Symbol of courage whimpers for Govt attention
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 10 2009: Although modern buildings and structures of unique architectural designs help in creating characteristic identities of each and every major cities across the world, what serve as the identifying landmarks of famous cities are their historical monuments, statues, palaces and other structures of historical importance.

That is why huge amounts are being spent by national governments in preserving and renovating historical monuments and structures.

But the situation in Manipur is pathetic in this regard.

While modernisation and development projects are being taken up in full throttle in different parts of Imphal city, whatever little structures of historical importance that the city has are being neglected in a most wilful manner.

Statue of King Bhagyachandra in Khwairamband Keithel

To cite a few examples, the statue of king Bhagyachandra with the elephant which once served as the most prominent landmark of Imphal city besides being a testimony of the glorious past of Manipur, has now become a symbol of the State's insensitivity towards its own cultural values and history.

Now with the white elephant project of BT Flyover overshadowing the statue and the levels of the road raised up, the statue has been reduced to a comical figure with the tusk of the elephant already broken years back.

The statue has been reduced both in terms of appearance and the historical values it once commanded, thanks to the total insensitivity of the Govt as well as the general public.

Rather, the statue is now being seen as something useless and causing hurdle to movement of people.

But it is a historical fact that Bhagyachandra was one of the brave kings of Manipur.

He reigned the kingdom from 1760 to 1798 .

But he had to fled from his kingdom when a mighty force of Awa (Myanmar) invaded the country.

But the king was not surrendering nor giving up his kingdom.

He sought the help of the then king of Assam, Rajeshwar.

Rajeshwar, suspecting the royal lineage of Bhagyachandra asked the Manipuri king to catch a wild elephant as precondition before extending any help.

Bhagyachandra easily overpowered the elephant and rode.

It was this same scene that was sculptured as a statue.

The statue was sculptured by Maisnam Betombi of Chingamakha Maisnam Leikai extending over a period of one year and a half.

The statue is 10 feet in length and 5 ft 3 inches in height (excluding the foundation).

In the early days, the statue occupied a very prominent place in the social life of the people.

When mothers/grand-mothers forgot or failed to take sweetmeats for their children/grand-children as they returned home from Khwairamband Keithel, it was a popular excuse for the parents to say that the chain securing the elephant snapped and the elephant started running amok.

High School teachers even took their students to Khwairamband Keithel to see the statue and in the process educating the students on the history of Manipur in an easily discernable and entertaining manner.

Although the statue occupied a very significant position in the history of Manipur, it has broken down at several parts, presenting a rather pathetic picture.

Cracks and fissures have developed on the crouching elephant.

A part of the tail has been dismembered.

Cement and sand mixture has also started breaking down.

The statue of Bhagyachandra has also broken down at different portions.

On the other hand, the statue is being seen more as an obstacle in the middle of busy Khwairamband street rather than as a piece of historically significant art work.

With several posters, including film posters and advertisements of different colours and sizes pasted on the pedestal of the statue, it presents a pitiful sight.

On being asked on the existing condition of the statue, one PDA official disclosed that there was no definite plan to relocate the statue or keep it where it was at present.

However, a joint meeting with prominent artistes and historians has been conducted on the matter.

But no final decision could be adopted.

Noted historian RK Jhaljit said, "the statue of Bhagyachandra and the elephant should be preserved with respect.

It has historical values that one cannot acquire with money".

One Thoudam Nganbi who has been selling clothes at Khwairamband Keithel for more than 40 years said, "It's sheer ingratitude to on our part to allow the statue crumble down.

In its present state, the statue looks like some unwanted object thrown away for good".

Expressing deep anguish over the condition into which the statue of Bheigyachandra has fallen into, family members of Maisnam Betombi, the sculptor who made the statue, lamented that nothing has been done to repair the statue even as appeals have been submitted to the level of the Governor.

As the statue is only 60 years old, though quite worn out and broken down, the statue cannot be enlisted for protection under the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments Archeological Sites and Remains Act 1976.At present, the statue is under Archeology Department.

Similarly, Thong Nambonbi (humped bridge) built by British rulers over Nambul river at Khwairamband in 1854 is also fading away from public conscience in terms of its utility and relevance.

Built during the reign king Chandrakirti (1850-1886), the bridge has been enlisted under the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments Archeological Sites and Remains Act 1976 .

But there is no sign of any form of protection.

Even sign-board notifying protected status of the bridge and the associated prohibitory clauses has not been put at the proper place.

The sign-board is seen reclining at the rear of the Nupi Keithel, currently under construction, with its face turned inward.

The Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments Archeological Sites and Remains Act 1976 clearly lay down that there should no encroachment over a protected structure, a number of vendors are doing their business over the protected bridge.

An official of Archeology Department said "For the present, there is no provision to repair Thong Nambombi".

Regarding occupation of the bridge by vendors, it needs a concerted effort of the Government involving police and traffic police, the official added.