Manipur marks 'Seven Years of Devastation'; Governor pays tribute to former kings

Imphal: The Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, on Friday led MLAs, the Chief Secretary, the Security Advisor, senior officers of the civil and police administration, and members of the public in paying fitting tributes to the portraits of former King Gambhir Singh, King Narasingh and King Herachandra.

These kings of Manipur spearheaded the war against the Burmese (now Myanmarese) invaders to liberate the state. The Burmese occupied the then princely state of Manipur from 1819 to 1826. During this period, Manipur suffered devastation for seven years, marked by chaos and anarchy, a phase remembered in history as the ‘Seven Years of Devastation’.

The Governor graced the observance of the 192nd death anniversary of Maharaja Gambhir Singh at his Samadhi at Langthabal (Canchipur), near Manipur University. A Guard of Honour, gun salute and the sounding of the Last Post were accorded by a contingent of the Manipur Rifles. He also led the observance of Tarpon Katpa and paid obeisance to the Dhop Pala.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said Manipur’s history, while marked by glory, also endured profound suffering during the Burmese occupation from 1819 to 1826, remembered as Chahi Taret Khuntakpa. He noted that this period of devastation threatened the very survival of the kingdom but also gave rise to exceptional leadership in Maharaja Gambhir Singh, whose courage and unity of purpose inspired a determined struggle for freedom.

The Governor added that Maharaja Gambhir Singh’s legacy extended beyond military victory to visionary statesmanship, culminating in international recognition of Manipur’s sovereignty through the Treaty of Yandabo. He said the State Government is honouring this enduring legacy by protecting the Maharaja’s Samadhi as a historical monument and by developing Langthabal Konung Ching as a centre of heritage, learning and tourism. He urged citizens to remember the Maharaja not merely through ceremonies but in spirit, and to draw lasting inspiration from his courage, unity and unwavering commitment to the people of Manipur.