Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 19, 2026

Khuman

Khuman is a group of people, which is recognized as one of the seven Yek Salai clans of the composite Meitei confederacy. Historically, they ruled parts of Kangleipak prior to subjugation by the Ningthouja dynasty (Mangang) c. 13th century. The Khuman-Lon Puya records information about their rule. The Meitei language meaning of Khuman is a narrowed darkness.

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Jun 19, 2026
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Khuman
1300 BCE-1800 CE
A Classical Meitei illuminated manuscript painting, depicting a “Paphal” of the Khuman totem of a Meitei dragon, from the “Pakhangba Lambuba”, an Ancient Meitei language text, engraved in traditional Meetei Mayek script
Profile
CountryKangleipak (historic)
India (present)
RegionManipur
DistrictThoubal district
EthnicityMeitei people
Chief
Khuman Iputhou
Khuman Ningthou
Historic seatMayang Imphal
Died1760 CE
Clan branches
Titles
Khumancha

Khuman (Meitei: ꯈꯨꯃꯟ) is a group of people, which is recognized as one of the seven Yek Salai clans of the composite Meitei confederacy. Historically, they ruled parts of Kangleipak (present day Indian state of Manipur)1 prior to subjugation by the Ningthouja dynasty (Mangang) c. 13th century.23 The Khuman-Lon Puya records information about their rule.4 The Meitei language meaning of Khuman is a narrowed darkness.

In the flag of Kangleipak, the black color represents the Khuman group of Meitei people. source ↗

Number of families

Meitei sub-groups Romanisation Number of families/surnames (according to N. Monihar5) Number of families/surnames (according to Khomdon Lisam6) Number of families/surnames (according to T.C. Hodson7) Number of families/surnames (according to Manipur Mirror) Number of families/surnames (according to MASTEC)8
ꯈꯨꯃꯟ Khuman 176 199 103 2049 67

Mythology

Khuman was the son of Iputhou Pakhangba and Loikhumpi Mawai Thoungailenpi. He was born inside Kangla Palace, Imphal at evening when sunset sky is somewhat dark in colour. He ruled the Mayang Imphal province of Kangleipak kingdom as the Khuman province for several years.10 Khuman Khamba, one of legendary powerful hero from Moirang was amongst Khuman Salai(clan).11

See also

See also

References

References

  1. Session, North East India History Association (1991). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.
  2. Momin, Mignonette; Mawlong, Cecile A.; Qādrī, Fuz̤ail Aḥmad (2006). Society and Economy in North-East India. Regency Publications. ISBN 978-81-89233-40-2.
  3. Bhattacharjee, J.B.; Bhattacharya, J.B. (2003). "'Loiyamba Shinyen': A Landmark in Meitei State Formation in Medieval Manipur". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 64: 362–368. ISSN 2249-1937. JSTOR 44145476.
  4. "Proceedings of the Session". 1971.
  5. Monihar, N. (2000). Sagei Salai Apoklon (in Manipuri). India: Internet Archive; Digital Library of India.
  6. "Who are the Indigenous People of Manipur Part 2 By Khomdon Lisam". e-pao.net. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  7. Hodson, Thomas Callan. The Meitheis. India: D. Nutt, 1908.
  8. "The People - Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC)". mastec.nic.in. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  9. "KHUMAN SURNAME LIST – Manipur Mirror". Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  10. "Wakoklon Heelel Thilel Salai Ama-Ilon Pukok Puya". Paochelsalaitaret.net. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
  11. Mangi Singh, laishram (13 November 1980). "Moirang Kangleiron Khuman Khamba Seitharol". Archive.org. Retrieved 13 November 2018.