Ching-Thang Khomba

Ningthou Ching-Thang Khomba (also Rajarshi Bhagya Chandra, Jai Singh Maharaja) (1748–1799) was a Meitei monarch of the 18th century CE. The inventor of the Manipuri Raas Leela dance, with his daughter Shija Lailoibi playing as Radha at the first performance, he is a popular figure in Manipur,[1] and much of his actions as King had been mythologized. He is also credited with spreading Vaishnavism in Manipur State after his grandfather Pamheiba made Hinduism the official religion and for creating a unified Manipur.

Quotes

• Bhagyachandra becomes a great saint ‘Rajarshi’ after the completion of his political journey. The journey of his life begins with ‘sword’ and ends with ‘lotus’. The celebration of Mera Haochongba, composition of Raslila, and Dhumen and initiation of Gaudiya Vaisnavism are symbolically the spiritual experiments with firm political underpinnings. These are the necessary means for him to end war and bring peace and tranquility in his land by washing our bloodstained hands. To him, there is no contradiction between the sword and lotus; and war and peace. There is no contradiction in his life. He uses religion and other creative works based on a religious theme not in the ordinary sense but with a far-sighted political vision.
  • Sampath V; Sharma, ‘Rajarshi Bhagyachandra’, p. 42. quoted from Sampath V. (2022). Bravehearts of Bharat : vignettes from indian history. Penguin Random House India