Accession no: ARC-KA-0001
Title: Śrī Rāma Rakṣā Stotra
Material: Agar bark folio
Script: Eastern Nāgarī (Bengali)
Language: Sanskrit
Date/Period: Early 18th Century
Genre/Text Type: Early Manipuri Vaiṣṇavism; Ramanandi Sampradaya
Description of Contents:
The manuscript contains a text associated with the Ramanandi Sampradaya and reflects the early phase of Manipuri Vaiṣṇavism. The Rāma Rakṣā is traditionally employed for the protection of the body and mind, invoking Lord Rāma as a divine guardian against physical harm, psychological distress, and unseen afflictions. The text reflects ritual, recitational, and apotropaic functions within Vaiṣṇava devotional practice.
Physical Description:
Unbound illuminated folio manuscript (korbek) with rubrication, comprising 13 folios (ff. 1r–13v), written on both recto and verso in black and red ink in the Bengali script. Gold, red, and green pigments are used in the illumination. The red pigment contains mercury, while the green pigment contains arsenic. The text on the verso is written in reverse orientation. Folio numbering appears on the verso in Bengali numerals (“Ram Raksa” 1–13). The manuscript measures 9 × 17 cm. The manuscript is rubricated, with red ink used for emphasis, headings, invocatory elements, and textual divisions, alongside the main text written in black ink.
Provenance:
The colophon, which has a gold border on a green ground, provides information about the provenance of the manuscript. It mentions the copyist and the owner. The text was copied by Ganashyam Sharma and belonged to Maharaja Gharib Nawaz (r.1709-1748 CE). The manuscript was preversed by Khagembam Gouro Singh of Singjamei Wangma Bheigyabati Leikai, Imphal East. In the late 19 century when Churachand was selected as the new king of Manipur after the Anglo-Manipuri War in 1891. His new palace site was selected at Guru lampak at Wangkhei. The Khagembam family who used to settle at the Guribam temple complex, the first hindu temple constructed by King Charairongba in 1707 CE, when Churachand in search of his brahmin family, asked the Khagembamfamily to shift to Bheigyabati leikai. In 2021, Khagembam Gouro’s son Khagembam Sashikanta donated the Manuscript to ARC Library and Archive.
Digital Format / Access:
This record describes a digital surrogate of the manuscript. The physical manuscript is held at the Korbek Archive, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA). Digitization and metadata documentation were carried out directly from the physical manuscript.
Digitization Note:
Digitized on January 05, 2026 by Dr. Yumnam Sapha Wangam Apanthoi M and Wangam Somorjit
Full Citation:
Śrī Rāma Rakṣā Stotra, Khagembam Gouro Collection, ARC-KA-0001, Korbek Archive, ARCLA, Manipur
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accession no: ARC.KA.0002
Title: Sri Ram Stavraj Stotra
Material: Agarwood bark folio
Script: Eastern Nāgarī (Bengali)
Language: Sanskrit
Date/Period: 1726 CE
Genre/Text Type: Early Manipuri Vaiṣṇavism; Ramanandi Sampradaya
Description of Contents:
The manuscript is highly damanged. The manuscript contains a text associated with the RamanandiSampradaya and reflects the early phase of Manipuri Vaiṣṇavism. The content says, “For the “King of prayers addressed to lord Rama”, the sage is Sanath Kumara, The god addressed is Rama, the meter is Anushtup, the root is Sita, the power is Hanuman and this is being chanted to please Lord Rama”.
Physical Description:
Unbound folio manuscript (korbek), comprising 13 folios (ff. 1r–13v), written on both recto and verso in black ink using Bengali script. The text on the verso is written in reverse orientation. Folio
number 3 only visible. The dimention of the manuscript is 9cm X 17 cm.
Provenance:
This copy is dated 1648 Samvat (1726 CE). This falls within the heyday of the reign of Maharaj Gharib Nawaz (r. 1709–1748 CE), after his adoption of the Ramanandi Sampradaya on the advice of Santa Dās Gosain of Sylhet. This copy was preserved together with the illuminated manuscript Ram Raksha Stotra. The manuscript was preversed by Khagembam Gouro Singh of Singjamei Wangma Bheigyabati Leikai, Imphal East. In the late 19 century when Churachand was selected as the new king of Manipur after the Anglo-Manipuri War in 1891. His new palace site was selected at Guru lampak at Wangkhei. The Khagembam family who used to settle at the Guribam temple complex, the first hindu temple constrcuted by King Charairongba in 1707 CE, when Churachand in search of his brahmin family, asked the Khagembam family to shift to Bheigyabati leikai. In 2021, Khagembam Gouro’s son Khagembam Sashikanta donated the Manuscript to ARC Library andArchive.
Digital Format / Access
This record describes a digital surrogate of the manuscript. The physical manuscript is held at the Korbek Archive, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA). Digitization and metadata documentation were carried out directly from the physical manuscript.
Digitization Note:
Digitized on 6 March 2026 by Wangam Somorjit
Full Citation:
Sri Ram Stavraj Stotra, Khagembam Gouro Collection, ARC-KA-0002, Korbek Archive,ARC,Manipur
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accession no: ARC.KA.0003
Former Accession no: In/KA/03
Title: Ponbilang Sekning
Material: Bark
Script: Old Meitei Mayek
Language: Classical Meiteirol (Khununglon)
Date/Period: c. 18th century
Genre/Text Type: Religious and esoteric
Description of Contents:
The contents of the manuscript appear to be religious and esoteric in nature.
Physical Description:
Unbound illuminated folio manuscript (korbek), comprising 12 folios (ff. 1r–24v), written on both recto and verso in black ink using Old Meitei script. The text on the verso is written in reverse orientation. Eight folios contain gold border designs on both recto and verso, except folio 1r. Folio numbering appears on the verso in Bengali numerals. The manuscript includes seven miniature paintings in gold depicting two grasshoppers, a parrot cleaning its feet, a crane, a peacock, a spiral symbol, and a floral motif. The pigments used are gold, red, blue, and green. The folios are centrally pierced and bound with a thread, with free space left around the binding hole. Illuminated borders are present.
Provenance:
The manuscript belonged to Chongtham Ibotombi of Lalambung, Imphal West. He was a scion of Major Chongtham Mia Singh, who took part in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.
Digital Format / Access
This record describes a digital surrogate of the manuscript. The physical manuscript remains in private custody.
Digitization Note:
Digitized on April 20, 2024 by Chongtham Gopal, Yumnam Sapha Wangam Apanthoi M. and Wangam Somorjit.
Rarity: Unique manuscript; no known parallel copies.
Full Citation:
Ponbilang Sekning, Chongtham Ibotombi Collection, Accession No. ARC.KA.0003, Advanced Research
Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA).
Short Citation:
Ponbilang Sekning, Chongtham Ibotombi Collection, ARC.KA.0003, ARCLA
Publications:
In his book Traditional Paintings of Manipur (2003), Mutua Bahadur redrew five miniature paintings from this manuscript.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accession no: ARC.KA.0005
Former Accession no: In/KA/05
Title: Untitled
Material: Handmade paper
Script: Old Meitei Mayek
Language: Classical Meiteirol (Khununglon)
Date/Period: c. late 19th-early 20th Century
Genre/Text Type: Sacred places
Description of Contents:
The contents of the manuscript is about Kangla and sacred places.
Physical Description:
Unbound folio manuscript (korbek), comprising 34 folios (ff. 1r–34v), written on both recto and verso in black ink using Old Meitei script. The text on the verso is written in reverse orientation.
Provenance:
The manuscript belonged to Yumnam Ibochou Meetei of Langmeidong Village, Manipur.
Digital Format / Access: This record describes a digital surrogate of the manuscript. The physical manuscript is held at the Korbek Archive, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA). Digitization and metadata documentation were carried out directly from the physical manuscript.
Digitization Note:
Digitized in 2025 by Carlin Khagembam
Rarity: Unique manuscript; no known parallel copies.
Full Citation:
Untitled, Collection of Yumnam Ibochou Meetei, Accession No. ARC.KA.0005, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA).
Short Citation:
Untitled, Yumnam Ibochou Meetei Collection, ARC.KA.0005, ARCLA
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accession no: ARC.KA.0010
Former Accession no: In/KA/10
Title: Chingkangpam ki Mingkhei Wa ne
Material: Handmade paper
Script: Old Meitei Mayek
Language: Classical Meiteirol (Khununglon)
Date/Period: c. late 19th-early 20th Century
Genre/Text Type: astrology (?)
Description of Contents:
The text is partiallytorn and unclear. The first syllable appears as ‘Ching’, the last as ‘Mingkhei (?)’. The second line reads ‘Jyotishastra gi wasu yaore (?)’. Inside the text, the title of the korbek is written as “ Ching-kang-pam-ki Ming-khei-waney”.
Physical Description:
Folding manuscript (Korbek), handmade paper (?), thirteen panels on both recto (r) and verso (v) , black ink on paper, Archaic Meitei script. The manuscript is severely damaged by insect activity. Each panel has been numbered sequentially as Panels 1–13, with the designations recto (r) and verso (v) indicating the front and reverse sides respectively. It seems that the title was added later in Bangla script by a hand other than that of the original author.
Provenance:
The manuscript belonged to Dr. Wahengbam Ibohal of Kwakeithel.
Digital Format / Access:
This record describes a digital surrogate of the manuscript. The physical manuscript is held at the Korbek Archive, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA). Digitization and metadata documentation were carried out directly from the physical manuscript.
Digitization Note:
Digitized in on 12 September 2024 by Wahengbam Vandana
Rarity: Unique manuscript; no known parallel copies.
Full Citation:
Chingkangpam ki Mingkhei Wa ne, Collection of Wahengbam Ibohal, Accession No. ARC.KA.0010, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA).
Short Citation:
Chingkangpam ki Mingkhei Wa ne, Wahengbam Ibohal Collection, ARC.KA.0010, ARCLA
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accession no: ARC.KA.0011
Title: Untitled
Material: Handmade paper
Script: Old Meitei Mayek
Language: Classical Meiteirol (Khununglon)
Date/Period: c. late 19th-early 20th Century
Genre/Text Type: ?
Description of Contents:
Folding manuscript (Korbek), handmade paper (?), comprising ten panels written on both recto (r) and verso (v) sides, in
black ink using the Archaic Meitei script (one panel is blank on both side). The manuscript is severely deteriorated due to insect activity. Each panel has been sequentially numbered as Panels 1–9, with recto (r) and verso (v) indicating the front and reverse sides, respectively.
Provenance:
The manuscript belonged to Dr. Wahengbam Ibohal of Kwakeithel.
Digital Format / Access:
This record describes a digital surrogate of the manuscript. The physical manuscript is held at the Korbek Archive, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA). Digitization and metadata documentation were carried out directly from the physical manuscript.
Digitization Note:
Digitized in on 12 September 2024 by Wahengbam Vandana
Rarity: Unique manuscript; no known parallel copies.
Full Citation:
Untitled, Collection of Wahengbam Ibohal, Accession No. ARC.KA.0011, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA).
Short Citation:
Untitled, Wahengbam Ibohal Collection, ARC.KA.0011, ARCLA
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accession no: ARC.KA.0012
Title: Meihourol
Material: Handmade paper
Script: Old Meitei Mayek
Language: Classical Meiteirol (Khununglon)
Date/Period: c. late 19th – Early 20th Century
Genre/Text Type: General genealogy of the Meitei.
Description of Contents:
Its contents deal with the general genealogy of the Meitei. The Korbek bears ownership marks on the first blank folio (f. 1r) as well as the last folio (f.96v) in both Bengali and Meitei scripts naming Wahengbam Jhulan Singh, who, according to family tradition, served as a soldier during the reign of Maharaja Churachand Singh (r. 1891–1941 CE).
Physical Description:
Unbounded folio manuscript (Korbek), handmade paper,
comprising 97 folios (f. 1r–96v),( two extra folio) written on both recto (r) and verso (v) in black ink using the Archaic Meitei script. Reverse orientation on verso. Folio numbering in Bengali numeric on verso: Shri 1–96. Dimensions: 19cm x 33cm
Provenance:
The manuscript belonged to Dr. Wahengbam Ibohal of Kwakeithel.
Digital Format / Access:
This record describes a digital surrogate of the manuscript. The physical manuscript is held at the Korbek Archive, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA). Digitization and metadata documentation were carried out directly from the physical manuscript.
Digitization Note:
Digitized on 4 Nov -24 Nov by Andy Maisnam.
Rarity: Multiple copies are known.
Full Citation:
Meihourol, Collection of Wahengbam Ibohal, Accession No. ARC.KA.0012, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA).
Short Citation:
Meihourol, Wahengbam Ibohal Collection, ARC.KA.0012, ARCLA
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accession no: ARC.KA.0019
Field No: Korbek 13/Heikrujam
Title: Untitled
Material: Handmade paper
Script: Eastern Nagari
Language: Bengali/Sanskrit
Date/Period: c. late 19th – Early 20th Century
Genre/Text Type: Manipuri Vaisnavism/ Nat Sankritana
Description of Contents:
Manuscript containing yantra designs and mantra for the creation of amulets (?).
Physical Description:
Single-sheet paper manuscript, folded into 9 panels. Text and diagram inscribed on recto; verso blank except for stains and fold marks. The layout is structured around a central diagram with surrounding text arranged in angular sections. The manuscript appears designed for folding and portable ritual
use.
Provenance:
The manuscript belonged to the Ningthoukhongjam Basanto Collection and is currently under the care of his son, Ningthoukhongjam Lakhpati, of Heikrujam Mamang Leikai, Nambol, Imphal West. Ningthoukhongjam Basanto was born in the late nineteenth century. The family was assigned by the royal court custodial responsibility for an Umang Lai land in Heikrujam village.
Digital Format / Access:
This record describes a digital surrogate of the manuscript. The physical manuscript remains in private custody.
Digitization Note:
Digitized on November 29, 2025 by the Korbek Archive Team. The team on this date included Wangam Somorjit, Yumnam Sapha Wangam Apanthoi M, Salam Aakash, Robinson Wahengbam, Mayengbam Kabirdas, Ashangbam Maradona, Heikrujam Nobin, Ratika Yumnam, Naorem
Thoungamba, Rajkumar Sydney, Yensenbam Pibarel, Wahengbam Vandana, Namoijam Nibas, Andy Maisnam and Sarangthem Barnadso.
Rarity: Unique manuscriptl no known parallel copies.
Full Citation:
Meihourol, Collection of Wahengbam Ibohal, Accession No. ARC.KA.0012, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA).
Short Citation:
Untitled, Ningthoukhongjam Basanto Collection, Accession No. ARC.KA.0019, Advanced Research Consortium Library
& Archives (ARCLA).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accession no: ARC.KA.0584
Field No: Korbek 2/Kakching Khunao
Title: Untitled
Material: Thin Paper ( Possibly commercial)
Script: Old Meitei Mayek
Language: Archaic Meiteilon
Date/Period: Early 20th Century
Genre/Text Type: Undetermined
Description of Contents:
Untermined
Physical Description:
Folded manuscript ( 45 x 28 cm) comprising four panels (1r–4v), written on both
recto and verso in Old Meitei Mayek. The recto is written in black ink, whereas
the verso is in pencil. The text on the verso appears to be a later addition, as
indicated by the different handwriting and writing medium.
Provenance:
The manuscript belonged to Mayanglambam Nungshi Singh of Kakching Khunao, Uchan Makhong Leikai. There is no evidence of a direct connection to the royal court.
Digital Format / Access:
This record describes a digital surrogate of the manuscript. The physical manuscript remains in private custody.
Digitization Note:
Digitized on 9 March 2026 by Wangam Somorjit, Yumnam Sapha Wangam Apanthoi, Wahengbam Robinson, Yumnam Ratika, Thoungamba Naorem, Mayanglambam Maniratna, Wangkhem Linthoi, R. K. Sydney, Muskan Bakhshi, and Mehak Bakhshi.
Rarity: Undetermined; no parallel copies currently known.
Full Citation:
Untitled, Mayanglambam Nungshi Singh Collection,ARC-KA-00584, Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA), Manipur.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accession no: ARC.KA.0590
Field No: Korbek 1/Heikrujam
Title: Untitled
Material: Handmade paper
Script: Eastern Nagari
Language: Bengali/Sanskrit
Date/Period: Early 20th Century
Genre/Text Type: Shavism (?)
Description of Contents:
Manuscript containing term such as Sadashiva, the supreme, eternal form of Lord Shiva.
Physical Description:
Two folio manuscript ( f.1r -f.2v).
Provenance:
The manuscript belonged to the Ningthoukhongjam Basanto Collection and is currently under the care of his son, Ningthoukhongjam Lakhpati, of Heikrujam Mamang Leikai, Nambol, Imphal West. Ningthoukhongjam
Basanto was born in the late nineteenth century. The family was assigned by the royal court custodial responsibility for an Umang Lai land in Heikrujam village.
Digital Format / Access:
This record describes a digital surrogate of the manuscript. The physical manuscript remains in private custody.
Digitization Note:
Digitized on November 29, 2025 by the Korbek Archive Team. The team on this date included Wangam Somorjit, Yumnam Sapha Wangam Apanthoi M, Salam Aakash, Robinson Wahengbam, Mayengbam Kabirdas, Ashangbam Maradona, Heikrujam Nobin, Ratika Yumnam, Naorem
Thoungamba, Rajkumar Sydney, Yensenbam Pibarel, Wahengbam Vandana, Namoijam Nibas, Andy Maisnam and Sarangthem Barnadso.
Rarity: Undetermined; no parallel copies currently known.
Full Citation:
Untitled, Ningthoukhongjam Basanto Collection, Accession No. ARC.KA.0590, Advanced Research Consortium Library
& Archives (ARCLA).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GO-TO PAGE
The Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives (ARCLA) was conceived in the social milieu of Manipur at a crossroads of the old and the new, a land in the birth pangs of resurgence and reinvention.
© 2025 Advanced Research Consortium Library & Archives. All Rights Reserved. Hosted and Designed by eManipur
