Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) expressed sadness over the passing of Professor John Parratt, an eminent historian and distinguished academic whose lifelong engagement with Manipur left an indelible mark on historical scholarship, saying his work reflected not only exceptional academic rigour but also a deep personal commitment to understanding and presenting Manipur’s past with honesty, balance, and respect. Professor John Parratt died on 1 January 1, 2026 while his wife, Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt died on January 6, 2009.
In a press release, MIYC said that Professor Parratt had a long and distinguished academic career, serving as a senior faculty member in history and religious studies in the United Kingdom. He was widely respected as a teacher, mentor, and researcher, and he also held leadership roles within academic institutions, contributing to curriculum development and scholarly administration. His academic training and professional life placed him among the leading scholars of South Asian history and religion.
His scholarly achievements are reflected in a remarkable body of work focused on Manipur and Northeast India. Books such as Queen Empress vs Tikendrajit, Wounded Land: Politics and Identity in Modern Manipur, and Religion and Culture in Manipur reshaped historical and political discourse on the region. His co-authored works with Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt, including The Pleasing of the Gods: Meitei Lai Haraoba, stand as exemplary models of collaborative and culturally sensitive scholarship, it said.
One of his most significant academic contributions was his work on primary historical sources, especially The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur (Cheitharol Kumbaba). By editing, translating, and interpreting this foundational text, Professor Parratt ensured that Manipur’s indigenous historical records were preserved and made accessible to scholars worldwide, strengthening the field of Manipuri historiography, it said.
Professor Parratt’s achievements extended beyond publications. He delivered lectures internationally, guided generations of students, and helped bring Manipur into global academic conversations. His scholarship earned him lasting respect among historians, anthropologists, and cultural scholars, particularly for his ethical approach to studying colonised and marginalised histories.
With his passing, the academic world has lost a committed scholar and Manipur has lost a sincere chronicler of its past. His intellectual legacy will continue to inspire future researchers and students, it said.
MIYC extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and work.
