House of Karta

Paphal of Ningthouja Pakhangba dragon from the Pakhangba Lambuba, the dragon deity symbol associated with the Ningthouja dynasty and Meitei kingship.

The House of Karta is a royal branch of the Ningthouja dynasty in Manipur, India. It traces its lineage to Maharaja Bhagyachandra (Ching-Thang Khomba), who ruled from 1759 to 1762 and from 1763 to 1798. ^[1] Members of the House have been associated with religious, cultural, and administrative developments in the region. ^{[2] [3]}

Origins and ancestry

Historical Map of Manipur in 18th-19th century

People from the House of Karta of the extended royal family of Manipur (Ningthemchas) are descendants of King Bhagyachandra, a Meitei monarch known for his contributions to Manipuri culture and the spreading of Vaishnavism in the region. ^[4] During Bhagyachandra's reign, significant developments occurred in Manipuri arts, religion, and administration. ^{[5] [6]} His descendants, associated with the House of Karta, have remained part of the region's extended royal lineage and cultural continuity. ^[7]

Historical significance

Cultural contributions

During the reign of Bhagyachandra, the Ras Leela dance was formalized as a court tradition. It incorporated themes from Vaishnavism and was later recognized as a classical form of Manipuri dance. ^[8] Bhagyachandra's adoption of Vaishnavism was accompanied by the construction of temples and the introduction of devotional practices, many of which continue to be observed in present-day Manipur. ^[9]

Political influence

Meitei women in traditional attire, showcasing Manipuri cultural heritage.

Members of the House of Karta have participated in political developments in Manipur. Gambhir Singh, the youngest son of Bhagyachandra, led efforts to restore the kingdom following the Burmese invasions of the early 19th century. His leadership contributed to the reinstatement of the monarchy and the political stabilization of the region ^{[10] [11]}

Prominent members

• Maharaja Bhagyachandra (Ching-Thang Khomba): Ancestor of the House of Karta, known for his cultural and religious reforms. ^{[12] [8]}
• Maharaja Gambhir Singh: The youngest son of Bhagyachandra who helped Manipur regain independence from the Burmese. ^[10]
• Maharaja Madhuchandra Singh: Fought for power during the dynastic squabbles in Manipur after the death of Bhagya Chandra. ^[13]

See also

• Ningthouja dynasty
• Bhagyachandra
• Gambhir Singh
• Manipur
• Vaishnavism
• History of Manipur
• Meitei people
• Manipuri dance
• Chourjit Singh
• Indian princely states

References

1. "Kings of Manipur". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
2. T.c. Hodson (1908). The Meitheis.
3. Parratt, Saroj Nalini (1980). The Religion of Manipur: Beliefs, Rituals, and Historical Development. Firma KLM. ISBN   978-0-8364-0594-1.
4. "Manipur". culturalpursuits.com. Archived from the original on 2009-08-10. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
5. Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (2020-11-25). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. ISBN   978-1-000-29629-7.
6. Kulasrestha, Mahendra (2006). Culture India. Lotus Press. ISBN   978-81-8382-013-4.
7. Sebastian, Rodney (2021-11-24). "Refashioning Kingship in Manipur in the 18th Century: The Politico-Religious Projects of Garibniwaz and Bhāgyacandra". Religions. 12 (12): 1041. doi: 10.3390/rel12121041 . ISSN   2077-1444.
8. "Manipuri Dance: Origin, Costume, Features & Famous Dancers (UPSC Notes)". Testbook. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
9. "Vaishnavism and Raas Leela's history in Manipur". VarnikaDesigns. 2022-08-19. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
10. Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. Mittal Publications. ISBN   978-81-7099-853-2.
11. Singh, N. Khelchandra (1967). History of Manipur. Imphal.
12. Parratt, Saroj Nalini (1980). Religion and Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN   978-0-8364-0594-1.
13. "Indian Princely States K-Z". www.worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 2025-07-04.