Published in 1976, this historical romance is perhaps the most famous modern Manipuri novel. It depicts the defiant love between the Manipuri princess Sanatombi and the British Political Agent, Maxwell. The book won the Sahitya Akademi Award and is celebrated for its portrayal of female agency and the clash of cultures.

To truly understand the genre, you must read (or find translations of) these key figures.

Thoiba stopped playing. “And what do you say, Purnima?”

: Regarded as the greatest and last epic, this story follows the legendary love between Khamba, a poor but heroic orphan, and Thoibi, the princess of Moirang. Henjunaha and Lairoulembi