Amubi Singh

🪔 About

Maisnam Amubi Singh, affectionately known as Oja Amubi or Guru Amubi Singh, was a towering figure in Indian classical dance, particularly renowned for his contributions to Manipuri dance. Born in Imphal, Manipur, on November 21, 1881, he is celebrated as one of the "trimurti exponents of Manipuri Raas" and is credited with pioneering solo dance in the Manipuri style. Amubi Singh's artistic inclinations were nurtured from a young age. His father, Maisnam Samu Singh, was the Chief of the royal army and an accomplished mridang player, while his mother, Rajkumari Dhakendri Devi, a descendant of royalty, was a singer of Rās dance songs. He received extensive training from several gurus, including Konsam Ojha Chura Singh, Oja Chaonu Sharma, his elder brother Maisnam Ibungohal Singh, and Oja Jhulonmacha Singh of the Manipur royal durbar. In his youth, he performed lead roles in various dance forms such as Rās-leelā, Gosṭha-leelā, Udukhol-leelā, and Gaur-leelā. His career saw him become an assistant to Oja Jhulonmacha Singh and later succeed him in the royal durbar. In 1934, Maharaja Sir Churachand Singh of Manipur selected Amubi Singh to lead a troupe of Manipuri dancers on a tour across India, where he met Uday Shankar in Mumbai. At Shankar's request, Amubi Singh taught Manipuri dance at Uday Shankar's school in Almora for several years. Following World War II, he served as a dance teacher in New Delhi, including a period at Sangeet Bharati. Amubi Singh played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), joining as a principal teacher and founding supervisor in 1954. He also founded Manipuri Jagoi Marup in 1963, a performing troupe that gained national and international acclaim. His creative contributions include composing "The Duet of Hansa and Damayanti" and exploring the concept of ballet in Manipuri dance. His immense contributions to Indian classical dance were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1956 and the Padma Shri in 1970. Guru Amubi Singh passed away in Imphal on June 29, 1972, leaving behind a profound legacy in Manipuri dance. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1956), Padma Shri (1970).