---
title: "Ras Leela (Manipuri): Dance, Origin & UPSC Notes"
description: "Ras Leela is the Manipuri classical dance-drama of Radha-Krishna, codified by King Bhagyachandra in 1779. Learn its forms, costume and why GS1 tests it."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/ras-leela"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Ras Leela is a classical Manipuri dance-drama depicting the love of Radha and Krishna, codified in the 18th century under the Vaishnavite kings of Manipur.
- Which Indian state is Ras Leela associated with as a classical dance?
- Who is credited with creating Manipuri Ras Leela?
- What is the potloi costume in Ras Leela?
- How does Ras Leela differ from Manipuri Sankirtana?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research Ras Leela (Manipuri) like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Ras Leela (Manipuri)

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Ras Leela (Manipuri)](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Ras%20Leela%20\(Manipuri\)%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In 1779, King Bhagyachandra of Manipur staged the first Maha Ras at the Govindajee temple in Imphal, designing the cylindrical potloi skirt still worn by Ras Leela dancers today.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Ras Leela (Manipuri) beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.