Manipur Discovers a Monolith Symbolising of Nagas’ Origin

Guwahati: A Monolith representing the origins of the Nagas was discovered in Manipur on Monday.

The monolith was found in the Senapati district’s Makhel village. The ancient monolith created by the Onaeme (People of Oinam Hill village) was unveiled by S Pfokhreni, chief of Makhraimai (Makhel), in front of the village council and elders of Makhraimai (Makhel village).

The words inscribed on the monolith read, “The Onaeme (people of Oinam hill village) erect this monolith on this day, the 17th of April 2023, affirming our affinity, identity, and fraternity with the Makhramai (people of Makhel village) and the rest of Naga tribes, sub-tribes, and clans who once sojourned and dispersed from Makhrai (Makhel).”

The Onaeme, who originally resided in Makhrai before dispersing and establishing their permanent settlement in Onaephung (Oinam Hill Village), may be traced back to their historical origins thanks to this monolith.

The words carved on the monolith claim that Onaeme has created earthen items for ritual and cookery uses since the days of Makhrai.

“Glory and honor be unto God who bestowed the Nagas, our identity, history, and land since ancient of days and for ages to come,” the monolith reads.

The unveiling ceremony was jointly hosted by Onaeme and Makhramai and village elders, leaders, youth, and villagers of Oinam Hill village.