Lakhipuronline Digital Desk, December 23, 2025:
In a landmark event that bridges the past with the present, the much-awaited Maharaj Gambhir Singh - Nara Singh Ningsing Fambak (Memorial Platform) and the Manipur Levy Museum were formally unveiled today at the historic Manipur Levy Lampak in Chandrapur, Cachar. This significant inauguration marks a pivotal moment in preserving the rich history of the Manipuri community in the region.
The event was a collaborative effort organized by the Maharaj Gambhir Singh Memorial Committee, the Manipuri Youths Front of Assam (MYFA), Apunba Khungang Mapan Chaokhat Lup (Banskandi), and the United Peoples Front (Manipur). The gathering brought together cultural leaders, student representatives, and social workers from both Assam and Manipur to pay homage to the legendary figures who shaped the region's history.
A Grand Ceremonial Tribute
The day began with a solemn flag-hoisting ceremony led by Keisam Bidyapati, President of the Maharaj Gambhir Singh Memorial Committee. Following the flag hoisting, a deeply spiritual atmosphere filled the air as dignitaries and attendees offered floral tributes, traditional heirang leirang, and lit candles before the statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and Maharaj Nara Singh.
Adding a martial fervor to the occasion, the Assam Thang-Ta Academy, Lakhipur, performed a traditional salute, showcasing the indigenous martial art form that was instrumental during the era of the Manipur Levy. The ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially unveil the memorial platform was jointly conducted by Nongthombam Rupachandra, Nameirakpam Budhachandra, and Y.K. Dhiren.
Dignitaries and Key Figures
The event was graced by a host of prominent personalities. Keisam Bidyapati presided over the function, while Y.K. Dhiren, President of the United Committee Manipur (UCM), attended as the Chief Guest. RK Gopal Sana, Retired Secretary of the Government of Assam, was present as the Special Guest.
The dais was further adorned by several Guests of Honour, including:
- Khomdram Ratan (Advisor, UCM)
- Nongthombam Rupachandra (President, United Peoples Front)
- Nameirakpam Budhachandra (Social Worker, Jiribam)
- Thangjam Brojen (President, MYFA)
- Leisangbam Jadumani and Warepam Second (Advisors, UPF)
- Beni Mishra (President, All Assam Manipuri Meirapai Apunba Lup)
- Lukram Malangba (President, AMSU)
- Ngasepam Sanahal (President, AAMSU)
- Tongbram Ibemcha (President, EECHAL)
- Oinam Premjit (President, NIPCO)
Other notable attendees included Thongam Babahan, Chongtham Gouro, Saikhom Kamlakanta (Advisor, AAMSU), and N. Nandamohan Singha.
Preserving the Legacy of 1819-1826
The welcome address was delivered by Konthoujam Mangaljao, Chairman of the Reception Committee, setting a tone of unity and remembrance. The keynote address by Seram Herajit, Advisor to the Memorial Committee, delved into the historical weight of the location.
Speakers at the event emphasized the critical importance of the Manipur Levy Lampak. This site is not merely land; it is a testament to the struggle and resilience during the Seven Years Devastation (Chahi Taret Khuntakpa) from 1819 to 1826. The leaders collectively voiced a strong message: it is the duty of the current generation to develop and protect this site so that future generations understand their roots and the sacrifices made by their ancestors.
The Manipur Levy:
The Manipur Levy was the first standing army of the Manipur Kingdom, formed in 1824 during the national struggle to free the region from Burmese domination, and it played a decisive role in ending the dark period known as Chahi Taret Khuntakpa or the Seven Years’ Devastation (1819 to 1826), marked by violence, displacement, and depopulation. Established under the leadership of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, with crucial military command shared by his cousin Maharaja Nara Singh, the force initially operated as the “Raja Gambhir Singh Levy” and began with 500 men trained with British support while the king was in exile in Cachar. It later expanded into a well-organized army that by 1835 numbered 3,000 infantry, 100 cavalry, and an artillery unit equipped with four 3-pounder cannons, with soldiers compensated through land grants rather than regular pay. The Levy successfully expelled Burmese forces from the Manipur Valley, entered Imphal on June 10, 1825, and pushed the enemy beyond the Chindwin River, restoring Manipur’s sovereignty by February 1826, a success formally recognized in the Treaty of Yandabo, which acknowledged Gambhir Singh as the independent king. It is commemorated by a memorial pillar laid in May 2023 at the Manipur Levy Ground in Chandrapur, Cachar, Assam.
One of the attendees remarked, "Standing here at Chandrapur, we are reminded that our identity is forged in history. This museum and platform are not just structures; they are classrooms for our children to learn about the bravery of the Manipur Levy."
The inauguration concluded with a renewed commitment from all organizations involved to continue working towards the development of the site as a major historical hub in Cachar.
✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team