Manipur Myanmar connections: an indic perspective

Linkages of the North East India's culture and civilisation with Southeast Asia had since been there since the very early times. As early as 1470 AD, Manipur had political connectivity with Myanmar following the signing of the treaty between the King Khekhomba of Pong of Upper Myanmar and King Kyamba (1467-1523) of Manipur. As far as historical records are concerned, it was during the reign of King Kyamba that the King of Pong gifted the idol of Vishnu (see cover picture) and some ritual item to Kyamba. Even then, comprehensive and thorough academic intervention to xhaustively study in-depth the shared culturo-historical experiences of the peoples of North East India with those of South East Asia remain negligible and wanting. With India's Look East Policy initiated in 1991, and more so the Act East Policy launched in 2014 gaining prominence, there have been growing attention among the policy makers, academicians, and experts etc. to engage in relooking the connectivity of the region of Northeast India with the East. However, their attention is overwhelmingly on economy concerns and trade prospects. This book is a modest attempt towards filling up that void with special reference to Myanmar and Manipur though not limited to it.