Bisa Gam Singpho the New King
The unique story of King Bisa Gam Singpho, the newly crowned ruler of the Singpho community in Assam. Unlike India’s erstwhile royals, the Singpho monarchy thrives not on opulence but on duty, tradition, and service to its people.
Ah, royalty! The very word conjures up images of palatial grandeur, extravagant coronations, and a stiff upper lip that could withstand even the most scandalous of tabloid headlines. While many of India’s erstwhile royal families have traded their thrones for boardrooms and boutique hotels, there’s one kingdom that quietly carries on its legacy—not with pomp and pageantry, but with a sense of duty to its people. Let me share the story of King Bisa Gam Singpho.
Nestled in the lush greenery of Upper Assam’s Tinsukia district, the small but historically significant Bisa Gaon, Ledo, Margherita, recently crowned its new ruler, Bisa Gam Singpho, following the death of the revered Bisa Nong Singpho earlier this year. The Singpho community, known for its rich traditions and fierce independence, has ensured that their royal customs remain intact despite the abolition of princely states in 1947. While other former royals sip on champagne in Mumbai penthouses, the Singpho monarchy continues to serve its people, albeit in a more practical and less diamond-encrusted manner.
The Crown Stays in the Family
According to Singpho customs, the throne passes to the eldest son after a king’s demise—no election campaigns, no questionable manifestos, just good old-fashioned inheritance. Following Bisa Nong Singpho’s passing on January 15, the community wasted no time in upholding tradition. A coronation ceremony was organised in Bisa village, attended by esteemed dignitaries, including the president of the Singpho National Council, Sengram Lebram, and celebrated journalist Jagat Changmai.
No red carpets were rolled out, no paparazzi jostled for pictures, and there was certainly no reality show to document the proceedings—just an ancient ritual steeped in tradition, marking the continuity of a legacy that refuses to be relegated to history books. The new king, Bisa Gam Singpho, vowed to dedicate himself to the holistic development of the Singpho people across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, strengthening cultural ties and ensuring the well-being of his community.
Not Just a Title—A Responsibility
Unlike certain erstwhile royal heirs who are more familiar with investment portfolios than governance, Bisa Gam Singpho shoulders real responsibilities. His kingdom may not have a treasury overflowing with gold, but it does have a proud people looking to their leader for guidance. While his counterparts in other former princely states find innovative ways to monetise their heritage—turning palaces into luxury hotels or dabbling in politics—the Singpho royals remain community-centric. They work closely with the people, upholding customs, resolving disputes, and preserving their cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.
One might wonder, in an era of democracy and modern governance, do such royal figures still hold relevance? The answer, at least in Bisa Gaon, is a resounding yes. While their powers are symbolic, their influence is tangible. In a time when traditional values are often overshadowed by economic ambitions, the Singpho monarchy’s commitment to its people is a refreshing contrast to the usual narratives of royal extravagance.
A Different Kind of Monarchy
Of course, the Bisa Gaon royal family doesn’t reside in opulent palaces or preside over lavish banquets. There are no horse-drawn carriages or gold-threaded robes—just a deep-rooted connection to the land and its people. It’s a far cry from the headlines that often accompany India’s former royals, who, more often than not, are embroiled in disputes over ancestral properties or launching their umpteenth lifestyle brand.
The coronation of Bisa Gam Singpho serves as a reminder that monarchy, in some corners of India, is not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing institution adapting to the present. The Singpho king may not have the power to decree laws or summon armies, but he carries the weight of a legacy that continues to thrive in service of its people. And in a world where true leadership is often in short supply, perhaps that is the most royal thing of all.
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