Authors of Manipur

  • 1800

    1. Mahakabi Hijam Anganghal Singh (28th July 1892 – 25th April 1943) Known for Khamba Thoibi Sheireng (1940), a magnum opus epic poem, he’s a foundational figure in modern Manipuri literature
    2. Jannaneta Hijam Irabot (1896-1951)
    3. Khwairakpam Chaoba Singh (1895-1950) Author of the historical novel Lavangalata (1939), a pioneer of 20th-century Manipuri poetry and prose
    4. H. Nabadwipchandra (1897-1946)
    5. Lamabam Kamal Singh (1899–1935) Wrote Madhavi (1930), a key poet of the Manipuri renaissance, contributing to early modern literature

  • 1900

    1. Ashangbam Minaketan Singh (1906-1995) A Padma Shri recipient, known for poetry like Basanta Sheireng (1928) and plays like Tonu Laijinglembi. His work reflects Meitei emotions, indirectly relevant to cultural resilience during unrest.
    2. Arambam Dorendrajit Singh (1907-1944)
    3. Gitchandra Tongbra (1913-1996) A satirist and playwright, his works critiqued society, potentially inspiring contemporary reflections on Manipur’s turmoil.
    4. Rajkumar Shitaljit Singh (1913 – 2008) Noted for novels and short stories, he advanced Manipuri fiction, influencing narratives of identity that persist into the conflict era.

    1. Thoibi Devi (1920 – 1996)
    2. Hijam Guno Singh (26th June 1920 – ) Novelist and short story writer (Laman, 1958)
    3. M.K. Binodini (6th February 1922 – 17th January 2011) A royal family member turned writer, known for Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi and short stories. Her works bridge ancient royalty and modern Manipur, offering historical context to the conflict’s roots.
    4. Khaidem Pramodini ( 3rd Jan 1926 – 4th Dec 2006)
    5. L Samarendra Singh (1928- )
    1. Bhaktisvarupa Damodar Swami (1937-2006)
    1. Pacha Meetei (1940-1990)
    2. Shri Biren (-2011)
    3. Prof Nongmaithem Tombi Singh (March 22, 1942)
    4. Dr. Jodha Chandra Sanasam (20th Nov 1944 – 16th May 2021)
    5. Ratan Thiyam (b. 1948) A renowned playwright and theatre director (Chakravyuha)
    6. Shri E Nilakanta Singh
    7. Sagolsem Dhabali
    8. Thiyam Ibohal
    9. Thiyam Ratankumar
    10. Thangjam Ibopishak
    11. R.K. Madhubir
    12. K Padmakar
    13. K Ibohal Singh
    14. Tokpam Ibomcha
    15. Kiyamuddin Pukhrimaym
    16. Sarat Arambam
    17. Memchoubi
    18. Lanchenba Meitei
    19. L. Ibemhal
    20. S. Nilabir Shatri
    21. Kheiruddin Choudhury
    22. S. Brojeshwar
    23. Saheed Choudhury
    24. Ak. Seram
    25. Raghu Leishangthem
    26. Kshetri Rajen
    27. Borkeinya
    28. Ibempishak Devi
    29. Kshetrimayum Subadani
    30. R.K. Shitaljit
    31. Kunjamohon
    32. E. Dinamani
    33. Chitreshwar Sharma
    34. Nilbir Shastri
    35. Birendrajit Naorem
    36. L Netrajit Singh
    37. M Birmangol Singh
    1. Binalakshmi Nepram (b. 1970s) A humanitarian author and activist, she’s written on gun culture and peace
Library of Manipur is on a mission to create, preserve, promote and giving easy access to audio/video contents of Manipuri books and people of Manipur for generations to come.

Let the words of our ancestors, elders and people lay a strong foundation of knowledge of our roots and identity, healing during low phases in life, giving us strength and inspiration to move forward, evoking the sense of pride, love and unity for Manipur wherever you are in the world.

Monica Ingudam