Whose Statue is in front of Western Gate, Kangla ?

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Statue in front of the Western Gate, Kangla

Many people have seen different statues in and around the state. We all came across the statue in front of the Western Gate, Kangla and asked whose statue is it ?

Here you are reading about that statue. Before telling the story of Maharaj, I would like to give a flashback to the history of Manipur. Before Manipur was under British Rule (from 1891 to 1947), the Kingdom was occupied by the Burmese for Seven years, called "Seven Years Devastation" (Chahi taret Khuntakpa) from 1819 AD to 1826 AD.

The Statue erected in front of the Western Gate, Kangla is the Statue of “Maharaj Narasingh”.

Maharaj Narasingh - a ruler of the Kingdom of Manipur from 1844 AD to 1850 AD.

He was the great son of King Bhadra Singh (1824 AD to 1825 AD) and Chanu Premlata (the third wife of King Bhadra Singh). He was born at Sagolband Mabudhou Mantri Leikai, Imphal-West on 6th May 1792 AD.

Statue in front of the Western Gate, Kangla

Where was he during the suzerainty of the Burmese in Manipur?

During the suzerainty of the Burmese in the Kingdom of Manipur, the Maharaj fled to Cachar from Manipur with his family and took shelter at Jatrapur (located on the eastern bank of Khoiripat).

During this period he was powerless in hand to expel the Burmese from Manipur, just suffering for his lovely native land. He was just a prince at that time-period.

Statue in front of the Western Gate, Kangla

How did he work with Maharaj Gambhir Singh?

The Manipur Levy was introduced under the command of the Maharaj Gambhir Singh and Narasingh (prince), and drove out the Burmese from Manipur. The Manipur Levy was the most effective force to defeat the Burmese in Manipur and Cachar.

When Gambhir Singh became the Maharaj of Manipur after the liberation of the Burmese, he appointed Narasingh as the Junaraj and Senapati.

Narasingh gave his full dedication, support and co-operation in the reconstruction of the Kingdom of Manipur which was devastated by the Burmese during the Seven Years Devastation.

Narasingh ascended the throne in the year 1844 AD at the age of 52 (fifty-two). Then, he shifted the palace from Canchipur to Kangla. This was his prominent act once he became the Maharaj of the Kingdom.

Some well-known achievements of Maharaj:-

o Shifted the Palace from Canchipur to Kangla
o Introduction of “Mera Hoachongba”
o Built Shri Shri Govindaji Temple inside Kangla Fort in the year 1846.

He sacrificed his life and done everything for the love of motherland.

He died on 11th April 1850 AD and was cremated at the Manglen in the complex of Kangla Fort.

Annually, 11th April is observed as the Death Anniversary of Maharaj Narasingh inside Kangla Fort. He is one of the unforgettable HEROES of Manipur.

See a full gallery here