And That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold

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And That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold
AuthorL. Somi Roy
Original titleAnd That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold
IllustratorSapha Yumnam
Cover artistSapha Yumnam
CountryIndia
LanguageEnglish
GenreMeitei mythology (Manipuri mythology)
Set inMeitei mythology (Manipuri mythology)
Published21 June 2021
PublisherPenguin Random House
Publication date
21 June 2021
Published in English
21 June 2021
Media typeKindle and Paperback
Pages93
ISBN9780143452393

And That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold is a children's book based on 12 stories from the Meitei mythology of Manipur, written by L. Somi Roy and published by Penguin Random House India. It was launched by Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha and titular King of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba at the palace compound, Imphal on 21 June 2021. The stories are adaptations of tales found in the puyas (Meitei language manuscripts).[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Background[edit]

L. Somi Roy was introduced to the ancient Meitei manuscripts by the late scholar Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra. Roy was assisted by Thokchom Thouyangba Meitei, a scholar of ancient manuscripts, illustrator Sapha Yumnam, and Manipuri historian Wangam Somorjit. The author revisited the ancient mythological tales of the Meitei people, from a time before the arrival of Hinduism in Manipur. Sapha Yumnam created the illustrations using a similar red- and brown- based colour palette with little blue or black, similar to that found in the manuscripts.[1][7]

According to the author, first time Manipuri mythology being presented to the outside world and so he took extra care researching manuscripts, later writing, and oral traditions.[8] In an interview with "The Indian Express", he said:

"We have high culture in dance and music, and even sports, but not much of a visual tradition. It is these rare manuscripts that make up the heritage of the Meitei community — and hence, need to be preserved as far as possible."[9]

Works[edit]

The book contains 12 stories about mythical creatures, heroes, gods and goddesses from Meitei mythology.[1][10][11]

  • And that is why Man is Creative and can Think: the story of the creation of woman before man.
  • And that is why Man Gets Wrinkles and a Stoop in his Old Age: a story about the lifespan of man being one hundred years.
  • And that is why the Deer Does not Eat Rice: the story of goddess Phouoibi, daughter of the sky God Soraren.
  • And that Is why the Cat Buries its Poop: the story of a tiger and his aunt, a cat.
  • And that is why the Duck does not Brood her own Eggs: a story about kindness.
  • And that is why the Weavers of Khurkhul Make Silk: the story of Khurkhul silk making an imprint on Manipur.
  • And that is why a Magic Bamboo Grows on Karang Island: the story of the slaying of the dragon Poubi Lai of Loktak Lake.
  • And that is why the Pied Cuckoo Drinks Only Rainwater: a story of community inclusiveness and also of a stubborn foreign pied cuckoo.
  • And that is why the Manipuri Pony is Sacred: the story of Samadon, a mythical flying horse.
  • And that is why a Doll is Worshipped in Kakching Village: a story of a little girl and her beloved doll.
  • And that is why the Fire in the Village of Andro Never Goes Out: the story of the connection between Manipur and foreign kingdoms like Shan.
  • And that is why Manipur is the Birthplace of Polo: the story of the birth of polo, and stories about the Goddess Konthoujam Tampha Lairembi and the adventures of her son, Khoriphaba.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Nameirakpam, Lakshmi J. (24 July 2021). "Twelve Incredible Manipuri Myths Retold and Packed in a Children's Book » Imphal Review of Arts and Politics". Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  2. ^ "Book titled 'And That is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold' released". www.thesangaiexpress.com. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  3. ^ "'And That is Why...Manipuri Myths Retold' by L Somi Roy released". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  4. ^ "And That is Why Manipuri Myths Retold Book released 20210623". e-pao.net. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  5. ^ "Endearing, vibrant tales from Manipuri mythology". The Statesman. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  6. ^ "A unique manuscript tradition records the civilisation of the Meiteis of Manipur". The Hindu. 26 June 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  7. ^ "'And That is Why': Manipuri mythological tales from a forgotten corner". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  8. ^ "Don't talk down to children was the best advice I got: { studio }L. Somi Roy on writing children's book on Manipuri myths - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  9. ^ "Manipur's ancient manuscript tradition comes alive in a new children's book". The Indian Express. 26 June 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  10. ^ Roy, L. Somi (21 June 2021). And That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold. Penguin Random House India Private Limited. ISBN 978-93-91149-65-9.
  11. ^ "Animals that talk and other Manipuri legends". Mintlounge. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
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