TODAY -

The Battle Of Khongjom and the Manipuris in the Anglo-Manipur War - 1891
- Part 1 -

Dr. Yumkhaibam Shyam Singh *

Khongjom Day Observation of the historic Battle of Khongjom 1891, with President of India Pranab Mukherjee attending on April 23rd 2016
Khongjom Day Observation of the historic Battle of Khongjom 1891, with President of India Pranab Mukherjee attending on April 23rd 2016



The first bullet of the war was fired by the British on the 24th March, 1891, without any provocation from the Manipuris. In the days fighting at the capital of Manipur, about 50 Manipuris including Pukhramba Tanka, Khumbong Subedar, Leisang Jamadar and Athokpa Dewan sacrificed their lives. Two Tangkhuls were also among those killed in hand to hand fight. Lt. Brackenbary and some sepoys of the British Army lost their lives on the side of the British. In the aftermath of the palace attack, owing to the demand of the Manipuri masses, seven unguarded British Officers were killed.

But surprisingly, on the 4th April, 1891, the Manipuris released 51 arrested Hindustani sepoys (Indian sepoys in the British Army) giving them Rs. 5 each for their journey to respective places. Therefore, the disposition of the Manipuri masses towards the Hindustani sepoys of the British Army was different. Earlier, in the First War of Indian Independence-1857, the Manipuri masses were also psychologically on the side of the Hindustani rebels. After the events of the 24th March, the British Indian Government sent three powerful British Armies to Manipur from the side of Kohima,Tamu and Silchar and continued the war.

The Battle of Khongjom was the greatest battle of the Anglo-Manipur War. Great freedom fighters-Major Paona Brajabasi, Chinglen Sana, Khumbong Major, Loitongba Jamadar, Keisa Jamadar, Heirang Khongja and many more rank and files of Manipuri warriors sacrificed their lives at this battlefield.

Reporting on the real picture of the battle, Captain Rundall who had commanded the British Army at Khongjom expressed: "Of the enemy 76 dead were counted inside the work (mud made Manipuri fort) and two wounded and just outside the work 52 dead were counted those killed in the nala (which surrounded major portion of the fort) were not at all counted as they laid in heaps in the water nor did he counted those killed by the guns and mounted infantry. The mounted infantry estimated that they killed about 50 and some villagers have since told me that 400 fell on that day."

The Anglo-Manipur war was also a memorable event of all the Manipuris, for both the valley people and hill communities fought hand in hand to protect their territory and independence.

On this epoch making event previous scholars had given their views on the genesis and other aspects of the war. But they failed to study the reasons why the aged Thangal General fulfilled the demands of the Manipuri masses executing those unarmed Sahibs in the night of the 24th March, 1891. Besides, the scholars also studied hardly on the concerted efforts of both the hill and plain peoples of Manipur against their giant European power.

Keeping in view of these missing areas, this paper makes a humble attempt to study the reasons why the Manipuris demanded capital punishment for the British officers leading to the execution of the seven Sahibs viz. Mr. J.W. Quinton CSI, Chief Commissioner of Assam, Lt. Colonel C. McDowal Skene, D.S.C., Commanding the 42nd (Gurkha) Regiment of Bengal Light Infantry, Mr. F.St. Clair Grimwood, ICS, Political Agent in Manipur, Lt. W.H. Simpson, 43rd (Gurkha) Regiment of Bengal Light Infantry, Mr. W.H. Cossins, ICS, Asst. Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of Assam, Mr. W.B. Melville, Superintendent of Telegraph, Assam Division and Mr. O' Brien.This paper also highlights the concerted wartime efforts of almost all the major Manipuri communities viz. the Meiteis/ Meeteis, the Nagas, the Kukis and the Tangkhuls. The source materials are from different archives, chronicles and secondary sources.

Historical Background of the anti-British mindset of the Manipuris

In the Last part of 1823, when Gambhir Singh of Manipur was ruling over South Cachar (a region neighbouring with the British Sylhet),the Burmese had not only occupied Assam and Manipur but also invaded Cachar from three directions viz. Assam, jaintia and Manipur. The third party from Manipur attacked South Cachar and defeated the army of the latter (mainly Manipuris) under Gambhir Singh. Thus, the British Indian Empire was threatened by the Burmese. In a Letter to the Court of Directors, it as stated later: "Under such an emergency it was natural that every resource, however trifling, should be sought after and the re-establishment of the Munnipore dynasty seems to have been a scheme peculiarly favoured by the late agent Mr. Scott."

Accordingly, it was accepted to assist the British Army at Badarpur (Assam) by a group of Manipuris Known as 'Raja Gambhir Singh's Levy' comprising 500 infantry and 40 cavalrymen. Lord Amherst, the Then Governor General of British India, declared War against Burma on the 5th march, 1824; and The Raja Gambhir Singh's Levy' joined the British outpost at Badarpur in April, the following month. The Levy was supplied with arms, and its expenses were also borne by the British. However, they were regulars as no pay was entitled to them.

The number of the Burmese Army in Cachar was estimated at about 8000. The British Army under Lt. Col. William Inns arrived at Badarpur on June 20 and then proceeded by water along the river 3arak to Jatrapur. On the way, he tried to dislodge the Burmese from the heights of Talain where they strongly fortified. For three days (July 6,7, 8) British guns fired on the stockade; Gambhir Singh with his excellent local knowledge, assisted the operation. By the end of October, 1824, the entire Burmese Army in Cachar retreated to Manipur. On the role played by Gambhir Singh in Cachar, it was stated: 'Gumbheer Sing ...with whom we had negotiated, raised from among his own followers a body of 500 men, who actively co-operated with our troops in expelling the Burmese from Cachar."

At this juncture, Brigadier-General Shuldham, commanding the Eastern Frontier of British India, decided to march to Manipur so that the gravity of the war in the Arakan frontier could be diverted to the advantage of the British Army.

However, because of the hopelessness of this wet and mountainous kingdom, the General's mission was suspended. Yet, Gambhir Singh, breaking the ice, proposed to take up the task condemned as hopeless by the General. Earlier, the former had also been induced by David Scott to lead an expedition for the conquest of Manipur. He was also told that "Manipur would be placed under him if he could liberate it." Consequently, Gambhir Singh's proposal was accepted, and thus, the prince made preparations with his own Levy.

The 'Raja Gambhir Singh's Levy' left for Manipur on 17th May, 1825, with Lieutenant R.B. Pemberton. At this mission, the latter volunteered to accompany Gambhir Singh to Manipur with the additional objective of obtaining some accurate information about the passes into Manipur, its resources and the strength of the Burmese Army. The party, after facing so many difficulties, reached Maklang (a village in the valley of Manipur) on June 10. Hearing their arrival, the Burmese Army in Manipur was divided into four sections making stockades at Kameng, Andro, Nambol and the Phunal Hills. Gambhir Singh and his levy fought bravely for two days and ultimately the Burmese were expelled from the valley of Manipur.

The Levy successfully captured Kangla (the capital of Manipur) on 12th June, 1825. In this way, the Levy executed the task which General Shuldham had failed to do. On this Levy, it was stated: "The men could move lightly equipped without a paraphernalia of a regular army." Once more, it was complimented: "The primary objects in view, viz. The expulsion of the Burmese from Manipur was, however, achieved by Gambhir Singh.... These men had been provided with arms by the British commander, but they were wholly undisciplined, and it was only at Gambhir Singh's urgent request that he was permitted to advance with them to Manipur." Therefore, the conquest of Manipur in the First Anglo-Burmese War was the handiwork of the irregular and unpaid 'Raja Gumbhir Singh's Levy.'

The Levy faced untold difficulties due to the lack of provisions as there was less cultivation in Manipur. Consequently, Gambhir Singh left 300 men in Manipur, and returned to Sylhet by the end of June 1825 to discuss his problems and other policy matters. Lt. Pemberton, returning to Sylhet with Gambhir Singh, reported on the latter that "the success of the enterprise was due mainly to his energy, perseverance and skill."

At Sylhet, Gambhir Singh was intimated with the order of the British Government which accepted the inclusion of the former's Levy in the British Indian Army with a new denomination. With this happy news, Gambhir Singh left Sylhet for Manipur on 4th December, 1825, along with Captain FJ. Grant and Lieutenant R.B. Pemberton.

Reaching at Kangla on 23rd instant, Gambhir Singh declared that his Levy would be a part of the British Army with a new denomination-the 'Manipur Levy'; the British Government had accepted to increase its strength to 1500 infantry and 150 cavalry; the pay, provisions and all equipments of the Manipur Levy would be borne by the British Government and the same would be collected from the Magazine at Chandrapur (a place at the western foothills of the Bhuban Mountain, Cachar); Cap. FJ. Grant and Lt. R.B. Pemberton would be the Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner of the Manipur Levy with Lt. George Gordon (who had not arrived at Imphal that time) as the Adjutant. Cheitharol kumbaba (the chronicle of Manipur) also mentions that the Maharaja coming with two Ferunghees entered the capital on Friday, the 23rd December, 1825, and arranged a grand feast for the 'Four Victoria Battalions.' On this occasion, Alexander Mackenzie also stated: "In 1825 the force was increased to 2000 men, and placed under the command of Captain Grant; it was denominated the Manipur Levy."

In this way, the members of the Manipur Levy, becoming regular army of the British Government, enjoyed many facilities, and Manipur had a sizeable inflow of currency. On the other hand, this kingdom was projected seriously for war against Burma, and also, to defend the eastern frontier from the latter's aggression thereafter. Gambhir Singh now decided to expel the Burmese from the Kabaw Valley (now in Burma) which had been for Manipur for ages in the past.

Nur Singh was, therefore, sent along with 1000 men to Tamu on 1st January, 1826. On being asked for reinforcement, Gambhir Singh along with the two British Officers left for Tamu on 13th January, 1826. The Burmese fort at Tamu was a very strong and well protected one. Therefore, the two Sahibs suggested the need for cannons. But, Gambhir Singh, disfavouring the proposal, planned to send Nur Singh to invade Samsok with 300 selected men.

Meanwhile, surrounding the Tamu fort to obstruct provisional supply for five days, the Burmese were compelled to leave the place in the night of 23rd January 1826. On the other side, Nur Singh, crossing the Ningthee (the Chindwin River now in Burma), broke the capital of Samsok on the same day. Receiving the message of the fall of Samsok capital, Gambhir Singh, along with the two British officers, arrived on the bank of the Ningthee on 1st February, 1826. Hereafter, declaring his conquest up to the Ningthee River, Gambhir Singh unfurled the flag of Manipur on the bank of this river.

In this way, under the leadership of Gambhir Singh, the Manipur Levy completed the conquest of the Kabaw Valley. On Gambhir Singh and his followers, Captain Grant reported, "...the activity, judgement, and skill, he (i.e., Gambhir Singh) had displayed on this occasion, have proved the justice of the opinion previously entertained of his merits.

The steady gallantry which, without the usual aid of cannon, could force a brave enemy to evacuate a strong fortified position, is a very satisfactory illustration of the character of his followers..." Indeed, had the British not received the timely help from this brave son of Manipur, it would have been impossible for them to launch an attack on Ava through Manipur and bring the war to conclusion so early leading to the Treaty of Yandaboo, 24th February, 1826.

Although the treaty recognised Gambhir Singh as the Raja of Manipur, yet it did not mention anything on the Kabaw Valley. Soon after the treaty, the Burmese started encroaching into the territory of Manipur crossing the Ningthee River. It resulted in a serious headache to the Manipuris and, consequently, they were highly discontented with the British policy.

To be continued ...


* Dr. Yumkhaibam Shyam Singh (HoD, History Imphal College, Govt, of Manipur) wrote this article for 'Manipur Today' that was published by DIPR Manpur in April 2017
This article was posted on July 04, 2017.


* 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
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Manipur Medal Tally : 38th National Games
  • Navigating Weird Realities of Corporate World
  • The Power of Poppy - 69 :: Poem
  • Expected floods of beggars to arrive
  • Rh Incompatibility during pregnancy
  • Cherrapunji Craft Gin Raises 1.2 Million
  • Explaining 11th President's Rule in Manipur
  • Lui-Ngai-Ni - Naga Seed Sowing Fest : Book
  • 'Ensure Tamei board exams centre operates'
  • Manipur & her trysts with destinies
  • Kitovi-led NNPGs question Rajya Sabha MP
  • One should always speak of life, not marks
  • Farce of a reason for PR
  • After PR all eyes on ending conflict
  • Draft plan for employment generation #1
  • Loingambi, Mingyashin, Chingri : eMing
  • World Radio Day at Rongdai
  • Focus on present challenges for bright future
  • Ed Sheeran brings India Tour to Shillong
  • Beauty tips for Valentine's Day
  • President's Rule has come !
  • No takers for the hot seat!
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • 50 years of Pebet @MCA #1 : Gallery
  • Kwatha Pham Kaaba :: Movie Review
  • Calls for Resignation of Amit Shah
  • Meitei eschatological belief & ethnic struggle
  • Stop border fencing & restore FMR
  • Failing in a competitive exam is not the end
  • Patra, Bhalla : Men of the moment
  • Warning to social media users amid unrest
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #2 : Gallery
  • Imagi Sorat :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Daily Habits & Mindsets of High Achievers
  • Coerced legislators' resignations
  • Right wing policies threaten gender equality
  • The fall of the AAP
  • Moving fast but to which direction
  • Onus on centre to restore order in state
  • 5 flowering plants newly recorded
  • Kangleipak's Unwavering Soul :: Poem
  • Make books & newspapers your companions
  • Pulses for a diverse agriculture
  • Exam warriors redefined
  • Sheeba Chaddha at Guwahati Asian Film Fest
  • Resignation of CM sinking in
  • Resignation unlikely to help restore normalcy
  • Manipur Statehood Day @ 1st MR : Gallery
  • Mahakumbh : Not just a religious gathering
  • Nepal with largest pictorial health warnings
  • Is war profitable market for arms manufacturer
  • Our CM & party resurrected BJP in Delhi
  • Assamese Play 'Comfort Women'
  • Reading into the resignation reality
  • No stormy session for now
  • Tarao Harvesting Fest @Chandel #6 : Gallery
  • 'Vande Bharat' Dream
  • NSS Orientation Programme at MU
  • The influence of the Golden Triangle
  • The Power of Poppy - 68 :: Poem
  • Prasanna Vithanage at Guwahati Film Fest
  • Md Alimuddin, celebrated Sagol Kangjei player
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : 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
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet