Manipur governor releases book on King Rajarshi Bhagyachandra

Our Correspondent
Imphal, Oct. 25 (EMN): A book entitled “Rajarshi Bhagyachandra and the Bhakti Movement in Eastern Indian Literature” was released by Manipur Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Friday.The book was published under the aegis of Manipur Citizen Forum and Intellectual Forum of North East.

Prior to release of the book, Prof. MC Arun of Manipur University’s Anthropology department in his introductory speech highlighted some points about the book which was compiled and edited by Assistant Professor Dr. A Koireng Singh of Manipur University, Head Dr. H Shukhdeba of department of Social Work, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Regional Campus, Manipur and Rami Niranjan Desai of India Foundation, New Delhi.

Speaking at the book release programme, the governor said Bhagyachandra, popularly known as Rajarshi was one of the most versatile rulers amongst the kings of Manipur for his outstanding contributions in promotion of art and culture and served the society with his ideal thoughts for the welfare of the future generations.

During his rule, she said a vibrant society prevailed and there was a cultural renaissance never seen before in the state.

Maharaj Bhagyachandra born in 1748, documented and codified the Manipuri dance style, launching the golden era of its development and refinement. He composed three of the five types of Ras Lilas – the Maha Ras, the Basanta Ras and the Kunja Ras.

In 1776, Rajarshi Bhagyachandra established the Govindaji temple and inaugurated the divine idol of Radha Krishna and began to worship the Lord with his consort in the Royal Palace. After this, the Rajarshi tried his dream of the Ras dance and taking the essence of the twenty ninth to the thirty third Chapters of Shrimad Bhagavata Darshan which are known as the Raspanchadhyaya, he trained many artists for the different kinds of Ras dance of Radha Krishna as well as Bhakti.

Legislative Assembly Speaker Y Khemchand said Bhagyachandra was a diplomatic king who also works for promoting Art and Culture and Ras Lila.

Contributors of the book were also felicitated during the programme for their efforts and contributions.