Life and times of Maharaja Bhagyachandra recalled
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 06 2018: A two-day National seminar on 'The Life & Times of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra was inaugurated today at the Court Hall of Manipur University under the auspices of The Department of History, MU, Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi and The Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Samiti (BISS), Manipur.

The seminar inaugurated by Prof Adya Prasad Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University is sponsored by Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) .

The two-day seminar will deliberate on the remarkable contributions of the king, his legacy, the different aspects of the life and achievement of the Rajarshi Bhagyachandra which will help in comprehensive understanding of socio-political and religious transformation of Manipur during the 18th century.

Dr Balmukund Pandey, All India Organising Secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana; Dr Ch Jamini Devi, former chairperson of MSCW and Hemanta Dhing Mazumdar, Zonal Organising Secretary (NE), Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana attended the inaugural function as the chief guest and guests of honour respectively.

In his presidential speech, Prof Adya Prasad Pandey recalled that Rajarshi Bhagyachandra was an enlightened king who was politically and culturally farsighted individual.

He was a virtuous king and one of the most powerful rulers in the annals of Manipur civilization.

He stated that Rajarshi was a devout person, possessing the qualities of a Saint, thus becoming popular with the name 'Rajarshi'.

Apart from political history, his rule was characterised by unique socio-cultural evolution and his time was associated with accounts of political crisis, diplomats with the neighbouring states and cultural development.

The reign of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra is considered to be the golden period for many reasons in the political and cultural history of Manipur, he stated.

He asserted that 'Nata Sankirtan' which was recently given the status of 'Intangible Performing Art' by the UNESCO is one of the legacies of Bhagyachandra's contribution in the field of art and culture.

On the religious front, the most remarkable contribution of the Maharaja is the propagation of Vaishnavism in Manipur, construction and installation of the Idol of Shri Govindajee and innovation of dance drama known as Ras Lila.

The famous 'Ras Lila', a classical dance was introduced during his reign, the Professor recalled.

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