Maharani Induprabha ( a historical novel) :: A Book Review
- Book by Kambrambam Nilakanta Singh -

Dr. Amarjit Moirangthem *

Book review : Maharani Induprabha ( a historical novel) by Kambrambam Nilakanta Singh

Being a keen reader myself , specially on the topics related to history and culture of Manipur, I was elated to receive the book from the author himself.

Pabung Nilakanta ,a resident of Mynarbond, Cachar, Assam, a very renown writer in the Manipuri literary society of not only Assam but also in Manipuri, I was introduced to Pabung by a cousin brother , himself a very young literature lover , since then I have become closed to Pabung and his family, He is endowed with multi skills of jewellery, carpentery, astrology etc.

His works mostly in folk stories and poetry. The book is his second novel, I would say the novel seems more or less a historical account. The book starts with the marriage of Princess Induprabha, daughter of the King Modhuchandra of Manipur to King Krishnachandra of Cachar at around 1802 A.D and Krishnachandra narrating the history of Kacharis to her .

By the time in Manipur, the war for thorne started between the royal bloodlines of Manipur. Chourajit and Marjit revoted against Modhuchandra and the king fled Manipur and took shelter to his son-in-law Cachar king. There he prepared to recapture his lost kingdom with the help of the Cacharis, which utlmately cost his life at the hands of his own brothers Chourajit and Marjit at the Battle of Samupal.

Chourajit then became the King of Manipur. Marjit again revolted against him but was subdued, he fled had to Cachar . He asked for the support to Govindchandra but was denied for the bitter history of his Father-in-law. Being helpless, he then took shelter at Ava for 6 years. After convincing The King of Ava/Burma/Myanmar agreed to help but at the cost of his submission/dependence and Kabow valley. He invaded Manipur with a strong army of Burmese In the battle in 1812. Chourajit lost and had fled and took sheltered of the then Jaintia King Ramsing.

Marjit became the king of Manipur. He then invaded Cachar to seek revenge. Govindchandra was defeated and had to flee and took shelter to Jaintia . Then Chourajit and Gambhir Singh helped him to recaptur Cachar again. In return the region of Sonai, Jaribond and Gumrah Jalanpur was given to Chourajit.

Later the denial of submission to the Burmese King by Marjit, led to the invasion of Manipur in 1813, consequencing the 'Seven Years Devastation' of Manipur. Thousands of Manipuris were killed and many were captured by the Burmese. And thousands fled Manipur. Marjit had to take shelter of his brother King Chourajit. Both the royal brothers took bow to recapture Manipur. Along with Gambhir Singh, the royal brothers of Manipur asked for the British India's help for liberation of Manipur and set up Levy Force.

After the demise of King Krishnachandra , his brother Govindchandra became King of Cachar and married to Induprabha, against her will. This act infuriate not only the Manipur Kings but also people of cachar too.

Queen Induprabha was known not only for her beauty, but for her wit and courage and devotion. She brought a change in the socio-cultural outlook of the Cacharis, She introduced Vaishnavism among the Cacharis, was against the animal sacrificial ceremonies, which was a popular tradition of Cacharis. She performed Ras lila along with the other loyal consorts by bringing Artists and teachers from Manipur.

Also she was influential in keeping the relation between the Cacharis and Manipuris. She also took an important role setting up the Levy force set by her uncle Gambhir Singh and Nar Singh to liberate Manipur from the clutches of those brutal Burmese.

After King Krishnachandra was killed, the British recognized her as the Queen of Cachar and was given pension of Rs 196 monthly in 1856.