Manipuri Thang-Ta Artiste Ningthoujam Indu Devi has been conferred Doctor of Philosophy by Manipur University for her Thesis “Manipuri Jagoiga Thang-Taga leinaba Mari”( Manipuri Dance and its relation to Thang-Ta). She is the first woman Thang-Ta Artiste in the state who achieves such doctorate degree.
Born to Ningthoujam Khoidum and Pakpi Devi hailing from Keirao bitra, Ningthoujam Indu Devi is the fourth daughter among nine siblings. She did her research work under Professor P. Gunindro Manipuri department and was declared to have qualified for award of degree of Doctor of Philosophy recently by Manipur University.
Indu Devi is one of the pioneering Manipuri Artistes, who contributes relentlessly towards popularizing Thang Ta, a rare indigenous Martial Art globallyl. She gave her Thang ta performance in Edinburg Military Tattoo festival Golden Jubilee in Edinburg Dundu and Abundu of United Kingdom in 2002, summer festival in Switzerland in 2008, 4th and 5th Surin International Folk Lore festival at Surinda Rajabdat University Thailand held in 2009 and 2010, Expo Sangai festival of China in 2010. Apart from this, she has given her artistic performances in state and national level.
Under the guidance of Padamashri G. Gourakishor Sharma, Director Huyel Lallong Manipur Thang Ta Cultural Association, Irilbung, one of the pioneers in the revival of Manipuri Thang Ta Art form, Kumari Indu Devi began learning Thang ta. She also learnt Thang ta art from other Gurus like Padamshri N. Khelchandra, G. Sana Sharma, Sinam Devrata, Birjit Ngangomba, Leitanthem Heramot, Saikhom Nodiya Mangang, Khoisnam Dhaballo, Rk Achoubisana, Ranjit Nongthong and others. In the field of Manipuri folk and classical dance, she learnt the art under the teachers like K. Kumar, Th. Ibemubi, Dr. Moirangthem Macha Chaoreikanba, RK Nabindra, Padamashri RK Achoubisana, Padamashri Khangenbam Mangi, Padamashri Kshetrimayum Thouranishabi, Padamashri Yumlembam Gambhini, Yumlembam Ranjana, W. Lokendro and Master Chaotombi etc.
She has completed various courses on Manipuri Thang-Ta Art – Certificate course, Diploma and degree courses and presently working as senior Artiste at Huyel LaLlong Manipur Thang Ta cultural Association. She has also completed diploma and Post Diploma in Manipuri dance from Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal in 2009. She has also passed Meetei Mayek Diploma and TET.
In her journey of Thang ta Martial Arts, Indu has achieved Young Talent scholarship in 2002, Junior fellow award conferred by Ministry of Culture, Government of India in 2007. Apart from this, Bhartia Dalit Sahitya Akademy also conferred her Virangana Savitri Bal Phule Award in 2010.
As an Instructor, She has the teaching experience at Woman’s self defense training to 8th batch woman police constable recruits under MPTC, Pangei, Thang-Ta Martial Art workshop under first foundation school, Mumbai, Maria Montessori school, Trio standard English school. Keirao and many others.
