Torbung hunting (Khamba Thoibi)

"Khuman Puremba capturing tigers" redirects here; not to be confused with Khuman Khamba capturing tiger.

Torbung hunting (ꯇꯣꯔꯕꯨꯡ ꯁꯥꯇꯥꯟꯕ / ꯁꯥꯗꯥꯟꯕ), or Torbung Sadanba (also spelled as Satanba, Shadanba, Shatanba), or Puremba-na Kei Phaba or Purembana Kei Faba (transl. Puremba capturing tigers), refers to an event in the Torbung region of ancient Moirang kingdom of early Manipur, described in the Moirang Kangleirol tradition of Meitei mythology and folklore. The story centers on the hero Puremba (also spelled Purenba) of the Khuman dynasty, and his encounter with nine divine tigers sent by the god Thangjing to restore cosmic balance and reward the hero.[1][2][3][4]

The Torbung hunting incident is part of the classical Meitei epic Khamba Thoibi and is also featured in its refined poetic version, Khamba Thoibi Sheireng, written by Hijam Anganghal.[1][2]

Background

The event of Torbung hunting is closely linked to the myth of Ngangkha Leima (goddess Arai Leima) and her union with Khuman Puremba.[1][2]

According to the story, Ngangkha Leima appeared in the Ngangkha Lawai region to request Puremba to take her as his wife. The king of Moirang, unaware of her divine identity, took her and kept her as his consort. To correct this injustice and restore the divine order, God Thangjing sent nine divine servants in the form of ferocious tigers to the human world. The tigers were supernatural and could not be killed by anyone except Puremba, showing the mythological theme of a chosen hero fulfilling a divine purpose.[1][2]

Main incident

The tigers caused widespread chaos among the livestock and properties of Moirang. The people appealed to the king to stop them. The king arranged a grand hunting event at Torbung, a forested grassland region, setting up a high stage with bamboo poles to observe the hunters safely. The nine tigers appeared in three waves of three tigers each. All other warriors fled in fear.[1][2]

Puremba's actions during the hunt:

  • First trio: Puremba defeated all three tigers and received rewards from the king.[1][2]
  • Second trio: The king, unable to climb the stage quickly during the attack, witnessed Puremba defeating the next three tigers and thus, rewarded him again.[1][2]
  • Third trio: Puremba defeated the final three tigers. The king had exhausted all material rewards. The only thing left of value was Ngangkha Leima, his favorite consort, who was then given to Puremba.[1][2]

Consequences

Following the Torbung hunting, Ngangkha Leima stayed with Puremba, fulfilling her divine promise.[1][2] She gave birth to a daughter named Khamnu, biologically the king's child but born and raised in Puremba's household, and later a son named Khuman Khamba, who became a central hero in the classical Meitei epic Khamba Thoibi.[1][2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Gouramani, Kabrambam (1963-02-25). Khamba Thoibi Ahanba Saruk (in Manipuri). Manipur University Library, Imphal; North Eastern States Libraries. India: Digital Library of India; Internet Archive.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Bormani, Sarangthem (2003). Moirang Shaion (in Manipuri). Manipur University Library, Imphal; North Eastern States Libraries. India: Digital Library of India; Internet Archive.
  3. ^ Tombi Singh, N.. Khamba and Thoibi: The Unscaled Height of Love. India: Chitrebirentombichand Khorjeirup, 1976.
  4. ^ Ibohal Singh, Wahengbam. The History of Manipur: An early period. India: Manipur Commercial Company, 1986.
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