Shillong Rajbari reconstruction

Free Thinker *

All Manipur lovers became unhappy when they heard the news that the historic Bungalow - Manipur Rajbari, Redlands, at Laitumkhrah, Shillong was dismantled; and people saw the picture too which was widely circulated. Let us stop blaming one another. We all were wrong – we never bothered to take care of the debilated Rajbari for decades together.

Now, in good faith some took the initiative to reconstruct it. Just see the positive spirit behind it ? Yes, it could have been handled in a more sophisticated and professional way; conservation-retrofitting-reconstruction method could have been applied.

I am not an expert in the conservation of historical buildings but certainly I am a student of history - believing in the unending dialogue between past and present (EH Carr) - for identity and continuity.

Bodhachandra Maharaj was in the Rajbari when he came for the Merger Agreement in Shillong in September, 1949. Maharaj Bodhachandra with a heavy heart signed the historic document on 21 of the same month. The merger was enforced on 15 October 1949. Then, Manipur became a category ‘C’ State under the Indian Administration. It was made a Union Territory only on 1 November, 1956 and became a full fledged State in 1972.

Yes we all agree that the Manipur Merger Agreement was signed on 21 September 1949 between the Maharaja of Manipur and the Representative of the Government of India, Shri VP Menon, who was the Secretary to the States under the Union Home Minister Sardar Patel (to integrate around 562 States in India – was a humongous responsibility).

An Independent Sovereign Kingdom which had a long glorious monarchical history for about 2000 years became a Constitutional Monarchy for about 2 years from 14 August, 1947 to 15 Oct 1949. Then it became a Part ‘C’ State of Indian Union. What a transformative change !

However we were told that in September-October 1949 – there were many educated Manipuris who were happy about this transition. They rejoiced that they had become part of a Democratic Republic. In fact those educated few had their education from Calcutta, Dacca-deeply influenced by the Freedom fighters and Communist leaders.

They also had the knowledge of American, French and Russian revolutions. They loved the idea of freedom, equality, justice and fraternity. Perhaps they did not want to challenge Maharaja’s agreement with VP Menon. The royalties however were saddened by the agreement.

VP Menon, in May 1948 held a meeting with the Rajpramukhs of princely unions and States ; then one after another the Rajpramukhs signed instruments of Accession which gave the Government of India the power to pass laws in respect of all matters that fell within the Seventh Schedule of the Government of India Act 1935. Under the leadership of Sardar Patel, he played a very vital role in the political integration of India.

Manipur also signed the Instrument of Accession. Maharaj Bodhachandra signed the Instrument of Accession on 11 August, 1947 ceding control over defense, foreign affairs and communication. This was an agreement that made Manipur a part of the Indian Dominion; however it was followed by the establishment of Manipur’s own Constitutional Monarchy with an elected Assembly in 1948.

The political polemic of the Merger Agreement was that it was signed without consulting the Assembly in other words without the endorsement of the then Assembly. Whether Maharaja was still the sovereign power of Manipur in 1949 ?

In 1949 Manipur was a Constitutional Monarchy– whether the King of Manipur could sign a de jure (Manipur) Merger Agreement with the representative of the Government of India. Could he ignore the power and authority of the then Constitutional Assembly of Manipur ?

Hypothetically, whether today can the King of Great Britain sign a merger agreement with Ireland without the consent or approval of the British Parliament ? The answer is obvious. Perhaps such a situation prevailed in 1949, in Manipur. What was the real power and authority of the King of Manipur then ? Only the Constitutional experts and legal luminaries can throw some light on it. But what is the point now ?

The Redlands incident reminds me of the “Hikaiwa” story - during King Khagemba (1569-1652) – there was a legal battle in the Court of Khagemba fought between two brothers Sanongba and Chingsomba. Both the brothers belonged to the nobility. Chingsomba once borrowed a boat from his brother Sanongba for taking part in a boat race.

Unfortunately the borrowed boat had been damaged during the boat race. Chingsoma returned the boat after repairing it. Sanongba refused to accept it, he said he wanted the original boat. Khagemba Maharaj was in trouble. Let us not indulge in Hikaiwa/Higaiwa. For Redlands too reconstruction is the only way out .We can’t redeem the old one.

It is a matter of a few crores to rebuild the historic Rajbari, Shillong . All the salvaged materials of old Rajbari should be utilized as far as possible in the reconstruction of the new one. Bhala Saab, let us return the NEC fund and I strongly believe that even a small crowd funding as suggested by RK Nimai (former Culture Secretary/Commissioner) will suffice the reconstruction.

This time, let’s do the work with caution. The look and structure should resemble the old Rajbari.

No one is guilty, as all did the job in good faith for Manipur Rajbari.