Churachand Singh
Maharaja From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Maharaja Sir Churachand Singh KCSI CBE, also known as Churachandra or Chura Chand[1] (1886–1941), was a ruler of the princely state of Manipur under the British Raj. He was a great-grandson of Raja Nara Singh who had ruled up to 1850 prior to Raja Chandrakirti. Churachand Singh's investiture followed the quelling of the Manipur Rebellion of 1891, when the entire ruling family was convicted. Churachand Singh enjoyed a long reign till 1941, but his power was nominal.
| Churachand Singh | |
|---|---|
| Maharaja | |
| Reign | 1892–1941 AD |
| Predecessor | Kulachandra Singh |
| Successor | Bodhchandra Singh |
| Born | Kangleipak |
| Died | Kangleipak |
| Burial | |
| Issue | M. K. Binodini Devi Bodhchandra Singh |
| House | Ningthouja dynasty |
| Father | Chowbi Yaima |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Investiture
After quelling the Manipur Rebellion of 1891, the British imprisoned Raja Kulachandra Singh and took full control of Manipur, but eventually decided to "regrant" it to Manipuris as an "act of mercy".[2] Churachand Singh, who was the youngest son of Chowbi Yaima, in turn a grandson of Raja Nara Singh, was selected to be the next Raja.[2][3] The investiture ceremony took place on 28 April 1892. Churachand Singh was five years at that time. During his minority, the British Political Agent to Manipur acted as the Superintendent and administered the state.[3]
Singh was sent Mayo College in Ajmer for education in 1895. He returned in 1901.[4] The administration of the state was handed over to him in 1907.[4]
Rule
Churachand Singh ruled the state between 1907 and 1941, under British supervision exercised by the Lieutenant Governor of East Bengal and Assam. A Darbar was established with three Ordinary Members (who held government departments) and three Additional Members (as councillors).[5][6] Initially, Churachand Singh served as the President of the Darbar, and a British-appointed ICS officer served as the Vice-President.[4] This arrangement was terminated in 1916, when the British officer became the President of the Darbar.[7][8][9]
Irrespective of the arrangement, the administration of the state was to be conducted according to the 'Rules for the Management of the State of Manipur', which were in force till 1947. The real executive power rested with the Political Agent.[10][11][12]
Churachand Singh received the title of Maharaja in 1918 and was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India in the 1934 New Year Honours, becoming Sir Churachandra Singh.[13]
Personal life
Churachand Singh had six wives. He had six daughters and five sons from them. In addition, one son was adopted by the Maharani.[14]
Legacy
In 1921, the Kuki village of Songpi, which was then the headquarters of the southwestern hill subdivision, was named "Churchandpur" in honour of Churachand Singh.[15] The subdivision also acquired the name "Churachandpur subdivision", which continued even after Songpi ceased to be its headquarters. In 1947, the name was transferred to the present-day Churachandpur town, which was called "New Churachandpur" for a few years.[16] At present, the name is contested by the local people who prefer to call the town by its original name "Lamka".[15]
See also
- List of Manipuri kings
- Manipur (princely state)
- Churachand Singh Trophy, football tournament named after him[17][18][19]
References
Bibliography
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