The Meitei Mythic Facet as an Epistemic Entity

Abstract

Ancient civilisations had their own intriguing set of myths and mythologies, no matter how outlandish or perplexing they seem to be. Humans developed mythology to explain their place in the world they found themselves in, and the phenomena discerned in the natural world. Thus, they served an epistemic function. History is said to be the bridge that connects the past with the present and points the road to the far future. Likewise, myths act as the seminal bridge that forms a link between the world of humans with that of the gods or spirits, and additionally form the substratum of religion and culture. This paper aims to demonstrate that the Meitei myths fulfil an epistemic obligation for the Meitei community, which possesses a rich corpus of mythologies, a vibrant culture, distinct rituals, and colourful festivals. This paper shall attempt to understand the Lai Haraoba that executes the creation myths of the Meiteis as a performative worldview, as a philosophy performed. Keywords: Epistemic aspect of myths, Lai Haraoba, Meitei, Mythology, Worldview.