Hee Lanmi
Hee Lanmi, also spelled as Hi Lanmi or Hee Lanmee, refers to the boat army or naval force of the traditional Meitei military. It was one of the three divisions of the military, along with Khong Lanmi and Sagol Lanmi. The Hee Lanmi played a crucial role in both warfare and transportation, especially in a time when roads and bridges were few.
The Hee Lanmi was an essential part of Manipur’s military and cultural history. It reflected the adaptability of the Meitei military system, using the region’s natural waterways for defense, trade, and communication, and forming a unique naval tradition that combined warfare and cultural celebration.
Overview
In ancient Kangleipak, the region was filled with rivers, lakes, swamps, and wetlands. Due to the lack of proper roads, boats were widely used for travel, trade, and communication. The Meitei kings developed the Hee Lanmi to carry out military operations on water. This force was skilled in rowing, fighting on boats, and handling various weapons while at sea or river.Organization and function
To maintain a strong naval force, the kings:- Kept a large number of boats on major rivers such as the Ningthi River in the east and the Barak River in the west.
- Trained the boat soldiers to be experts in combat, rowing, and handling Meitei traditional weapons.
- Held the Hiyang Tannaba, a traditional Meitei boat race, as a form of war training and later, as a festival for entertainment.
Uniform and dress
Though there was no strict distinction between infantry and cavalry uniforms, members of the armed forces typically wore:- Pheijom
- Red jackets
- White Kokyets
- A piece of cloth called Khadangchet to tie the turban under the chin