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Khagemba

16th-century Meitei monarch

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Through Shah Jahan

Military career

Initial Conflict With Mughals

Most of the northwestern parts of the Indian Subcontinent were already under Islamic invasion till the 15th century. In 1606 CE, when the Mughals launched attacks on Manipur under the leadership of Shahjahan, Ningthou Hanba's younger brother, Prince Sanongba, betrayed his kingdom, joining the Mughal army, aspiring to become the new King of Manipur. The Mughal Army and Sanongba were defeated and captured in Cachar. King Ningthou Hanba brought many Mughal soldiers as POWs.

Conflict With Chinese

In 1631 CE, the Chinese Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty went on a trail to expand the southeastern borders of his Empire. After successfully capturing Myanmar, he marched towards Manipur. Maharaja Ningthou Hanba defeated the Chinese Army, and Emperor Chongzhen fled back to Yunnan. Ningthou Hanba brought many Chinese POWs and employed the skilled Chinese POWs in constructing bridges. The historical hump-backed arch bridge over Nambul River at Khwairam-band Bazar and the gate at the royal palace were built by the Chinese POWs. Bricks were made for the 1st time in Manipur; these Chinese bricks were small in size and were not burnt fully. The Chinese word for "brick" was adopted into the Manipuri language.

Conflict with Burmese

The Burmese invasion of Manipur took place in 1649 CE, which was easily brought to a halt by Khagemba's interference.

Conflict with Tripuris

Khagemba had wars with the Tripuris in 1603 and 1634. In the war of 1634, his army captured 200 people of Tripura.

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