Madhuchandra Singh

Madhuchandra Singh
Meitei Ningthou / Maharaja of Manipur
King of Manipur
Reign1801 - 1804
Coronation17 Kalen 1801 (30 April)
PredecessorLabanyachandra
SuccessorChourjit Singh
Born1764
DiedMay 23, 1804(1804-05-23) (aged 39–40)
Spouse29 wives (19 issueless)
IssueSana Naol Singh, Sana Pabritra Singh, Sana Mega Singh, Sana Yumjaotaba, Sana Nilambar Singh, Sanaton, Sana Hem Singh
HouseHouse of Karta
DynastyNingthouja dynasty
FatherBhagyachandra
MotherKhayoiron Ngangbam Chanu Harimati
ReligionHinduism
Induprabha with Krishna Chandra, King of Cachar.

Maharaja Madhuchandra Singh or Meidingu Tamlen Khomba (Meitei: ꯇꯝꯂꯦꯟ ꯈꯣꯝꯕ) was a king of the Ningthouja dynasty of Medieval Manipur who ruled from 1801 to 1804. He was the third son of King Bhagyachandra. Accordingly, he ascended the throne in 1800, but was coronated in 1801.

Family

Madhuchandra Singh was the third son of King Bhagyachandra, born by Khayoiron Ngangbam Chanu Metuloikhombi Wairang Lamnembi (Harimati). Later, his numerous sons fought for the throne.

Bhagyachandra had eight sons;

Reign

Madhuchandra became king at 36 years old soon after his older brother, Labanyachandra was murdered due to a conspiracy by his younger siblings, Daoji and Gambhir Singh. Following his death, Madhuchandra immediately took over the throne, countering the conspirators' plans. He established Kanchipur as the kingdom's second capital. Throughout his rule, he also created three coins made of bell metal In 30th April 1801, he was coronated at the age of 37 with his queen, Meitei Reima Yanglei Ngambi from the Haobam family.

He made his two younger brothers, Chourjit Singh as the Yuvaraja (Jubaraj), and Marjit Singh as the Senapati. However, Chourjit Singh opposed Madhuchandra and went to Cachar in 1802.

The Cheitharol Kumbaba noted;

"The year of Thanga Khunchaopa 1723 Kum Sak... Tuesday, the 19th Hiyangkei (24th November 1801 CE), Prince Yipungsicha Marjit left for Vrindaband... The year of Laisram Achou Singh 1724 Kum Sak... Saturday, the 5th of Mera (2nd October 1802 CE), Prince Yipungsicha Chourjit the Yuvaraj left for Mayang... Sunday, the 20th Hiyangkei (14th November 1802 CE), Guru Masu Thakur and Thokchao Keirungpa, these two, who went to stop the Yuvaraj, arrived."

Manufacture of muskets

No invasions from Burma occurred during Madhuchandra's reign. Still, certain double-barrel firearms were manufactured to enhance defensive strength, continuing the efforts initiated in Bhagya Chandra's reign. In April 1801, soon after Madhu Chandra took power, the manufacturing of double-barrel guns began.

Religion condition and alliance with Cachar

In 1801, Tamlen Khomba installed the new image of Mahaprabhu in the Bishnupur temple. He also constructed Shri Govindajee's chapel and other new temples. Numerous Brahmins and nobles undertook pilgrimages to the Ganga while he was in power.

He maintained friendly ties with the Cachar in 1802 and married his beautiful daughter, Induprabha, to the King of Cachar, Krishna Chandra.

Dethronement and death

Chourjit reached Nabadwip and partnered with Prince Marjit the Senapati. Tamlen Khomba (Madhuchandra) was unable to reassure Chourjit successfully. Marjit was an exceptionally driven young prince who had just turned twenty. He agreed to back Chourjit in the conflict with Tamlem Khomba. Chourjit attacked Manipur with a formidable army, resulting in Madhuchandra's ousting, compelling him to escape to Cachar in 1804. Chourjit ascended to the throne, with his mother, Queen Chingakham Chanu Devahuti, serving as the Queen Mother.

To regain his throne, Madhuchandra attacked Manipur with support from the King of Cachar. On 5 Kalen 1804, news of his arrival got to the capital. Chourjit and Marjit started a mission to confront Madhuchandra. To secure victory, Madhuchandra worshipped Devi, the war goddess, and stayed overnight at Hiyangthang the next day. Marjit advanced and established a camp at Mayang Keinou along with the royal army.

On Kalen 14, Madhuchandra reached Shamupan. Marjit traveled to that place where three hours of intense combat occurred. That same day, Madhuchandra lost his life in battle. One hundred soldiers of Madhuchandra lost their lives in battle, while the royal army captured 600 prisoners. The royal forces also took hold of 50 Ramjangees, 148 muskets, 100 swords, 100 shields, one bronze cannon, and one iron cannon.

References

  1. ↑ Joykumar Singh, Colonialism to Democracy (2002), p. 4-5.
  2. ↑ Tensuba, Keerti Chand (1993). Genesis of Indian Tribes: An Approach to the History of Meiteis and Thais. Inter-India Publications. p. 133. ISBN 978-81-210-0308-7.
  3. 1 2 Sanajaoba, Manipur, Past and Present: Volume 4 (1988), p. 220.
  4. ↑ Jhalajit Singh, A Short History of Manipur, p. 210, 212.
  5. ↑ Somorjit Sana, The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs (2010), p. 207, 210.
  6. ↑ Somorjit Sana, The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs (2010), p. 200-201.
  7. ↑ Hodson, The Meitheis (1908), p. 81.
  8. ↑ Sanajaoba, Manipur, Past and Present: Volume 4 (1988), p. 123.
  9. ↑ Roy, Jyotirmoy (1958). History Of Manipur. p. 56.
  10. ↑ Tarapot, Phanjoubam (2003). Bleeding Manipur. New Delhi: Har-Anand Publications. pp. 111–126. ISBN 9788124109021.
  11. 1 2 Joykumar Singh, Colonialism to Democracy (2002), p. 4.
  12. 1 2 Dena, Lal (1991). History of Modern Manipur, 1826-1949. Orbit Publishers-Distributors. p. 7.
  13. ↑ Roy, Jyotirmoy (1973). History of Manipur. Eastlight Book House. p. 56.
  14. ↑ Jhalajit Singh, A Short History of Manipur, p. 211.
  15. ↑ Devi, L. Kunjeswori (2003). Archaeology in Manipur. Rajesh Publications. p. 47. ISBN 978-81-85891-18-7.
  16. 1 2 3 Somorjit Sana, The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs (2010), p. 210.
  17. ↑ Parratt, The Court Chronicle: Volume 2 (2009), p. 72.
  18. ↑ Jhalajit Singh, A Short History of Manipur, p. 210.
  19. ↑ Devi, Moirangthem Tineshowri (2024-01-01). 1857 and Prince Narendrajit (Sana Chahi Ahum). Concept Publishing Company. p. 37. ISBN 978-93-5594-769-7.
  20. ↑ Jhalajit Singh, A Short History of Manipur, p. 209.
  21. 1 2 Somorjit Sana, The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs (2010), p. 211-212.
  22. ↑ "Maharani Induprabha a historical novel A Book Review". www.e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
  23. ↑ Singh, Aheibam Koireng; Hanjabam, Shukhdeba Sharma (2022-01-01). Manipur Myanmar Historical Connections. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 978-93-5439-078-4.
  24. ↑ Somorjit Sana, The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs (2010), p. 213-214.
  25. ↑ Jhalajit Singh, A Short History of Manipur, p. 216.
  26. ↑ Birajit, Soibam (2014-12-01). Meeyamgi Kholao: Sprout of Consciousness. ARECOM ( Advanced Research Consortium, Manipur). p. 138.
  27. 1 2 Jhalajit Singh, A Short History of Manipur, p. 218.
  28. 1 2 Somorjit Sana, The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs (2010), p. 215-216.
  29. 1 2 Parratt, The Court Chronicle: Volume 2 (2009), p. 65.

Bibliography