TODAY -

Rainbow resistance and freedom movement against British colonialism
- Part 2 -

Lt Gen (Dr) Konsam Himalay Singh *



The resistance to the British hegemony and their administration began soon after their entry into the region. In 1832, the Khasis fought the British forces by a series of guerilla actions against the British to ensure that the British intrusion into the area was stopped. The Britishers wanted to occupy the Khasi Hills due to its salubrious climate akin to Scotland.

The Jaintias, another tribal group who inhabited the eastern part of the present day Meghalaya fought the British against their taxation system and to protect the traditional customs. However they were defeated and British control was established in early 19th century.

During the 1857 rebellion or the First War of Independence, people of Assam offered resistance in the form of non-cooperation. Many leaders in Assam were executed for their role in the non-cooperation movement particularly in the Nagaon district of Assam. The winds oforganised resistance as part of overall Indian freedom movement against the British were first felt in the Brahmaputra and the Surma valleys (Cachar district) of Assam.

British intrusion into the Angami village Khonoma, in present day Nagaland during 1880 resulted in heavy losses of British infantry and of the Angamis by the swift retaliation of the British. The Angamis made treaty with the Britishers soon thereafter. This resistance is one of the fiercest episode in the Naga territory.

The Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891 is also manifestations of revolt against the British Govt policies when the latter tried to ensure extinction of the kingdom of Manipur. The Kingdom of Manipur was used as a buffer against the Burmese empire by the British during the early days of British arrival in the region. However after the British victory in 3rd Anglo-Burmese war in 1885, the British saw no reason to tolerate a strong Manipuri kingdom.

Hence, the British decided to annex Manipur by taking advantage of alleged palace in fighting and intrigues was reported. The British employed over 4000 troops against approximately 4000 Manipuri soldiers to protect the kingdom. Victoria Cross was awarded to Lt Grant of British Army during the campaign against the brave Manipur Army.

The king of Manipur, Maharaja Kulachandra was imprisoned in Andaman island after the defeat of Manipur. Recently, Mount Harriet in the Andamans where the Maharaja was lodged in a jail was renamed as Mount Manipur by the Union Home Minister. The British is believed to have offered the throne to the same Maharaja in return for his allegiance to the British Empire.

However, the king chose to remain in jail rather than be under the British rule in the kingdom. A few others like Maj Gen Thangal and the regent Bir Tikendrajit who played a role in the killings of British officers in Kangla (Capital Fort) were hanged for waging war against the empire .

On the other hand resistance to the British were also building up in the Manipur hills. Rani Gaidinliu of Manipur Hills consolidated her followers to reject Christianity and challenge the British administration in the hills of Manipur and erstwhile Assam during 1930s. Armed resistance against the British were carried out under her leadership. Mr Nehru honored her after independence of India.

Kukis and Lushais from Southern Hills carried out a number of raids against British expansion eastwards from Chittagong. These raids were against British expansion in the hills of the region. The tribes also carried away heads of the Britishers and looted their belongings. During 1871, the first of the military operations against Lushais were undertaken to subjugate the tribe.

The Kuki rebellion took place in Manipur Hills during 1918-1920 to challenge the British policy of forced recruitment to the Labour Corps during WW1. The Kukis also challenged the British taxation system in the hills. The Kukis fought bravely in the hills of Manipur as well as in a few parts of present day Assam and Myanmar as well.

In the present day Arunachal Pradesh, various tribes like Daflas and Akka resisted British intrusions in the region during 1850-1880s. The tribes carried out multiple raids and carried away prisoners and properties of the British. However, these tribes were also subdued in due course of time. In this connection British Expeditions of 1850 and 1883 in the present day Arunachal Pradesh are notable.

Most of these uprisings against the British colonization over a period between 1826 (Treaty of Yandaboo) were isolated and un-coordinated efforts by the kings and local chieftains to challenge the hegemony of the British in their respective areas except in Brahmaputra Valley and Surma Valley where freedom movements as part of the National awakening were seen.

Further Gandhiji’s visit to Assam in 1921 invigorated the freedom struggle in the region. Quit India Movement in 1942 also saw a very active participation of the Assamese people including women folk once again in the Brahmaputra valley in particular. A prominent leader of Assam, Kushal Konwar was hanged after the movement for his role in the movement.

World War 2 (1942-44) saw the emergence of INA (Indian National army) under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. INA forces were part of the Japanese invasion of Manipur and Naga hills in 1943. Many people from these areas opted to assist the INA in their struggle to liberate India from the clutches of the British. These individuals were later given the status of freedom fighters.

World War 2 brought the Japanese and British forces against each other in the battles of Imphal and Kohima. There were considerable support to the INA in their fight alongside the Japanese to liberate India from the British. The Japanese forces and the INA forces reached within 20 miles of the capital Imphal.

There are over a hundred freedom fighters from Manipur who joined or directly collaborated with the INA during the period. The first INA flag was hoisted at Moirang a small town in the south of Capital city Imphal on 14th April 1944 by Colonel Shaukat Ali Malik of the INA with the help of many Manipuris in the area.

As part of the scheme to honor and project the INA, the erstwhile brigade HQ of the INA at Moirang has been given a facelift with the generous funding from the Centre. Hence, Moirang in Manipur stands out as a symbol of freedom movement of India. On the other hand the raising of the Assam Regiment in 1941 brought many to join the regiment to serve the British Indian army.

Such towering personalities like Captain Maharaj Kumar Priyobarta , the younger brother of the King of Manipur and Brig T Sailo of Mizoram who were later Chief Ministers of Manipur and Mizoram respectively also served in the Assam Regiment. Major Khating of the same Regiment earned his Military Cross while fighting alongside the British against the Japanese forces.

The British Indian army also played a significant role in India’s gaining freedom as well and Assam Regiment was part of the British Indian army even though they were fighting for the British during the great war.

The mainstream Indian history does not find much mention of the resistance by various North Eastern tribes and princely kingdoms. It is however an undeniable fact that various groups carried out relentless and fierce resistance to the British Rule right from the beginning of their incursion to the region till the British left India in 1947.

The contribution of the people of the region towards overall efforts of the mainstream Indian freedom movement need to be recorded and recognized by the historians. These rainbow resistance may have been isolated ones, and their actions were largely to protect their land and identities. But, these certainly contributed in no small measure directly or indirectly to the matrix of the overall freedom movement of India.

Concluded ...


* Lt Gen (Dr) Konsam Himalay Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is a Manipur based army veteran and former Chairman of Manipur Public service Commission.
Saw action as a Commanding Officer in Chalunka and Siachen during the Kargil War.
Was GOC and later Corps Commander in J&K during 2011-2015.
Authored 'Romancing the Line of Control' 2011 and 'Making of a General, A Himalayan Echo' 2021.
Presently, a Visiting faculty in Central Manipur University and Member of Consultative Group on Naga Talks
This article was webcasted on June 18 2022.



* 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
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 2 : Ooba Video
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Jianreilung, Chingamba, Masounii : eMing
  • How Jessami conservation of Nongin
  • Shija Hospitals turns 40
  • COVID-19: Update 06 July 2025 : Manipur
  • The Indomitable Young Souls :: Poem
  • Growing network of drug dealers in country
  • Politics of SoO pact since 2008
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • 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
  • 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
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • 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
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • 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
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025