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Imphal Times Supplementary issue Page No. 2
The Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 – a Reflection
By -Dr. Kakchingtabam Manipur as a befitting reply. To the by the beginning of the structural problem of shaping Manipur-British
Ruhinikumar Sharma Manipuris, it was the repeated decline as a result of the internal relations. To the British, Manipur
Gagging the How does one assess an event that interference on the part of the British dynamics of the power structure was a dependent state which
enjoyed its entity on their protection
which continued in the nineteenth
authorities in the internal affairs of
the kingdom which not only needed
while the Manipuris felt her
century till the British conquest of
took place at the closing decades
academia freedom of of the nineteenth century ? Today to be checked but also to teach a Manipur in 1891 A.D. External indebtedness to the British for the
factors like the growing imperialist
marks exactly 129 years since the
assistance rendered in her war of
befitting lesson to those who
expression- a momentous event of the Anglo- betrayed the trust reposed on them and expansionist interests of the liberation. Such a feeling of
Manipur War of 1891. A small
by invading the Manipur palace,
gratitude goaded Manipur to come
Burmese rulers on one hand and
Asiatic kingdom went down
to the rescue of the British
desecrating places of worship, and
strategic and commercial interests
dangerous precedent fighting the mighty British also for killing innocent persons of the British India government on whenever they encountered
including women and children. This
imperialists in an unmatched fight
the other also played crucial roles
troubles in its dealing with the
but she still came out holding her narrative founds ready acceptance in her eventual decline. frontier tribes like Khasis, Lushais
n August 10, 2020, the Directorate of head high. This story is about among a large segment of people The emerging geo-politics of and Nagas in the Naga Hills. The
since it was popularised through art
official business between Manipur
Manipur, an erstwhile ancient
Southeast Asia coupled with the
University and Higher Education, Government kingdom in South-east Asia, now forms like theatre, courtyard plays Burmese nationalism under the and British India was formally
O of Manipur issued a Memorandum which, the easternmost state of India Union and a new genre of folk ballad successive Konbaung kings which conducted through the British
citing Section 9 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and its engagement with the British popularly known as Khongjom was xenophobic in character was Political Agent based at Imphal and
made it mandatory for all Government College Teachers Indian empire, whose echoes Parva touching upon valour, able to fish in the troubled waters Manipuri agents posted at Calcutta
and other staff working under the Higher Education reverberated in both the Houses of sacrifices and subsequent defeat of of Manipur by giving shelter to a and Lakhimpur. The status of
Department, Manipur to obtain approval from British parliament during the the native people in an unmatched fugitive Meitei prince having high Manipur just before the outbreak of
competent authority before publishing or making months of May and June 1891, fight with the mighty British Empire. political ambitions and 1891 war is best summed up by
statement regarding any Government policy or where the high and mighty members Generation after generation of subsequently placing him in the Surendra Nath Mitra in his ’The
Programme in the media failing which appropriate sitting in the treasury benches were Manipuri nationalists have drawn throne of the land thereby Manipur War’ (published from
disciplinary action may be taken. And as expected, a forced to swallow criticism after their inspiration from the 1891 saga. converting the kingdom into a Calcutta, September, 1891). He
large number of academicians and intellectuals criticism for the ill-advised actions From the 70s of the 20 th century tributary state of Burma. However wrote; “This beautiful little state
of sending a punitive expedition
was virtually independent of the
the short-lived cosy relationship
Manipur and Manipuri diaspora has
expressed outrage and indignation over the state which ended disastrously. Even in been observing the events’ of 1891 established between the two turned Government of India. It has never
directive which is widely viewed as regressive and runs the school textbooks of Britain, they with religiosity at the institutional sour as the latter was not prepared paid a single cowrie as tribute to the
counter to the idea of developing critical thinking. While admitted the folly committed by the and civil society level. Since our to accept Burmese suzerainty while Paramount Power. But being very
it could be a pragmatic and even essential step in an dramatis personae and questioned younger days it has been made to Burma had larger political ambition close to, and in fact, surrounded by
organization or private business house to apply such ‘the wisdom of the attempt to understand that two important of establishing control over the British India, it has always sought
restrictions, it would be erroneous to superimpose the change the Government, and the events that shaped the course of entire north eastern frontier of India. to win the good-will, and cultivate
values considered good and justified in such conduct of Mr. Quinton in planning Manipur history viz, Chahi Taret Thus from 1891 onwards Burma the friendship of the British. Its
organisations onto the government as the ambit of the secret apprehension of the Khuntakpa (Seven Year embarked on a grand plan of political status was far better than
the government is so overarching and all-encompassing Minister (Tekendrajit), were Devastation, 1819-1826) and Anglo- conquering the entire region in that of any other Native State in
that disallowing criticism of the government effectively severely criticised … ’. Manipur War, 1891 were the results which Manipur was the first country India. Hyderabad with its vast
of lust of power within the royal
to face the onslaught of Burmese
resources does not enjoy one-tenth
Since the events of the Anglo-
means that one has to forego the right to freedom of Manipur war has been told many a family resulting in disunity imperialism. Because of the of the independence which this
expression almost completely. There is hardly any area time, it is not the intention of the ultimately leading to the defeat of Burmese depredations Manipur was country enjoyed until the entry of
of activity in the country which is beyond the purview writer to dwell on the issue but what Manipuris in the hands of Burma not only devastated but also British soldiers in Imphal on the
of government policy. In fact no citizen, whether concerns us is the perception of the and British respectively. These depopulated that resulted in large scale 27th April 1891. It was as
government servant or otherwise, can be deprived from event. Both apologists and critics simplistic explanations have in the depopulation. independent as the State of Nepal
holding and expressing views on issues that affect him of British imperial rule dwelt at length long run undermined the narrative Despite these setbacks in her history or of Afghanistan.” The British
on a personal level as it is directly linked to a citizen’s regarding the cause, course of of the entire history of this mountain the kingdom was able to restore her authorities were taking up a
right to life and liberty. The vague idea of reasonable events, nature and character and kingdom which has a glorious freedom due to the efforts of Gambhir unilateral role of big brother to
restrictions on freedom of expression on certain class/ aftermath of the war or uprising. To legacy of being a historically Singh and Nar Singh by obtaining intervene in the affairs of a country
category can’t be so wide as to muzzle the freedom the imperialists, Manipur was a evolved entity unlike some of her material support from British East India which had been in friendly terms for
itself. The pertinent question arising now is what kind subordinate ally of the Queen neighbours and other native states Company aided by Herachandra’s which they had to face ignominy
of reasonable restrictions need to be put on the Empress of India who rebelled of India. Here, it may not be out of sustained campaign through guerrilla from the public even in their father
warfare. By the Treaty of Yandaboo,
context to state that the first half of
against the Empire by mercilessly
country. The colonial and imperial
category of citizens called ‘government servants’? killing high ranking British officials eighteenth century witnessed the 1826 signed between Burma and British policy of ‘one size fits all’ fails to
It is not justifiable to deny right to freedom of at a single instance which, according zenith of power and glory of East India Company the international work in the case of Manipur in 1891.
expression from the government servants. Mention may to the British called for immediate Manipur kingdom and further personality of Manipur as a ***** The writer can be
be made of two judgements of the Constitution bench justice and revenge, hence the consolidation of the polity while the sovereign kingdom was restored. contacted at e-mail:
of Supreme Court delivered in 1962 in which the court reason for invading the kingdom of latter half of the century was marked Yet, therein lay the crux of the kruhinikumar@gmail.com
ruled that ‘merely because a person has entered
government service, it does not mean they have
surrendered those fundamental rights which are “An absolute sacrifice”
available to all citizens, and thus continues to enjoy
the right to freedom of expression subject only to the submitted at each other. Found The female dove was hatching, the end of a bizarre night, suffered
categories of reasonable restrictions specified in the them loving and rubbing their beaks sitting gently over her eggs. by the unfortunate pair of the dove
Constitution’. once again. As if nothing had Though, I was happy but worried a and pitiably witnessed by me.
On a more pragmatic level, it may be detrimental happened before. What a lovely little about the fate of their eggs due A couple of minutes later, one of the
to consider all criticism as harmful for the functioning scene it was to observe as a to their late planning. The rainy consorts flew down and unfolded
and image of the government for the simple fact that bystander! I reckon they have the season was on its doorstep and the her moist wings to get them dry
criticism of many of the existing provisions of law have same sentiments as humans to deal weather was not very amiable to under sunshine. Started swelling-
keep their young ones out of risk.
with concern, compassion, or
up and flapping her wings on the
been instrumental in taking the society and country compromise. My prophecy proved right but hurt morning sunlight. After a few
forward towards improved governance and enhanced A couple of days later, I saw them me hard. On the same night, there processes of manipulations her
welfare of the people. One can consider the debate By -Rabin Prasad Kalita flying with twigs and hays to a was a heavy downpour along with feathers with its beak, somehow she
around the Official Secrets Act leading to RTI Act, right gooseberry tree. It was hardly two moderate wind for a considerable could dry her wings. She flew back
to privacy and the ongoing case about Art 377 to Do birds and other living beings yards away to my terrace. Fixing time. It was like never-ending again to the nest and straight away
appreciate that the criticism of the existing laws have the same sentiments as them in a protected cross branch threads of rain that touched the sent down the other one for
provides impetus for change for the better. In fact, a humans, questioned by my school- and coming back for carrying ground and sparked all over. I parching her wings too.
balanced, fact based and well-intended criticism is the going daughter? To uncover her another one was their day-long couldn’t enjoy its pleasant smell of I was lucky to witness such an act
life blood of every democracy and the governmental answer, I started telling a parable work. Seeing them doing such hard first rain as was greatly concerned of thoughtfulness. It filled my heart
system also benefits from it. Forcing a muzzle on those about a lovely pair of a dove. work, I felt pity for them. Hence I for their eggs. with divine pleasure. Thank God,
My entire night was poised from
threw a fistful of lentils at a distance
Very frequently, I had been noticing
their eggs were safe. He is always
who have a close understanding of the functioning of a pair of dove met up with the worst so that they feel safe to pick them sleeping, thinking about their safety. safe, who is protected by the grace
government and implementation of the policies including quarrels, whipping physically by up. At the end of the day, a beautiful Got up time and again, went near to of God, fits perfectly on them.
its lacunae, inherent biases and loopholes would deprive their wings on each other. nest was ready. the windowpane, unveiled the Before one’s eyes, a few days later,
the system of an important input for improving the Sometimes they got wrangled The habit of throwing lentils or curtain and peeped outside. chicks were out of the eggs safely.
system of governance. Before stirring this sensitive harshly at one another, hitting and grains went on further. It becomes Worryingly after some time, I used Hereinafter, parents played a
and contentious issue out of control, perhaps the state injuring by their short narrow bills one of my most enjoyable moments to come back to my bed with a stone massive role in upbringing their
government should also consider the doctrine of seemed more ferocious. Every so every day, to observe them pecking in my heart. What else I could do, unfledged chicks to fledged ones.
unconstitutional conditions which prohibits the State often, the bicker lasted one by one. To bring them more except to watch as a helpless During the entire period, one out of
from denying citizens a benefit by making access to uncompromised for a long time. closure, I started reducing the watcher and to feel their pain? them was at the nest at all times to
that benefit conditional upon citizens’ abstaining from After the fight, resenting each other, distance of throwing grains to them. The nest was pretty bright and keep a vigil on predatory birds.
exercising any or all of their fundamental rights. both of them were kept on sitting A few days were gone. One of them apparent from the light that Parents were doing so until their
In such times when the government at the centre on the electrical extension wire was not in my sight. Must have scattered from the main gate. Both young ones could fly high and save
of them kept on spreading their
planned to lay eggs very soon, I
quietly, keeping sufficient distance
themselves from any untoward peril.
as well as the state are trying to bring in more in-between. Their assorted presumed! The other one went out wings like a canopy over their eggs They shouldered an immense pain
transparency and public-centric approach towards emotions made them disengaged to collect food grains fed its and the nest, to save them from right from raising them up from a
governance, imposing of such restricting directives from mingling together. counterpart through beaks and getting soaked. It was necessary to diploid cell to adulthood.
would mean contradicting itself and going back on its Smirking in my mind, I enjoyed their went in search again. What an eye- maintain proper warmth for Now, they all fly down to my quad
own words of increased public participation to silence and tried to look into my catching vista to watch, that filled incubation. They got to withstand to taste lentils that I keep
governance and would ultimately project itself as a personal life along. We human my heart with ecstasy! lashing rain whole the night to save dispensing in a corner. Happy to
government which is more on the defensive and thereby beings too, do the same by showing Sitting on the porch, sipping tea, their young ones that destined watch them, pecking joyfully today!
connotes a compromising image. our hatred. Sufferings of mental looking at the headlines of morning inside the egg crust. Then I realized They taught me, happiness is the
discontentment, just after the tussle, newspapers was my habit. In- the fortitudes of my parents who sweet yield of all pains.
seem normal. between, out of my curiosity, I had to sacrifice lots of their dreams
Letters, Feedback and Suggestions to ‘Imphal Times’ Mismatch of moods was observed their activities attentively. while raising me up. ******The writer is an An-Ex
can be sent to our e-mail : imphaltimes@gmail.com. For advertisement reciprocated and negotiated One fine morning, nearly a fortnight By the time in the morning, the rain Air Warrior (India). He can be
kindy contact: - 0385-3590330 (O). For time being readers can reach the gradually by closing themselves later, suddenly I could notice a pair stopped and the mighty sun contacted at
office at Cell Phone No. 9862860745 for any purpose. inch by inch. Erstwhile, I saw them of unmarked white eggs in the nest! brightly flashed all over. That was Rabin1966@gmail.com