Producer: P.H. Honawar, G Singh
Summary: Bodh Chandra Singh, Maharaja of Manipur, is crowned in a traditional ceremony at Imphal.
Outside a large, stately building (a palace?) a crowd of attendees of the coronation, many of them in white. A few people in British military dress can be seen, as can a number of photographers. A number of elephants also stand outside the building. A group emerges and descends the steps; a number of people prostrate themselves as they approach. The royal procession crosses a steel road bridge; some are barechested but wear elaborate headdress, others all in white with white turbans. Some carry ornate staffs (?). Some may be Gurkhas. Apparently all are men, and behind them follow two elephants and then a more general throng. Mounted escorts at head of the procession, with people and the elephants (three abreast) following. At a sacred site a woman stands up and adjusts her clothing. A priest apparently going into a trance; he convulses and another man appears to wave a wet bunch of leaves over him. Pan of the crowd. Crowd beginning to move off again; a ladder is set against the side of a waiting elephant. Alternative angles (shot by Jemadar Singh?) shows the Maharajah in traditional dress, attended by warriors, descending the steps. Close-up. He mounts an elephant. Seated, he lights a cigarette and casts aside his match. The three elephants move off. Procession passing with palace behind. A guard of honour presents arms as the elephants approach. Elephants and crowd passing. Children in front of the procession. More of the procession. Wise women in white. Close-up of a musician playing some kind of instrument which looks like two large sea shells. People watching proceedings, including a British (?) man. The elephants halt and the Maharajah dismounts. Maharajah standing with warriors. Close-up Maharajah. Nissen hut with Gurkha troops outside. Seated crowd. Man, in white (priest?), holding a tall and decorative object (a chime of some sort?). Musicians with stringed instruments with bows and bells. Playing same.
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