King Sentreng (also known as Sentreng Apanba, Sentreng Pakhangba, Lolang Pakhangba) is a semi-legendary monarch in early Meitei tradition. He is widely known through myth and folklore, particularly as the husband of Sandrembi in the well-known "Sandrembi and Chaisra" tale. He is also identified in some oral traditions as the father of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, the first historically recognized king of the Ningthouja dynasty who ascended the throne in 33 CE.
Sentreng Pakhangba and His Family.
Background and Lineage.
Sentreng Pakhangba, also referred to as Lolang Pakhangba during his exile, was the father of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba—the first historically recorded king of the Ningthouja dynasty of Manipur. He was part of a mytho-historical lineage, with his own father imparting distinct skills to his two sons: Kuptreng was taught administration, while Sentreng was taught leadership. As a result, Kuptreng served as an administrator, and Sentreng became king.
Overthrow by the Khaba Clan.
Before Nongda Lairen Pakhangba’s reign, Sentreng ruled Kangla. However, he was overthrown by the Khaba clan, who captured Kangla. Following his defeat, Sentreng fled, first taking refuge in Moirang and later at Nongmaijing Hill near the Angom territory. During his exile, he assumed the name Lolang Pakhangba, and was also known as Leinung Lonja Ariba.
Exile and Survival.
While in hiding, Sentreng plotted to reclaim his throne from the Khaba, but was unable to act directly. He moved northward through several hill villages in disguise, eventually settling in Fatlou Laimakon, the source of the Iril River, where he lived in concealment with his young son, Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.
Regional Conflicts and Alliances.
During this period, a conflict broke out between the Khaba and the Angom clan. Pureiromba of the Angom clan killed Khaba in a battle that started over a river dispute. In retaliation, Khamchingkon Haiheiba—related to the Khaba—sought help from his son-in-law, Thongaren, king of Khamnung. Thongaren then sent his brother Poireiton to confront Pureiromba.
Unable to match Poireiton's strength, Pureiromba turned to Fatlou Laimakon and brought Nongda Lairen Pakhangba into the conflict. Pakhangba defeated Poireiton in battle. As a peace offering, Thongaren gave his sister Laisna in marriage to Pakhangba, thus protecting Poireiton and establishing a strategic alliance.
Restoration of the Throne.
Following the victory, Nongda Lairen Pakhangba returned to Fatlou Laimakon, where Sentreng (Lolang Pakhangba) appointed him king. Pakhangba then journeyed to Kangla, arriving via Hanjing Chingmei and Nonghumshang, and formally ascended the throne.
Role in the Sandrembi and Chaisra Folktale.
Sentreng is best known in Meitei folklore as the husband of Sandrembi, a kind and virtuous woman who became queen. Her stepsister, Chaisra, born from her step-mother, becomes Sandrembi’s rival.
The tale describes how Sandrembi is falsely accused and punished, even transformed into a fish at one point. Sentreng is portrayed as a righteous yet easily deceived monarch, who ultimately learns the truth about Chaisra's cruelty and restores Sandrembi to her rightful place.
This story reflects broader cultural themes of virtue, deception, familial rivalry, and justice, and remains one of the most enduring folktales in Manipur’s oral tradition.
Legacy.
Though not a historical monarch in the documented sense, King Sentreng’s legacy survives through his association with both the founding of Manipur’s monarchy and rich Meitei folklore. His role in the Sandrembi-Chaisra narrative has made him a symbol of traditional justice and patriarchal authority within the cultural memory of Manipur.