Khong Lanmi (ꯈꯣꯡ ꯂꯥꯟꯃꯤ), also known as Khongmi Lanmi (ꯈꯣꯡꯃꯤ ꯂꯥꯟꯃꯤ), refers to the infantry or foot soldiers of the Meitei traditional army. It was one of the three main divisions of the military, along with Sagol Lanmi (cavalry or horsemen) and Hi Lanmi (naval or boat army).
The Khong Lanmi were the most numerous and important branch of the Manipuri military forces. These infantry soldiers were trained to engage in direct hand-to-hand combat and often faced enemies fearlessly, sometimes fighting against several opponents at once.
The Meitei army, including the infantry, was organized using a decimal system, similar to that of the Mughals. The basic unit was a regiment of 1,000 soldiers, originally called Fauji or Doli, later known as Tuli. The entire army was made up of 13 Tulis, each with its own name and command.
Each Tuli was divided into several Lups (companies). A Tuli usually had 7 to 17 companies. Each Lup was led by a Lakpa, and below him were various officers including Hidang Hanjaba, Thangsuhanba, Thangsunaha, Tenshuhanba, Tenshunaha, and Meiraba. During the British period, ranks like Captain, Subedar, and Jamadar were also used. The commander of a Tuli was called Lallup Chingba or Tulinaha Major.
The Khong Lanmi were recruited through the Lallup system, a type of compulsory military service. All able-bodied Meitei males aged 17 or 18 to 60 years were trained as soldiers. They had to serve the state for 10 days out of every 40 days, ensuring the kingdom had a constant supply of well-trained troops.
The infantry used both traditional and modern weapons, especially in different historical periods. Common weapons included:
From the late 16th century, firearms began to be used. King Mungyamba brought guns from Khamral (Burma or China) in 1584 C.E. Later, King Khagemba used guns against enemies in Cachar and Tripura. In Pamheiba’s reign (1709–1748), bell metal cannons called Sen Kamran were used. By 1825, Raja Gambhir Singh received 1,500 muskets from the British, indicating further modernization of the army.
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At various points in history, the infantry had a significant strength:
The thirteen regiments of Khong Lanmi included:
1. Tulihal
2. Tuliyaima
3. Tulinaha
4. Bhitna Tuli
5. Vishnu Senahal Tuli
6. Vishnu Naha Tuli
7. Top Tuli
8. Loya Tuli
9. Kang Tuli
10. Kangnao Tuli
11. Oinamlong Tuli
12. Naya Tuli
13. Bamdiyar Tuli
The Khong Lanmi were not just a military force but also an integral part of Meitei society. The Lallup system tied military duty to citizenship, ensuring that military service was both a responsibility and a rite of passage for all Meitei men.