National Seminar on The Life & Times of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra concludes

Imphal, Feb 8:  Two day National Seminar on The Life & Times of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra concludes today. The National Seminar was inaugurated yesterday at the Court Hall of Manipur University by Prof Adya Prasad Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University.
The seminar was organised by The Department of History, MU, Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi & The Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Samiti ( BISS), Manipur. The  seminar is sponsored by Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR).
 The two day seminar deliberated on the great contributions of the king, his legacy, the different aspects of the life and achievement of the Rajarshi Bhagyachandra which will help in comprehensive understanding of socio-political and religious transformation of Manipur during 18th century.
Speaking during the inaugural session Dr. Balmukund Pandey, who attended as chief Guest said that Collection of data is not history, history is human science. History had not given any place for great kings of our country like Prithviraj chauhan and Maharana Pratap Singh. Same is the case of Maharaja Rajarshi Bhagyachandra which is not given proper place in the history, he added.
In his presidential speech, Prof Adya Prasad Pandey had said, “History remains as history. History can not be destroyed but the time has come for the real history to come forward”. He added that Rajarshi Bhagyachandra was an enlightened king who was politically and culturally farsighted individual. He was virtuous king excellent in all fronts and one of the most powerful rulers in the annals of Manipur civilization. Rajarshi was a devout person, possessing the qualities of a Saint, thus becoming popular with the name ‘Rajarshi’. Thus, he is known to all by the name of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra. Professor further enumerated on the political aspect of the Maharaja. Maharaja Bhagyachandra occupies a landmark for many counts in the history of Manipur. Apart from political history, his rule has been characterised by unique socio-cultural evolution. His time has been associated with accounts of political crisis, diplomats with the neighbouring states and cultural development. The reign of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra is considered to be the golden period for many reasons in the political and cultural history of Manipur. Professor added that Bhagyachandra is also associated with the development of a strong wave of Dance and Music. ‘Nata Sankirtan’ which has recently been given the status of ‘Intangible Performing Art’ by the UNESCO is one of the legacies of Bhagyachandra’s contribution in the field of art and culture. On the religious front, the most remarkable contribution of Maharaja is the propagation of Vaishnavism in Manipur; construction and installation of the Idol of Shri Govindajee and innovation of Dance drama known as Ras Lila. The famous ‘Ras Lila’, a classical dance was introduced during his reign and it was performed for the first time at the ‘Rasmandal Mandap’ located at Langthabal, the then palace of the King which is inside the present day campus of the Manipur University.