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{{Short description|Indian writer, poet, and princess (1922 – 2011)}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox writer
| name = Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi
| image =
| pseudonym = Binodini
| birth_name = Sana Wangol
| birth_date = {{birth date|1922|02|06|df=y}}
| birth_place = Royal Palace, [[Imphal]], [[Manipur Kingdom]]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=y|2011|01|17|1922|02|06}}
| death_place = Yaiskul, [[Imphal]], [[Manipur]], [[India]]
| occupation = Writer, poet, playwright
| language = Manipuri (Meiteilon)
| genre = 
| subject = 
| spouse = Dr L. Nanda Babu Roy (m. 1950, sep. 1967)
| children = L. Debabrata Roy<br/>L. Somi Roy
| awards = Jamini Sundar Guha Gold Medal (1966)<br/>[[Padma Shri]] (1976)<br/>[[Sahitya Akademi Award]] (1979)
| signature = M.K. Binodini Devi.png
}}

'''Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi''' (born ''Sana Wangol''; 6 February 1922 – 17 January 2011), known as M.K. Binodini Devi and henceforth referred to as MK Binodini or '''Binodini,''' the mononym that she wrote under, was a writer, social activist and princess of [[Manipur]].<ref name=":10">{{Cite book |last=Roy |first=L. Somi |title=Makers of Indian Literature: M.K. Binodini Devi |publisher=Sahitya Akademi |year=2022 |isbn=978-93-5548-290-7 |edition=1st |location=Kolkata}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> She worked in multiple genres, including fiction, essays, drama, screenplays, lyrics, and ballet scripts often addressing themes such as patriarchy and colonialism in Manipuri society.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chowdhury |first=Payel Dutta |date=2021-06-30 |title=WOMEN IN PATRIARCHY: CRITIQUING THE POSITION OF MANIPURI WOMEN IN M.K. BINODINI DEVI'S THE PRINCESS AND THE POLITICAL AGENT |url=https://hrdc.gujaratuniversity.ac.in/Publication/article?id=3640 |journal=Towards Excellence |language=en |pages=721–727 |doi=10.37867/TE130258|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation,IMASI,imasi,imasi.org |url=https://www.imasi.org/biography.php |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=www.imasi.org}}</ref> She received the [[Padma Shri]] in 1976 (returned 2001), and her historical novel ''[[Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi]]'' (1976) won the [[Sahitya Akademi Award]] in 1979.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=..:: SAHITYA : Akademi Awards ::.. |url=https://sahitya-akademi.gov.in/awards/akademi%20samman_suchi.jsp |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=sahitya-akademi.gov.in}}</ref> The novel was subsequently translated into English as ''The Princess and the Political Agent'' and published as a Penguin Modern Classic in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Wire: The Wire News India, Latest News, News from India, Politics, External Affairs, Science, Economics, Gender and Culture |url=https://thewire.in/books/binodini-manipuri-princess-story-translation |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=thewire.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-05-22 |title=41 years on, Manipuri classic relives forgotten chapter of British Raj |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/features/41-years-on-manipuri-classic-relives-forgotten-chapter-of-british-raj/articleshow/75885145.cms#_ga=2.153753531.2051262709.1712292241-1759822458.1712292241 |access-date=2024-04-05 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==Life==

Sana Wangol or Wangolsana was born 6 February 1922 to Sir [[Churachand Singh|Maharaja Churachand Singh]] of the [[Manipur (princely state)|Manipur Kingdom]] and Maharani Dhanamanjuri Devi.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Feb 2015 |title=A Slice of Royalty |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/books/a-slice-of-royalty/ |access-date=12 Feb 2019 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=9 March 2018 |title=Binodini's Women: The three strong characters of My Son, My Precious |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/gender/binodinis-women-the-three-strong-characters-of-my-son-my-precious-5091936/ |access-date=12 February 2019 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/culture/books/2020/may/04/iconic-manipuri-novelist-mk-binodinis-the-princess-and-the-political-agent-to-release-on-may-11-24655.html|title=Iconic Manipuri novelist M.K. Binodini's 'The Princess and the Political Agent' to release on May 11|website=www.indulgexpress.com|date=4 May 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-27 |title=Maharaja Churachand Singh, KCSI, CBE |url=https://www.geni.com/people/Maharaja-Churachand-Singh-KCSI-CBE/6000000063005979870 |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=geni_family_tree |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Churachand Higher Secondary School, Imphal-about-us |url=https://preprimaryschools.com/school/churachand-higher-secondary-school-7149/about-us |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=preprimaryschools.com}}</ref> M.K. Binodini Devi was the first woman to graduate in Manipur and its first woman writer.

She married Dr. Laifungbam Nanda Babu Roy,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr Laifangbam Nanda Babu Roy |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Top_Stories.Dr_Laifangbam_Nanda_Babu_Roy |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Shamurailatpam Gautam |date=2014-02-05 |title=Somi Roy's Journey towards Setting a Pony Agenda {{!}} Manipur Times |url=https://manipurtimes.com/somi-roy-s-journey-towards-setting-a-pony-agenda/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |language=en-US}}</ref> on 26 January 1950; they had two sons, L. Debabrata Roy and L. Somi Roy.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=MK Binodini Literature |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=features.Profile_of_Manipuri_Personalities.Donny_Luwang.MK_Binodini_Literature |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

Binodini was also a sculptor and studied art in [[Shantiniketan|Santiniketan]] with [[Ramkinkar Baij]] (also Vaij) and other artists. Many of the portraits painted by Baij of her are now held in the [[National Gallery of Modern Art|National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ningthoujam |first=Diana |date=9 September 2012 |title=A Portrait of the Muse |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/a-portrait-of-the-muse/999854/ |access-date=3 April 2024 |website=Financial Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Binodini by Ramkinkar Baij |url=https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/binodini-ramkinkar-baij/7QFfklVZSFvnAA?hl=en |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=Google Arts and Culture}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=donyluwang |date=2013-03-02 |title=Biography of Late M.K. Binodini |url=https://donyluwang.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/biography-of-late-m-k-binodini/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=DONY |language=en}}</ref>

[https://imasi.org/ Imasi: The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation] was established in Imphal, Manipur, by her son, L. Somi Roy, and the writer's friends and associates. Its stated goal is to preserve, protect and promote the legacy of M.K. Binodini Devi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=L. Somi Roy |url=https://www.penguin.co.in/book_author/somi-roy/ |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=Penguin Random House India}}</ref>

==Career==

=== Literature ===
M.K. Binodini Devi wrote her first short story, ''Imaton'' (Stepmother)'','' while she was still a student at Tamphasana Girls High School. <blockquote>"My first short story was called ''Imaton''. It is about a relationship between a young man and his young stepmother. I liked it immensely as a good story. So, I showed it to my teacher, Oja Salam Tombi, who also happened to be my tutor. Contrary to my expectations, he gave me a sound scolding for writing it. He said it was unbecoming of me to write such an immoral adult story."<ref name=":7" /></blockquote>
Her first book ''was Nunggairakta Chandramukhi (ꯅꯨꯡꯒꯥꯏꯔꯛꯇ ꯆꯟꯗꯔꯥꯃꯨꯈꯤ; A Chrysanthemum in Gravel)'', a collection of 19 short stories published in 1965, for which she was awarded the Jamini Sundar Guha Gold Medal.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=30 June 2009 |title=Cultural Root Is The Strength To My Literature Interview with Maharajah Kumari Binodini Devi |url=https://e-pao.org/erang/Classic/write/MK_Binodini_cultural_roots.php |access-date=5 April 2024 |website=E-Pao}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Governor lauds MK Binodini |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2022/2/6/IMPHAL-Feb-5-Governor-La-Ganesan-has-extended-heartiest-greetings-to-the-people-on-the-100th-birt.html |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=www.thesangaiexpress.com |language=en}}</ref> Her collected short stories were published by Imasi Foundation as ''Wari Macha Binodinigi'' (Short Story Collection of Binodini) which included seven of her previously unpublished short stories. These 26 short stories are turned into audio recordings as an initiative of Imasi Foundation's [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_4uhKmvG1n5bcyTQObN4VAiBuvqZuzos&si=VvZhh9-c6lNjKr0k Imasi Podcast] project available on the Imasi Foundation YouTube channel. She received a [[Sahitya Akademi Award]] in 1979 for her historical novel ''[[Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi]] (The Princess and the Political Agent).'' The historical novel is about Princess Sanatombi, her aunt, and Colonel Henry St. P. Maxwell, the political agent of Manipur, and is set in the years leading up and following the [[Anglo-Manipur War|Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.]] It was recorded as an audiobook by Penguin Random House, India and Audible in 2023.

Binodini wrote her play ''[[Ashangba Nongjabi|Asangba Nongjabi]]'' (''Crimson Rainclouds,'' Thema Books, 2012) (''ꯑꯁꯪꯕ ꯅꯣꯡꯖꯥꯕꯤ''), adapting it for the stage from her radio play called ''Shilpi.'' She wrote 15 radio plays, 12 of which are published in the collection, ''Khonjel Lila Binodinigi'' (''The Collected Radio Plays of Binodini;'' ''ꯈꯣꯟꯖꯦꯜ ꯂꯤꯂꯥ ꯕꯤꯅꯣꯗꯤꯅꯤꯒꯤ;'' Imasi Publications, 2016). She translated ''[[Evam Indrajit|Ebong Indrajit]],'' a notable [[Bengali language|Bangla-language]] play by [[Badal Sircar]], as well as works by [[Rabindranath Tagore]] and [[Sankar (writer)|Sankar.]]

Her last book was a volume of memoir essays about life in the royal palace, titled ''Churachand Maharajgi Imung'' (''ꯆꯨꯔꯥꯆꯥꯟꯗ ꯃꯥꯍꯥꯔꯥꯖꯒꯤ ꯏꯃꯨꯡ'') (''The Maharaja's Household: A Daughter's Memories of Her Father'', Zubaan 2015). It covers the reign of Maharaja Churachand from 1891-1941. These essays appeared first in the Manipuri daily, Poknapham. The volume of essays was published in 2008.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chowdhury |first=Payel Dutta |date=2021-06-30 |title=Women in Patriarchy: Critiquing the Position of Manipuri Women in M.k. Binodini Devi's The Princess and the Political Agent |journal=Towards Excellence |pages=721–727 |doi=10.37867/te130258 |issn=0974-035X|doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Film===
Binodini wrote screenplays for Manipuri feature films like ''[[Olangthagee Wangmadasoo|Olangthagee Wangmadasu]] (ꯑꯣꯂꯥꯡꯊꯥꯒꯤ ꯋꯥꯡꯃꯗꯁꯨ;1980)'', ''[[Imagi Ningthem]] (ꯏꯃꯥꯒꯤ ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯦꯝ;1981)'', ''[[Paokhum Ama]] (ꯄꯥꯎꯈꯨꯝ ꯑꯃꯥ;1983)'', ''Thengmallabara Radhamanbi (ꯊꯦꯡꯃꯜꯂꯕꯔꯥ ꯔꯥꯘꯥ ꯃꯥꯟꯕꯤ;1985),'' ''[[Ishanou]] (ꯏꯁꯥꯅꯧ;1990)'', ''[[Mayophygee Macha]] (ꯃꯥꯌꯣꯐꯤꯒꯤ ꯃꯆꯥ;1994)'', ''[[Ashangba Nongjabi|Asangba Nongjabi]], 2003'' and ''[[Nangna Kappa Pakchade]] (ꯅꯪꯅ ꯀꯞꯄ ꯄꯛꯆꯗꯦ; 2013)''. Her story ''Ngaihak Lambida (ꯉꯥꯏꯍꯥꯛ ꯂꯝꯕꯤꯗꯥ)'' was made into a short film by [[Haobam Paban Kumar]]. She also wrote the scripts for non-fiction films such as ''[[Orchids of Manipur (film)|Orchids of Manipur]] (1993)'', ''Sangai: The Dancing Deer of Manipur (1991)'', and ''Laa (ꯂꯥ)''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=E-CineIndia (January-March 2024) – FIPRESCI-India |url=https://fipresci-india.org/e-cineindia-january-march-2024/ |access-date=2024-04-09 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In 1981, Aribam Syam Sharma's film ''[[Imagi Ningthem]]'' (''My Son, My Precious'', screenplay published by Cinewave, 1981) based on her screenplay adapted from her radioplay of the same name, won the Montgolfiere Grand Prix at Nantes in France.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |author=Unknown |date=2010-09-15 |title=Kumari Binodini passes away |url=https://assamtribune.com/kumari-binodini-passes-away |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=assamtribune.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Press |first=Imphal Free |date=2014-05-20 |title=Towards an Inclusive Indian Cinema: Three Forgotten Voices – KanglaOnline |url=https://kanglaonline.in/2014/05/towards-an-inclusive-indian-cinema-three-forgotten-voices/ |access-date=2024-04-09 |language=en-US}}</ref> She wrote the original screenplay of ''[[Ishanou]]'' (Aribam Syam Sharma, 1990), whch was selected for [[Un Certain Regard]] at the [[1991 Cannes Film Festival]]. It was later recognised as a Cannes Classic in May 2023. She scripted the film version of the Manipuri ballet called ''Sangai: The Dancing Deer of Manipur'' by [[Aribam Syam Sharma]] which was selected as the Outstanding Film of the Year Award for 1991 by the [[British Film Institute]] (BFI).

Many of her screenplays won national and state film awards in India, including multiple awards for ''[[Olangthagee Wangmadasoo|Olangthagee Wangmadasu]]'' and the Best Story Award at the 9th Manipur State Film Awards for the movie, ''Nangna Kappa Pakchade'' in 2014, awarded posthumously.

===Songs===
Binodini wrote 58 songs and translated 29 ''[[Rabindra Sangeet]]'' into Manipuri. These were published in ''Isei Binodinigi (ꯏꯁꯩ ꯕꯤꯅꯣꯗꯤꯅꯤꯒꯤ)'' by Imasi Publications in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Two books by Mk Binodini Devi launched on her birth centenary at Sri Sri Govindaji by Imasi Foundation. |url=https://www.hoten.life/p/two-books-by-mk-binodini-devi-launched-o-ziwifsie83873kuv |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=hoten.life}}</ref> The second edition of this collection of songs by Binodini was published as ''Khongjom Parba Amadi Isei Binodinigi'' as a dual Meitei Mayek and Bangla script edition in 2026 by Imasi Foundation, with the addition of her epic ballad, ''Khongjom Parba,'' about the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 and its aftermath. She wrote lyrics for a song titled ''Lapna Lotna Leiyu'' (''ꯂꯥꯞꯅ ꯂꯣꯠꯅ ꯂꯩꯌꯨ'') for the first Manipuri feature film ''[[Matamgi Manipur]]'' (''ꯃꯇꯝꯒꯤ ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔ'') (1973). Many of her songs are still sung today and are classics of contemporary Manipuri songs. They were all performed by artists of Roop Raag (ꯔꯨꯞ ꯔꯥꯒ) and were broadcast over [[All India Radio]], Imphal.

Patriotic songs written by her such as ''Kannada Sinnani Phiral Ase'' (ꯀꯟꯅꯥꯗ ꯁꯤꯟꯅꯅꯤ ꯐꯤꯔꯥꯜ ꯑꯁꯦ)'', Sukna Mamla Guha Nungda (''ꯁꯨꯛꯅ ꯃꯝꯂ ꯒꯨꯍꯥ ꯅꯨꯡꯗ'') ''and ''Lairabini Hainei Ima Nangbu Mina'' (ꯂꯥꯏꯔꯕꯤꯅꯤ ꯍꯥꯏꯅꯩ ꯏꯃꯥ ꯅꯪꯕꯨ ꯃꯤꯅ) were associated with the Great June Uprising on 18 June 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The great June 18 uprising and the 18 great souls By Samarjit Kambam 2 |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.opinions.Opinion_on_Manipur_Integrity_Issue.The_great_June_18_uprising_and_the_18_great_souls_By_Samarjit_Kambam_2 |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref> It was the occasion when she returned her [[Padma Shri]] awarded to her by the [[Government of India]] in 1976.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=BINODINI, RATAN THIYAM TO DISOWN PADMASHREE TITLES : 04th jul01 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=3..040701.jul01 |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

===Dance===
Binodini wrote the scripts for six modern Manipuri ballets. They were produced by the [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) where she served as Secretary for 11 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=KanglaOnline |date=2011-01-17 |title=Grand Old Lady of Manipur, MK Binodini no more – KanglaOnline |url=https://kanglaonline.in/2011/01/grand-old-lady-of-manipur-mk-binodini-no-more/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |language=en-US}}</ref> They include ''Keibmuchamjao (ꯀꯩꯕꯨꯜ ꯂꯝꯖꯥꯎ; 1985)'' and ''Loktak Isei (ꯂꯣꯛꯇꯥꯛ ꯏꯁꯩ, 1991; The Ballad of Loktak).''<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=L. Somi |date=2022-05-28 |title=A Shade of Green: Another One of M.K. Binodini's Immortal Lyrics – Sangbanabi » Imphal Review of Arts and Politics |url=https://imphalreviews.in/a-shade-of-green-another-one-of-m-k-binodinis-immortal-lyrics-sangbanabi/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=imphalreviews.in |language=en-GB}}</ref><blockquote>"The Loktak lake is a rich depository of several legendary tales. There is a big tradition, a huge cultural tradition associated with the lake. There has been so much literature on the Loktak, inspired by its beauty and charm, of its legends and folktales. That is why I have tried to write the ballet Loktak Eshei [sic] for the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy."<ref name=":7" /></blockquote>They use both classical [[Manipuri dance|Manipuri Dance]] and folk styles to tell stories based on Manipuri folklore. These ecological ballets contributed to environmental awareness and wildlife preservation in Manipur. The film version of her ballet ''Keibul Lamjao's,'' titled ''Sangai: The Dancing Deer of Manipur,'' was produced by [[Sangeet Natak Akademi]].<ref>{{Citation |last=Sangeet Natak Akademi |title=Sangai - Dancing Deer of Manipur |date=1987 |url=http://archive.org/details/pli.sangeet.Sangai |access-date=2024-04-05}}</ref>

In 1976, M.K. Binodini Devi led a Manipuri dance troupe to perform at the [[Smithsonian Institution]] in Washington DC for the celebration of the [[United States Bicentennial|US Bicentennial]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MK Binodini honoured with award : 08th jun10 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=21..080610.jun10 |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref> The troupe also toured [[Mexico]], [[Canada]] and [[Europe]]. In 2003, she wrote ''Ho Mexico! Lamkoi Wari'' (ꯍꯣ ꯃꯦꯛꯁꯤꯀꯣ! ꯂꯝꯀꯣꯏ ꯋꯥꯔꯤ; ''O Mexico! Travel Tales''), a series of travel essays about the dance tour.<ref name=":4" />

===Essays and social activism===
M.K. Binodini Devi used her literature to advocate for wildlife and environmental causes. Her essay ''Thoibido Warouhou'i'' (''ꯊꯣꯏꯕꯤꯗꯣ ꯋꯥꯔꯧꯍꯧꯏ'') (The Pique of the Doe, 1973) was her basis for her ballet Keibul Lamjao. These works ignited themes of wildlife appreciation and environmental awareness. <blockquote>"I felt ashamed to ride in the presence of the animals. I got off and walked down the hill. The car followed me, stupidly."<ref name=":11" /></blockquote>

The essay along with others ''Ahong Yumna Haihou'i'' (ꯑꯍꯣꯡ ꯌꯨꯝꯅ ꯍꯥꯏꯍꯧꯢ;''The Ancestral Home'') and ''Darjeeling Chat'ngeida'' (''ꯗꯥꯔꯖꯤꯂꯤꯡ ꯆꯠꯉꯩꯗ''; ''Upon a Visit to Darjeeling'').<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=L. Somi |date=2022-05-28 |title=A Shade of Green: Another One of M.K. Binodini's Immortal Lyrics – Sangbanabi » Imphal Review of Arts and Politics |url=https://imphalreviews.in/a-shade-of-green-another-one-of-m-k-binodinis-immortal-lyrics-sangbanabi/ |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=imphalreviews.in |language=en-GB}}</ref> Most of them were published in Manipuri newspapers like [[Poknapham]] (ꯄꯣꯛꯅꯐꯝ) and [[Naharolgi Thoudang]] (ꯅꯥꯍꯥꯔꯣꯜꯒꯤ ꯊꯧꯗꯥꯡ).<blockquote>"A woman of letters, she contributes regularly to the local dailies such as [[Poknapham]], [[Naharolgi Thoudang]] and the [[Imphal Free Press]] with letters, stories, articles and commentaries of current social and political issues in Manipur."<ref name=":8" /> </blockquote>M.K. Binodini Devi took part in the [[Quit India Movement]] in 1942,<ref name=":10" /> and was a lifetime president of the Manipur chapter of the [[Indian People's Theatre Association]] (IPTA).<ref name=":2" />

Her patriotic songs including ''Kannada Sinnani Phiral Ase'' and ''Lairabini Hainei Ima Nangbu Mina'' are popular in Manipur today.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Meisnam Luwang |first=Donny |date=9 Nov 2009 |title=Maharaj Kumari (MK) Binodini: Padmashree Awardee in the field of Literature and Social Work |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=features.Profile_of_Manipuri_Personalities.Donny_Luwang.MK_Binodini_Literature |access-date=5 April 2024 |website=E-pao}}</ref> In October 2001, she founded LEIKOL (Leima Khorjei Kol) (ꯂꯩꯃ ꯈꯣꯔꯖꯩ ꯀꯣꯜ), a women's writers' circle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Leikol |url=https://leikolmanipur.com/about-leikol/ |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=LEIKOL MANIPUR}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> In 1975, she introduced microfinancing for market women and was the founding chairman of the Manipur Women's Cooperative Bank Ltd.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ningombam |first=Rojibala |date=2022-01-31 |title=Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi (1922-2011), A Harbinger of Modernity and Feminism in Manipur |url=https://ajmrr.thelawbrigade.com/article/maharaj-kumari-binodini-devi-1922-2011-a-harbinger-of-modernity-and-feminism-in-manipur/ |journal=Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Review |language=en |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=17–28 |issn=2582-8088}}</ref>

She was elected to the Manipur Assembly in 1952.

==Bibliography==
===Publications (in Manipuri)===
* ''Nunggairakta Chandramukhi'' (A Chrysanthemum in Gravel'','' 1965'')'', short stories
* ''Asangba Nongjabi'' (Crimson Rainclouds, 1966), plays
* ''[[Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi]]'' (The Princess and the Political Agent, 1976), novel
* ''Amasung Indrajit'' (And Indrajit, 1990), translation of the Bengali play by Badal Sircar
* ''O Mexico! Lamkoi Wari'' (2004), travel writing about Mexico, the US and Europe
* ''Churachand Maharajgi Imung'' (The Maharaja's Household, memoir essays, 2008)
* ''Isei Binodinigi'' (Songs of Binodini, ed.: Aribam Syam Sharma, Chongtham Kamala; Imasi Publications, 2014)
* ''Khonjel Lila Binodinigi'' (Radio Plays of Binodini, ed.: Chongtham Kamala, Dr. Tarunkumari Bishnulatpam; Imasi Publications, 2016)
* ''Wari Macha Binodinigi'' (Collected Short Stories of Binodini) ed. L. Somi Roy; Imasi Publications, 2022)

===Film scripts (in Manipuri)===
* ''[[Olangthagee Wangmadasoo]]'' (feature film, original screenplay, 1980)
* ''[[Imagi Ningthem]]'' (feature film, 1981)
* ''[[Paokhum Ama]]'' (feature film, original screenplay, 1983)
* ''Sangai, the Dancing Deer of Manipur'' (documentary, 1988),
* ''[[Ishanou]] (''feature film, original screenplay,''1990)''
* ''[[Mayophygee Macha]]'' (feature film, 1994)
* ''[[Orchids of Manipur (film)|Orchids of Manipur]]'' (documentary, 1994)
* ''[[Sanabi]]'' (feature film, 1995)
* ''La'' (documentary, 1997),
* ''Thengmallabara Radhamanbi'' (feature film, 1999)
* ''[[Ashangba Nongjabi]]'' (television feature film, 2003)
* ''[[Ngaihak Lambida]]'' (short feature, story, 2006)
* ''[[Nangna Kappa Pakchade]]'' (feature, 2013)

===Radio plays===
* ''Basi Marol Chumdaba''
* ''Charangnaraba Nung''
* ''Cheisra''
* ''Chithi''
* ''Imagi Ningthem''
* ''Imphal Kaba''
* ''Jahanara'' or ''Ketabgi Segaikhraba Lamai''
* ''Kanana Keithel Kabini?''
* ''Kaorabara Ras Sannabagi Ahingdo''
* ''Nandini''
* ''Nangna Kappa Pakchade''
* ''Ngaikho, Hingminakhisi''
* ''Nongphadok Lakpada''
* ''Shilpi,'' later ''Asangba Nongjabi''
* ''Sribon Chinggi Tamnalai''
* ''Thengmallabara Radhamanbi''

===Adaptations===
* ''Ahing Amagi Wari'' (based on a story by Haobam Satyabati)
* ''Charangnaraba Nung'' (Rabindranath Tagore's ''Hungry Stones'')
* ''Nongphadok Lakpada'' (based on Lamabam Biramani's ''Atithi'')
* ''Sanabi'' (based on Binodini's ''Sanabi'')

===Ballet scripts (in Manipuri)===
* ''Kong Hangoi'' (children's ballet, 1971)
* ''Thoibi'' (ballet, 1972)
* ''Keibul Lamjao'' (wildlife ballet, 1984'')''
* ''Loktak Isei'' (ecology ballet, 1991)
* ''Pebet'' (children's ballet, 1996)
* ''A Throw of Dice'' (based on the Mahabharata)

===Translations===
* ''Ima (Mother,'' Maxim Gorky'')''
* ''Amasung Indrajit'' (''Evam Indrajit'', Badal Sircar)
* ''Solution X'' (Badal Sircar)
* ''Sakhangdaba Kayani'' (''Koto Ajanare'', Shankar)
* ''Charangnaraba Nung'' (''Khudito Pashan'', Rabindranath Tagore)
* ''Karna Kunti Sangbad'' (Rabindranath Tagore)
* ''28 Rabindra Sangeet'' (Rabindranath Tagore)

===Selected translations===
* ''My Son, My Precious'' (''Imagi Ningthem''). Translation by L. Somi Roy. Cinewave, Calcutta 1981
* ''One Answer'' (''Paokhum Ama''). Cinewave, Calcutta 1982
* ''My Little Friend'' (''Imphal Turelgi'' ''Itamacha''). Translation by L. Somi Roy. Sahitya Akademi anthology. New Delhi 2005
* ''A String of Beads'' (''Charik Pareng'', in ''The Grasshopper and Other Stories'') Cambridge University Press, New Delhi 2011
* ''Crimson Rainclouds'' (''Asangba Nongjabi''). Translation by L. Somi Roy. Thema Books, Calcutta 2012
* ''Sanatombi'' (''Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi''). Translated into Assamese by Indramani Rajkumar; Sahitya Akademi, 2012
* ''The Maharaja's Household: A Daughter's Memories of Her Father'' (''Churachandgi Maharajgi Imung''). Translation by L. Somi Roy. Zubaan Books, 2015
* ''Girls Hostel'' (''Sri Bhavana''). Translation by L. Somi Roy. Viswabharati Quarterly, 2018; ''Crafting the World,'' Zubaan Books, 2019
* ''The Princess and the Political Agent'' (''Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi''). Translation by L. Somi Roy. Penguin Modern Classics, Penguin Random House India, 2020
* ''Nil Sandhyar Agun Megh'' (''Asangba Nongjabi'' and ''Sri Bhavana''). Translation into Bangla by Minati Ghosh and L. Somi Roy, Bhasha Samsad, 2022)

===Biography===
* ''Binodini: A Writer's Life,'' Film by [[Aribam Syam Sharma]], Sahitya Akademi, 2003, 26 min.
* ''MK Binodini Devi,'' L. Somi Roy, Sahitya Akademi, Makers of Indian Literature series, 2022

==Awards==
* ''Nunggairakta Chandramukhi,'' Jamini Sunder Guha Gold Medal, 1966<ref name=":3" />
* [[List of Padma Shri award recipients (1970–1979)|Padma Shri, 1976]], returned 2001<ref name=":5" />
* ''[[Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi]]'', Sahitya Akademi Award, 1979<ref name=":1" />
* [[Kamal Kumari National Award|Kamal Kumari National Award for Culture, 2002]]
* Eminent Senior Writer Award, Sahitya Akademi, 2007
* Lifetime Achievement Award'','' Manipur State Kala Akademi, 2011 (posthumous)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manipur State Kala Akademi(MSKA) |url=https://artnculturemanipur.gov.in/en/manipur-state-kala-akademimska/#:~:text=The%20MSKA%20Lifetime%20Achievement%20Award,Honour,%20Memento%20and%20a%20Shawl. |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=artnculturemanipur.gov.in }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-08 |title=Award presentation ceremony of Manipur State Kala Academy held – Manipur News |url=https://www.manipur.org/news/2012/08/08/award-presentation-ceremony-of-manipur-state-kala-academy-held/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Best Story award at the 9th Manipur State Film Awards for ''[[Nangna Kappa Pakchade]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=One Stop Solution for Career and Livelihod |url=https://www.advancingnortheast.in/beti_bachao/m-k-binodini-devi/ |access-date=2025-02-22}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb name|0222458}}
*[https://leikolmanipur.com/ LEIKOL MANIPUR] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403164806/https://leikolmanipur.com/ |date=3 April 2024 }}
*[https://imasi.org/ Imasi: The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation]
*M.K. Binodini Devi directed by Aribam Syam Sharma in YouTube.
*Somi Roy. (2016, February 29). ''Loktak Isei (Ballad of Loktak)'' [Video]. YouTube.
*JOHNY HEIYAM. (2019, February 12). ''Kanada Sheenani Firal Asay / Emaleibak ningba eshei'' [Video]. YouTube.
*Rabindra Sangeet Roop Raag Archive. (2021, August 7). ''Rabindra Sangeet | Roop Raag Manipur | Meiteilon |'' [Video]. YouTube.

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Binodini Devi, M. K.}}
[[Category:1922 births]]
[[Category:2011 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:Indian women novelists]]
[[Category:Indian women dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sahitya Akademi Award in Meitei]]
[[Category:Indian princesses]]
[[Category:Daughters of monarchs]]
[[Category:Ningthouja dynasty]]

M. K. Binodini Devi - Revision history

Rxsolution at 00:35, 24 April 2026