Abstract :
The Meiteis of Manipur have different rules of mate choice. The rules are based on
kinship structure of different categories based on lineage, clan and above all,
biological degree of marriage matrimony. The use of different terminologies of such
rules and the latent meaning attached to these terminologies are self-evident and
self-explained. These rules viz., yek tinnaba, shairuk tinnaba, pee tinnaba, pen
tinnaba, leinung pen tinnaba, mungnaba and ee-omnaba are neither haphazardly
named nor disorderly structured but named meaningfully and are arrayed in a
sequential structure. Despite of the influence of hindunization in which many of them
are converted into vaisnavism, the people still observe the ancient rules of marriage
based on these seven above mentioned rules.
