Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced on Thursday a comprehensive plan to restore the historic Langthabal Palace, a 250-year-old landmark that once served as the capital of the Manipur kingdom. The palace, situated on a hillock in Imphal West, is set to undergo restoration with an estimated budget of ₹25 crore.
Singh, speaking at a programme commemorating the death anniversary of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, highlighted the historical significance of the site. Maharaja Gambhir Singh, a revered figure in Manipur’s history, passed away in the palace in 1834. “The old Langthabal Palace will be developed with an estimated cost of ₹25 crore. A committee consisting of university teachers will be constituted to guide the restoration work,” Singh stated.
Currently, a portion of the palace remains occupied by the Assam Rifles, a situation persisting since the British era. The Chief Minister confirmed plans to relocate the force to a different location to facilitate the restoration.
In addition to the palace, the government plans to rejuvenate the Chandranadi, an 18th-century water channel near the palace, with an initial investment of ₹10 crore.
Langthabal Palace, constructed during the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra (1779–1796 CE), became the kingdom’s capital and later served as the residence of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, who moved there in 1827 following Manipur’s liberation from Burmese occupation. The palace remained the capital until 1844.
Singh emphasized the historical importance of Gambhir Singh, noting his pivotal role in liberating Manipur from Burmese rule during the seven years of devastation (1819–1826). The Treaty of Yandaboo, signed between the British and Burma, recognized Manipur as a sovereign kingdom.
During the event, Singh also addressed the ongoing tensions in the state, linking them to the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status in 2023. He attributed the immediate cause of violence to opposition rallies organized against the demand. “On May 3, 2023, homes of the Meiteis were burnt and attacked. There may be an agenda behind it, but that was the immediate cause,” he said.
In a separate event, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the lack of historical documentation about Manipur. He announced the upcoming release of a General Knowledge book titled Know Your Manipur on January 21, the state’s Statehood Day. Singh also revealed plans to telecast a 22-minute film, Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (Seven Years’ Devastation), on the History Channel.
Looking ahead, Singh shared plans for a full-length feature film on the seven-year Burmese occupation of Manipur and encouraged the production of a short film on the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. “The government will fund these initiatives,” he affirmed, underscoring his administration’s commitment to preserving and promoting Manipur’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
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