ABSTRACT
India is a multiracial country and it is reflected in the existence of a wide array of culinary traditions representing different parts of the country. Manipur, one of the eight north-eastern states of India, inhabited by numerous ethnic groups, was an erstwhile kingdom ruled by monarchs belonging to the Meitei community. Chakluk is made up of two words chak and luk both carrying the meaning of cooked rice but collectively taken as a rice platter served with different dishes. The term luk seems to have been derived from luklen or rice meal served on a big round rattan tray called lukmai in early Manipur. Manipur being located at the intersection of South and Southeast Asia, the study of any aspect of Manipur has to be done at a larger context, juxtaposing the two regions, which also applies to food culture. The Meitei community is made up of seven clans who were different principalities at one point of time.
