TODAY -

Aspects of Bringing Peace and Harmony in Manipur
- Part 2 -

H. Bhuban Singh *



Maharaja Sir Churchand Singh also went to the Chief of Hundung in Ukhrul District. There are stone placards to commemorate the dates of visits of Maharaja Sir Churchand Singh, of his son Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh, and of grandson Maharaja Okendra Singh.

Even the date of visit of titular Maharaja Lcisemba Sanajaoba was seen on a similar stone placard. According to legend, the Hundung Chief is always senior to the Meitei Maharajas of Manipur, even when the Maharaja is senior in age.

When I visited Hundung about ten years back, I met the Chief and he advised me to address him as father or Ipa Ningthou even though he was about a decade younger to me. Hence, the legacy of a shared single administrative unit and system, improved harmony in Manipur.

Close co-operation in military affairs brings trust and confidence. Even former die-hard enemies like the United States of America and the United Kingdom on the one hand and Germany on the other hand are fast friends now on account of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Combined military exercise under NATO bring out cooperation, understanding and mutual respect.

In the same manner, tribal chiefs with their warriors joined the forces of the Meitei Kings whenever it was necessary. Let me illustrate by narrating two historical facts.

During the long rule of 55 years (1597-1652) by King Khagemba, he had a standing army in barracks of tribal as well as Meitei soldiers. A Chinese horde from Yunan area of south China strayed into Manipur and came right upto Imphal area. Khagemba built a barricade and defeated the Chinese. That place where he built the barricade is now known as Khagempalli (palli means barricade, Khagi means Chinese), Imphal.

The captured Chinese prisoners of war were allowed to settle down at Sekmai Village near Leimakhong Army Camp and were provided with Meitei wives. They are Lois (scheduled castes) now. The Chinese knew how to make bricks, known as 'chek' in their language. The same word was introduced in Meitei-lon and brick in Manipuri language is 'chek'.

The Chinese also knew how to make silk-yarn from cocoons of silk-worms. They must had captured silk-worms from jungles of Manipur and muga-silk clothes were introduced in Manipur.

Continuing our discussion on close cooperation on military matters between Mcilei Kings and tribal Chieftains, let us now go back to the history of Chahee-Taret Khunlakpa (seven years' devastation of Manipur 1819-1825).

The Kingdom of Manipur always fought wars with Burma known as Ava or Awa to Meiteis. Normally, was Meiteis who crossed the river Cliindwin (or Ningthee to Meiteis) and attacked Burma right upto Mandalay. There was a cut-mark on the main door of the famous Pagoda at Mandalay, inflicted by the sword of Maharaja Garibniwas of Manipur. The cut-mark was existing till about twenty years ago (1990s), but now, the Myanmar Government had removed it by polishing.

When Burma was ruled by the Pong dynasty, it became very powerful. The Burmese attacked Manipur and conquered it in 1819. Meitei Maharajas and Princes fled to Cachar and offered their services to East India Company.

The British tested the bravery and military skills of the Meitei Princes. They found it quite satisfactory. So the British raised a small Manipur Force known as Manipur Levy of 500 soldiers at Sylhet, under the command of Captain F.J. Grant and Lieutenant Boileau Feinberton.

Prince Gambhir Singh and his cousin Prince Nara Singh were in the Manipur Levy. They were trained at Badarpur Cantt. near Syhlet. Maharaja Govinda Chandra of Cachar did not like the usurper Manipuri Princes.

So, he requested for help from the East India Company's office at Sylhct. The request was rejected since the British thought that Manipur Princes were more valuable to them. In fact the Manipuri princes fought for the British in Khasi and Jayentia hills areas and proved their worth.

Then, Maharaja Govinda Chandra approached the Burmese for help. The Burmese Army attacked Cachar and thus the First Angolo Burmese War (1824-28) broke out in early 1824. The British plan was to attack Burma from two fronts. The plan was while Major General Sir Archibald Campbell was to land troops by sea route at Rangoon, around May 1824 Brigadier General Shuldham's force of about 6000 men and a huge quantity of supplies was to march from Dacca in March 1824 through Manipur and the two forces were to link up at the Burmese capital.

But, due to insurmountable problems of communication disease and sickness, this force of Gen. Shuldham had to turn back from the banks Jiri river in Cachar.

After the unsuccessful attempt of General Shouldham, Gambhir Singh now proposed to liberate Manipur with his Manipur Levy, He convinced the British that his lightly equipped small force would have no problem of communication as faced by General Shuldham.

The proposal was accepted and Lt Pemberton was deputed to accompany the force. Garni Singh, Nara Singh and Lt. Pemberton left Sylhet on 17 May, 1825. On the way, tribal people with dah (sword), spears, and bows and arrow joined the force and reached the western Outskirts of Imphal valley on 10 June. In an encounter near Bishnupur at the western outskirts of Imphal valley many Burmese were killed and captured as prisoners. Gambhir Singh took possession of Imphal on 12 June.

The Burmese forces withdrew to Andro aboul twenty kilometers from Imphal. Gambhir Singh advanced to Andro but before the Manipuri Prince reached, the Burmese fled. And very soon, the whole of Manipur was liberated. Handing over charge of protecting Manipur to Senapati Nara Singh with 300 Manipur Levy men and 700 locally raised militia, Gambhir Singh and Lt. Pcmbaton left Manipur for Sylhet by end of June 1825.

The news of the successful expedition against the Burmese pleased the British. Gambhir Singh came back to Manipur in December 1823 with reinforcements and 1500 muskets. This time, Captain Grant accompanied Gambhir Singh. By February 1826, Gambhir Singh captured Kabo valley. This successful military campaign by 500 Manipur Levy men could not have been possible without support from tribal chiefs. They were the back-bone of this campaign right upto the capture of Kabow Valley.

Coming to cultural and racial mix, I daresay that Meitei Hindu culture is a mix of tribal, pre-Hindu and post-Hindu cultures. I will support my statement with proofs.

During the Lai Haraoba (worship of sylvan deity), the participation by real or imitation Tangkhul dancer/dancers and also participation by real or imitation Kabui dancers are always necessary. This cannot happen unless Meiteis and tribal peoples had close cultural links.

I daresay that all Meitei Brahmins originated from mainland Mayang (mayang means non-Manipuri). They were Manipurised after offering Meitei women as wives. It is an inviolable tradition that Leirum, the Tangkhul blanket is a must item to be included as a dowry item for all Meitei brides including Meitei Brahmins, colloquially known as 'Bamon'.

Also all dwelling houses of Meiteis have a place in the south-west corner for worshipping 'sanamahi', the household deity. All Meitei houses have 'sanamahi' corners, including houses of Meitei Brahmins.

King Pamheiba later GaribNiwaj (1708-1748) was the son of Queen Ningselchaibi of Maram, now in Senapati District. During those days, killing of baby Princes were a common occurance.

So, the future king Pamheiba was sent to Maram area to be brought up by the family of the Queen. Through a Palace intrigue, led by a very powerful Tribal nobleman at the instigation and planning by the Queen, Pamheiba ascended the throne.

There is enough evidence from history that Meiteis have lot of tribal blood infused in their physical bodies too as GaribNiwaj was, Only after tribal peoples embraced Christianity and Meiteis became Hindus, there appeared a wall of separatism.

Even so, my cousin brother Haobam Shyam Sunder Singh (1915-2002) of Yaiskul, a self-taught painter and sculptural artist of fame, married a tribal Tangkhul lady.

In our Haobam family group residing at Pishum, Haoground, my cousin brother, the late Shyamananda Singh, retired Deputy Superintendent of Police has a Tangkhul lady as his daughter-in-law. She is simply superb and got herself completely merged into Meitei Hindu culture.

Even geography also get merged into this cultural-racial mix. We all know about the existence of township of Senapati and the existence of the District of Senapati. But many did not know how all these things have come about.

Please allow me to relate how. When Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh (1850-1886) ruled Manipur, the Angolo-Manipuri relations were at its peak best. Major General Sir James Johnstone, KCSI was the British Political Agent In the Court of Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh.

For helping the British in their war against recalcitrant Nagas, the Maharaja was presented with a robe of honour and a British sword, which the Maharaja refused to wear, he was also knighted for helping the British in their last Angolo-Burmese War, 1885 by conferring KCSI (Knight Commander and Star of India), but our proud Maharaja refused to call himself as Maharaja Sir Chandrakirti Singh, KCSI, as he imagined himself to be of the same status as Queen Victoria.

Coming back to the story of Senapati District and Senapati Township, Sir James Johnstone persuaded Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh that since he was the representative of the British Queen, he enjoyed some status and that he should be received near Karong by a Prince and that the Prince and Sir Johnstone should ride horses and come to Imphal with escorts and band.

Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh agreed. So, he used to send his son, Prince Tikendrajit Singh, the Senapati to Karong. So, Tikendrajit Singh used to camp at a suitable place near Karong. The place where Tikendrajit Singh used to camp became known as Senapati. Now, we have Senapati township and Senapati District.

In conclusion, I assert that the existence of Manipur as an entity from the language, administrative, historical and racial harmony points of view is a proven fact and I appeal to all Manipuris to preserve our proud heritage.

Concluded....




H. Bhuban Singh


* H. Bhuban Singh wrote this piece originally. This was published in "Manipur Today" - a publication from DIPR, Govt. of Manipur. This article was webcasted on November 19th, 2009.







* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.


LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • Yaingakpa, Renglien, Thariktha : eMing
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • From Earth Day to World Environment Day
  • COVID-19: Update 13 June 2025 : Manipur
  • JJM brings clean drinking water to CCpur
  • M.Tech CSE Admission at Assam University
  • Save your nails from damage this summer
  • No takers for Moreh cops' distress call
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Implement Hill Areas (Chief Rights) Act 1967
  • Manipur fields shape India sport future
  • How to Speak Soft and Still Win
  • Thokchom Khoiba : mosquito killer machine
  • Looking for wealthy groom, question you too
  • When is the net ban going to be lifted
  • Stir speculations nix school reopening plan
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Fire safety: preventive measures
  • Peculiar plants & incidents unique to Manipur
  • Artificial Intelligence & environment
  • Cutting off the nose to spite the face
  • Relief for daily wagers as shutdown called off
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • The question of territorial integrity of Manipur
  • Animal Farm's allegory in dynamics of Manipur
  • Their hands deserve books, not burdens
  • JNV empowers Tamenglong students
  • We can do better- people with HIV live healthy
  • Bandh: The Cry Beneath the Silence :: Poem
  • Cutting short 240 hours general strike
  • Shutdown lifted, curfew eased, mobile ban
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Review of 'Rain Stopping in Manipur'
  • Highway blockades trigger soaring prices
  • Voice of the Masses :: Poem
  • Congress may claim if none
  • Learning new skills related to AI
  • Delhi, Raj Bhavan: Losing the plot ?
  • CBI arrest after Governor clemency assurance
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • Appeals Home Minister not to renew SoO
  • Self-defence :: Poem
  • When will humans learn nature's lessons ?
  • Forgotten voices of drug users in Manipur
  • High-yielding RC Manichakhao-1
  • PC Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • TSE Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Micromanager vs Leader
  • Valedictory Function of NE NSS Festival
  • WED at various campuses in Manipur
  • World Environment Day 2025
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • Sarangthem Nirupama at Miss Universe India
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • SPONSORED ADS