Manipur's Ancient Warrior School Now Included in School Curriculum

The Manipuri ancient day martial art Thang-Ta is receiving a fillip as the Government of Manipur's Department of Art and Culture has taken the forward step in popularizing and preserving the ancient warrior school by including it in the school syllabus.

In order to make its education effective and speed it up, the government established a "Committee for the Formulation of Common Syllabus of Thang-Ta." It is manned by expert members including veteran Thang-Ta masters, state sports authorities, and officers of education department at least Padma Shri awardee N. Khelchandra Singh, Manipur's culture living legend, as chairman.

Developed from ancient Meitei folk performance, literally "sword and spear" Thang-Ta is rather a war skill drill with religious teaching and Manipuri war path and art custom. Performed in days of yore both as war art on the field and religious ritual dance, it is today rediscovered and relearned in schools and playgrounds.

Inclusion of Thang-Ta in school syllabus is being considered as a culture revolution, wherein the student gets an opportunity to be rooted to his culture and derives physical strength, discipline, and mental acuteness. It also provides him with a feeling of pride and identification, particularly in a state which is famous for its cultural richness.

Savant-teachers and cultural historians welcomed the initiative with warm arms, reminding us that by bringing ancient arts into the school syllabus not only is the past preserved but models of learning outside the academic mainstream are produced.

Day and night, Syllabus committee works to develop age-based training modules, certificates, and courses for teachers so that Thang-Ta can be imparted with dignity and authenticity it deserves.