BOOK RELEASE EVENT: “RAJARISHI BHAGYACHANDRA AND THE BHAKTI MOVEMENT IN EASTERN INDIAN LITERATURE “ held at Durbar Hall , Raj Bhawan, Manipur.
A book entitled “Rajarshi Bhagyachandra and the Bhakti movement in Eastern Indian Literature” was released today at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan. The book released function was graced by Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y Khemchand Singh and convenor, Manipur Citizen Forum, Dr Ch Chandramani Singh as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively. Director of IGNTU, Dr Ng Ngalengam also attended as special invitee. The book was jointly released by the dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Governor said that 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 service towards the society.
During his rule, a vibrant society prevailed and there was a cultural renaissance never seen before in the State. He 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, Najma said.
She further said that Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Maharaja was born in 1748. 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 artistes for the different kinds of Ras dance of Radha Krishna as well as Bhakti, she added.
“Manipuri Classical dance, the Radha Krishna Ras Lila is one of the most modest, softest and mildest and at the same time, one of the most meaningful dances of the world. Here lies the specific significance of the charm and beauty of the Manipuri Classical Dance, the Ras Lila of Radha Krishna in various episodes intertwined with the bhakti movement,” Najma said.
Prior to release of the book, Prof MC Arun of Manipur University gave introductory speech by highlighting some points about the book. The book is compiled and edited by Dr Aheibam Koireng Singh, Assistant Professor, Manipur University, Dr H Shukhdeba Sharma, Head, Department of Social Work, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Regional Campus, Manipur and Rami Niranjan Desai of India Foundation, New Delhi.
The book releasing function was jointly organized by Manipur Citizen Forum and Intellectual Forum of North East and attended by academicians, scholars and students.
