Meitei Kshatriya
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Mostly in Manipur, also in Assam. | |
| Languages | |
| Meitei | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Rajputs, Kshatriyas |
Manipuri Kshatriya is a Hindu Kshatriya caste in Manipur, India. Census reports from Manipur in 1883 note that nearly some Manipuris in the Valley of Manipur professed to be Kshatriya. The arrival of Brahmins occurred sometime before the construction of the Vishnu temple at Lamangdong (during the reign of King Kiyamba: 1467–1508 AD).[1] Until the 15th century, Kshatriyas were ranked higher than Brahmins in Manipur, although Hindu ascetics (mostly Brahmins) were well received and honored by the Manipuri kings.[2]
Customs
The Manipuri Kshatriya call themselves Khatriya and usually wear the sacred thread across the chest. Traditionally meat dishes were avoided, although fish was permitted. However nowadays consumption of meat is very common. Orthodox Meiteis eat food outside only when it is cooked by Brahmins. They usually refuse to have food cooked by other castes.[3] Endogamy is generally followed, but Brahmin-Kshatriya marriages are not that unusual.[4]
References
- ^ https://www.sahapedia.org/the-vaishnava-temples-of-manipur-historical-study
- ^ https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/93320/11/11_chapter%204.pdf
- ^ Sipra Sen (August 1992). Tribes and castes of Manipur: description and select bibliography. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-310-0. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
- ^ Hamlet Bareh (2001). Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Manipur. Mittal Publications. pp. 277–. ISBN 978-81-7099-790-0. Retrieved 1 August 2011.