Forthcoming

Transgender Belonging in Manipur: A Study of Nupi Maanbis

Shamjetshabam Babeena Chanu

Different cultures have their own specific practices and traditions of gender plurality. The book aims to explore the identity and belonging of the indigenous nupi maanbi community in Manipur. The prerogative of nupi maanbi as an indigenous identity in Manipur has raised significant questions about transgender belonging. This work seeks to revisit the history and, at the same time, understand the cultural practices that transgress the binary norms of gender classification within the Manipuri society, specifically the Meitei society. The nupi maanbi identity we have today emerged from a long history of power, gender inequality, and resistance. Nupi maanbi’s acceptance, recognition, or tolerance in society raises questions about boundaries, belonging and the politics of belonging within Manipuri society and beyond.

Shamjetshabam Babeena Chanu

Dr. Shamjetshabam Babeena Chanu is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of South East Asian Studies, Manipur University. She had served as a Junior Research Fellow in Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata. She holds a doctoral degree in Political Science from the Centre for Political Studies, JNU, New Delhi. Her academic interests include citizenship studies, gender studies, Studies in Southeast Asia. She can be reached out at sbchanu16@gmail.com.

Contents

Acknowledgements

1. Introduction
2. Transgender Identity and Belonging
3. Belonging of Nupi Maanbi in Manipur
4. Nupi Maanbi Community in Contemporary Manipur: Boundaries and Belonging
5. Concluding Remarks