analysed using standard appropriatestatistical methods.Results: Meitei Pangan newborn had a lower mean Birth Weight of 2923 ±46 grams as against 3106 ±36grams and mean age of mother 25.23± 0.40 against 29.66 ± 0.50 years respectively, but higher mean Parity(2.12 vs. 1.66) and Mean Gestational age (39.3 vs. 38.8 weeks) than their counterpart . Women with noeducation or lower level of education, non working mothers and Low Birth Weight Babies were morefrequently observed with Meitei Pangan.Conclusion: Women in Meitei Pangan community had a lower mean Birth Weight and they also had ahigher mean Parity and a lower Mean Age of Mothers. Lower level of education or no education and nonworking mothers were also more frequently seen with Meitei Pangan.

Dietary adequacy and nutritional status of Meitei community of Manipur, Northeast India

Meitei is the main ethnic community that belongs to the north‐eastern state of Manipur in India. This community is bestowed with rich biodiverse resources with indigenous foods still form an integral part of their diet. However, limited data on the food and nutrient consumption as well as nutritional status of this community are available. This study was carried out on the children, adolescents and women of reproductive age (WRA) of this community from 12 villages, to determine their food consumption pattern and nutritional status. Basic anthropometry and 24‐h dietary intake assessment was conducted. The prevalence of underweight was 27%, stunting was 45% and wasting was 12% in children below 5 years. Stunting was observed among 34% of children 5–17 years of age. About 7% of WRA were undernourished, while 28% were overweight or obese. About 55% of 1–7 year‐old children had mean probability adequacy of 12 micronutrients <0.5, and the adequacy of individual micronutrients namely vitamin A, E and calcium were low. Dietary determinants such as low dietary diversity score, dietary species richness and the lowest tertiles of different food groups' intake (except for sugars, fish and sea foods and spices and condiments) predicted micronutrient inadequacy. In addition to a high prevalence of undernutrition in children and adolescents and overnutrition in WRA, the effect of various dietary determinants on micronutrient adequacy in the study group of the Meitei community are reported.

Evaluation of the genomic diversity and shared ancestry of the Meitei community of Manipur (India) with the East Asian populations using autosomal STRs

Aim To study molecular diversity and genomic heritage of the Meitei community of Manipur using 20 autosomal gene loci markers. Subjects and methods Blood samples were collected from 120 unrelated, healthy individuals of the Meitei population following ethical standards. DNA was extracted using the Phenol chloroform organic extraction method and amplified using the PowerPlex® 21 system. Genetic profiles of the individuals were generated using the Genetic Analyser 3500XL following the recommended protocol. Results The studied population showed Observed Heterozygosity (Hobs) from 0.583 (TH01) to 0.90 (D6S1043) among all the studied loci. The discrimination power and exclusion power for all the studied loci were found to be 1 and 0.9999999988, respectively, with the maximum power of discrimination being found at Penta E locus. Conclusions All the studied loci showed a high degree of matching probability and paternity index of 2.83 × 10−24 and 7.35 × 108, respectively; these are high-level statistical values and indicate that these loci might play a very important role in the application of DNA reports in the courts of justice. The studied population showed a relatively closer genetic affinity with Newar, Kathmandu, and Han Chinese populations compared with the South and West Indian populations. The outcomes of this study will enrich the STR database of the Indian population and this is the first global report on genetic diversity in the Meitei community of Manipur, India, at 20 autosomal STR genetic markers.

Evaluation of vaccination coverage of measles-rubella campaign in Imphal East District, Manipur: A cross-sectional study.

In India, the measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign was conducted with the purpose of vaccinating all children of 9 months-15 years of age with a single dose of MR vaccine. However, it encountered various challenges which may hamper with the coverage. This study was conducted to evaluate the recently conducted MR campaign in Manipur pertaining to its coverage and factors for not vaccinating. The cross-sectional study was conducted in Imphal East district of Manipur during May and June 2018 among 1551 children from two communities. The study tool was adapted from the rapid convenience monitoring tool of the WHO. Descriptive statistics were generated, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed with vaccination status as dependent with selected independent variables. Among the study children, 38% were in the age group of 5-10 years, males constituting 51.3%. Only two-third (68.8%) of the children had received the MR vaccine, coverage among Muslim children was 40.4% only, and 6.5% of the respondents reported some forms of adverse events following immunization. Children from the Meitei community were (odds ratio: 14.35, 95% confidence interval: 10.22-20.16) significantly more likely to receive the MR vaccination as compared to children belonging to the Muslim community (P = 0.001). Vaccination coverage of only 68.8% highlighted the need for increased sensitization and involvement of local and religious leaders in generating necessary awareness for improved coverage of the campaign.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene polymorphisms and complex disorders: A study among mendelian population with East Asian Ancestry

Background and Objectives: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-238G/A and -308G/A single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of the gene have been implicated in numerous diseases. The present study aims to investigate the frequency of two TNF-α polymorphisms among Mendelian population of India and to assess their association with various cardiovascular risk variables and outcomes (hypertension [HTN], metabolic syndrome [MetS], and type 2 diabetes mellitus). Materials and Methods: A total of 1142 unrelated individuals aged 35–75 years belonging to Meitei community of Manipur were included in the study. Height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, blood pressures (systolic and diastolic), and lipid profile were measured. Polymerase chain reaction was done using standard protocols. Further, HTN, MetS, diabetic, and healthy individuals were identified, and a nested case–control study design was formulated. Results: The mutant allele frequency was found to be similar (4%) for both the polymorphisms among the Meiteis of Manipur. No mutant homozygote of TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism was observed. No significant risk of the two polymorphisms was found with any of the disease groups in nested case–control analysis. However, TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism, but not TNF-α-238G/A polymorphism, was found to be associated with total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in overall population only with TG and VLDL among the HTN cases. Conclusion: The association of TNF-α-308A allele with metabolic risk factors such as TC, TG, and VLDL suggests that though it may not increase the development of any of the diseases considered in the present study, it could possibly enhance the risk of human metabolic disorder. The absence of mutant homozygote among cases is suggestive of lethality of TNF-α-308A allele in double dose coupled with other environmental factors or in the presence of haplotype pairing with TNF-α-238A allele.

The Politics of Scheduled Tribe Status in Manipur

This article critically examines the demand made by a progressively forward moving Meitei community of Manipur for Scheduled Tribe status after having been listed in the general category for the past 60 years. The calling attention motion raised by Ibohalbi in the State Assembly in February 2014 regarding this attempt to move backward raises concerns and apprehensions on the part of the ‘others’.

Detection of early small airway obstruction in male adult smokers of an ethnic community in north east India

Background: Cigarette smoking causes small airway obstruction (SAO) and is the harbinger of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the prevalence of SAO is reported to vary in different ethnic population and with amount of smoking. Respiratory symptoms are reported to be not reliable for determining early airway obstruction Objective: To find out the relationship of respiratory symptoms and amount of smoking with SAO detected by using spirometer among the smokers of an ethnic community. Materials and Methods: In all, 100 male adult current smokers of the Meitei community of Manipur in north east India performed the spirometry test. Results of forced expiratory flow rate at 25-75% (FEF 25-75%) , forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV 1 ) and percentage ratio of FEV 1 to forced vital capacity (FVC), i.e., (FEV 1 /FVC)% were used for determining SAO. A modified validated questionnaire was used for labeling respiratory symptoms of obstructive nature. Statistical analysis was done to test independence of symptom with SAO and also of amount of smoking (in pack year) with presence of SAO. Result: In all, 37% of the total study group ( n = 100) were detected as having SAO and 49% of the total as having one or more respiratory symptoms. In all, 29.2% of the smokers who smoked less than 3 pack years ( n = 65) were detected having SAO, whereas 51.4 % were observed among those smoking more than 10 pack years ( n = 35). SAO varies directly with pack year significantly ( P P > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that SAO is common among smokers of the Meitei community. It also supports others' studies, done obviously in different ethnic community, in which development of SAO directly varies with amount of tobacco smoking. Respiratory symptoms would not be reliable in the detection of SAO in this ethnic group also.

Ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plant, Justicia adhatoda L. by Meitei community of Manipur, India

Objective: To investigate traditional uses of medicinal plant Justicia adhatoda L. by Meitei community in Manipur. Methods: Surveys were carried out in four districts in Central Valley of Manipur viz., Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal between 2008-2013 to collect information on the ethnobotanical uses of the species. Local people and Maiba/maibis (men/women healers) in the study areas were interviewed and preparation techniques of medicine and cuisines from the plant parts were demonstrated and photographed. Result s: It was found that Meitei community in the study area extensively used Justicia adhatoda L. as ethno-medicine as well as food. Young and mature green leaves were used as traditional medicine in different ways to cure many ailments like cough, fever, asthma and dysentery. The ethnic community used inflorescences and leaves of the plant to prepare different cuisines for good digestion and health. Conclusions: Documentation of detailed ethnobotanical uses of individual plant species is need of the hour and it will help in understanding the in-depth knowledge about the role of species in the society.

Study of some Medicinal plants used in Women Health-Care Practices by Meitei Community of Manipur

In the present Investigation an attempt has been made to study the women health care practices of Meitei Community of Manipur. A detailed survey was conducted at different sites of all the districts of Manipur State. A total of 36 medicinal plants belonging to 26 families are recorded which are used in different healthcare practices. In the present investigation some of the common diseases were found to be irregular menstruation, abortion, postnatal complicacies, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, lactation etc. In the present work information including medicinal uses, preparation, composition, doses etc. were recorded. It was also reported that due urbanization and semi modernization people their traditional knowledge and culture will be lost forever. Therefore, it urgently needs to document of their indigenous knowledge for the welfare of humankind at large. Phytochemical and Pharmacognistic study of less known ethno-medicinal plants will help to discover new drugs for the benefit of mankind at large.

Traditional uses of herbal vapour therapy in Manipur, North East India: An ethnobotanical survey

Ethnopharmacological relevanceVapour-based medicines are an aspect of traditional medicine in North East India. However, no collective studies on this therapy in the region have been attempted. With the changing perception of traditional knowledge, documenting these herbal preparations and the subsequent development of baseline data for applications in further ethnopharmacological research are needed. Aims of the studyTo survey and document the plant species associated with vapour therapy in Manipur, North East India, and to evaluate these traditional practices. Materials and methodsSemi-structured questionnaires were used to collect information from the Meitei community in the Imphal valley and the Jiribam area in Manipur. Traditional disease concepts were studied along with their corresponding medical terminologies. Plant samples collected from fields, healers' private collections and home gardens were identified. Evaluation of the ethnobotanical data was performed with a modified fidelity level index. ResultsIn the study, 41 traditional disease complexes were treated by 13 different routes of administration using 48 mono-ingredient and 17 multi-ingredient compositions. Preparation methods included boiling in water (28%), burning the materials (48%), crushing the materials to release the aroma (21%) and slight heating of the materials (3%). Some of the mono-ingredient recipes reported in the study were observed to have similar uses in other parts of the world, whereas polyherbal remedies were found to be unique without any similar report. ConclusionMany compositions mentioned in the paper are still used by the Meitei community. Traditional healers follow their own criteria for selecting medicinal plants. Plants recorded in this ethnobotanical study can suggest methods for selecting and identifying potentially effective plants for future drug candidates. Scientific characterisation of the herbal remedies can contribute to the endorsement of traditional vapour-based therapies in the modern health care systems. Findings from these “new usage” reports of plants and unique combinations of polyherbal compositions indicate the importance of such documentation efforts.