The pioneer of Manipuri theatre, often considered the ‘Father of Modern Manipuri Theatre’, is:

The correct answer is b) Kanhailal Heisnam.

Kanhailal Heisnam (born 1948) is an Indian theatre director, playwright, and actor from Manipur. He is considered the “Father of Modern Manipuri Theatre” and is known for his experimental and innovative work in the field. He is the founder of the Kalakshetra Manipur, a theatre group based in Imphal.

Heisnam’s work often deals with social and political issues, and he has been praised for his use of music, dance, and puppetry in his productions. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1992 and the Padma Shri in 2002.

Here is a brief description of each option:

• a) Ratan Thiyam is an Indian theatre director, playwright, and actor from Manipur. He is the founder of the Chorus Repertory Theatre, a theatre group based in Imphal. Thiyam’s work is known for its use of music, dance, and puppetry, and he has won numerous awards for his work, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1992 and the Padma Shri in 2002.
• b) Kanhailal Heisnam is an Indian theatre director, playwright, and actor from Manipur. He is considered the “Father of Modern Manipuri Theatre” and is known for his experimental and innovative work in the field. He is the founder of the Kalakshetra Manipur, a theatre group based in Imphal. Heisnam’s work often deals with social and political issues, and he has been praised for his use of music, dance, and puppetry in his productions. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1992 and the Padma Shri in 2002.
• c) Goura Chandra Singh is an Indian theatre director, playwright, and actor from Manipur. He is the founder of the Manipur State Kala Akademi, a state-run organization that promotes the arts in Manipur. Singh’s work is known for its focus on traditional Manipuri culture, and he has won numerous awards for his work, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1992 and the Padma Shri in 2002.
• d) R.K. Snahal Singh is an Indian theatre director, playwright, and actor from Manipur. He is the founder of the Imphal Repertory Theatre, a theatre group based in Imphal. Singh’s work is known for its focus on social and political issues, and he has won numerous awards for his work, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1992 and the Padma Shri in 2002.