WHAT DO MEITEIS / MEETEIS LOOK LIKE NOW?

 CRITICAL AND ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE CONTEMPORARY /

VISUAL OF MEITEI / MEETEIS IN URBAN IMPHAL

                                 

       Artist: Felix Chungkham

Artist/ Researcher : Felix Chungkham

Curated By - Apurva Ghagare

Group: Felix Chungkham, Apurva Ghagare

Idea: Tracing the identity of Meitei cultural through the iconographical analysis of the contemporary visuals of Manipur.

Process: To understand the changes that took place in the socio-religious culture of Manipur, it was essential to identify the cause that led to the change. The process of mindmapping and the visuals

(as shown here) created by Felix for this curation, the project highlights the cause of this simulacrum.

Concept Note

 Manipur, located amidst India and Burma, the ancient origins of the indigenous Meitei people remain shrouded in mystery due to a lack of written records. Speculation about their identity, dating back to around 34 AD, has been fueled by folktales and historical movements of populations in the area. Despite theories linking the Meitei's to the Hindu-Aryan tradition, contemporary historians reject such claims. This leaves us pondering: “Who were the Meiteis?” 

     Manipur's cultural landscape has evolved significantly over time, with foreign religions like Vaishnavism and Shaivism introduced in the 16th century. In the 18th century, it adapted to 'brahmanization' under the kingship of 'Pamheiba'. Colonialism influenced the blend of European aesthetics with Hindu sensibilities. Post-independence, Manipur merged with India, reviving the Meitei identity. Factors such as invasions by neighboring territories, migrations from Assam, Bengal, and Tripura, and the silk route greatly influenced Manipur's visual aesthetics. Manuscript illustrations from the 16th to 17th centuries reflect the cultural landscape under royal patronage. In the 18th century, distinct religious identities - Meitei Hindus, Meitei Christians, and Meitei Muslims - fragmented Manipur's visual culture.  

    Felix Chungkham's research provides an inquiry into the cultural imagery of Manipur, providing a window into the beliefs and customs attributed to the Meitei's. His aim is to uncover the process of simulacrum involved in the modern identification of Meitei's in Imphal city. Through a cultural and iconological examination of these visuals, he seeks to trace the evolution of Meitei identity, from its speculated origins to its contemporary manifestation.

All art works done by Felix