Identity beyond politics A critical inquiry into the stagnation of Meitei Pangal literature
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Dr Abul Khair Choudhury (Moijing Mayum)
Contd from previous issue
A community’s development is often measured by its economic success, but its civilizational memory is preserved only through literature. Today, when the Pangal community occasionally faces the stigma of being labeled “outsiders,” it is partly because there is a lack of a robust, indigenous literary archive to counter these narratives. History written by others can be debated; literature written by oneself is the irrefutable evidence of belonging.
A Ray of Hope: The Contemporary Vanguard
However, the narrative is slowly changing. A new generation of writers is fighting against the current to keep the literary flame alive. Contemporary figures like Dr. Raheij Uddin Sheikh, MM Ahmed, M.A. Hashim, Arjun Kabir, and S.M. Sheikh, along with a growing cohort of emerging writers, are striving to fill this vacuum.
Through their novels, poetry, and essays, these writers are attempting to establish a distinct “Pangal voice” within the mainstream Manipuri literary sphere. They are trying to prove that the community can wield the pen as effectively as it wields political power or commercial influence.Their struggle is significant because they are not just writing for themselves; they are writing to reclaim the community’s space in the intellectual history of Manipur.
Conclusion: A Constructive Introspection
It is imperative to clarify that this critical analysis is not intended to undermine or disregard the significant contributions of our literary forebearers. We pay our deepest homage and respect to the pioneers like the late Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum and Abdur Rahman, and the esteemed historian M.A. Janab Khan, whose works served as the first lamps in the darkness. We also hold in high regard the young Pangal scholars of today who are contributing to the field with dedication.
However, the intent of this discourse is constructive criticism: we must acknowledge that compared to the vast potential of our community and the rich literary history of the state, our current output is disproportionately low. The service of Manipuri literature is not the exclusive duty of the Meiteis; it is equally the natural responsibility of the Pangals.
The Meitei Pangal society must realize that producing a Chief Minister brings temporary power, but producing a Dr. Kamal or an Anganghal brings immortality. It is time to prove Pacha Meitei wrong—not by abandoning commerce, but by embracing literature with equal fervor. The goal is for the community to rise above mediocrity and claim its rightful, dignified place in the mainstream of Manipuri literature with pride.
The Meitei Pangal society must realize that economic prosperity without literary depth leads to an identity crisis. To silence the “outsider” tag and to assert their indigenous status, the community does not need political rhetoric as much as it needs literary excellence. The golden journey of Manipuri literature will remain incomplete without the soulful and high-quality contribution of its Pangal sons and daughters.
About the Author
Dr. Abul Khair Chou-dhury (Moijing Mayum) is currently serving as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Manipuri at S.R. College, Kalain, Cachar (Assam). An academic scholar and independent researcher, he specializes in Manipuri folklore and modern literature with a specific focus on the cultural identity and oral traditions of the Meitei Pangal community.
Contd from previous issue
A community’s development is often measured by its economic success, but its civilizational memory is preserved only through literature. Today, when the Pangal community occasionally faces the stigma of being labeled “outsiders,” it is partly because there is a lack of a robust, indigenous literary archive to counter these narratives. History written by others can be debated; literature written by oneself is the irrefutable evidence of belonging.
A Ray of Hope: The Contemporary Vanguard
However, the narrative is slowly changing. A new generation of writers is fighting against the current to keep the literary flame alive. Contemporary figures like Dr. Raheij Uddin Sheikh, MM Ahmed, M.A. Hashim, Arjun Kabir, and S.M. Sheikh, along with a growing cohort of emerging writers, are striving to fill this vacuum.
Through their novels, poetry, and essays, these writers are attempting to establish a distinct “Pangal voice” within the mainstream Manipuri literary sphere. They are trying to prove that the community can wield the pen as effectively as it wields political power or commercial influence.Their struggle is significant because they are not just writing for themselves; they are writing to reclaim the community’s space in the intellectual history of Manipur.
Conclusion: A Constructive Introspection
It is imperative to clarify that this critical analysis is not intended to undermine or disregard the significant contributions of our literary forebearers. We pay our deepest homage and respect to the pioneers like the late Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum and Abdur Rahman, and the esteemed historian M.A. Janab Khan, whose works served as the first lamps in the darkness. We also hold in high regard the young Pangal scholars of today who are contributing to the field with dedication.
However, the intent of this discourse is constructive criticism: we must acknowledge that compared to the vast potential of our community and the rich literary history of the state, our current output is disproportionately low. The service of Manipuri literature is not the exclusive duty of the Meiteis; it is equally the natural responsibility of the Pangals.
The Meitei Pangal society must realize that producing a Chief Minister brings temporary power, but producing a Dr. Kamal or an Anganghal brings immortality. It is time to prove Pacha Meitei wrong—not by abandoning commerce, but by embracing literature with equal fervor. The goal is for the community to rise above mediocrity and claim its rightful, dignified place in the mainstream of Manipuri literature with pride.
The Meitei Pangal society must realize that economic prosperity without literary depth leads to an identity crisis. To silence the “outsider” tag and to assert their indigenous status, the community does not need political rhetoric as much as it needs literary excellence. The golden journey of Manipuri literature will remain incomplete without the soulful and high-quality contribution of its Pangal sons and daughters.
About the Author
Dr. Abul Khair Chou-dhury (Moijing Mayum) is currently serving as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Manipuri at S.R. College, Kalain, Cachar (Assam). An academic scholar and independent researcher, he specializes in Manipuri folklore and modern literature with a specific focus on the cultural identity and oral traditions of the Meitei Pangal community.