Religious Syncretism in Manipur in the 18th Century
| Authors |
| Irabanta Kshetrimayum & Kabirdash Mayengbam |
| Date of Publication: June, 2026 |
| Volume: XXVI, No.- XXIX |
| DOI:10.65734/tgi.ssei.avp.ijcsss.ti.26.29.5 |
| Abstract |
| Marking the 18th century as a significant socio-cultural and ideological transformation, the religious tradition of the Meitei community began to interact closely with the expanding influence of Vaishnavism. Production of a gradual and complex blend and syncretism can be visible in the reign of King Charairongba (r. 1697-1709) as an initial phase. Rigorous development of the religious and ideological structure by King Garibniwaz (r. 1709-1748) was consolidated through comparative policies, helping stabilise and integrate Vaishnava traditions with those of the Meitei community by King Bhagyachandra, who ruled Manipur between 1759 and 1798. Religion acts as a powerful element within society and has become closely intertwined with the exercise of political authority. Through the patronage and regulation of religious practices, the monarchical system influenced aspects of the kingdom’s social and cultural order through rituals associated with birth, marriage, and death, the celebration of festivals, and the ideological foundations of kingship. Such developments and syncretism significantly influenced the political scenario of the Manipur kingdom. The paper employs historical methodology to examine the major aspects of religious syncretism and assimilation as a tool to strengthen the royal authority and society during this period. Drawing from the available primary and secondary sources, the research paper seeks to explore the motivation and historical significance behind these developments in the 18th century carried out by King Garibniwaz and Bhagyachandra. The paper also argues the interaction between traditional Meitei practices and Vaishnava Hindu elements, which produced a distinctive and hybrid religious tradition unique to Manipur. |
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