A scene from Dark Chapter of History

Manipur Dramatic Union’s Bir Tikendrajit takes one back to August 13, 1891.

Bir Tikendrajit, the prince-turned-nationalist, was instrumental in thwarting the intentions of the British to take over Manipur. He was ultimately hanged by the British in public on August 13, 1891. The day is observed as Patriots’ Day by the Manipur government and NGOs in Manipuri-inhabited areas of Delhi, Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh.

To mark the day, many Manipuri theatre groups occasionally make stage performances of Ipu Thangal General, Bir Tikendrajit and Amamba Itihaski Lamaida. But Bir Tikendrajit presented by Manipur Dramatic Union deserves special mention as it depicts the root causes of the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri war.

The play was directed by Kshteri Ibohal and written by Sougaijam Birendra.

During the rule of King Surachandra, his brother Pakasana indulged in spiteful things. Their half-brother, Yuvraj Tikendrajit, defeated the king’s forces. Surachandra and his brother fled the kingdom. Kullachandra, the stepbrother ascended the throne of Manipur and Tikendrajit became the supreme commander of the Manipuri forces.

Surachandra, the exiled king, then approached the British to reinstate him on the throne. The Assam chief commissioner of the time hatched a conspiracy to capture Tikendrajit, but his plan failed.

The British government declared war on Manipur and Senapati Tikendrajit, then prime minister Thangal and many unsung heroes were hanged by the British on August 13, 1891. The short duration of the play makes it difficult to delineate all these details.

Another play focusing on Patriots’ Day is Itihaski Amamba Lamaida (Dark Chapter of History) of Cosmopolitan Dramatic Union. Written and directed by Nandakumar Moirangthem, it was staged at Cosmo Drama Hall. The director tries to redefine the historical events, highlighting the plight of the people because of the rat race among the princes to capture the throne.

After the demise of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, his widow Kumudini took refuge in Cachar (now in Assam). She ensured that his son Chandrakriti was crowned king of Manipur. She is considered the “iron woman” of 19th century Manipur.

Director and writer Nandakumar used Manipuri khubak eshei, Rathyatras and Thang-ta to bring alive the drama. Special mention must be made of the performances of Khamnam Bijoy, Kunjabihari, Tapoban Romola, Ibecha and Seityabati.

The musical scores of Leimapokpam Tiken and the lighting arrangements by Shri Brojen enthralled the audience.