M. K. Binodini’s Bor Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi (1976) and Churachand Maharajgi Imung (2008): The Rich Repositories of Manipuri Culture

Abstract

Maharaj Kumari Binodini (1922-2011) is a well-known Manipuri writer who incorporates the essence and beauty of Manipuri culture in her works whenever she finds the opportunity. She believes that there is nothing wrong in bringing the cultural values and traditions of Manipur into her works. She declares firmly that it is extremely difficult to turn a blind eye to the rich cultural heritage of Manipur. Indeed, when one reads Binodini’s novel, short stories, radio plays or any other genres that she has touched upon, one could see an inextricable connection between her writings and Manipuri culture. The paper studies Binodini’s Sahitya Akademi Award winning novel Bor Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi, 1976 (The Princess and the Political Agent, 2020) and the memoir Churachand Maharajgi Imung, 2008 (The Maharaja’s Household: A Daughter’s Memories of Her Father, 2015) in order to locate various aspects of Manipuri culture embedded in the narrative. It also examines how Binodini incorporates the culture of Manipur in her works.