Bodhchandra Singh

Maharaja Bodhchandra
Preparation for the coronation of Maharaja Bodh Chandra Singh, by his Prime Minister in 1944
Born 24 July 1908
Died 9 December 1955 (aged 47)
Imphal, Manipur, India
Occupation Maharaja of Manipur

Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh or Bodhachandra Singh (1908–1955) was the last ruler of the Kingdom of Manipur. He ruled between 1941 and 15 October 1949. During his reign, India was decolonised by the British, receiving independence on 14 August 1947. The Maharaja presided over a transition to democracy, passing the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947. He signed the Instrument of Accession, joining India shortly before the British departure. In 1949, a few months before India became a republic, he signed a merger agreement, whereby Manipur became an integral part of India governed by the Constitution of India.

The Maharaja retained his title for his lifetime and passed it on to his son and heir Okendrajit Singh. Afterwards, the royal titles were abolished by the Indian Parliament.

Bodhchandra Singh married seven or nine women, his first wife being HH Srimati Maharani Tharendra Kishori (Rajkumari Ram Priya Devi), who died in 1942; she was daughter of the Raja of Bodo Khimedi.

See also