Nongshaba
Nongshaba (Meitei: ꯅꯣꯡꯁꯥꯕ, romanized: nong-shaa-ba, lit. 'Lion God'), also known as Kanglasha (Old Manipuri: ꯀꯪꯂꯥꯁꯥ, romanized: kang-laa-shaa, lit. 'Dragon of the Kangla'), is a primordial dragon lion god in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Manipur (Antique Kangleipak).[4][5][6] He is a son of Atingkok, the Supreme Creator God, and an old member of the Umang Lais (Sylvan deities) in the religion. A pair of two gigantic figures of the creature, is standing inside the Kangla, the foremost capital city of Ancient Manipur.[7]
Nongshaba (Old Manipuri: Nongshapa) | |
---|---|
Member of Lainingthous and Umang Lais | |
![]() | |
Other names | Kanglasha |
Affiliation | Meitei mythology (Manipuri mythology) and Meitei religion (Sanamahism) |
Major cult center | Kangla |
Animals | Lion |
Texts | PuYas |
Gender | Male |
Region | Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur) |
Ethnic group | Meitei ethnicity |
Festivals | Lai Haraoba |
Personal information | |
Parents |
|
Siblings | Sanamahi and Pakhangba |
History
Destruction of the structures
After the Anglo-Manipuri War, the two structures of the dragons were destroyed by the British Army, when they annexed the Kangla.

Rebuilding of the structures
Under the supervision of the Government of Manipur, the structures of the dragons were reconstructed in the first decade of the 21st century AD.
In State Emblem
Kanglasha is regarded as a sacred creature. So, he is included in the Emblem of the Government of Manipur.
References
- Internationales Asien Forum: International quarterly for Asian studies. 1989.
- Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. ISBN 9788170490630.
- Lisam, Khomdan Singh (2011). Encyclopaedia of Manipur (3 Vol.). ISBN 9788178358642.
- Session, North East India History Association (1990). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.
- Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-063-0.
- Internationales Asien Forum: International quarterly for Asian studies. Weltform Verlag. 1989.
- Lisam, Khomdan Singh (2011). Encyclopaedia Of Manipur (3 Vol.). ISBN 978-81-7835-864-2.