The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of eminent historian and distinguished academic Professor John Parratt, whose lifelong scholarly engagement with Manipur made a lasting contribution to the study of the region’s history and culture.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, the Manipur International Youth Centre described Professor John Parratt as a committed scholar whose work combined rigorous academic discipline with a profound personal respect for Manipur and its people. The organisation recalled that Professor Parratt passed away on January 1, 2016, while his wife and long-time research collaborator Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt had earlier passed away on January 6, 2009.
Professor John Parratt had a long and distinguished academic career in the United Kingdom, where he served as a senior faculty member in history and religious studies. He was widely respected as a teacher, mentor, and researcher, and also played key roles in academic leadership, including curriculum development and scholarly administration. His academic training and professional standing placed him among leading scholars of South Asian history and religion.
The Manipur International Youth Centre noted that his scholarly legacy is reflected in a substantial body of work focusing on Manipur and the North East region. His notable publications include Queen Empress vs Tikendrajit, Wounded Land: Politics and Identity in Modern Manipur, and Religion and Culture in Manipur, which significantly shaped historical and political discourse on the region. His co-authored works with Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt, particularly The Pleasing of the Gods: Meitei Lai Haraoba, were described as exemplary models of collaborative and culturally sensitive scholarship.
One of Professor John Parratt’s most significant academic contributions was his work on primary historical sources, especially The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur (Cheitharol Kumbaba). By editing, translating, and interpreting this foundational text, he ensured the preservation and global accessibility of Manipur’s indigenous historical records, thereby strengthening Manipuri historiography.
Beyond his publications, Professor Parratt delivered lectures internationally, guided generations of students, and played a key role in bringing Manipur into broader global academic discussions. His ethical and respectful approach to the study of colonised and marginalised histories earned him enduring respect among historians, anthropologists, and cultural scholars.
The Manipur International Youth Centre stated that with his passing, the academic community has lost a dedicated scholar, while Manipur has lost a sincere and thoughtful chronicler of its past. The organisation extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and admirers, and stated that his intellectual legacy would continue to inspire future generations of researchers and students.