Identity Formation in Manipur

The nationalism and national integration is the conceptual context of this volume based on literary and empirical material collected from Manipur, ethnically sensitive state in India’s extreme north-east. Preservation and renewed assertion for ‘old identity’ is carried out through revivalist movement led by the elites from within. The same happened in Manipuri Meiteis. The study focuses on two co-currently appearing movements-one revivalist, stressing the Sanamahist beliefs, customs, rituals, gods and goddesses to worship and besides other signs and symbols distinct from Hindus. However, larger population is still holding the Hindu order, but significant departures are visible; a movement in reversal, dig out from ancient Meitei literatures, language and mythology claimingly different from Sanskritized/ Hinduised identity. The study finds many parallelisms in Sanamahism and Hinduism as mythological analysis suggest.Another movement is rebellion erected by insurgent Meitei minority with arms in hands to carve a separate nation ‘Kangleipak’, under political culture of Meiteis. Both movements reinforce each other, working against Hindu version of nationalism.