The Princess and the Political Agent

by Binodini, L. Somi Roy (Translator)

The Manipuri writer Binodini's Sahitya Akademi Award-winning historical novel The Princess and the Political Agent tells the love story of her aunt Princess Sanatombi and Lt. Col. Henry P. Maxwell, the British representative in the subjugated Tibeto-Burman kingdom of Manipur. A poignant story of love and fealty, treachery and valour, it is set in the midst of the imperialist intrigues of the British Raj, the glory of kings, warring princes, clever queens and loyal retainers. Reviving front-page global headlines of the day, Binodini's perspective is from the vanquished by love and war, and the humbling of a proud kingdom. Its sorrows and empathy sparkle with wit and beauty, as it deftly dissects the build-up and aftermath of the perfidy of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. Binodini is the supreme stylist of contemporary Manipuri literature and an icon of Manipuri modernism, and her tale of a forbidden love and ostracism vividly brings to life the court and manners of a little-known Asian kingdom. In doing so, she recovers its little-known history, its untold relations with India and Great Britain, and a forgotten chapter of the British Raj.

Genres: Love, Indian Literature, India

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2020

About the author

Born a princess, Maharajkumari Binodini Devi (7 February 1922–17 January 2011), broke free from the constraints of
royalty to live to the full—the life of an enlightened commoner, and emerge as an iconic pioneer in the evolution of
Manipuri modernism, through her outstanding contributions to fiction, theatre, cinema, poetry, visual arts and dance.
Collaborating with filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma, she wrote the original scripts for his award winning films, Imagi
Ningthem (My Son, My Precious, 1982) and Ishanou (The Chosen One, 1992), and the ballet film Sangai that won the
British Film Institute’s Outstanding Film of the Year Award in 1984. Binodini Devi, who wrote under the name of
Binodini, was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award given by India’s national academy of letters in 1979 for her novel
The Princess and the Political Agent. She completed her memoirs, Maharaj Churachandgi Imung (The Maharaja’s
Household) in 2009.

Reviews

[Vikas Singh · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is a revealing read into the luxuries and the eccentricities of a privileged few who came to rule in the then remote part of this country. Despite valiant attempt by author to paint it as a love story , what can be distilled as the truth is the betrayal of the common people by the ruling class and the disgrace a princess brings to her people. Enjoying a life of comfort, the princess hardly serves her subjects in any manner, is careless and carefree and to rub salt on the wounds of a suppressed class goes on to live in sin.

[Chitra Ahanthem · Rating 1 out of 5]

To those handing out stars to this book: please do not blindly do this till you have carefully read the book. Don't do it if you don't want your cultural roots to be shorn off its aesthetics just so it can pander to a sophisticated audience.

Why do we read translated literature? The answer lies close to why we read in the first place:to discover news worlds.What if the translator subverts the original work or ends up distorting socio cultural narratives? What do you do as a reader? What do I do as a translator? I can only say it as it is: 

A translator is not just the focal person between the original text and a new audience of readers waiting to read it but the person who publishers will rely on to tell them what about the book,its plot, its themes and it characters is unique that it needs to be translated.In his translator’s note, Somi Roy writes, ‘Women are allowed to remarry through a ritual of social recognition called loukhatpa that did not involve a formal marriage.Women in relations with married British men, who often left their wives and families back in Britain as Maxwell did,were called native wives during the Raj.But in Manipur, and in accordance with local custom, women in loukhatpa relations are recognized simply and fully as wives.Hence, Binodini’s reference to Sanatombi as Maxwell’s wife in the Manipuri title of her novel.’

WRONG! Loukhatpa as practiced by some communities in Manipur, including the Meiteis is NOT specific to remarriage of women. It isa valedictory function that the bride’s family members and elders hosts for a married couple in case a marriage ceremony has not been solemnized at the house of the bride earlier.As for the matter of remarriage of women, while there is no diktat against the practice,there is no support for it either.The book itself cites ‘ a woman cannot have two cremation spots’ referring to how a woman cannot marry twice. Binodini's title ‘Bor Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi’ was also the term that Sanatombi was referred to by the public: ‘Sanatombi who married theBor Saheb’.There is a fine line here: if the public then saw Sanatombi asMaxwell’s wife, she would have been called, ‘Bor Saheb ki Nupi’.
The translation falls all over the place, with too many words either being literally translated or just left hanging around in italics with no glossary to help non Manipuri readers.Some of the translated words are totally wrong and out of context too. Interestingly,the original writer accorded green eyes to Maxwell but the translator turns them into blue! In the author’s note, Binodini recounts how she heard the song shaming Sanatombi ‘Sanatombi maang nge’ meaning Sanatombi has been defiled. Somi translates it as ‘Sanatombi is lost to us’ exposing his lack of grasp over Manipuri language which accords different meanings as per the tonal pronunciation.Longer review on my blog now. 

Blog link: https://bookandconversations.wordpres...

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rather read the original again. The translation isn't upto what I had expected.

Review coming up.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book a couple of years back because I was intrigued by the idea of a princess from Manipur falling in love with the British political agent, but the book remained unread because the plot seemed too much like that of the White Mughals. I finally blew the dust off the book when I realised it had been translated from Manipuri and would therefore qualify for the #2025IndianTranslationReadathon.
The Princess in this book has far more agency than the one in White Mughals. She is the oldest and brightest grandchild of the Divine Ruler of Manipur, and has been brought to not hold herself back and to express her views without fear. Her fortunes take a downturn when she is married off to a man who though from a well regarded family is not himself royal, and the British take over after sending her father into exile. She first meets the political agent while petitioning him grant more rights to the royal princesses, but gradually a relationship develops between them despite them not having a common language.
For me the most fascinating part of the book was reading about the art, culture and traditions of Manipur. The author is herself from the royal family, so I would assume most of the details are accurate. It is a society built along caste lines, and the narrative ignores people from other communities and religions, but how often do we get to read such authentic accounts?
Though the author was a prolific short story writer, this is her first novel, and the structure of the book reflects that. It goes back and forth in time and space; each section giving the feel of an independent story.
What was most fascinating for me was the fact that Manipuri dance was performed by extremely privileged women as an offering to the lord- this is in contrast to most of the other classical dance forms which are performed by women who are otherwise at the margins of society.

[Dr Nilima Devi Takhelchangbam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical love story between a headstrong and impetuous royal princess and benevolent, affable British soldier.

The author, M. K. Binodini Devi recounted the memoirs of the interdicted relationship between Sanatombi, the royal princess and the eldest daughter of Maharaja Surchandra and the British Political Agent, Lt Col. H Maxwell during the turn of 19th century Manipur, when the Kingdom had been recently besieged by the British Empire. The book takes us from the abandoned and ailing Princess, tended by Mainu, who was more like a friend than servant, to her upbringing amongst the royal household full of patriarchal practices and gender indifference. Many incidences accounted for this observation. The disparities among princes and princesses, the antipathy among the queen and consorts and finally the society besmirching the princess for being tied to Maxwell, a foreigner. However, it is delightful to read how Sanatombi, apart from her being willful, often got away with her rightful desires during maidenhood, being the beloved great- grand-daughter of Grand Queen Mother. The simple accounts of attachment and love between the princess and her great-grand mother, her elder stepmother, Uncle Koireng and her father, the King, apart from Maxwell can suffuse one easily.
The book is an easy read. Originally written in Manipuri, it has been translated beautifully by the author’s son, L Somi Roy. While I admire it entirely, I hope honorific words should have been left in Manipuri, which, in my opinion would have added indigenousness. There seemed to be few small plot holes which can be easily disregarded.
Overall, I loved the fact that I got to eventually read the translated version of the story, which my mother used to tell me in parts, as a full piece and could co-relate the famous Manipuri song “Surrender” by the talented singer Roshibina.

[Nithesh S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great narrative of Manipur under British Raj and a poignant love story that was seen as a kind of scandal. The root cause of the unexpected love between coloniser and the local woman is fuelled by blatant patriarch among the Manipur Royal family. A great work capturing local culture and the palace intrigues of a little known state of India.

[Langlen Chanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book make us understand the palace etiquette, socioeconomic, courtly culture and custom in various ways. When I read the Manipuri script 8yrs back I didn't realise much about this. By the time many questions were remained unanswered but reading this translation work now I understand more why Lt Colonel Maxwell foresee people won't accept him like the way they did before. Also the reason why Princess Sanatombi choose to remain in Manipur in the last part of the story.

The whole story reflect how Grand Queen Mother Lady of Maisnam Maharani Kumudini's role maintaining Kangleipak as a distinctive and different image which wasn't an easy task to navigate among the rivalrous lineage of kings and how Dowager Queen Lady of Ngangbam Maharani Premamayi initiatives before and during British rule.

Princess Sanatombi being the fierce one since childhood throw trantrum when one manifest her inferior but the Grand Queen raised her to be bold. Even her father Surchandra lament once with the statement "I would have been so happy if only you had been a boy " and later Maxwell had also said 'If a women could be King I would have fought for you'. Her character contradic a culture oriented women who strive for mordernisation in ideas and structures.She start wearing foreign cloths even before she became the consort of Maxwell.

Cultural activities like Hiyang Tannaba, Kwak Tanna were well elucidate and many traditional ornaments design which are cheapen by present day generation like Nganggoi, Bokul beads, Kiyang likphang, Marei pareng, Khoi myek are also mentioned. It also set up different plot where British officer have the keen interest in Polo and Arambai.
Highly controversial events of 1891, the execution of Crown Prince Tikendrajit of Manipur after five men's heads rolled in front of the leogryphs of Kangla Fort were clearly mentioned.


It let us strive through the long lost scandle of Princess who live with then enemy British Political agent but later soothen the idea with Maxwell works and statement "I am your enemy but I am not a greedy enemy" His interest in orchids and cultural rites is immense.

Moreover one can't summarize and write a review for such a masterpiece but by the end of story it show the regret how Maxwell felt shame that he was the first man to plant the Union Jack in Manipur.
But his last word to Sanatombi console one's soul " I will surely come back "....!

[Rehana · Rating 3 out of 5]

After two long months, I have finally finished this book and that should give you an idea of how intense it was. Not that it was bad by any means, but it was definitely demanding and, at times, quite arduous.

The story is primarily biographical and partly historical centred around the author’s aunt who was a remarkable and inspiring figure of her time. Sanatombi, the fierce and charismatic princess born to Maharaja Surchandra is at the heart of the narrative. The book begins during the Burmese occupation of Manipur and follows the struggles of the Manipuri kings as they fight to reclaim and maintain their thrones. It also delves into the events of the Anglo-Manipuri War and the internal turmoil among Sanatombi’s uncles for the right to the throne. Sanatombi initially bends to the laws of her land just like any other princess. But later things turn haywire when she falls for the political agent, Maxwell, and becomes his consort. The story ends with how their relationship becomes a reminder of their love for the ages to come.

What I truly loved about the book was the intimate insight into the royal life, told from a first-hand perspective, as the author herself belongs to the royal family. The depiction of cultural practices, traditional values and their personal stories was both awe-inspiring and enlightening. Though some revelations were admittedly shocking, they played a crucial role in deepening my understanding of Manipur’s rich and complex heritage. The only regret I had was reading the timeline before the story because it gave away all major spoilers that should have been avoided. But if you choose to read this book, I highly recommend going through the timeline after you finish the story, to relive the narrative with a clearer grasp of its depth.

The only challenge I faced was the casual tone and the frequent shifts between time periods without clear transitions. It often took me a while to figure out if it was the present or past and that disrupted the flow slightly. That said, this book remains a beautiful and powerful rendition of Manipur’s royal history, its kings, its women, its culture, and its soul.

[Ashima Jain · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I came across this novel on my Instagram feed, my bookish curiosity was piqued.

A Sahitya Akademi award-winning novel by Manipuri writer Binodini, The Princess and the Political Agent tells the story of her aunt, Princess Sanatombi, and the British representative in Manipur, Lt. Col. Henry P. Maxwell. A poignant story of love and fealty, treachery and valour, it is set in the midst of the imperialist intrigues of the British Raj, the glory of kings, warring princes, clever queens and loyal retainers.

Mostly described as a feminist novel in the publications covering it (and the reason why I read it), I was disappointed there wasn’t much described in the protagonist’s life journey to be identified as revolutionarily feminist.

The book starts with a historical timeline of events and a list of characters – of which there are far too many, which is not concerning per se if they are gradually woven into the narrative. In this case, however, characters have their given names, royal/court names, and titles, and let’s just say all of it gets extremely confusing.

Then there are words and phrases, native to the original language, which are not given relevant context. I would have preferred if it were translated within the narrative or a glossary were made available. A lot of it simply ended up being lost in translation.

As the translator points out, the narrative is not in chronological order, driving readers to piece the sequence of events on their own. With only a broad timeline at the beginning of the book, and little to no reference within the story, one has to keep going back and forth for it to make sense.

As a valuable piece of historical fiction, I believe the translation ought to have bridged the gap between the two languages which the book, unfortunately lacks. Nonetheless, I was fascinated by Manipur’s culture, its history and the resilience of their people.

[Vedic · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Princess and the Political Agent is a beautifully crafted narrative that delicately unfolds the layered, intricate relationship between its two central characters—Sanatombi, the Manipuri princess, and the British political agent. What stands out is the author's masterful restraint: the story never vilifies any individual. Instead, it gracefully navigates the moral grey zones of human relationships shaped by desire, duty, societal expectations, and political constraints.

Binodini Devi weaves a tale that is not merely personal, but also deeply political. She illuminates the shifting power dynamics between the ruling class, the British colonial establishment, and the common people with rare nuance. Particularly poignant is the portrayal of Sanatombi’s inner turmoil as the kingdom witnesses the wrath of the Meiteis during what later comes to be known as the first Nupilan. While the people of Manipur starve, the emotional and ethical burden borne by Sanatombi is rendered with haunting sensitivity.

The novel also subtly captures the entrenched class divisions—how privilege, power, and colonial interference intersect to complicate not only governance but also personal bonds. The prose is neither didactic nor overtly emotional; instead, it whispers the pain, the silences, and the helplessness of individuals caught in a web larger than themselves. It is difficult to determine whether it was a romanticised infidelity at its finest or an ill fated love story or rather a passage into the plight of the people caught up under power struggles of the ruling classes.

This is not just a historical novel—it’s a reflective, intelligent exploration of the fragility and strength of human emotion, all told with a quiet dignity that leaves a lasting impact.

[Chhavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrary to what the name suggests, this book isn't just the story of Princess Sanatombi and The Political Agent Maxwell, no. It is a magnificent full-fledged family saga instead!

'The Princess and The Political Agent' recounts a forgotten chapter of the British Raj - The Anglo Manipuri war of 1891 in which the British won The Battle of Khongjom and executed/imprisoned certain members of the royal family.

Despite of all this, why did our already married protagonist, Princess Sanatombi, leave her husband to marry the British agent Maxwell? Her decision to marry him is considered to b one of the biggest scandals of Manipur after all! Was she right in doing so?

Fluctuating between different timelines, 'Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi' is a groundbreaking tale of love, heartbreak, valour and royalty. With an immense cast of characters, Binodini has created an unforgettable masterpiece, portraying the entire history of the royal family of Manipur in just 300 pages.

A few people do say that a few Manipuri traditions mentioned in the book are absolutely wrong. But since I don't know how much of it is true, I read it anyways and loved it!

[Bernish Tongbram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dive into a living past

I was always intrigued by stories of Princess Sanatombi. I heard about her through a song when I was about ten or eleven. I had always wanted to read this particular book but avoided it as I am terribly slow in reading Manipuri and I didn't know the translation exists.

Finding it was a major joy in itself. Reading it another bliss I cannot explained. I had always wanted to know why would a princess fall for it's oppressor. Well! I found my answer. Now I know.

Princess Binodini has a great style of writing. Confusing sometimes but apparently it pieces up together upon completion. I am curious how the original is. I do feel very fair about how the translation is having understood Manipuri as my mother tongue.

[Ute Tonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple yet beautifully written story about a princess from Manipur who fell in love with the British Political Agent L.Colonel Henry Maxwell after the British defeated her country in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. The book tells the life story of the princess Sanatombi from her childhood at the court of her grandfather to her unhappy marriage, the palace intrigues which costed her father the throne to her scandalous affair with Maxwell. It is the story of a strong woman who defied conventions but who was also defeated by circumstances. An enjoyable read about an exotic country! I would give it 3.5 stars.

[Darpi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe it’s a shortcoming from my end to appreciate this book. At this point of my life, if after I’ve read 10+ pages of a book and it still doesn’t make me want to complete it, it is completely,for lack of better words, shitty. No offence to the original work, I’m sure it must be great but the translated version sucks. I regret buying this book.

[Ayush Ranka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not finish in the end. I thought it might be an interesting look into Manipur's history but it's got no context of people of location and plays out just any soapy palace-intrigue story. Too deferential to too many things too. Meh.

[Da Sana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good