The Yek-Salai System: The Bedrock of Meitei Civilization

The Yek-Salai System: The Bedrock of Meitei Civilization

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. 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 society transitioned into a settled agrarian economy, the need to establish clear heritable property rights drove a profound shift toward patriliny. The definitive restructuring occurred under the legendary monarch Nongda Lairen Pakhangba (33–154 A.D.) . After unifying fiercely independent chiefdoms (like the powerful Khaba clan) in the Imphal Valley, he systematically assimilated the existing groups into the seven unalterable clans (Salai…