The Yek-Salai System: The Bedrock of Meitei Civilization

The Yek-Salai System: The Bedrock of Meitei Civilization

The Yek-Salai System: Bedrock of Meitei Civilization The Yek-Salai System: The Bedrock of Meitei Civilization A deep dive into the strict matrimonial rules, exogamy laws, and kinship architecture of ancient Kangleipak. The social, religious, and legal architecture of the Meitei civilization is fundamentally anchored in the Yek-Salai system. Functioning as the absolute bedrock of Meitei Personal Law, it encompasses a sophisticated framework of kinship, matrimonial jurisprudence, property rights, and Sanamahism (the indigenous religion). Historical Evolution: From Matriliny to Patriliny According to ancient esoteric scriptures known as Puyas , the Meitei social structure began in an egalitarian, matrilineal proto-community called Chakmaringba (circa 20,000 B.C.). As the society transitioned into a settled agrarian economy, the need to establish clear heritable property rights drove a…