Former Union Minister of State Dr. R.K. Ranjan Singh’s latest book, Geopolitical Relation of the Princely State Manipur with Neighbouring Regions, was formally launched on Monday at the New Delhi World Book Fair held at Bharat Mandapam.

The launch was followed by a panel discussion held in the presence of National Book Trust (NBT) Chairman Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe and NBT Director Shri Yuvraj Malik. The discussion was moderated by
Dachhbanta Samom, Director (Interpretation) of the Lok Sabha.

Dr. Ibomcha Sharma Aribam, Chief of Media and Communication, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, participated as a panelist and offered a critical review of the book, highlighting its academic depth and contemporary relevance.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ranjan said the World Book Fair symbolises the free exchange of knowledge, dialogue among cultures, and the power of books to build bridges of understanding. He observed that these values closely mirror Manipur’s historical experience as a small yet strategically significant kingdom that survived and prospered through diplomacy, cultural exchange, and engagement with neighbouring powers.

Dr. Ranjan emphasised that Manipur was not merely a landlocked princely state but a sophisticated political entity that maintained complex relations with Burma (Myanmar), Ahom (Assam), Takhel (Tripura), various tribal communities, and later the British Raj. Its strategic location at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia, he said, made Manipur both vulnerable and invaluable, shaping centuries of diplomatic manoeuvring, conflict, and cultural interaction.

The author explained that the book examines key dimensions of Manipur’s geopolitical past, including the statecraft of Manipuri rulers, the impact of the seven-year Burmese invasions, and the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, which marked a turning point in the kingdom’s history. Based on extensive archival research conducted in Imphal, Kolkata, New Delhi and London, along with field visits and oral histories, the book seeks to bring Manipur’s often-overlooked history into mainstream historical discourse.

Dr. Ranjan noted that the challenges faced by Manipur in the past—preserving identity while engaging powerful neighbours and balancing geography with sovereignty—remain relevant in the present day. He expressed hope that the book would place Manipur’s historical experience within a broader global context and encourage further scholarly research.

He thanked the National Book Trust of India, its editorial team, fellow panelists, archivists, and local communities for their support, and dedicated the book to the people of Manipur, describing it as a story of resilience, diplomacy, and enduring historical significance.