Mukna, folk wrestling of Manipur

 

 Mukna is an indigenous way of wrestling played between the male rivals to test the strength and the physical abilities of the wrestlers. The game bears similar resemblance with the Pehlwani the Indian style of wrestling popular in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and the Sumo wrestling of Japan. According to Meitei mythology Mukna, when Pakhangba, the son of the Atiya Guru Shidaba(Supreme God of Meitei), caught his irate brother, Sanamahi who was the incarnation of a horse, causing chaos and confusion in the kingdom. Sanamahi was furious with his father, for naming Pakhangba as his successor. Pakhangba trapped his brother at the end of a long and bitter encounter, when he used a deadly grip that rendered Sanamahi powerless. This paved way for the birth of Mukna. In Moirang Kangleirol( ancient history of Moirang) also Mukna was considered one of the most famous sport of that time.

   This sport really flourished during the reign of King Khagemba (1597-1672). From this time Mukna has been played continuosly in Manipur and become one of the famous sports of Manipuri. The game is generally played on the last day of the festival of Lai Haraoba (worship of the sylvan diety), and is an intrinsic part of the ceremonial functions.

  Some of the traditional equipment and dresses of the land are used by the players of this game. This is principally, to protect the vital parts of a player's body. It also helps to identify the Ana or the yek, to which the wrestler belongs. The waist belt is known as a ningri. The winner is called a yatra. He is declared winner, if he succeeds in pinning his opponent to the ground - with the whole of his body or his back touching the ground.

  Holding an opponent neck, legs, ears and/or hair will lead to disqualification. And if somebody strikes their opponents this will be fouled.

  There are many techniques or lou, used in Mukna. Absolute physical fitness and skill is required, while mastering these techniques. Three of the main technique that opponents use when competing in mukna are the hip throw, also known as ningong, throwing by twisting the opponents calf in order to render them helpless, also known as longkhrou and a high throw, where an opponent is thrown high off the ground, also known as khudong; when using this move it helps to throw your opponent off balance so that it gives you an advantage.

  Traditionally the game is controlled and organised by Pana Loisang of the Ruler of the state and village organizations. There are four Panas-Ahallup, Naharup, Khabam and Laipham who control all fixtures and time for the games and State Meet in which Final is invariably graced by the ruler and presents the Title of Jatra (Champion) for the year along with reward of Thum Nama ( A ful bag of salt) and Ngabong Phi (hand made cloth of coton yarn), exemption of all state duties and Ningham Samjin dress (traditional). And the game has two categories (1) Takhatnabi (League), (2) Naitom (Knockout). The young talents work and play all the year round with dedication for the title of 'Jatra' (Champion) of Mukna of Manipur.