Kings of Manipur

The kings of Manipur played important roles in framing Manipur history. The kingdom of Manipur has been known by various names like Tilli-Koktong, Sanna-Leipak, Poirei-Lam, Mitei-Leipak, Meitrabak and the present day Manipur during the reign of a total of 109 rulers. From as early as 33 AD, Lord Pakhangba and his dynasty continued to rule the kingdom directly in chronological order and it was Pakhangba himself who introduced Kangla in Manipur. Their rule lasted till 1949 AD when the merger of Manipur with the Indian Union came into effect.

The kingdom of Manipur lost its sovereignty in the year 1891 AD after the Britishers defeated Manipur in the Anglo-Manipuri war in Khongjom. The Britishers ruled Manipur till the Indian independence in 1947, followed by the annexation of the state in the Indian Territory. Famous Manipuri kings, Khagemba (Sana Hihonhan) in the 16th century and Pamheiba (Garib Niwaz) during 17th century further extended the kingdom of Manipur by storming deep into the neighboring kingdom of Burma.

Among the vast chronicle of the Manipur kingdom, Maharaja Bhagyachandra (1762 - 1798 A.D.) deserves special mention. The famous dance form, Ras Lila, was fabricated by Maharaja Bhagyachandra. The legendary Maharajah spread Vaishnavism in a large scale in Manipur. Credit also goes to the Maharajah for fighting and defending Manipur from the Burmese invasions time and again. The merger of Manipur with the Dominion of India came with Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh, who continued to enjoy his authority on Manipur for his lifetime as per the agreement.