Imphal, Oct 25 ( UNI) Governor Dr Najma Heptulla released a book “Bhagyachandra and Bhakti Movement in Eastern Indian Literature”, at Raj Bhawan here today.
It is a result of a collective endeavour of 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 Governor said Bhagyachandra, was one of the most versatile rulers amongst the kings in Manipur in terms of outstanding contributions made for promoting of art and culture of the State and in serving the society, as well as ideal thoughts he had for the welfare of the future generations. The rich cultural wealth of Manipur was born out of the imaginative mind and religious ingenuity of Maharaja Bhagyachandra by blending the native pre-Hindu religious element and cultural tradition with the great tradition of Hinduism leading to the birth of a state patronized peculiar and unique form of Hindu Vaisnavite cult of religion, she added.
' The culture he had started put Manipur on the global map. 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 she said.
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.
The present book is a compilation of the works of reputed scholars who are familiar and well versed with the central theme and subject matter.
The book has twelve chapters on the thoughts and works of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra all well researched and contributed by writers of considerable reach in the field. They have touched upon the role of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra as a cultural protagonist and a crusader of Bhakti Movement in the State.
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