Rama Manikya | |
---|---|
Maharaja of Tripura | |
Reign | 1676–1685 |
Predecessor | Govinda Manikya |
Successor | Ratna Manikya II |
Died | 1685 |
Consort | Ratnavati |
Issue | |
House | Manikya dynasty |
Father | Govinda Manikya |
Religion | Hinduism |
Rama Manikya (d. 1676), also called Ram Manikya or Ramdev Manikya, was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1676 to 1685.
The eldest son of Maharaja Govinda Manikya, as a prince Rama acted as one of his father's military commanders. In December 1661, he was dispatched against his rebellious uncle Nakshatra Roy and engaged him in the Battle of Amtali, during which Rama was defeated. This loss forced his father to temporarily abandon the throne and leave Tripura for a number of years. [1]
Following Govinda's death in 1676, Rama ascended the throne, though he soon faced rebellion from his nephew Dwarika Thakur. The latter assumed the royal title Narendra Manikya and with the aid of Nasir Muhammad, the Afghan Nawab of Sarail, overthrew Rama. The deposed king turned to the Mughal governor of Bengal, Shaista Khan, for aid. The latter dispatched his army in Rama's support, allowing him to recapture the throne, with Khan taking Narendra captive to Dhaka. [2] [3]
At some point, Rama led an incursion north towards Sylhet, reaching as far as the city borders. In Tripura itself, he performed extensive infrastructure development, excavating several tanks (reservoirs) and erecting temples. One such was in honour of Vishnu (suggesting a personal affinity with Vaishnavism) [note 1] as well as repairing the Temple of Tripura Sundari, which had previously been damaged from lightning strike. Many villages located throughout modern-day Tripura State and Bangladesh are named in his honour. [5]
Rama died in old age in 1685, with his consort Ratnavati performing Sati in his funeral pyre. [6] He was succeeded by his son Ratna Manikya II, at the time only five years old. [7]
The Manikya dynasty was the ruling house of the Twipra Kingdom and later the princely Tripura State, what is now the Indian state of the same name. Ruling since the early 15th century, the dynasty at its height controlled a large swathe of the north-east of the Indian subcontinent. After coming under British influence, in 1761 they transitioned from feudal monarchs into rulers of a princely state, though the Manikyas maintain control of the region until 1949, when it ascended in union with India.
Dharma Manikya II was the king of Tripura Kingdom from 1713 to 1725 and again in 1729, although his power was greatly diminished in 1732 with the rise to power of Jagat Manikya with the aid of the Nawab of Bengal, Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan.
Ratna Manikya I, also known as Ratna Fa, was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1462 to the late 1480s. Though he had gained the throne by overthrowing his predecessor, Ratna's reign was notable for the peace and prosperity it had entailed in the region. He extensively reformed and modernised the government and closely allied it with neighbouring Bengal, resulting in a lasting cultural influence in Tripura.
Dharma Manikya I, also known as Dangar Fa, was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1431 to 1462. His reign was notable for its territorial expansions as well as for his religious and cultural contributions.
Maha Manikya, also known as Chhengthung Fa, was the Maharaja of Tripura from about 1400 to 1431. Contrary to narratives provided by early histories, evidence indicates that Maha Manikya was the founder of the kingdom, having established dominance over neighbouring tribes in the early 15th century. He is further thought to be the first holder of the title "Manikya", taken in recognition of a historic victory over the neighbouring Bengal Sultanate. The dynasty which he founded continued using the title until Tripura's merger with India in 1949.
Yashodhar Manikya, also known as Jashodhar Manikya, was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1600 to 1618. His reign is considered to be the nadir of the kingdom's history, with the temporary overthrowing of the monarchy and the region's incorporation into the Mughal Empire.
Kalyan Manikya was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1626 to 1660. Reigning in the aftermath of an occupation by the Mughal Empire, Kalyan did much to restore the kingdom, though it remained in a continuous state of war with the Mughals.
Chhatra Manikya was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1661 to 1667.
Govinda Manikya was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1660 to 1661 and again from 1667 to 1676. Though viewed as a capable and successful ruler, Govinda's reign was interrupted by his temporary overthrow and usurpation by his younger brother.
Vijaya Manikya II, also spelt Vijay or Bijoy, was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1532 to 1563. Succeeding to the throne at a young age, Vijaya proved himself to be a formidable military leader, initiating a series of conquests into several surrounding kingdoms, including the powerful Bengal Sultanate. During Vijaya's reign, the might and influence of Tripura reached its zenith, leading to him being viewed as one of its greatest monarchs.
Mahendra Manikya was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1712 to 1714.
Narendra Manikya was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1693 to 1695.
Mukunda Manikya was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1729 to 1739.
Ratna Manikya II was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1685 to 1693 and again from 1695 to 1712.
Rajdhar Manikya I, also spelt Rajadhara Manikya, was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1586 to 1600. Formerly a warrior-prince who fought with distinction during his father's reign, upon his own ascension to the throne, Rajdhar showed little interest in such matters, instead becoming occupied with religious pursuits. The decline of Tripura is thought to have begun during his reign.
Amar Manikya was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1577 to 1586.
Joy Manikya II was the Maharaja of Tripura during the mid-18th-century. He originally gained the throne through popular approval for his military hostility to the Mughal Empire. However, Joy spent much of his reign warring against various relations to maintain his grip on it, in particular with his cousin Indra Manikya II.
Indra Manikya II was the Maharaja of Tripura during the mid-18th-century. His reign was spent struggling for control of the kingdom with his relative Joy Manikya II.
Udai Manikya II was the Maharaja of Tripura briefly during the mid-18th-century, having laid claim to the throne during a power struggle between his relatives Joy Manikya II and Indra Manikya II.