TODAY -

A brief sketch on the life of General Balaram Sougaijamba

Maheshsana Rajkumar *

 General Balaram Sougaijamba
General Balaram Sougaijamba :: Pix - TSE



General Balaram Sougaijamba is regarded as one of the greatest Generals in Manipur’s history. He was a patriot, a warrior and an administrator of extraordinary distinction. General Balaram was a soldier in three major battles in Manipur’s history. He fought alongside Maharaja Gambhir Singh and Maharaja Narasingh and the British.

Young Balaram was part of the Manipur Levy of 1826 and was a soldier of the liberation of Manipur from the Burmese. He also led Manipur’s forces to put down the Lushai Rebellion in 1871 and was a decorated hero who received an award for helping the British defeat the Burmese at the Battle of Kendat in 1885.

The Sougaijam are proud descendents of Khuman Ningthou (king) Shara-rong’s son Soipai. General Balaram Sougaijamba (Binda Singh) was married to Maharaja Narsingh’s daughters namely Maharaj Kumari Khelendrashori and soon after her death he married Maharaj Kumari Chanusana (Tonnusana).

The descendants of General Balaram Sougaijamba became Durbar members of Manipur during colonial British rule namely Sou-gaijam Bhubon Singh, Sou- gaijam Ibochouba Singh whose wife Hijam Ibeton was the sister of Jana Neta Hijam Irabot Singh’s father and finally Sougaijam Samarendra Singh (Sanajaoba).

In recent times emerged a dangerous precedent in Manipur of linking Sougaijam of Khuman Salai to Kuki tribe with their given titles like Sokhojam, Singson and the narrative that Sougaijam belonged to Kuki tribe.

The claim was out rightly rejected by retired Advocate Sougaijam Satyabrata Singh, an elderly citizen and son of Former Durbar member Sougaijam Samarendra Singh, as a totally baseless claim with no support of historical evidence.

The excerpts on Kendat war in which General Balaram Sougaijamba fought is mentioned in GER Grant Brown “Burma Gazetteer Upper Chindwin District” Vol. A. 1913.

Gazetteer GER Grant Brown writes, “On the outbreak of war in 1885, three English assistants of the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation were murdered on the launch at ‘Chindwin’ near Mingin, and shortly after this the Political Agent Colonel James Johnstone and the contingent of army led by General Balaram Sougaijamba of Manipur marched to Kindat through the Kabaw Valley and rescued two other agents of the company.”

The Kendat war is well documented in “Gazetteer of Upper Burma and the Shan States”, Vol. 1, Part 1, 1900. Gazetteer J. George Scott writes, “In November 1885, the Burmese authorities of the Chindwin had made prisoners of seven English gentlemen, who were residing there in the employ of the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation.

Of these, three (Messrs. Robert Allen, Roberrs, and Moneur) were murdered on the launch Chindwin by a thandawzin as soon as the news of the occupation of Mandalay arrived. Two others, Messrs. C Outram and G Calogreedy, arrived safely in Mandalay, while Messrs Hill, Ross, Bates, and O Ruckstahl were protected by the Wun of Mingyin and sent by him to Mandalay.

The Wun was rewarded at the time and afterwards rendered loyal service to the British Government. Other Europeans Messrs. Morgan, Bretto, and T Ruckstahl, were also held captive at Kindat, farther up the river. Towards the end of December a force was despatched from Mandalay to rescue these Kindat captives.

But the prompt action of Colonel Johnstone, CSI, Political Agent at Manipur, who marched on Kindat with 50 sepoys and a Manipuri contingent, and arrived there on Christmas day, forestalled the arrival of the Mandalay column.

The troops returned to Mandalay, and it was at first proposed to divide the Chindwin valley into two districts, placing the Manipur Agent in charge of the upper part, with headquarters at Kindat, and constituting the Lower Chindwin area a district under a separate Deputy Commissioner, with headquarters at Alon.

The plan, however, was found to be impracticable. Colonel Johnstone went back to Manipur by way of Tammu, which is 64 miles from Manipur, over jungle-clad hills rising to 5,000 feet, but, on the outbreak of disturbances between Tammu and Kindat he returned.

He attacked a body of rebels in a strong position at Pantha about 18 miles from Tammu, and drove them out, but was himself severely wounded. He was succeeded as Agent and as Deputy Commissioner of the Upper Chindwin by Major Trotter.”

General Sougaijamba Balaram was awarded Kendet Medal for his heroic act by Sir James Johnstone, Chief Commissioner of Assam on behalf of the Government of India for his services in 1885. Gangmumei Kamei in his book titled, “A History of Modern Manipur (1826-2000): A Study of Feudalism, Colonialism and Democracy”, 3 Volumes, Part I. 2016 writes, “In Maharaja Chandra Kirti Singh’s reign the Court was adorned with the following nobles who supported the Maharaja in the administration of the kingdom. These nobles had military, civil, and judicial functions. They were given both military and civil titles.

Of these nobles, the title of “General” was given to Sougaijam Balaram (Bolai) Singh, Kangabam Thangal Singh and Longjam Roma Singh. Of the Ministers, two of them Thangal General and Balaram General were the most prominent and according to EW Dun, each of them represented two factions in the Court, the liberal and the conservative. Maharaja Chandra Kirti Singh recognized the talents of these two Ministers and they were engaged in their respective field of specialization.

For example, Dun in his Gazetteer of Manipur, 1886 wrote of the two Ministers who had the following portfolios.

Thangal General
Cachar Road and the villages around it Kohima Road
Thoubal and the upper course of the Lanur (in north east Manipur)
Kanhou tribes.
Balaram General
The Kukis in the south
Hills west of the valley excluding the Cachar road North eastern corner including Somtal
Route from, the capital to the Kongal Thana and Kabaw Valley.

We have mentioned that in the inscription at Chibu, the names of two Generals were inscribed for the posterity. Thangal General was the most forward and active and the readiest speaker of the two, and had most sympathy with western notions. Balaram General had the reputation of being the most astute. Both of them commanded two regiments of Manipur army at the rank of the General.

Maharaja Chandra Kirti Singh died on 3rd May, 1886 at the age of 55 years. His death was notified to the Government of India and Jubaraja Sur Chandra Singh ascended the throne of Manipur. Chandra Kirti Singh was a popular and deeply religious ruler. He was popularly known as “Maharaja Iswar”. His death marked the decline and end of the independent period in the history of Manipur.”

The General Balaram Sougaijamba Foundation was established in honour of this great and patriotic son of Manipur. The Foundation holds an annual commemorative event on his death anniversary and publishes books and articles on this leader. The Statue (Bust) of General Balaram Sougaijamba was unveiled on 2 May 2015 on his 126th death anniversary by the Former Chief Minister of Manipur late Shri RK Dorendra Singh in his last public function appearance.

On 2 May 2022 rich tributes were paid on the 133rd death anniversary of General Balaram Sougaijamba at Moirangkhom Sougaijam Leikai. Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata and many other dignitaries including former rebel leader RK Meghen, Sougaijam Tombi and Professor Naorem Joykumar paid floral tributes at the bust of General Balaram during the death anniversary function organised by Radhavinod Sevait Board.

The Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker on the function suggested the State Government to commemorate the death anniversary of General Balaram Sougai-jamba as a State function, the Speaker vowed that he would make all efforts to open a library at Sougaijam Leikai and name Moirang-khom Keithel in the name of General Balaram Sougaijamba.

The General Balaram Sougaijamba Foundation has been commemorating death anniversary of General Balaram Sougaijamba every possible year in a local function held at Moirangkhom Sougaijam Leikai.

It is high time the Manipur State Government give due importance and soon make formal announcement to commemorate the death anniversary of the great patriot General Balaram Sougaijamba and declare state holiday on 2 May every year so floral tributes could be offered by the general public.


* Maheshsana Rajkumar wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on June 15 2024.



* 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
  • Md Alimuddin, celebrated Sagol Kangjei player
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Condemnation of Armed Football Match
  • Webinar: KM3NeT Mediterranean experiment
  • Redefining Cancer care: People-centered
  • How thought leadership can propel your career
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #3
  • Guwahati Asian Film Fest : Day 1
  • Of guns and football
  • Armed men playing football, taunting Govt
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Epom Amadei Ithak - A theatrical revisit
  • Economy of the dynamic global landscape
  • Is the Bhagavad Gita relevant today ?
  • Healthy hair in Winter
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025
  • From the battlefields to Delhi
  • Speculations on replacement of Chief Minister
  • 12th Legislative Assembly #2 : Gallery
  • Education & its disjuncture in Manipur
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Fest 2025 : Theme
  • Coo :: Poem
  • Agartala Coach : India U-19 Women Cricket
  • The story of the village of hope
  • Career choice in wetlands
  • CM in Delhi to meet Shah
  • After failed plastic ban bid, on brickfields
  • New catfish species discovered in Chakpi
  • Love, Unsure :: Poem
  • Manipur's border battles: Deeper conflict
  • A world without leprosy
  • Origin of corruption & possible remedies
  • The question of life
  • 'Sereki' unveils Majuli-themed campaign
  • Posers over summons to Delhi
  • Addiction-free campaign
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @Kangla #5 : Gallery
  • Lamtanganba, Adum , Mahaiso : eMing
  • Manipur : Champions Jr Natl Sepaktakraw
  • Effective Unified Command approach
  • Saurashtrian Tamils
  • Accepting the change :: Poem
  • From Kumbh to heaven direct
  • Edge of the seat suspense
  • Wetlands revival efforts reaping fruit
  • Natambakta : Play by JNMDA #4 : Gallery
  • EIIFF 2025 unveils Festival Memento
  • Climate change & plant diseases
  • Shija Hospital- AHPI Healthcare Award
  • Budget 2025: A big gift for middle-class
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #2
  • Cakeology 2025: India's largest cake expo
  • Need to stick to a consistent narrative
  • Leniency on tobacco ban aiding demographic
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Pheiroijam Christina - 21st Miss North East
  • Manipur: Gold at 28th Jr National Sepaktakraw
  • Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future
  • The Power of Poppy - 67 :: Poem
  • Clean energy for sustainability
  • Union Budget: Industrialists from NE speaks
  • Balaram Sougaijamba: General of Manipur
  • Nikhil Okram crowned 14th Mister North East
  • Chadong village: Rising from waters with hope
  • Financial literacy for common man
  • Obituary: (L) Pu Thangkholen Sitlhou
  • Nail care in Winters
  • State of war since 2023: No winner, only losers
  • Talks on new district row
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • February Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Ballad of Letting Go :: Poem
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Fest
  • Deeper exploration of term 'Hill-Valley Divide'
  • Children's Book to adopt 'Look East Policy'
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Endless suffering of internally displaced child
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi conferred Padma Shri
  • Isolate Kuki Militants by facilitating safe return
  • Sports Meet held at Rongdai Village
  • Eco-Apocalypse: Prevent collapse with Green
  • Grand Finale : 21st Mega Miss North East
  • Time to give more teeth to ST demand
  • 5 years of ILP; what about NRC demand ?
  • Remembering Md Ladu, celebrated polo player
  • The Lament of Love's Deceit :: Poem
  • Need for inculcating value based education
  • Royte - Times Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Glass Child Syndrome ! 'Sibling rivalry'
  • 6 Films for NE Section at GAFF 2025
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • Conservation Strategies of Pethia manipurensis
  • Remembers 13 Brave Indian Soldiers
  • Workshop: Intl Year of Quantum Science
  • Governor's role and discretionary powers
  • Physics workshop for educators at Agartala
  • Who wins Delhi - Daru or Dharma
  • War on Drugs: A war Manipur cannot loses
  • NE turning into transnational drug hub
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #2
  • Manipur's dystopian reality
  • The day Light reached the hills
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal Intl Film Fest 2025
  • Why is depreciation of rupee not stopping ?
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #5
  • Thoithoiba Yelhou Yangkok Artist #2 : Gallery
  • Republic Day Titbits
  • NIT Manipur: Best Design Award @VLSI Design
  • The Power of Poppy - 66 :: Poem
  • Grand Finale: 14th Mega Mister North East
  • Application : FILMART, Hong Kong
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #1
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Demographic for balkanisation of Manipur
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation at Nambol
  • Jugeshwor Kshetrimayum receives GELA 2025
  • Construction Committee of Meetei Yumpham
  • Call against misuse of social media
  • Positive & negative aspects of social media
  • In Search of Peace in Manipur
  • Embracing the Shadows :: Poem
  • Dr Manmohan Singh will live on
  • Rise in the price of medicines
  • Respecting the dead- Denying is a disgrace
  • Winter skin care tips for oily skin
  • Illegal immigrants :: Of FMR & border fencing
  • JD-U row exposes national parties' apathy
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #2 : Gallery
  • On 'Only BJP can save Manipur'
  • Frontline health workers dispelling darkness
  • 14th East Himalayan Trade Fair
  • Life is plastic
  • Killers on the road : 834 lives lost
  • Call to action to save State's wetlands
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #1
  • The Taste of Dreams wins @Red Intl Film Fest
  • Science: 3rd eye for Meitei-Kuki reconciliation
  • Northeast flies high in direct selling
  • Mastering focus amidst distractions
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #4
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • BJP : Tepid response from the hills
  • BABINA Hospital sets example in healthcare
  • Nitya Ras @Nongmeibung #1 : Gallery
  • Agonizing reality of our country's veteran elites
  • Historicising the colonial narratives
  • NSS Team Departs for National Integration
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Festival 2025
  • Time to recreate Naga Peoples Convention 2.0
  • Career in nutrition
  • Need to give more meaning to War on Drugs
  • Time for real action not empty rhetoric
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #2 : Gallery
  • "Aronba Wari" :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Tripura's livelihoods challenges
  • Archaeological Exhibition @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur needs to affirm her tribal roots
  • Madras/Chennai- 1989 till 2024 : Gallery
  • Investigate "arms recoveries" in Mizoram
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • NE Direct Selling Conference & Expo
  • Response of Delhi in last 20 months
  • Regulated entry after FMR scrap, border
  • Mutua Bahadur : Preserving Manipuri culture
  • Competitive Altruism: Resolving ethnic conflict
  • Pithe Puli Utsav at Agartala
  • Building the best version of yourself
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025
  • Tips to keep your lips soft & smooth in winter
  • Subsidised flight tickets for all
  • MCPCR alert on child trafficking fear
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @ Wangkhei : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai celebrating Culture in Delhi NCR
  • The Weeping Gods of Manipur :: Poem
  • Disarming Kuki-Zo armed groups under SoO
  • Why nurses deserve more recognition, pay
  • The hidden truths of our social media lives
  • MMTU stand bang on target: Recapping May 3
  • Enhancing aerial options to ease travel woes
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Sustainable development - climate action #1
  • RIST Talk- 62 : Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • "Technically a BJP MLA will rule Nagaland"
  • Makar Sankranti : vibrant customs & traditions
  • Why gold is a strong hedge but ...
  • Delhi date on January 17
  • Onus of addressing tribal issues on new Guv?
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • Barak Festival advocates Peace, Progress
  • 'Yu', not fully liberalised
  • Article 355 equals Governor's Rule ?
  • Calls to vote with conscience
  • Zingtun academy leading by example
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Is Kuki-Zo community pushing Nagas to edge?
  • Will drive to find-treat-prevent TB continue ?
  • Smart Cities, dustier roads ?
  • ST of NE & Dalits of mainland India
  • That May :: Poem
  • Understanding Red, Yellow, Green
  • Cong posers on Govt aid to SoO group
  • Culturals @Tri-Nation Football #1 : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai festival of Kabui/Rongmei
  • 40 Years & 04 Stations- Part IV (Madras)
  • Manipur Gold: 34th Sr Natl Sepaktakraw C'ship
  • Public Health Risk Management Training
  • The Power of Poppy - 64 :: Poem
  • The Science of Success #4
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • A Hymn for Goddess Emoinu
  • Are the foods we eat, correct ?
  • Gangtok, Sikkim (1983 till 1988) : Gallery
  • The Taste of Dreams : Teaser Unveiled
  • Be a child of courage & conquer obstacle
  • Hans Renal Care Centre in Guwahati
  • Focus on pre-May 3, 2023 period
  • Conundrum over the genesis of crisis
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • North-East Students invited to JEE Main 2025
  • Empower the State else avoid blame on CM
  • Obituary : Thaunawjam Brajamohon
  • Hope :: Poem
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #3
  • Winter makeup tips for dry skin
  • Imphal, Delhi still groping in the dark
  • Tension over assault case, land claims
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #1 : Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : Gallery
  • Indigenous Pottery Making @Imphal : Gallery
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #2 : Gallery
  • The historical account of Kabaw Valley #3
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #6: Gallery
  • E-Pao.net : 25th Anniv & 2025 Wishes
  • Protest @Delhi - Murder of Meiteis #2: Gallery
  • "Connections", art exhibitt @ DC : Gallery
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #4 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Indigenous People Cultural Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #1: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet