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Khuman

Clan of the Indian ethnic group, Meetei

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Source updated February 17, 2026
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Khuman (Meitei: ꯈꯨꯃꯟ) is a group of people, which is recognized as one of the seven Yek Salai clans of the composite Meitei confederacy. Historically, they ruled parts of Kangleipak (present day Indian state of Manipur) prior to subjugation by the Ningthouja dynasty (Mangang) c. 13th century. The Khuman-Lon Puya records information about their rule. The Meitei language meaning of Khuman is a narrowed darkness.

01Number of families

Meitei sub-groups Romanisation Number of families/surnames (according to N. Monihar) Number of families/surnames (according to Khomdon Lisam) Number of families/surnames (according to T.C. Hodson) Number of families/surnames (according to Manipur Mirror) Number of families/surnames (according to MASTEC)
ꯈꯨꯃꯟ Khuman 176 199 103 204 67
In the flag of Kangleipak, the black color represents the Khuman group of Meitei people.
In the flag of Kangleipak, the black color represents the Khuman group of Meitei people.

02Mythology

Khuman was the son of Iputhou Pakhangba and Loikhumpi Mawai Thoungailenpi. He was born inside Kangla Palace, Imphal at evening when sunset sky is somewhat dark in colour. He ruled the Mayang Imphal province of Kangleipak kingdom as the Khuman province for several years. Khuman Khamba, one of legendary powerful hero from Moirang was amongst Khuman Salai(clan).

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Sources and credits

This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Khuman”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.

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Related topics

Khuman martial traditions

Khuman martial traditions or Khuman warrior traditions refer to the code, customs, and cultural values surrounding warfare and personal combat practiced by the Khuman clan in Kangleipak, present-day Manipur, India. Drawing on ancient Meitei literature, including the Thawanthaba Hiran, the Chainarol (an account of combats), the Khuman Kangleirol traditions, the Moirang Kangleirol traditions, these literary works show how the Khumans perceived honour, conflict, and inter-clan interactions.

Mangang

Mangang is a group of people, which is recognized as one of the seven Yek Salai clans of the composite Meitei confederacy. It consists of several Yumnaks, which belong to the native people of ancient Kangleipak (now Manipur), one of the states of India.

Luwang

Luwang is a group of people, which is recognized as one of the seven Yek Salai clans of the composite Meitei confederacy. Luwang consists of several Yumnaks which are native peoples of ancient Kangleipak (now Manipur), one of the States of India.