Volume-X, Issue-IV, July 2024 |
MATRIMONY AS DIPLOMATIC TOOL: A HISTORICAL STUDY OF 18TH CENTURY MANIPUR Dr. Memchaton Singha, Assistant Professor, Dept. of History, Rabindrasadan Girls’ College, Karimganj, Assam, India |
Received: 25.07.2024 | Accepted: 25.07.2024 | Published Online: 31.07.2024 | Page No: 295-301 | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.10.issue.04W.027 | |||||||
ABSTRACT | ||
Manipur is one of the important states of North East India with its glorious history. The recorded monarchical history of the state begins in 33 A.D. which continued up to 1949 until it joined the Indian Union in 1949. During 18th century Manipur was ruled by three Manipuri/Meitei Kings i.e. King Charairongba (1697-1709 A.D.), King Pamheiba alias Garib Niwaz (1709-1748 A.D.) and King Bhagyachandra alias Jai Singha (1759-1761 A.D. and 1763-1798 A.D.). These kings like many other monarchies of Bharat adopted matrimony as an important tool to maintain friendly relationship with their neighbouring states like the Kachari, Ahom, Tripura, Pong etc. The royal ladies played the role of peace makers by entering into matrimonial alliances with the Kings and Princess of the neighbouring kingdoms in time of conflicts as well as peace. The political scenario of the time necessitated the Rajas to use their daughters as diplomatic tool. Thus, in this paper the researcher will emphasize on the history of diplomatic marriage alliances that were organized by the Rajas of Manipur with their neighbouring states. It will also try to understand the reasons behind arrangements of such marriage alliances during 18th century. Keywords: Matrimony, Manipur, monarchy, diplomatic tool, neighbouring states |