Manipur has a vibrant repository of folklores that fascinate every listener. These tales are deeply endowed with resonant cultural beliefs that glorify the cultural legacies of the region. One of these is the story of Poubi Lai, regarded as a malicious spirit of a giant python. This tale is very popular in Manipur’s Meitei tribe for whom the dragon-like hybrid animal has for centuries been integral to their ethos, but has only recently found shape in a tactile form.
Delhiites got a chance to take a peek at the major wood artwork that is not only 12 years old but has earned a special place in the history of beliefs related to the ‘horned python’, at the exhibition titled ‘Poubi Lai’. The exhibition is being hosted by National Museum in association with Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal.
The 42-day exhibition that commenced on Tuesday, narrates the python’s saga in an interactive manner with the help of a wooden sculpture of the mythical reptile Poubi Lai and several paintings byManipuri artists.
The exhibition was inaugurated by K K Mittal (Additional. Secretary, Ministry of Culture). Present on the occasion were Sanjiv Mittal (DG, National Museum), Prof. Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri (Director, IGRMS) and RP Savita (Director of Conservation, National Museum).
The 21-feet long sculpture of the mythical reptile was conceived by (late) wood-carver Karam Dineshwar Singh. The work became a part of the permanent collection of Bhopal’s Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya. The paintings displayed illustrate the montages of the story of Poubi Lai.
“I got the concept of one-object exhibition from a British Museum. This exhibition is a good example to show people that a few objects can create great impact over the people if the curation and designs are done in a unique way. The coming of this sculpture to Delhi is thus a fascinating journey in itself. This exhibition is a humble attempt to take museums to the communities,” said Sanjiv Mittal.
“It gives me immense pleasure to know that the two important institutions have joined hands to promote the cultural heritage of a state like Manipur. Such collaboration will give the visitors an opportunity to witness some great piece of work, like Poubi Lai, which is being displayed at the National Museum. It will bring about great synchronisation and interesting opportunities to unveil several archives of the country,” K K Mittal said.
The inauguration also saw a traditional dance and drama performance by over 15 Manipuri folk artistes, dressed in beautiful folk attire. Amid live music and vocals, the artistes, with their high degree of expression and moves, created a picturesque imagery.
As for Poubi Lai, it has been the tangible result of what is believed to be the deity’s ‘instruction’ to its maker. The story goes that Dineshwar, following the dream, left his home in search of the wood required to sculpt the structure of Poubi Lai. He eventually located the root of a big tree near the bank of Leimatak River – as forecast in his dream. The root, it is said, “looked exactly the same” as the character the artiste saw in his dream.
Poubi Lai is believed to have lived in the heart of Loktak Lake in Manipur. Incidently, the spirit was awakened with collective fishing activities held under the patron of the Moriang King. Consumed with anger, the giant spirit launched into destruction, killing the people around. The terror of Poubi Lai held in thrall the surrounding chiefdoms and the Moirang kingdom. Lai threatened the King of Moirang and commanded him to provide one basket of rice and a person for his daily meal, leaving the people terrorised and fearful for their lives and property. The most revered Shaman Kabui Salang Maiba (Salang Baji) and a handsome lad of Moirang kingdom, Chauhi Leirong Apanba could only summon and control the terror of Poubi Lai.
Poubi Lai is said to have been killed by Salang Baji in one version of the story while the other version narrates that the spirit of this giant python was not killed but was merely tamed by Salang Baji.
Published 22 July 2015, 14:43 IST