Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has announced an ambitious plan to restore the historic Langthabal Palace, a 250-year-old landmark that once served as the capital of the erstwhile Manipur kingdom. The restoration project, estimated to cost ₹25 crore, was revealed during a program commemorating the death anniversary of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, a pivotal figure in the state’s history. Langthabal Palace, located on a hillock south of Imphal, holds immense historical significance. It was the capital during the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra (1779–1796 CE) and later served as the residence of his son, Maharaja Gambhir Singh, after Manipur’s liberation from Burmese occupation in 1827. A portion of the palace has been under the occupation of the Assam Rifles since the British era, but the government plans to relocate the force to facilitate restoration. “A committee of university experts will guide the restoration work,” said the Chief Minister.
Additionally, the rejuvenation of Chandranadi, an 18th-century water channel near the palace, will commence with an initial budget of ₹10 crore. The Chief Minister emphasized the palace’s role in Manipur’s cultural heritage, stating, “Gambhir Singh occupies a significant place in our history. Through the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, Manipur regained its sovereignty.” Singh also highlighted the importance of documenting Manipur’s rich history, announcing the release of a General Knowledge book, Know Your Manipur, on January 21, Statehood Day. The government also plans to produce films on key historical events, including Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (Seven Years’ Devastation), which will be aired on the History Channel, and a full-length feature on the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. Singh expressed the need for such projects to preserve and promote Manipur’s historical legacy.
During his address, Singh reiterated the roots of the ongoing violence in the state, attributing it to opposition against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. He remarked, “The Centre may approve or reject the demand, but the violence that began on May 3, 2023, stemmed from an agenda against this demand.”
