Pamheiba

Meidingu Pamheiba (1690–1751) was a king of Manipur in the early 18th century. After conversion to Hinduism, he made it the official religion of Manipur in 1717 and took the name Gharib Nawaz. Although of Naga origin himself, he displayed hostility towards the Thangal Naga. During most of his reign he was engaged in warfare against the Kingdom of Burma.

He was born on 23 December 1690 CE in Manipur to Pitambar Charairongba and was crowned Meidingu ("king") on Wednesday, the 23rd of thawan 1631 Saka Era( August 28, 1709 CE). During the early 18th century, Hindu missionaries from Sylhet arrived in Manipur to spread Gaudiya Vaishnavism. They were led by Shantidas Adhikari and his associate Guru Gopal Das who succeeded in converting the King from the old Meitei religion to Vaishnavism in 1710. Later during his reign, Pamheiba made Hinduism the official religion, and converted nearly all the Meitei people to Hinduism.

His reign lasted 39 years. During that time, the realm of Manipur extended from the Irrawaddy in the east to Cachar and Tripura in the west. At some points during his reign, his realm extended into the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Shortly after taking power from his father Charairongba he invaded Burma after the Burmese King insulted his sister. The Burmese King asked for the hand of another of Charairongba's daughters in marriage. Instead of a princess, the King of Burma was met by cavalry, led by Pamheiba that massacred the Burmese army, and brought many POW to Imphal.

In 1734, Pamheiba invaded Tripura and captured 1100 POWs, who were absorbed into the Meitei community.

Pamheiba had eight wives, and a large number of sons and daughters. His eldest son, Samjai Khurai-Lakpa, was assassinated by his younger son Chitsai, who came to power after Pamheiba's grandson Gaurisiam. The reign was then followed by Ching-Thang Khomba.