Madhuchandra Singh


Maharaja Madhuchandra Singh or Meidingu Tamlen Khomba was a king of the Ningthouja dynasty of Medieval Manipur who ruled from 1801 to 1804. He was the third son of King Bhagyachandra. Accordingly, he ascended the throne in 1800, but was coronated in 1801.

Family

Madhuchandra Singh was the third son of King Bhagyachandra, born by Khayoiron Ngangbam Chanu Metuloikhombi Wairang Lamnembi. Eventually after Bhagyachandra's death, his numerous sons fought for the throne.
Bhagyachandra had eight sons;
Madhuchandra became king at 36 years old soon after his older brother, Labanyachandra was assassinated after a conspiracy by his younger siblings, Daoji and Gambhir Singh. Following his death, Madhuchandra took the throne, foiling the conspirators' plans. He made Kanchipur as the second capital as the kingdom. During his reign, he also introduced three coins made of bell metal In 30th April 1801, he was coronated at the age of 37 with his queen, Meitei Reima Yanglei Ngambi from the Haobam family.
He made his two younger brothers, Chourjit Singh as the Yuvaraja, and Marjit Singh as the Senapati. However, Chourjit Singh opposed Madhuchandra and went to Cachar in 1802.
The Cheitharol Kumbaba noted;
"The year of Thanga Khunchaopa 1723 Kum Sak... Tuesday, the 19th Hiyangkei, Prince Yipungsicha Marjit left for Vrindaband... The year of Laisram Achou Singh 1724 Kum Sak... Saturday, the 5th of Mera, Prince Yipungsicha Chourjit the Yuvaraj left for Mayang... Sunday, the 20th Hiyangkei, Guru Masu Thakur and Thokchao Keirungpa, these two, who went to stop the Yuvaraj, arrived."

Manufacture of muskets

There were no Burmese invasions during Madhuchandra's rule. However, some double-barrel guns were produced to improve the defense capability, continuing the process started during Bhagyachandra's reign. In April 1801, shortly after Madhuchandra's accession, the production of double-barrel guns commenced.

Religion condition and alliance with Cachar

In 1801, the new image of Mahaprabhu was placed in the temple of Bishnupur by Tamlen Khomba. Additionally, he built Shri Govindajee's chapel and new temples. Many Brahmins and royals made pilgrimages to the Ganga during his rule.
He maintained friendly ties with the Cachar in 1802 and married his beautiful daughter, Induprabha, to the King of Cachar, Krishna Chandra.

Dethronement and death

arrived in Nabadwip and teamed up with Prince Marjit the Senapati. Tamlen Khomba 's attempts to reassure Chourjit were unsuccessful. Marjit was a very ambitious young prince who was barely twenty years old. He consented to support Chourjit against Tamlem Khomba. Chourjit invaded Manipur with a strong force and Madhuchandra was dethroned and was forced to flee to Cachar in 1804. Chourjit then became the king, with his mother, Queen Chingakham Chanu Devahuti becoming the Queen Mother.
In order to reclaim his throne, Madhuchandra invaded Manipur with the assistance of the King of Cachar. On 5 Kalen 1804, word of his arrival reached the capital. The king and his brother Marjit set out to engage Madhuchandra. To ensure victory, Madhuchandra worshipped Devi, the goddess of war, and spent the night at Hiyangthang the following day. Marjit moved forward and set up camp at Mayang Keinou with the royal army.
On Kalen 14, Madhuchandra arrived in Shamupan. Marjit went over there. Three hours of fierce fighting took place. On Kalen 14, Madhuchandra was killed in combat. One hundred of Madhuchandra's soldiers died in combat and the royal army took 600 prisoners. The royal army also took control of 50 Ramjangees, 148 muskets, 100 swords, 100 shields, one bronze cannon, and one iron cannon.