A commemorative postage stamp on Bhagya Chandra, a Meitei king from Manipur, founder of Ras Lila [a part of the series ‘Personality Series : Historical : Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan, Raja Bhamashah, Rajarshi Bhagyachandra and General Zorawar Singh‘] :
Issued by India
Issued on Dec 31, 2000
Issued for : The discipline of history has seen a paradigm-shift in modern times, the emphasis now being on the study of socio-economic processes rather than events and personalities. Yet, in the course of the centuries that have passed one does come across personalities of extraordinary charisma, personalities whose deeds and achievements left deep imprints on the minds of their contemporaries and continued to fascinate subsequent generations. A set of commemorative stamps on four such historical personalities of India is being issued by the Department of Posts.
Credits :
Stamp : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd. – Based on the concept design by Alka Sharma
FDC : Kamleshwar Singh
Type : Stamp, Mint Condition
Colour : Five Colour
Denomination : 300 Paise
Overall size : 2.91 x 3.9 Cms.
Printing size : 2.91 x 3.9 Cms.
Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5
Paper : Matt Chromo
Stamps Printed : 0.4 million
Number per issue sheet : 40
Printing Process : Photo Offset
Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.
Name : Bhagya Chandra
Born on 1740
Died on 1798 at Murshidabad, West Bengal, India
About :
- Rajarshi Bhagyachandra (1740-1798 A.D.) was an enlightened king of Manipur who left his mark on history by successfully resisting the Burmese invasions, eliminating dissensions within the state, generating a cultural renaissance and leading Manipur to over-all prosperity. Gifted with native intelligence, Bhagyachandra realised during the early years of his reign itself that possible invasion from the Burmese side was a major threat to the stability of Manipur. He succeeded in establishing friendly relations with Cachhar, Ahom and Tripura thereby neutralising this threat perception. Bhagyachandra consolidated the relations between the peoples of the hills and the plains, thus unifying and integrating the state of Manipur. His secular outlook added to his acceptability by all sections of the population. Under his patronage, ‘Raas Leela’ and ‘Nata Sankirtan’ emerged as classical disciplines and triggered a cultural renaissance in Manipur. His spiritual leanings led to his being called, ‘Rajarshi’, meaning ‘King who was also an ascetic’.
- Text : Based on the materials furnished by the sponsors.
