The two volumes of ‘Hayi Ningnang gi Esei’, a book which retraces the history of Manipuri literature, authored by Arambam Memchoubi was released at the DIPR auditorium, Imphal on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, author Arambam Memchoubi stated that the book was the culmination of all that she had experienced in the last 40 years as a writer since 1984.
“The book reflects the old and medieval history of Manipuri literature. I was first introduced to the history of Manipur literature through Kalachand Shastri’s ‘Manipur Sahitya gi Itihas’,” she said.
She stated that the book dove deep into the minute nuances of Manipuri literature and the usage of the language in expressing thoughts in a subtle yet pleasant way.
She also highlighted that pabung Khelchandra’s ‘Ariba Manipur gi Sahitya gi Itihas’ also helped her in understanding the poetic and prose nature of Manipuri literature.
Both books helped her tremendously in understanding and exploring the various facets of knowledge and wisdom, she added.
“During the earlier days it was hard to get access to books which were properly transcripted into the Bengali script,” she said. She stated these led to difficulties in understanding certain stages of Manipur literature.
Nonetheless, the book is a humble attempt to bind all that has been written and is known about Manipuri literature, she added.
She further stated that the book also included chapters on the untranslated literatures and their influence in molding the history of Manipuri literature.
“Altogether around 300 books in Bengali scripts have been printed for the first edition and this will be the last. The edition will be printed in Meitei mayek script,” she said. The book has been published by Nongpok Arambam of Sagolband Meino Leirak.
Retired civil servant Kangjam Radhakumar, former dean of Humanities Manipur University Nahakpam Aruna, prominent critic Laishram Momo and associate professor Manipur University Chirom Rajketan among others were present at the function.
