Historical Timeline
Key milestones in the history of the Yek Salai system.
c. 33 CE
Consolidation of Clans
The reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, who is credited with organizing and consolidating the seven disparate clans into a unified polity, laying the foundation for the kingdom of Manipur.
c. 1110 CE
The Loiyumba Sinyen
King Loiyumba introduces a written constitution, the Loiyumba Sinyen. This text was a landmark decree that formally assigned specific occupations and duties to various Yumnaks, further structuring Meitei society.
c. 1467 CE
Reign of King Kiyamba
During his reign, the relationship between the Meitei kingdom and the Shan kingdom of Pong was strengthened. This era saw cultural exchanges and the formal recognition of various deities.
c. 1597 CE
Reign of King Khagemba
Known as the "Conqueror of the Chinese," King Khagemba successfully defended Manipur from foreign invasions and introduced new forms of administration, martial arts, and craftsmanship.
c. 1720s CE
Introduction of Vaishnavism
King Pamheiba (Garibniwaz) introduces Vaishnavism as the state religion. While this brought significant cultural shifts, the traditional Sanamahi religion and its associated clan system continued to coexist and influence society.
1891 CE
The Anglo-Manipur War
After a brief but valiant resistance, the independent kingdom of Manipur fell under British rule. This event marked a major turning point, impacting the traditional political structure but leaving the core social clan system largely intact.
1949 CE
Merger with India
Manipur merges with the newly independent Union of India, becoming a Part C state and later a full-fledged state. The traditional social systems, including Yek Salai, continue to be a vital part of Meitei identity in the modern era.