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 crowned in 1801.

Family Madhuchandra Singh was the third son of King Bhagyachandra, born by Khayoiron Ngangbam Chanu Metuloikhombi Wairang Lamnembi (Harimati). Eventually after Bhagyachandra's death, his numerous sons fought for the throne.

Bhagyachandra had eight sons;

Sanahal Labanyachandra Madhuchandra Singh himself Tulsijit Chourjit Singh Marjit Singh Daoji Gambhir Singh

Reign Madhuchandra became king at age 36, 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 He was crowned with his queen, Meitei Reima Yanglei Ngambi from the Haobam family. on 30th April 1801.

He made his two younger brothers, Chourjit Singh his Yuvaraja, or crown prince, and Marjit Singh the Senapati, or General.

Deposition and death Crown Prince Chourjit, arrived in Nabadwip and joined forces with the ambitious young Senpati, 20-year-old Prince Marjit, to invade Manipur and depose Tamlen Khomba in 1804. Madhuchandra was dethroned and was forced to flee to Cachar. Chourjit then became King, with his mother, Chingakham Chanu Devahuti becoming the Queen Mother.

In order to reclaim his throne, Tamlen invaded Manipur with the assistance of the King of Cachar. To ensure victory, he worshipped Devi, the goddess of war, and spent the following night at Hiyangthang. Marjit moved forward and set up camp at Mayang Keinou with the royal army.

On Kalen 14, Madhuchandra arrived in Shamupan. After three hours of fierce fighting, Tamlen was killed in combat, along with 100 of his soldier. The royal army took 600 prisoners and captured 50 Ramjangees, 148 muskets, 100 swords, 100 shields, one bronze cannon, and one iron cannon.