Mayang (term)

This article is about a derogatory term used to denote non-Meiteis in Manipur. For the Chinese county in Hunan Province, see Mayang Miao Autonomous County. For the Manipuri ethnic group of Indo-Aryan descent, see Bishnupriya Manipuri.

Mayang is a term used by Manipuri in Manipur to refer to non-Manipuri Indians, especially Hindustani speakers and Bengali people.[1][2] Historically the term denoted Bishnupriya Manipuris and Bengalis,[3] who are considered by Meiteis to be outsiders. The term later casually denoted 'foreigner' during the militancy in Manipur, which encompassed Indians from outside the state.[4] Indians in general and Bengalis in particular became the targets of attacks. According to journalist Kishalay Bhattacharjee, the term is synonymous to Dkhar in Meghalaya.[5]

Usage

The term is used for people who are not from Manipuri and means foreigner in Manipuri dialect.

Kwak Mayang

The Corvus splendens or Indian crow is known as Mayang Kwak in Meitei. The Meiteis maintain that the Indian crow is not native to Manipur. As it arrived from the west, it is known as Mayang Kwak, literally meaning 'foreign crow' or 'western crow'. Australian dancer Louise Lightfoot recorded in her memoir a popular game among the Meitei children called 'Kwak Mayang'.

Mayang Hallo

Militants raised the violent war cry, 'Mayang Hallo!', literally meaning 'Foreigners go back!'[6] The influx of people from elsewhere in India was perceived to be a threat to the indigenous population.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ Sen, Sipra (1992). Tribes and Castes of Manipur: Description and Select Bibliography. New Delhi: Mittal Publications. p. 69. ISBN 9788170993100. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  2. ^ Gluhovic, Milija; Menon, Jisha (14 September 2017). Performing the Secular: Religion, Representation, and Politics. Springer. p. 211. ISBN 9781137496089. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  3. ^ Sanajaoba, Naorem, ed. (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization, Volume 4. New Delhi: Mittal Publications. p. 152. ISBN 9788170998532. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  4. ^ Bhanjdeo, Akshita Manjari (2015). India and Its Northeast Exception: From Frontier to Forefront (Senior Project). Bard College. p. 29. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  5. ^ Bhattacharjee, Kishalay (11 April 2013). Che in Paona Bazar. New Delhi: Pan Macmillan. ISBN 9781447247418. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  6. ^ Bhattacharjee, Shubho Shekhar (2 July 2018). "Born to Unbelong in India and That's the Way I Like It". The Quint. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  7. ^ "Influx affecting demography of Manipur 20120305".
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