Weapon-based martial arts of Meiteis - Thang tha, in Manipur

From the archive record

Thang ta, the traditional martial arts from Manipur performed during Sangai Festival in Manipur. The musical instrument played by Manipuri folks is called Pena. The main body of the instrument is made by taking a length of bamboo and passing it through a half coconut shell. Pena indigenous musical instrument of Manipur - The Pena or Tingteila is a bowed lute. It is the oldest instrument known to the Meiteis. It is used in folk music as well as an accompaniment to Manipuri dances. At one time, this instrument was played in royal courts and was considered part of the "high culture" of the region. It is still occasionally used for funerals and weddings. Thang-ta is a weapon-based Indian martial art created by the Meitei of Manipur. In the Manipuri language, thang means sword and ta means spe