ABSTRACT
Manipur, a small and beautiful state situated at the north-eastern frontier of India, has a rich cultural heritage from time immemorial. Today, Manipur is best introduced through her dances. The culture of Manipuri dance is a fresh, vigorous and virile tradition which has been playing its own important and creative part in the renaissance of the ancient dance culture of India. Manipuri Dance has given birth to an indigenous form of classical dance known as Manipuri Rasa Lila dance. During Bhagyachandra’s reign, the unforgettable incident was his Rasa Lila. King Bhagyachandra was not only a great warrior, administrator and diplomat, but also a deeply religious soul, he encouraged Vaishnavism in Manipur. The significance of Maha Rasa Lila is imparting the lesson of bhakti and true love as a means to reach Lord Krishna. It is also an experience of self-realization of the gopis who took pride in their love and affection for Lord Krishna.
