The eldest son of Maharaja Govinda Manikya, as a prince Rama acted as one of his father's military commanders.
In December 1661, he was dispatched against his rebellious uncle Nakshatra Roy and engaged him in the Battle of Amtali, during which Rama was defeated.
The latter assumed the royal title Narendra Manikya and with the aid of Nasir Muhammad, the Afghan Nawab of Sarail, overthrew Rama.
The latter dispatched his army in Rama's support, allowing him to recapture the throne, with Khan taking Narendra captive to Dhaka.
One such was in honour of Vishnu (suggesting a personal affinity with Vaishnavism)[note 1] as well as repairing the Temple of Tripura Sundari, which had previously been damaged from lightning strike.