In 15th century AD, Khamba, a prince of the previously routed Khumal Royal family fell in love with Thoibi - a princess of the Moirang clan . The union have been to the political advantage of both Khumals and Moirangs ; but the moirang chief resisted on purely personal grounds. The result was tragic not only for the young lovers but also for the feuding tribes of Manipur.
Over the ages the tale of Khamba and Thoibi has been a common legendary folk tale among the Bishnupriya Manipuri and the Meitheis living in and outside Manipur.