Resisting Erasure: The Plight of the Meitei Sanamahist Community

The Meitei community of Manipur, in Northeast India, represents a rich ethnic group distinguished by its unique culture, philosophy, and religious heritage. In addition to Manipur, the Meiteis are also found in parts of Myanmar, particularly in regions like Mandalay,Kachin, Shan, Yangon, and Sagaing. Historically, these areas were influenced by the Meitei during the Manipuri-Burmese wars (1717–1749), and the Burmese often refer to the Meiteis as “Kathe.”

However, the condition of the Meiteis in Myanmar today is far from ideal. Among them are the Bamons (Manipuri Brahmins), who are also known as Meitei Bamon. These Brahmins, who follow Hinduism, are reportedly oppressing the Meiteis who continue to follow their indigenous faith, Sanamahism.

The Meitei Sanamahists face various forms of social and religious exclusion. They are barred by the Bamons from participating in certain religious and cultural practices — such as touching or buying traditional Manipuri attire like the phanek or kajenglei. Their temples and sacred altars are frequently disrespected, with the names of their deities changed to those of Hindu gods. These deities are even prohibited from being worshipped openly, leading many Meiteis to secretly practice Sanamahism in the forests.

Even organizations formed by Sanamahists are often suppressed. Despite these challenges, many still preserve their faith and identity, even when they are a minority. In Myanmar, Meitei Sanamahist followers are scattered and lack a common village or region to unify, which leads to isolation.

The influence of the Bamons has grown so much that Meitei Sanamahists are now considered impure or “untouchable” by them. Intermarriage between Meitei Bamons and Meitei Sanamahists is forbidden. If a Sanamahist woman or man wishes to marry into the Bamon community,Their family often forces them to adopt Tamil or Bengali identities In order to marry purely.if not, Bamon communities does not accept them as Meitei.

If someone ( Non Hindu ) wants to be a pure Meitei again, they must also marry a Tamil or Bengali so that that can come back as a Pure Meite This discrimination became painfully visible during a recent natural disaster in Myanmar. While many Meiteis cried for help, the relief materials sent by Meiteis from Manipur were allegedly diverted to the Bamons, leaving Sanamahists to suffer in neglect.

Cultural suppression is also rampant. Traditional Manipuri clothing is sold by Bamons, who prohibit Sanamahists from even touching them. In addition, Sanamahists are labeled as descendants of Burmese people and mocked as “pseudo-Meitei.” Facing such treatment, some Meitei have abandoned their roots — converting to Buddhism or even giving up their surnames in order to blend in with Burmese society.

Today, the Meitei Sanamahi population is declining every year. Many followers in Myanmar are now disconnected from Meitei culture and language — most cannot speak Meiteilon or fully understand our traditions. Though they may resemble the Burmese outwardly and are labeled “impure” by the Bamons, they still carry faith in Sanamahism and do their best to follow their forefathers’ path, even with limited knowledge.

A Call for Unity and Revival

Despite centuries of oppression, the spirit of Sanamahism still lives on in the hearts of its followers. It is a deeply rooted tradition that has protected Meitei culture and religion through time. There is no restriction in Meitei society preventing the practice of Sanamahism — yet the suppression by external forces persists.

It is now time for the community to take a stand. No longer should abuse and humiliation go unchecked. The Meitei Sanamahists must unite to protect their culture, religion, and history. The divine spirit of Sanamahi is alive in every household, and that alone is proof of the resilience of this ancient belief system.

As a community, Meitei must embrace each other and rise in solidarity, for they need no one’s permission to practice their faith.

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