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{{Short description|King of Manipur (r. 1759–62, 1763–98)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{tone|date=January 2014}}
{{tone|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox royalty|monarch
{{Infobox royalty
| name = Ching-Thang Khomba
| name = Ching-Thang Khomba
| image = Ching-Thang Khomba 2000 stamp of India.jpg
| image = Ching-Thang Khomba 2000 stamp of India.jpg
| title = [[King of Manipur]]
| succession = [[List of Meitei kings|King of Manipur]]
⚫
| reign = 1759–1762, <br />1763–1798
| succession =[[List of Meitei kings|King of Manipur]]
⚫
| coronation = 7th Sajibu, 1759
⚫
| reign = 1759–1762, <br />1763 – 1798
⚫
| predecessor = Maramba
⚫
| coronation = 7th Sajibu, 1759
⚫
| successor = [[Labeinya Chandra]]
⚫
| predecessor = Maramba
| alt =
⚫
| successor = [[Labeinya Chandra]]
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| spouse = Akham Chanu Bhanumati
⚫
| issue = [[Labeinya Chandra]] <br />Madhuchandra<br />Tulsijit<br />[[Kuranganayani]]<br />Shija Lailoibi<br/>Chaurajit<br />Marjit<br />Daoji<br />[[Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba]]
| spouse = Akham Chanu Bhanumati
| house = House of Karta
⚫
| issue = [[Labeinya Chandra]] <br />Madhuchandra<br />Tulsijit<br />[[Kuranganayani]]<br />[[Shija Lailoibi]]<br/>Chaurajit<br />Marjit<br />Daoji<br />[[Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba]]
| house = House of Karta
| dynasty = [[Ningthouja dynasty]]
| dynasty = [[Ningthouja dynasty]]
| father = Shyamjai Khurailakpa
| father = Shyamjai Khurailakpa
| mother = Wahengbam Chanu Chakha Loikhombi
⚫
| birth_name =
| mother = Wahengbam Chanu Chakha Loikhombi
⚫
| birth_date = 13th Poinu 1748
⚫
| birth_name =
⚫
| birth_place = Janmasthan Moirangkhom, [[Imphal]]
⚫
| birth_date = 13th Poinu 1748
⚫
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} or {{Death-date and age|Month DD, YYYY|Month DD, YYYY}} (death date then birth date) -->1798
⚫
| birth_place = Janmasthan Moirangkhom, Imphal
⚫
| death_place = [[Murshidabad]], [[West Bengal]]
⚫
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} or {{Death-date and age|Month DD, YYYY|Month DD, YYYY}} (death date then birth date) -->1798
| occupation = Rajarshi – [[Raja]] ([[monarch]]) as well as [[Rishi]] ([[saint]])
⚫
| death_place = Murshidabad, West Bengal
| religion = [[Hinduism]]
| nationality =
| occupation =
}}
}}
{{Kingdom of Manipur}}
{{Kingdom of Manipur}}
'''Ningthou Ching-Thang Khomba''' (also '''Rajarshi Bhagya Chandra''', '''Jai Singh Maharaja''') (1748–1799) was a [[Meitei people|Meitei]] monarch of the 18th century CE. The inventor of the [[Ras Lila (dance)|Ras Lila dance]], with his daughter [[Shija Lailoibi]] playing as [[Radha]] at the first performance, he is a [[legend]]ary figure in [[Manipur]],<ref>{{cite book |last=Sheram |first=AK |year=2012 |chapter=Manipuri, The |chapter-url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Manipuri,_The |editor1-last=Islam |editor1-first=Sirajul |editor1-link=Sirajul Islam |editor2-last=Jamal |editor2-first=Ahmed A. |title=Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh |edition=Second |publisher=[[Asiatic Society of Bangladesh]]}}</ref> and much of his actions as King had been [[mythology|mythologized]]. He is also credited with spreading [[Vaishnavism]] in [[Manipur (princely state)|Manipur State]] after his grandfather [[Pamheiba]] made [[Hinduism]] the official religion and for creating a unified Manipur.<ref name="CP">{{cite web|url=http://www.culturalpursuits.com/manipur.htm|title=Manipur|accessdate=11 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090810120408/http://culturalpursuits.com/manipur.htm|archivedate=10 August 2009}}</ref>
'''Ningthou Ching-Thang Khomba''' (also '''Rajarshi Bhagya Chandra''', '''Jai Singh Maharaja''') (1748–1799) was a [[Meitei people|Meitei]] monarch of the 18th century CE. He is known for having invented the [[Manipuri Raas Leela]] dance, with his daughter Shija Lailoibi playing the role of [[Radha]] at the first performance and is a popular figure in [[Manipur]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Sheram |first=AK |year=2012 |chapter=Manipuri, The |chapter-url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Manipuri,_The |editor1-last=Islam |editor1-first=Sirajul |editor1-link=Sirajul Islam |editor2-last=Jamal |editor2-first=Ahmed A. |title=Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh |edition=Second |publisher=[[Asiatic Society of Bangladesh]]}}</ref> He is also credited with spreading [[Vaishnavism]] in [[Manipur (princely state)|Manipur State]] after his grandfather [[Pamheiba]] made [[Hinduism]] the official religion and for creating a unified Manipur.<ref name="CP">{{cite web|url=http://www.culturalpursuits.com/manipur.htm|title=Manipur|accessdate=11 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090810120408/http://culturalpursuits.com/manipur.htm|archivedate=10 August 2009}}</ref> Much of his history is mythologized.
[[File:Jayapatra or Khunti of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra.JPG|thumb|300px|The Jayapatra or Khunti of [[List of Meitei kings|Meitei king]] Ching Thang Khomba Rajarshi Bhagyachandra, being displayed in front of his statue, in the [[Kangla Fort]] in [[Imphal]] in 2014]]


==Early years==
==Early years==
{{main|Ahom expedition to Manipur}}
Maharaja Bhagya Chandra ascended to the throne of Manipur in 1759, a few years after the death of his grandfather [[Pamheiba]] and his father Samjai Khurai-Lakpa at the hands of his uncle [[Chitsai]].<ref name="IIT">{{cite web|url=http://www.iitg.ernet.in/rcilts/his_mnme.html|title=History of Manipur— The Medieval Period|publisher=[[IIT Guwahati]]|accessdate=11 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605122530/http://www.iitg.ernet.in/rcilts/his_mnme.html|archivedate=5 June 2011}}</ref> In 1762, Manipur was attacked by the [[Bamar|Burmese]], assisted by the Chitsai. He, along with the Rani and a few loyal attendants fled to [[Ahom kingdom|Ahom]] (modern-day [[Assam]]), where they lived under the protection of the Ahom ruler, [[Rajeswar Singha]].
Maharaja Bhagya Chandra ascended to the throne of Manipur in 1759, eight years after the death of his grandfather [[Pamheiba]] and his father Samjai Khurai-Lakpa at the hands of his uncle Chitsai.<ref name="IIT">{{cite web|url=http://www.iitg.ernet.in/rcilts/his_mnme.html|title=History of Manipur – The Medieval Period|publisher=[[IIT Guwahati]]|accessdate=11 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605122530/http://www.iitg.ernet.in/rcilts/his_mnme.html|archivedate=5 June 2011}}</ref> In 1762, Manipur was attacked by the [[Bamar|Burmese]], assisted by the Chitsai. He, along with his queen and a few loyal attendants, fled to [[Ahom kingdom|Ahom]] (modern-day [[Assam]]), where they lived under the protection of the [[Ahom dynasty|Ahom]] ruler, [[Rajeswar Singha]].


===Life in Assam===
===Life in Assam===
Bhagya Chandra's crafty uncle wrote a letter to the [[Ahom dynasty|Ahom king]] Rajeswar Singha saying that the person taking refuge at his court was not the true Bhagya Chandra. The uncle advised Rajeswar Singha to get rid of him. King Rajeswar Singha was somewhat persuaded by this letter and began treating Bhagya Chandra with suspicion.<ref name="io">{{cite web|url=http://btg.krishna.com/main.php?id=295|title=Manipur – A Land of Krishna Conscious Culture|last=Swami|first=Jayadwait|accessdate=11 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071004214838/http://btg.krishna.com/main.php?id=295|archivedate=4 October 2007}}</ref>
Chitsai wrote a letter to Rajeswar Singha saying that the person taking refuge at his court was not the true Bhagya Chandra, and advised Singha to banish Bhagya Chandra. Singha was somewhat persuaded by this letter and began treating Bhagya Chandra with suspicion.<ref name="io">{{cite web|url=http://btg.krishna.com/main.php?id=295|title=Manipur – A Land of Krishna Conscious Culture|last=Swami|first=Jayadwait|accessdate=11 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071004214838/http://btg.krishna.com/main.php?id=295|archivedate=4 October 2007}}</ref>


In Meitei legends, the real Bhagya Chandra was said to have supernatural powers. To see whether the usurper was correct, King Rajeswar Singha designed a test at the behest of his court. In a public arena, Bhagya Chandra, while unarmed, was to catch and tame a wild [[elephant]].
In Meitei legends, the real Bhagya Chandra was said to have had supernatural powers. To see whether the usurper was correct, Singha designed a test at the behest of his court. In a public arena, Bhagya Chandra, while unarmed, was to catch and tame a wild [[elephant]].


⚫
Confronted with insurmountable odds, King Bhagyachandra is said to have prayed to [[Krishna|Govinda]] (Krishna) for guidance. Govinda appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to enter the arena donning a garland while holding [[japa]] beads. At the end of the instructions, Govinda assured him of victory.<ref name="io" />
===First epiphany===
⚫
Confronted with insurmountable odds, King Bhagyachandra prayed to Lord [[Krishna|Govinda]] (Krishna) for guidance. Govinda appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to enter the arena donning a garland while holding [[japa]] beads. At the end of the instructions, Govinda assured him of victory.<ref name="io" />


The dream also stated that Bhagya Chandra would be the sole king of Manipur. Upon regaining the kingdom, he should install a Krishna [[murti]]. The Deity, Govinda, should be carved from a certain old [[jackfruit]] tree growing on the slopes of [[Kaina (Manipur)|Kaina]] hill.
The dream also stated that Bhagya Chandra would be the sole king of Manipur. Upon regaining the kingdom, he should install a Krishna [[murti]]. The deity, Govinda, should be carved from a certain old [[jackfruit]] tree growing on the slopes of [[Kaina (Manipur)|Kaina]] hill.


After installing the Deity, Govinda said the king should arrange for the performance of a Rasa-Lila, in which Krishna would be worshipped with song and dance. Bhagya Chandra also received in this [[Vision (spirituality)|vision]] a complete plan on how to execute the Ras Lila.<ref name="io" />
After installing the deity, Govinda said the king should arrange for the performance of a Rasa-Lila, in which Krishna would be worshipped with song and dance. Bhagya Chandra also received in this [[Vision (spirituality)|vision]] a complete plan on how to execute the Ras Lila.<ref name="io" />


⚫
Bhagya Chandra entered the arena, donning the garland and japa as instructed in his vision. In the ensuing fight, the spectators noted that the elephant seemed to recoil as if struck by a ghost. King Bhagya Chandra said that he saw "Lord Krishna as the mahout".<ref name="io" />
===The test of power===
⚫
Bhagya Chandra entered the arena, donning the garland and japa he was instructed to in the vision. In the ensuing fight, the spectators noted that the elephant seemed to recoil as if struck by a ghost. King Bhagya Chandra said that he saw "Lord Krishna as the mahout".<ref name="io" />


==The retaking of Manipur==
==Retaking of Manipur==


===First expedition===
===First expedition===
After the duel, Bhagya Chandra appealed to Ahom king Rajeswar Singha for military assistance. Rajeswar Singha agreed to send an army to overthrow Chitsai and reinstate Bhagya Chandra. The expedition hit many snags in [[Nagaland]] where they were attacked by [[Naga people|Naga tribesmen]] and poisonous snakes. Rajeswar Singha called off the unsuccessful venture in 1767.
After the duel, Bhagya Chandra appealed to Rajeswar Singha for military assistance. Singha agreed and sent an army to overthrow Chitsai and reinstate Bhagya Chandra. The expedition was set back in [[Nagaland]] where they were attacked by [[Naga people|Naga tribesmen]] and poisonous snakes. Rajeswar Singha called off the unsuccessful venture in 1767.


===Second expedition===
===Second expedition===
In November 1768, Bhagya Chandra and Rajeswar Singha decided to make another attempt to invade Manipur. This time Bhagya Chandra led 10,000 Ahom troops across the [[Kachari kingdom]] to the Mirap river. Many battles ensued between the Ahoms and Meiteis on one side, and the Naga, Chitsai and the Burmese on the other. In 1773, Bhagya Chandra was reinstated as [[Raja|Ningthou]] of Manipur<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.2307/1782048|jstor=1782048|title=A History of Assam by Edward Gait|journal=The Geographical Journal|volume=69|issue=3|pages=271|year=1927|author=C. E. A. W. O.}}</ref>
In November 1768, Bhagya Chandra and Rajeswar Singha decided to make another attempt to invade Manipur. Bhagya Chandra led 10,000 Ahom troops across the [[Kachari kingdom]] to the Mirap river. Many battles ensued between the Ahoms and Meiteis on one side, and the Naga, Chitsai and the Burmese on the other. In 1773, Bhagya Chandra was reinstated as the king of Manipur.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.2307/1782048|jstor=1782048|title=A History of Assam by Edward Gait|journal=The Geographical Journal|volume=69|issue=3|pages=271|year=1927|author=C. E. A. W. O.}}</ref>


==Dealings with the East India Company==
==Dealings with the East India Company==
Line 60: Line 60:
==Reign==
==Reign==
[[File:Monument of Bheigyachandra Maharaj.jpg|thumb|Monument of Bheigyachandra Maharaj]]
[[File:Monument of Bheigyachandra Maharaj.jpg|thumb|Monument of Bheigyachandra Maharaj]]
In 1775 he established his capital at [[Bishenpur]] and carved the Govinda murti at the hill of Kaina. On 11 January 1779 he was "re-crowned" amid many performances of his now-popular Rasa Lila.<ref name="IIT" />
In 1775 he established his capital at [[Bishenpur]] and carved the Govinda murti at the hill of Kaina. On January 11th 1779 he was "re-crowned" amid many performances of his now-popular Rasa Lila dance.<ref name="IIT" />


During his reign, the Meiteis repelled the Burmese from Manipur. Though his exploits, did not equal Pamheiba's, his reign was characterized by security. He was a great patron of the arts and religion, and his strong [[Vaishnavism]] reflected on the Meiteis. He was an ardent devotee of [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] and during his reign a statue of [[Nityananda]] was created.
During his reign, the Meiteis repelled the Burmese from Manipur. Though his exploits did not equal Pamheiba's, his reign was characterized by security. He was a great patron of the arts and religion, and his strong [[Manipuri Vaishnavism]] reflected on the Meiteis. He was an ardent devotee of [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] and during his reign a statue of [[Nityananda]] was created.<ref>{{cite book|surname=Singh |given=Kunj Bihari |year=2004 |orig-year=1963 |chapter=Manipur Vaishnavism: A Sociological Interpretation |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Mc6GAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA125 |title=Sociology of Religion in India |editor=Rowena Robinson |series=Themes in Indian Sociology, 3 |place=New Delhi |publisher=Sage Publ. India |pages=125–132 |url={{Google books|Mc6GAwAAQBAJ|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} |isbn=0-7619-9781-4}} p. 128.</ref>


In 1796 he moved his capital to [[Kangla]] and a year later on 5 February 1798 he [[abdicated]] the throne to his eldest son [[Labeinyachandra]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Sana|first=Rajkumar Somorjit|title=The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs ( From 1666 to 1850 CE)|year=2010|publisher=Waikhom Ananda Meetei|location=Imphal|isbn=978-81-8465-210-9|page=188}}</ref> His last few years were on pilgrimage top various Vaisnavit holy sites, including [[Nabadwip]]. He died on 25 December 1798 in [[Murshidabad]], West Bengal.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sana|first=Rajkumar Somorjit|title=The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs (From 1666 to 1850 CE)|year=2010|publisher=Waikhom Ananda Meetei|location=Imphal|isbn=978-81-8465-210-9|page=189}}</ref>
In 1796 he moved his capital to [[Kangla]]. A year later, on February 5th 1798, he [[abdicated]] the throne to his eldest son [[Labeinyachandra]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Sana|first=Rajkumar Somorjit|title=The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs ( From 1666 to 1850 CE)|year=2010|publisher=Waikhom Ananda Meetei|location=Imphal|isbn=978-81-8465-210-9|page=188}}</ref> He spent his later years on pilgrimage to various Vaisnavit holy sites, including [[Nabadwip]]. He died on December 25th 1798 in [[Murshidabad]], West Bengal.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sana|first=Rajkumar Somorjit|title=The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs (From 1666 to 1850 CE)|year=2010|publisher=Waikhom Ananda Meetei|location=Imphal|isbn=978-81-8465-210-9|page=189}}</ref>


==Family==
==Family==
Ching-Thang Khomba was son to Samjai Khurai-Lakpa, who had two brothers [[Mantri Ananda Shai]] and Chitsai. Ching-Thang had many siblings, the most famous of whom was Gaurisiam, King of Manipur until his death in 1763.<ref name="IIT" />
Ching-Thang Khomba was son of Samjai Khurai-Lakpa, who had two brothers [[Mantri Ananda Shai]] and Chitsai. Ching-Thang had many siblings, the most famous of whom was Gaurisiam, King of Manipur until his death in 1763.<ref name="IIT" />


==Cultural works==
==Cultural works==
The tradition of Rasa Lila in Manipur is attributed to Ching-Thang. The first ''Manipur Maha Rasleela'' was performed in 1777.<ref name="IIT" /><ref name="m20">{{cite web|url=http://manipuri.20m.com/#ras|title=Manipuri Dance: Both Ritualistic and Recreational|accessdate=11 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317042756/http://manipuri.20m.com/#ras|archivedate=17 March 2014}}</ref>
The tradition of Rasa Lila in Manipur is attributed to Ching-Thang. The first ''Manipur Maha Rasleela'' was performed in 1777.<ref name="IIT" /><ref name="m20">{{cite web|url=http://manipuri.20m.com/#ras|title=Manipuri Dance: Both Ritualistic and Recreational|accessdate=11 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317042756/http://manipuri.20m.com/#ras|archivedate=17 March 2014}}</ref>


It was his daughter [[Shija Lailoibi]], who first took the role of [[Radha]] in the [[Manipuri dance]] .Under the influence of [[Bengali people|Bengali missionaries]], he also started the tradition of [[kirtan|Sankirtan]] in Manipur. <ref name="nar">{{cite web|url=http://www.narthaki.com/info/snipdec3.html|title=Information - Snippets - narthaki.com|accessdate=11 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011065057/http://www.narthaki.com/info/snipdec3.html|archivedate=11 October 2008}}</ref>
It was his daughter Shija Lailoibi who first took the role of [[Radha]] in the [[Manipuri Raas Leela]] dance.
Under the influence of [[Bengali people|Bengali missionaries]], he also started the tradition of [[kirtan|Sankirtan]] in Manipur. <ref name="nar">{{cite web|url=http://www.narthaki.com/info/snipdec3.html|title=Information – Snippets – narthaki.com|accessdate=11 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011065057/http://www.narthaki.com/info/snipdec3.html|archivedate=11 October 2008}}</ref>


===Literary works===
===Literary works===
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[[Category:1748 births]]
[[Category:1748 births]]
[[Category:1799 deaths]]
[[Category:1799 deaths]]
[[Category:Meitei royalty]]
[[Category:Kings of Manipur]]
[[Category:Devotees of Krishna]]
[[Category:Gaudiya religious leaders]]
[[Category:Gaudiya religious leaders]]
[[Category:Hindu monarchs]]
[[Category:Hindu monarchs]]
[[Category:Ningthouja dynasty]]

Latest revision as of 05:23, 21 February 2024

Ching-Thang Khomba
King of Manipur
Reign1759–1762,
1763–1798
Coronation7th Sajibu, 1759
PredecessorMaramba
SuccessorLabeinya Chandra
Born13th Poinu 1748
Janmasthan Moirangkhom, Imphal
Died1798
Murshidabad, West Bengal
SpouseAkham Chanu Bhanumati
IssueLabeinya Chandra
Madhuchandra
Tulsijit
Kuranganayani
Shija Lailoibi
Chaurajit
Marjit
Daoji
Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba
HouseHouse of Karta
DynastyNingthouja dynasty
FatherShyamjai Khurailakpa
MotherWahengbam Chanu Chakha Loikhombi
ReligionHinduism
OccupationRajarshi – Raja (monarch) as well as Rishi (saint)
Kingdom of Manipur
Part of History of Manipur
Kings of Manipur
Loiyumba 1074–1112
Senbi Kiyamba 1467–1508
Koirengba 1508–1512
Khagemba 1597–1652
Pitambar Charairongba 1697–1709
Pamheiba 1720–1751
Gaurisiam 1752–1754
Chitsai 1754–1756
Ching-Thang Khomba 1769–1798
Rohinchandra 1798–1801
Maduchandra Singh 1801–1806
Chourjit Singh 1806–1812
Marjit Singh 1812–1819
Gambhir Singh 1825–1834
Nara Singh 1844–1850
Debindro Singh 1850–1850
Chandrakirti Singh 1850–1886
Surachandra Singh 1886–1890
Kulachandra Singh 1890–1891
Churachandra Singh 1891–1941
Bodhchandra Singh 1941–1949
Manipur monarchy data

Ningthou Ching-Thang Khomba (also Rajarshi Bhagya Chandra, Jai Singh Maharaja) (1748–1799) was a Meitei monarch of the 18th century CE. He is known for having invented the Manipuri Raas Leela dance, with his daughter Shija Lailoibi playing the role of Radha at the first performance and is a popular figure in Manipur.[1] He is also credited with spreading Vaishnavism in Manipur State after his grandfather Pamheiba made Hinduism the official religion and for creating a unified Manipur.[2] Much of his history is mythologized.

The Jayapatra or Khunti of Meitei king Ching Thang Khomba Rajarshi Bhagyachandra, being displayed in front of his statue, in the Kangla Fort in Imphal in 2014

Early years[edit]

Main article: Ahom expedition to Manipur

Maharaja Bhagya Chandra ascended to the throne of Manipur in 1759, eight years after the death of his grandfather Pamheiba and his father Samjai Khurai-Lakpa at the hands of his uncle Chitsai.[3] In 1762, Manipur was attacked by the Burmese, assisted by the Chitsai. He, along with his queen and a few loyal attendants, fled to Ahom (modern-day Assam), where they lived under the protection of the Ahom ruler, Rajeswar Singha.

Life in Assam[edit]

Chitsai wrote a letter to Rajeswar Singha saying that the person taking refuge at his court was not the true Bhagya Chandra, and advised Singha to banish Bhagya Chandra. Singha was somewhat persuaded by this letter and began treating Bhagya Chandra with suspicion.[4]

In Meitei legends, the real Bhagya Chandra was said to have had supernatural powers. To see whether the usurper was correct, Singha designed a test at the behest of his court. In a public arena, Bhagya Chandra, while unarmed, was to catch and tame a wild elephant.

Confronted with insurmountable odds, King Bhagyachandra is said to have prayed to Govinda (Krishna) for guidance. Govinda appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to enter the arena donning a garland while holding japa beads. At the end of the instructions, Govinda assured him of victory.[4]

The dream also stated that Bhagya Chandra would be the sole king of Manipur. Upon regaining the kingdom, he should install a Krishna murti. The deity, Govinda, should be carved from a certain old jackfruit tree growing on the slopes of Kaina hill.

After installing the deity, Govinda said the king should arrange for the performance of a Rasa-Lila, in which Krishna would be worshipped with song and dance. Bhagya Chandra also received in this vision a complete plan on how to execute the Ras Lila.[4]

Bhagya Chandra entered the arena, donning the garland and japa as instructed in his vision. In the ensuing fight, the spectators noted that the elephant seemed to recoil as if struck by a ghost. King Bhagya Chandra said that he saw "Lord Krishna as the mahout".[4]

Retaking of Manipur[edit]

First expedition[edit]

After the duel, Bhagya Chandra appealed to Rajeswar Singha for military assistance. Singha agreed and sent an army to overthrow Chitsai and reinstate Bhagya Chandra. The expedition was set back in Nagaland where they were attacked by Naga tribesmen and poisonous snakes. Rajeswar Singha called off the unsuccessful venture in 1767.

Second expedition[edit]

In November 1768, Bhagya Chandra and Rajeswar Singha decided to make another attempt to invade Manipur. Bhagya Chandra led 10,000 Ahom troops across the Kachari kingdom to the Mirap river. Many battles ensued between the Ahoms and Meiteis on one side, and the Naga, Chitsai and the Burmese on the other. In 1773, Bhagya Chandra was reinstated as the king of Manipur.[5]

Dealings with the East India Company[edit]

In 1762, the British and Manipur signed a bilateral treaty with Gaurisiam, which spelled that the British and Meiteis would encourage trade and commerce. The British gave necessary help for protection against the Burmese and Naga. Manipur gave up a village for an East India Company post. The name "Manipur" (assigned by the British for Ching-Thang's kingdom) for what was called "Meitrabak" came into being in 1774 when the Governor General of India Mr. Rendel, surveyed the area westward from Ningthi to Cachar and Northward from Chittagong to the Brahmaputra and renamed it.[3]

Reign[edit]

Monument of Bheigyachandra Maharaj

In 1775 he established his capital at Bishenpur and carved the Govinda murti at the hill of Kaina. On January 11th 1779 he was "re-crowned" amid many performances of his now-popular Rasa Lila dance.[3]

During his reign, the Meiteis repelled the Burmese from Manipur. Though his exploits did not equal Pamheiba's, his reign was characterized by security. He was a great patron of the arts and religion, and his strong Manipuri Vaishnavism reflected on the Meiteis. He was an ardent devotee of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and during his reign a statue of Nityananda was created.[6]

In 1796 he moved his capital to Kangla. A year later, on February 5th 1798, he abdicated the throne to his eldest son Labeinyachandra.[7] He spent his later years on pilgrimage to various Vaisnavit holy sites, including Nabadwip. He died on December 25th 1798 in Murshidabad, West Bengal.[8]

Family[edit]

Ching-Thang Khomba was son of Samjai Khurai-Lakpa, who had two brothers Mantri Ananda Shai and Chitsai. Ching-Thang had many siblings, the most famous of whom was Gaurisiam, King of Manipur until his death in 1763.[3]

Cultural works[edit]

The tradition of Rasa Lila in Manipur is attributed to Ching-Thang. The first Manipur Maha Rasleela was performed in 1777.[3][9]

It was his daughter Shija Lailoibi who first took the role of Radha in the Manipuri Raas Leela dance.

Under the influence of Bengali missionaries, he also started the tradition of Sankirtan in Manipur. [10]

Literary works[edit]

  • Laithok Laikha Jogi[10]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Sheram, AK (2012). "Manipuri, The". In Islam, Sirajul; Jamal, Ahmed A. (eds.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
  2. ^ "Manipur". Archived from the original on 10 August 2009. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  3. ^ a b c d e "History of Manipur – The Medieval Period". IIT Guwahati. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d Swami, Jayadwait. "Manipur – A Land of Krishna Conscious Culture". Archived from the original on 4 October 2007. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  5. ^ C. E. A. W. O. (1927). "A History of Assam by Edward Gait". The Geographical Journal. 69 (3): 271. doi:10.2307/1782048. JSTOR 1782048.
  6. ^ Singh, Kunj Bihari (2004) [1963]. "Manipur Vaishnavism: A Sociological Interpretation". In Rowena Robinson (ed.). Sociology of Religion in India. Themes in Indian Sociology, 3. New Delhi: Sage Publ. India. pp. 125–132. ISBN 0-7619-9781-4. p. 128.
  7. ^ Sana, Rajkumar Somorjit (2010). The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs ( From 1666 to 1850 CE). Imphal: Waikhom Ananda Meetei. p. 188. ISBN 978-81-8465-210-9.
  8. ^ Sana, Rajkumar Somorjit (2010). The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs (From 1666 to 1850 CE). Imphal: Waikhom Ananda Meetei. p. 189. ISBN 978-81-8465-210-9.
  9. ^ "Manipuri Dance: Both Ritualistic and Recreational". Archived from the original on 17 March 2014. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  10. ^ a b "Information – Snippets – narthaki.com". Archived from the original on 11 October 2008. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
Preceded by King of
Manipur
1769–1798 		Succeeded by
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