Meitei Culture/Sex & Gender

Depictions of male and female in the illustrations from the Subika (ꯁꯨꯕꯤꯀꯥ), an 18-19th century Meitei language manuscript (bark of Aquilaria agallocha)

The two primary genders in traditional Meitei culture is male and female, derived from the concepts of Father Sky (Sky God) and Mother Earth (Earth Goddess).

Meitei society is predominantly male dominated in nature. However, women are given great liberty in comparison to other cultures.

One of the classical example is the "Ima Keithel" (meaning "Mothers' Market"), which is exclusively administered by Meitei womenfolk, where no man is allowed to sell anything inside the marketplace. This major commercial hub is located in the metropolis of Imphal, controlled by Meitei women.

The culture of treating women with respect and honour is derived from the worship of goddesses and divine ladies in traditional Meitei religion (known as "Sanamahism" or "Lainingthouism" in modern days).

Third gender is given due recognition in traditional Meitei society. However, their occupation is limited. They are traditionally most possibly supposed to become a priest, to be in service of the gods. This doesn't mean that priestly works are to be done by only them.

Other than male priests ("maiba" or "amaiba" in Meitei) and the female priests ("maibi" or "amaibi" in Meitei), there is a special category of transgender priests known as "nupa maibi" (literally meaning "male priestess" or "male nun" in Meitei, showing the characteristics of both male and female).

Second most possible occupation that a transgender is traditionally supposed to do, other than confining to religious works, is becoming an actor in the traditional Meitei courtyard theatre industry, calling "Shumang Kumhei" (also known as "Shumang Kummei" or "Shumang Leela"). Again, this doesn't mean that all the Shumang Kumhei actors are transgenders, as many are heterosexual straight males, and in special cases, female actors (actresses) also work.

These two mentioned traditional occupations are still in prevalence in present times. However, their scope of works are expanded to a greater extend.

In modern era, Meitei transgenders are best known for dominating the field of costume designing, beauty parlor and make-up. And this creates a popular stereotype (or misconception) among the masses that such fashion related jobs should be done only by the transgenders.