Monipuri people are one of the indigenous communities living jn Bangladesh and they reside in Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Sylhet and Sunamganj, Mymensingh. Because of the reqsons of study or jobs, they are also scattered in various places of Bangladesh like any other indigenous groups living in here.
They consist of a very rich history about their language, cultures and migration. The Monipuri people at present also are living in the northeast India in the places like Assam, Manipur, Tripura where the Manipur is their ancient residence.
However, with the time and coping up with the circumstances in the fileds of Politics, Economics, social conditions they have been a part of diaspora in different places including in Bangladesh.
The Monipuri people had an important role to play in the ancient wars and in many revolutions. They fought for their language to protect their culture and many leaders were born in them who lead the revolutions. The 'Bhanubil-Krishak Praja Andolon' is one of them which took place in ancient British period where they fought against the feudalism of the land owners ( Jamindars).
Even in the time of Liberation war in 1971, their role of importance is mentionworthy as they took part in this war directly and indirectly and many of them helped the freedom fighters too. They have the proudest history of protecting their own language named 'Bishnupriya Manipuri' just like the Bengali people fought for their mother tongue 'Bangla' that was directly related with the existence of a community.
The Monipuri people are divided in main three division in Bangladesh namely: the Meitei or Manipuri , the Bishnu priya Manipuri or Bishnu Puriya and the Muslim Manipuri one or the 'Pangan'. The first two are mainly Hindu in religion and the last one follow the religion of Islam although they do not consist of infamiliar cultures among themselves. The Bishnu Puriya Monipuri people are largest in number. They speak in their language called as 'Bishnu Priya Manipuri' which is according to some Pandits, one of the ancient languages having the duration of more than three thousand years of civilization and it holds a great history of sacrifices. The literature of the Monipuri people bear an ancient gravity.
The culture of the Monipuri people is very rich and colorful in nature whereas the 'Manipuri Dance' is one of the thing to mention. Their costumes, unique cultures and traditions, the food customs etc make them rich in beauty and diversity. The manipuri women wave their own costumes and the 'Tater sharee' is very familiar with the people of Bangladesh made by them. Moreover, The 'Rathjatra', 'Rash Purnima', ' Dol or the Holi festival' etc are some of the festive occasions celebrated with joy by them.
Written by Priase Chakma
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