Female spirit-possession rituals among the Meiteis of Manipur

Parratt, Saroj N. Arambam and Parratt, John (2002) Female spirit-possession rituals among the Meiteis of Manipur. Alister Hardy Religious Experience Research Centre. ISBN 9780906165430

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Abstract

The Indian state of Manipur is situated on the north eastern border with Myanmar. It comprises around 8,500 square miles, the heartland of which is a fertile valley, the home of the Meiteis. Unlike the Christianized Naga and Kuki groups to the north and south, the Meiteis were Hinduized some two and half centuries ago. They have a highly developed culture: Manipuri dance, based on pre-Hindu ritual, is one of the schools of Indian classical dance, and there is an extensive written literature in the ancient Meitei script. The Hinduism introduced into Manipur during the 18th century CE was mainly of the Bengal Vaishnavite type, and it gained power largely through the patronage of the kings of Manipur. Resistance to Hinduization was fierce during the earlier period, and centred upon the pre- Hindu Meitei religion. This religion was never extinguished and eventually reached a modus vivendi with Hinduism. In recent times Meitei religion has undergone something of a revival, partly due to its role as one focus of resistance to the policy of integration pursued by successive Indian governments.

Item Type: Book
Additional Information: Series: RERC Second Series Occasional Papers;32.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Experience (Religion),rituals, spirits. Meiteis, Manipur
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion
Divisions: Alister Hardy Religious Experience Research Centre > Second Series of Occasional Papers
Related URLs:
Depositing User: John Dalling
Date Deposited: 20 Nov 2014 12:57
Last Modified: 03 Jan 2023 10:56
URI: https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/442

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