New Delhi, Aug 28: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh unveiled the bust of Yubaraj Bir Tikendrajit at Manipur Tikendrajit House, Chanakyapuri and the bust of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra at Manipur Bhavan, Sadar Patel Marg here this afternoon.

Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Tribal Development Minister T Phungzathang Tonsing, C Doungel MLA, O Joy MLA, Md Abdul Salam MLA, N Biren MLA and N Bihari MLA were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony.

"The busts are made of bronze and made by the Manipur Art College.

Its height is three and half feet and the diameter is two feet.

"The two busts cost Rs 7 lakh and another Rs 2 lakh has been spent for transportation of the finished products from Imphal to Delhi," said the Assistant Engineer of Manipur Public Works Department S Jeetendra Singh who has been staying here for some days for installation of the busts.

The bust of Tikendrajit was fixed on a RCC platform covered by granite at a height of 12 feet and that of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra at height of 10 feet.

A brass plate inscribing the dignity of the personality is fixed at the front side of the platform.

The inscription of Tikendrajit reads, "Born on December 29,1856, son of Maharaj Chadrakirtee Singh and Chongtham Chanu Kousheshwari Devi, Tikendrajit Singh was brought up in the classic Asiatic traditions of an independent State.

"Tikendrajit Singh exhibited sound qualities of leadership and was notable for his intense patriotism coupled with his love for Manipur's freedom and dignity.

"He raised the banner of resistance against imperialism when the British Empire attempted to aggressively incorporate independent States in the eastern Himalayan Region.

"He was tried of waging war against the Queen Empress and was hanged along with Thangal General on August 13, 1891."A hero of magnificent proportions, deeply popular with the masses, Yubaraj Tikendrajit Singh was an exemplary patriot who lived and died for the dignity and independence of Manipur and its people." The inscription of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra reads, "Rajarshi Bhagyachandra, son of Shyam Sai Khurairakpa was born on 27th day (Krishna Dwadasi) of Manipuri month of Inga, 1662 Saka era (1740 AD) and was the king of Manipur from 1759 to 1762 and from 1763 to 1798."Defended Manipur from Burmese invasions.

Sought help from the East India Company by concluding the Treaty of 1762, which however proved infructuous and was abandoned by both parties.

"At this juncture, the Ahom king of Assam, Rajeshwar, helped Manipur in 1768.Bhagyachandra made Gouriya Vaishnavism the official religion of Manipur, founded the image of Govindajee (1776), the image of Avdaita Acharya (1798) and the image of Nityananda.

Formulated the world famous Maharas Leela dance (1779) and Kunjaras.

He founded the era of Chadrabda and in collaboration with the scholars wrote a book on astronomy.

Strove to establish peace and tranquillity in eastern India-Eastern Himalayan Regions by promoting friendship with Assam, Tripura, Cachar and Bengal.

Went on pilgrimage in 1798 to the Ganga and Nabadwip.

Died at Murshidabad, West Bengal in October 1798."Great as a king, he was also an inspired sage.

Hence, the Manipuris lovingly call him Rajarshi Bhagyachandra".

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