Puyas are a must in search for our history and culture: Dr K Sushila
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 13, 2012:
The Puyas and the old documents are much needed in the search for our history and culture, stated Dr K Sushila, Deputy Director, Manipur State Archives.
Speaking at the opening function of the Drama show and book releasing function of �Kangla Fambalda Thambal� at Thambalkhong Jr High School, which was organised by the Hoong Sidaba Dramatic Union and ICOP, MNF Kangleipak as a part of the Puya Mei Thaba Observation, Dr K Sushila said that the burning of Puyas was also witnessed in developed countries like China.
In China the burning of Puyas took place to destroy all the records of a Dynasty by the newly evolved Dynasty.
Even though the Puyas were all burnt down in China also, the Imperial Record Department kept a copy of all those Puyas in a safe place.
That is why the history of the Chinese and their culture is can be easily traced.
But in Manipur there were no extra copies of the burnt down Puyas which were kept safely by any persons or groups concern.
As such there are problems while writing the history of Manipur.
So in order to fill this gap the scholars and resource persons needs to investigate more deeply the Puyas and old documents of Manipur.
Social Activist Mangang Chanu Chingkgheinganbi pointed out that it is only through Puyas that we are able to claim ourselves that we were once independent.
We are still able to bring out some of the hidden Puyas which the then King and his followers failed to burn.
But these are still not enough in trying to search for our own history, culture and traditions.
We need to try more and go deep into the search for the Puyas.
Chingsubam Wangambi Leuima, President, MNF, Kangleipak and Ningombam Ibohal Meetei, Advisor, Hoong Sidaba Dramatic Union were also present as presidium members.