Cultural History of Manipur

It deals with an extremely significant period of Manipuri culture and religion. One of the most loved and important character of the time was the Princess Bimbavati, later known as Sija Laioibi, who played an unusual and significant role in it. This will also generate interest in the princess and the Various religious and cultural developments of her time. The image of Resheshwari in the Govindji temple made in her likeness in gold proves her importance in the cultural and religious scene of that time. Such problems have been there through the ages as in the case of William Shakespeare, Kalidas or Jayadeva, about whom very little is known. As time wentby their larger that life image got modified to suit people's perception at different times and climes and they themselves became subjects of creative imagination. Even the sensibilities of the Manipuri themselves are not the same as compared to what it was two hundared years back while the basic identity and indigenous character remains uncharged despite changes. Changes are not necessarily good or bad. In this book Shri Shri Govindashram, Pandit Moirangthem Chandra writes that on the 8th day of his arrival to Shri Patra Khetra in Murshidabad from Nabadweep, Bhagyachandra took his last breathe. The Book Contains: * Sija Laioibi's Life Sketch; * Rajarshi Bhagyachandra's Life Sketch; * Story of Kaina's Theilbong; * The Origin of Maharas Dance of Manipur; * Oreation of the Rasheshwari Pala by Sija Laioibi; * Sija Laioibi Moves to Nabadweepdham with Shrianuprabhu; * Conclusion; * Glossary; * Bibliography. This book was written after exhaustively researching available articles written on Sija Laioibi, the history of Manipur, and the Cheitharol Kumbada. An important source for the book is the various individuals and scholars from whom I gathered information and significant details about this project.

Jamini Devi (b.1936) at Keishamthong, Imphal and married to Dr. P. Raikumar Singh, and educationist of Manipur. She had a brilliant academic record since her High School days up to College and University level. After passing the C.P.Ed. exam. With distinction from Patna University, she began her career as a teacher of physical education and sports in the Govt. D.M. College from 1958 to 1965. Subsequently, she had been awarded Ph.D. in Physical Education by Gauhati University in 1980. In 1961-62, Dr. Jamini Devi obtained the BA and BT degrees from Gauhati University and Master's degree in Education in 1964 from Allahabad University. Basically she is a teacher and worked in various capacities until her retirement in 1997 as the Principal of D.M. College of Commerce, Imphal. Dr. Jamini is associated with many academic, cultural and social organisations. She was member of Advisory Committee of SAI, Manipur State Council for Women's Sports, member of Textbook Committee, Manipur Legal Aid and Advice Board (1990-1997) and Manipur Legal Service Authority (1998-2002). At present she is a Member of Board of Studies and Member of Senate, Manipur University. As a pacifist, she is actively involved with Manipur Peace Committee and as Vice President of IPSO, Manipur Chapter, she had participated in various conferences inside and outside of the country. As a member United Religion Initiative, she visited Pittsburg, U.S.A. In 2000 and signed the Declaration for World Peace. She is a prolific writer, having produced more than 30 books to her credit ranging in subjects from essays, short stories, travelogue, and Manipuri culture and heritage. Her book on Khuroi Haora lamlangtong tracing the history of the Vaisnavite traditions in Manipur is a landmark in the cultural history of Manipur. The present book Sija Laioibi and Maharas depicts the various cultural aspects of Manipur centering around the life of Princess Bimbavati and the world famous Maharas dance of Manipur.