Meidingu Loiyumba (Old Manipuri: ꯂꯣꯢꯌꯨꯝꯄ, romanized: ''Loiyumpa''), also known as Ningthou Loiyumba, was a monarch of the kingdom of

Kangleipak Kangleipak was an ancient, lesser known civilisation, consisting of the modern day Manipur, India which is still known to some residents as Kangleipak, and other neighbouring regions. The Kangla served as the foremost capital city of this real ...

(present-day

Manipur Manipur () is a state in northeastern India with Imphal as its capital. It borders the Indian states of Assam to the west, Mizoram to the south, and Nagaland to the north and shares the international border with Myanmar, specifically t ...

) who ruled from 1074 to 1122 CE. He is best remembered for instituting the Loiyumpa Silyen, the first written constitution of Manipur, in 1110 CE. This constitution laid the foundation for a structured administrative system and codified socio-economic responsibilities within the kingdom.

Early Life and Ascension

Loiyumba was the son of King Kainou Irengba, who reigned from 984 to 1074 CE. Upon his father's demise, Loiyumba ascended the throne in 1074 CE, marking a significant transition in Manipur's governance from traditional customs to a more codified administrative framework.

The Loiyumpa Silyen

In 1110 CE, King Loiyumba promulgated the Loiyumpa Silyen (also spelled ''Loiyumba Shinyen''), a written constitution that detailed the roles and responsibilities of various clans and individuals within the kingdom. This document is considered the first written constitution in Manipur's history and one of the earliest in South Asia. It assigned specific duties to families (Meitei: ''yumnak''), established administrative departments (''loisang''), and outlined protocols for worship, economic activities, royal decorum, and the administration of justice. The constitution also documented the appointment of Roso Phishahanba as the head of the weaving department, with records of royal weavers such as Naotam Phishapa, Ngangti Phishapa, Yangnu Phishapa, and Heisu Naha Phishapa.

Administrative Reforms

Loiyumba's reign was marked by significant administrative reforms. He divided the kingdom into six administrative units known as ''panas'' (districts) to streamline governance. Each ''pana'' was overseen by appointed officials responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and implementing royal decrees. Furthermore, the king established various ''loisang'' (departments) to manage specific functions such as weaving, agriculture, and religious affairs. These departments were staffed by individuals from designated clans, ensuring a structured and efficient administration.

Military and Cultural Contributions

Loiyumba introduced the Lallup system, a form of compulsory military training and service for adult males, in 1074 CE. This system not only bolstered the kingdom's defense capabilities but also instilled a sense of duty and discipline among the populace. Culturally, he promoted the arts and crafts, notably introducing the royal shawl known as Shammi Lanmi Phi, traditionally woven by the Khoisnam family. This ornamental textile was awarded to successful tribal warriors and hunters as a mark of honor.

Legal System and Justice

The Loiyumpa Silyen also laid down stringent laws to maintain order within the kingdom. Offenses such as theft, burglary, and false accusations were met with severe punishments, including mutilation. These laws underscored the importance of justice and deterrence in Loiyumba's administration.

Legacy

King Loiyumba's reign is considered a transformative period in Manipur's history. His introduction of a written constitution and structured administrative systems laid the groundwork for a more organized and centralized governance. Historians regard his coronation as the end of

Ancient Kangleipak Kangleipak was an ancient, lesser known civilisation, consisting of the modern day Manipur, Manipur, India which is still known to some residents as Kangleipak, and other neighbouring regions. The Kangla served as the foremost capital city of th ...

and the beginning of the

Medieval Manipur The history of the Indian state of Manipur is reflected by archaeological research, mythology and written history. Historically, Manipur was an independent sovereign kingdom ruled by Meitei dynasty but at different point of time it was invaded ...

era. The Loiyumpa Silyen remained a foundational document for subsequent rulers, influencing administrative practices and legal frameworks well into the 18th century. Its emphasis on duty, order, and justice continues to be a point of reference in the study of Manipur's historical governance.

References

Kings of Manipur History of Manipur Meitei people Sanamahism Ningthouja dynasty 12th-century monarchs in Asia Medieval history of India