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Dear E-pao,
I highly appreciate the article "The people of Manipur" written
by Dr. Pukkhrambam Lalit Singh paged in your esteem web site
the "E-Pao" and Mr. K. Zhou's opinion to the article as well.
Respected Mr. K. Zhou stated that "The word "HAO" is derived
from one of the name of the Suhte King called Mr. Kamhao Suhte,
who raised up just after King Chandrakirti became the king of
Manipur in 1850-51. He became the most formidable enemy of the
Manipur King. He even captures Meiteis Lanmis and the king as
verbally recorded. His fierce and roughness spread all over the
kingdom of kangleipak Manipur and even his name "Hao" become
a word used by the plain people to frightened their children.
Even the Meitei itihas recorded him as "AKAMHAO LAL". Later on
he was killed by the Kukis as desired by the Manipur King. (For
reference the Sumkon News dated 19/08/1994)".
King Charairongba (1697-1714) was the next successor of king
Paikhomba (1666-1697). He consolidated the relation between hill
and plain people. He constructed "HAO-MACHA LOISANG" (Guest-Houses)
for the hill people at Kangla (the Capital of Kangleipak). King
Charairongba was father of King Pamheiba (Garibniwaz).
Here, what I would like to point out, the word 'HAO' was used
by meeteis during the reign of Charairongba period (1697-1714).
As per Mr. K. Zhou's letter (Correction to a misleading article…),
"AKAMHAO LAL" however happened in 1850-51. It's quite different.
Moreover it is confirmed from our old customs and rituals like
"Mera-Hao-Chongba" (a symbol of brotherhood between the hill
and valley people), Laiharaoba, Phambal tongba and marriage ceremony
etc., and the word 'HAO' was used by Meeteis from ancient time
of Kangleipak, before the conversion to Hinduism.
Respected Dr. Lalit Pukhrambam mentioned in his article 'The
people of Manipur'. That, "After the conversion of Meiteis to
Hinduism, the valley people treated the hill tribes as untouchables
and called them "Hao" a derogatory meaning "uncivilized".
After the conversion of Meiteis to Hinduism, the valley people
treated very derogatory to the hill tribes. This point is absolutely
true, but the meaning of "Hao" is "Uncivilized", it's totally
wrong.
Meeteis used to regard their elder brother (Hill people) as "HAO"
(original people or early men or descendant of God). "HAO" means
original viz. Hao-pukham or old or original or traditional disc.
Now a days, almost people of Kangleipak (now Manipur) came to
know that "MEETIES" were derived from "HAOS" according to "MEEETEI
PUYAS" (Meetei's old books).
Some Meeteis descended to HAO as well. In short, Chingsulakpa
was the first King of Chairel (i.e. originated from Nong maiching
hill) and his elder brother Chingphulakpa went to hill. Then,
Chingphulakpa's descendant became "KHEMTE TRIBE" of Churachandpur
district. Sembi-Mimmaba, a Khuman (a clan of Meetei) chief and
his descendants became. "MARINGS". Lamliksang, brother of Nungou
Yimthangba, the ancestor of the Sarang Leisangthem (a clan of
meeteis), had gone to the hills and his descendants became the
"KABUIS". In common view, "HAO" is elder brother of "MEETEI".
Although the word "HAO" is good word, when it was used with jeers,
and mocks, it had been taken wrong sense. It was misunderstanding
between the hill and valley people. I would like to say to everybody
not to misunderstand in future the meaning of word "HAO". And
also, at the same time to suggest replacing the point from the
article as soon as possible. Please make sure to write carefully and
please help to save and form a nice integrity of Kangleipak (Manipur).
Otherwise, it will cause to create more gigantic barrier between
the brothers (the hill and valley people) instead of becoming
to a close relation.
With best regards.
Thxs.
Thokchom Angouyaima
Dubai.
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