Khoiri Tonjaosu

Khoiri Tonjaosu (ꯈꯣꯏꯔꯤ ꯇꯣꯟꯖꯥꯎꯁꯨ) was a warrior from the Moirang clan of ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur). He is notably mentioned in the classical Meitei literary text Chainarol (An Account of Combats). Known for his physical strength and competitive spirit, Khoiri Tonjaosu is both celebrated and criticized for his controversial victory over the Khuman warrior Thongbu Wainucha. His victory over Thongbu Wainucha is not dismissed outright, but it serves as a literary example of the decline of honour in ritual combat. While he is acknowledged as a capable warrior, his method of securing victory has made him a symbol of deceitful conduct within a code that otherwise prized nobility and fairness.[1][2][3]

Background

Khoiri Tonjaosu lived during a time when ancient Meitei civilization valued ritual combat, personal honour, and clan pride. He hailed from ancient Moirang, one of the powerful and culturally rich principalities in ancient Kangleipak, and was reputed to be a warrior of great prowess. He is remembered in the literary record as traveling with his companion Khoiri Lamsingba, with whom he shared close camaraderie and military ambition.[1][2]

Duel at Waya Khong

In one of the notable episodes in the Chainarol, Khoiri Tonjaosu and Khoiri Lamsingba journeyed to Waya Khong, a desirable tract of land, intending to lay claim over it. There, they encountered Thongbu Wainucha and Makpiting Haomiyacha, two Khuman warriors with the same aim. A formal duel ensued, first with spears, then wrestling, with neither side able to secure a victory. The combat showed the warriors' skills, endurance, and traditional respect for combat etiquette.[1][2]

Controversial victory

As the stalemate continued, Khoiri Tonjaosu, reportedly incited by his companion, resorted to a dishonourable tactic during the wrestling match. He bit Thongbu Wainucha’s private parts, a violation of the warrior code. Thongbu, overwhelmed by pain, collapsed, allowing Tonjaosu to behead him and return to Moirang in triumph. This action, though securing victory, is widely regarded as a breach of the traditional martial ethics observed among Meitei warriors. The victory is thus portrayed as tainted by treachery, contrasting with the otherwise honourable tone of many Chainarol combats.[1][2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d –Hemchandra, Chanam (2006). Chainarol (in Manipuri). Manipur University Library. Lamyanba Publishers, Konung Mamang; Digital Library of India; Internet Archive.
    –Singh, Ningthoukongjam Khelchandra (1988). Ningthiukhongjam Khelchandra Singh Chainarol (in Manipuri). Internet Archive; Digital Library of India.
    –Chainarol: Way of the Warrior. India: Human Rights Alert, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d Singh, Ch. Manihar. A History of Manipuri Literature. India: Sahitya Akademi, 1996.
  3. ^ AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXIII, No.12 ( 17 MARCH, 1968 ). N.p.: All India Radio (AIR),New Delhi, 1968. p. 7
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.