Madhav Ram Wahengba was a great Manipuri scholar and writer of the 18- century. A man of versatile talent, he was also a trusted scholar and writer of King Bhagyachandra and King Labanyachandra. He had not only a vast knowledge of Gouriya Vaishnavism but also a fairly good background of Buddhist philosophy. He is also known as Meitei Chanakya. Madhav Ram Wahengba has to his credit six books of which three are of his individual effort: Langlon, Sanamanik and Dhruva Charit. Three collaborative works are: Viral Shanthupron, Chingthang Khomba Maharaja Ganga Chatpa and Arong Nandakumar. He took a vital role in promoting the 18- century Manipuri Literature which gave a profound impact on the 19- century Manipuri literature.
Dr Th. Ibohanbi Singh (b. 1951) is a critic and writer of travel literature. At present he is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Manipuri, D.M. College of Arts, Imphal. His works include Anganba Matamgi Manipuri Sahitya da Imagery and Banga Bondhugee Leibakta (Travelogue). His Sagol Garee Thouba Gulamdin Amasung Atei Wari Khara (Gulamdin, the Tongawala and Other Stories) is the Manipuri translation of ten Indian short stories of various languages. He is awarded Seram Mukta Award (2005) and the Manipur State Kala Akademi Award (2007) for Banga Bondhugee Leibakta.
Madhav Ram Wahengba was undoubtedly a versatile genius—a scholar and a writer, a devotee of Krishna and a man of wide vision. As he belongs to the 18t" century his manuscripts were written in Manipuri script (Meitei Mayek) are in the custody of a few well known Manipuri scholars. Recently his manuscripts had been transcribed in Bengali script and got published. But his writings are understood by a few scholars. Precious works of the great scholars and writers remain Greek to the members of the younger generation who live in this age of computer. Again his painstaking works which are full of traditional and morale values are being ignored.
When Sahitya Akademi offered me to write a monograph on this great writer for its Makers of Indian Literature series, I felt hesitation. However I later accepted it as a challenge. But I was conscious of my limitation. Could I do justice? This question was constantly in my thoughts. Another important problem which I faced in the course of writing this monograph was the lack of information regarding his date of birth and death, details of his life, activities and achievements and the likes. Biographical sketch of this great scholar and writer suffered from the lack of these information and materials. In spite of shortage of materials I tried my best to present it with all humility. One of the Manipuri scholars said that Madhav Rain was not only a reputed writer but also a warrior. He had a leadership quality. His view should be supported by the reliable records and documents. We need further research in this regard. It is also believed that some of the works and records related to the life of this great writer might have been lost in the Seven Years Devastation and the 2nd World War which also took place in Manipur.
This is not a comprehensive study of Madhav Ram Wahengba. My attempt is to present a small introduction, meant for general reading.
I am particularly grateful to Shri Ng. Iboton Singh. the former Head of the Department of English. N.G. College for encouraging me and taking the trouble of careful reading of my type-set manuscript. He helped me in many ways. Following his scholarly suggestions and advice I had the opportunity to improve this monograph. Again I acknowledge him for translating some portions of Langlon into English. I also would like to thank Shri L. Birendrakumar Sharma for translating some portions of Sanamanik into English. I am also obliged to (late) N. Khelchandra Singh, Padmashri, Shri RK Jhalajit Singh. Padmashri and (Late) Prof. Ch. Manihar Singh whose painstaking works opened my mind. I also express my gratitude to Prof. N. Khagendra Singh and Prof. H. Bihari Singh for their affection and constant encouragement. Also, I am much obliged to the Sahitya Akademi for entrusting me with this challenging task.
I am thankful to my sons Shri Th. Dilip Singh and Shri Th. Khelen Singh who took the trouble of typesetting for submission to the Sahitya Akademi.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist