TODAY -

The historic Anglo-Manipuri war of 1891
- Part 1 -

By Waikhom Damodar Singh *

The British landed in India (the erstwhile much greater and undivided country, then known as Bharat-Varsha) in the year 1608 AD firstly at Surat, one of the richest sea port on its west coast, as ordinary traders, in the name of "British East India Company", who were granted on 31 December 1600 by Queen Elizabeth (I) a charter with rights of exclusive trading for 15 years into East Indies.

The British people, who so landed as very ordinary traders initially, consolidated their political power in due course of time, and with their better skill and supremacy in arms and diplomacy, became the overlords and invincible conquerors and rulers of the vast country by expanding their power gradually for which they took the fullest advantage of "disunity" that were there amongst the indigenous peoples, who by then were not living as a unified and strong Nation as such but were living as a very much divided people of a vastly divided country.

A land not existed under a unified or unitary Sovereign Govt or power but only a vast land of 'conglomeration' of different domains and principalities called kingdoms and States (later on named Native States), big and small, with so many culturally, ethnically and linguistically varied and divided groups of indigenous peoples under their hereditary rulers and chiefs, in the names of Maharajas, Rajas, Nawabs, Dewans, Zamindars, Jagirdars and Emperor.

The power so established by the British East India Company in the vast and much divided land during the period of some two and half centuries came under the direct control of the British Crown during the reign of Queen Victoria by an Act passed in the British Parliament with effect from August 2,1858 under the-name, the 'Government of India Act', with full power and responsibilities for the Government and Revenues of India vested on one of Her Majesty's Secretaries of State, as a result of the effect of a great and widespread 'Indian Revolt', known as 'Sepoy Mutiny' of 1857 that had flared up against the misruling of the company over several aspects.

The frustrations and discontentment of the people had been accumulating for long which culminated at the aforesaid time with a violent burst. The British Government thus continued to rule over the vast country directly under their Crown in the name of 'British India', including that of the land of a large area in the east annexed by them on 1 January 1886 known as the kingdom of Burma (now Myanmar) then ruled by one King Thibaw till year 1935/36 when it was separated as a different unit (Dominion) under their rule.

Thus when almost all the different principalities existed in the undivided land of India and Burma came under the yoke or ruling of the British, Manipur, the hoary land continued as the sovereign kingdom of its own till year 1891 - an independent Kingdom ruled continuously by the dynasty of the deitic king, Pakhangba who ruled peacefully from 33 AD to 158 AD and then by his successors till 1891 AD. The British when they began to expand their power in the NE region of India and Burma they treated the Manipuris as their formidable allies and took their help in annexing their territory in the region.

The great might of the Manipuris was at its highest peak at the times of great kings, Khagemba (Khagi for Chinese and Ngamba for victor) and Pamheiba (Gatibniwaz) during 17th and 18th centuries respectively but it started waning after the death of the latter, and it was at the time of Maharajah Chandra Kirti Singh, son of Maharajah Gambhir Singh during the 19th century that the British with appeasing policies sneaked into the State by establishing their 'friendship relations' through their political agents.

The British then started 'ushering' in the ruling of the independent kingdom which finally had fallen under their hands from 27 April 1891 onwards after their victory in the war that broke out and had taken place decisively at 'Khongjom' about 32 kilometers south of Imphal the war known as the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 which remains immortalised and unforgettable one for the Manipuris as the defeat of their heroic forefathers suffered in the hands of the mighty and much superior, in modern arms and weaponary, the British Force had made their 'sun' of thousands years old independence 'set' and 'lost' forever.

Beheading of Mr Quinton and the officer.
Picture Courtesy: RKCS Gallery


The gallant Manipuri forefathers fought the war very bravely against heavy odds both in man-power and weaponary under their most gallant generals, Yaiskul Lakpa (Hajo-sana) with his very young son (only 14 years old), Sengoi Sana, Chongtha Mia, Yengkhoiba, Wangkhei Meiraba, Paona Brajabashi etc. who most heroically laid down their 'lives' against the most formidable enemy, the British as they became later on from having been seemingly their dependable 'allies' and 'true friends' earlier — all the generals along with hundreds of brave Manipuris died a heroic death to defend the independence of their beloved motherland, Manipur.

They sacrificed their lives fighting the invincible and much mightier enemy and the 'Khongjom stream' flowed red with their blood, and thus they made 'Khongjom' a sacred place for the coming generations, sanctified by their blood and hallowed with their heroic deeds, making it 'a household word' familiar among the people connected with the spirit of courage and great sacrifice for every Manipuri for which the State observes 23 April and 13 August every year with solemn functions to commemorate the great and most heroic but saddest events that had taken place.

Cause of the Anglo-Manipuri War: A war broke out between two allies, the British and the Manipuris as a result of strained relationship developed between the two parties on account of the murder of five British officers, Chief Commissioner, of the erstwhile British province, Mr. JW Quinton, the Political Agent of Manipur, Mr. Grimwood, Colosel Skene, Lieutenant Simpson and Mr. Crossins by a unruly mob at the Manipur's palace, Kangla on 24 March 1891.

After Maharajah Chandrakirti Singh's death in 1886 he was succeeded by his eldest son, Surchandra Singh who actually remained more occupied with religious observances rather than effectively governing his State, and therefore Chandrakirti Singh's death was followed by severe 'political instability' as his 'eight sons' were divided into two parties animated by most hostile feelings towards one another.

Which could not be contained by the weak king, Surchandra who was merely 'Primus inter Parse' (the first among the equals) though supported by the three uterine brothers - Pucca Sena, Samu Hanjaba and Gopal Sena. On the other side, there were four half brothers, the eldest, Kulachandra, the Jubraj and the regent, duly supported by the younger brothers, the Senapati Tikendrajit Singh, Dolairoi Hanjaba and Zilla Singh.

The hostilities between the two groups of princesses of Manipur culminated in a 'fratricidal war' which broke out on September 21 1890 when the crown prince Kulachandra and his younger brothers, mainly backed by Tikendrajit Singh, the Senapati revolted against the reigning Maharajah Surchandra Singh, who fled to the residence of the British Political Agent, Mr. Grimwood, but informed the Political Agent that he had abdicated the throne in favour of his younger brother, Kulachandra Singh and was leaving on pilgrimage for Brindaban.

But when he reached Calcutta he lodged a complaint to the then Viceroy, Lord Landsdown that he was dethroned by his step brothers, mainly backed and engineered by Senapati, Bir Tikendrajit Singh, who had shown, as found by the British Administrators, signs of shaking off the 'yoke of dependence on them (the British Government). The Viceroy thus passed an order to capture Tikendrajit Singh and exile him outside Manipur if Kulachandra wanted to remain as a king of Manipur.




* Waikhom Damodar Singh wrote this for The Sangai Express. This article was webcasted on May 13, 2008.

* 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
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • 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
  • 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
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • 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
  • 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