'And That is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold' : Book released
Date : 21st June, 2021 -

H.H The Maharaja Of Manipur Releases A Book Based On Manipuri Puya Manuscripts

H.H THE MAHARAJA OF MANIPUR RELEASES A BOOK BASED ON MANIPURI PUYA MANUSCRIPTS

Today, H.H Leisemba Sanajaoba, the Maharaja of Manipur and the Member of Parliament at the Rajya Sabha, has released the book titled “ And That is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold”, an illustrated collection of retellings from Manipuri mythology, at the Palace in Imphal. The book is written by L.Somi Roy and published by Penguin Random House India under the Puffin imprint.

The mythological stories in And That is Why are derived from text - both manuscripts and modern publications - and oral sources. They are gathered chiefly from writer and producer Thokchom Thouyangba Meitei, pena balladeer and folklorist M. Mangangsana, archivist Chanam Hemchandra, and with additional historical research by Wangam Somorjit.

The twelve tales in And That Is Why are illustrated by modern Manipuri artist Sapha Yumnam based on the traditional art of illustrated Manipuri manuscripts such as the subika and khutlou.

About the author L. Somi Roy

L. Somi Roy is a cultural conservationist, and the translator of the works of his mother, the Manipuri writer M.K. Binodini Devi. His published translations of Binodini include her historical novel Boro Saheb Ongi Sanatombi (published by Penguin Random House India in 2020 as a Penguin Modern Classic titled The Princess and the Political Agent); memoir essays Churachand Maharajgi Imung (The Maharaja’s Household: A Daughter’s Memories of Her Father, 2015); her play Asangba Nongjabi (Crimson Rainclouds, 2012); and screenplay Imagi Ningthem (My Son, My Precious,1981).

Roy is the founder trustee of Imasi: The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation (www.imasi.org). The book is now available at Ukiyo Bookstore, Imphal.