Priestesses in Ancient and Medieval Manipur

Abstract

The priests (maibas) and priestesses (maibis) are the ritual specialists of Meitei society since time immemorial till today. No rites and rituals are complete without them in most of the ceremonies of the Meitei society. Thus, this paper traces their origin and their roles in ancient and medieval Manipur and the changes over a period of time. In short, it’s about revisiting the ancient past by looking at their role of the maibis who have kept the ancient traditions alive for ages.