R.K. Singhajit Singh

🪔 About

Rajkumar Singhajit Singh (1931-2024) was a revered Indian classical dancer, choreographer, guru, and scholar, widely recognized for his profound contributions to Manipuri dance. Born on May 1, 1931, in Manipur, he was immersed in the region's rich cultural traditions from an early age. He received extensive training from eminent gurus, mastering various facets of Manipuri dance. His early education included Pung (drum) from Guru Ojha Iboton Singh (1942–46), Jagoi from Guru Amubi Singh (1948–54), and Kartal Chalom from Guru Thambal Angou Singh (1950–52) and Guru Chauba Singh (1952–53). He also trained in martial arts (Sword & Spear) under Guru Ojha Gaura Singh (1952–53). In 1954, Singhajit Singh moved to New Delhi, where he joined Triveni Kala Sangam as the Head of the Manipur Dance Section. He further established the 'Triveni Ballet' in 1962, serving as its Director and Principal Dancer. Along with his wife, Charu Sija Mathur, also an acclaimed artist, he co-founded Manipuri Nrityashram in New Delhi, an institution dedicated to promoting and propagating Manipuri dance. Singhajit Singh was celebrated for his unparalleled mastery of Manipuri dance forms, including Raslila and Pung Cholom. As a choreographer, he created numerous ballets and dance compositions, enriching traditional forms with elements from other Manipuri performing arts like Thang-ta, Nata-Sankirtana, and Lai-haraoba, earning international acclaim. His dedication extended to cultural preservation, playing a key role in getting "Sankirtana of Manipur" inscribed in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He also authored the book "Manipuri" in the Dances of India series in 2004. Rajkumar Singhajit Singh passed away on November 19, 2024, at the age of 93, at his residence in Delhi, leaving an indelible legacy in the world of Indian classical dance. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1984), Padma Shri (1986), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) (2011), Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony (2014), Homi Bhabha Fellowship (1976), Delhi Sahitya Kala Parishad Award (1975), Fellow of Manipur State Kala Academy, Manipur Sahitya Parishad Nritya Award (1975), Nritya Choodamani, Doctor of Letters (hon.).