TODAY -

The Martyrdom of Tikendrajit Bir Singh & Thangal General
- Part 3 -

By Lt Col (Retd) M Ranjit Singh *

Maharaja Surchandra had come to Political Agent's Residency with a high hope. He was under the impression that British troops will crush the revolt as he was under the protection of British Crown. But seeing the inaction of Political Agent, his hopes were completely shattered and decided that the best way was to go and meet the Chief Commissioner of Assam in person, who was at that time in Silchar and to explain all that has happened.

And the safest way he could think to go to Silchar was to give the impression to his adversaries that he has abdicated the throne. So he wrote a vague letter to Tikendrajit informing that he has no hope of fighting against Tikendrajit and that he intended to go to Brindaban and that he should make necessary arrangement.

At this point of time Maharaja Surchandra was completely tired both physically and mentally. He has had no food for the last two days as his caste does not permit him to drink or eat anything from the house of an Englishman. In fact he was under tremendous mental pressure due to the revolt by his step brothers and his inability to get any help from the British side.

This was his mental state of his mind when he wrote the abdication letter. The Political Agent advised Maharaja Surchandra not to decide hastily till his meeting with Takendrajit. The Political Agent also told him that he must understand he could never return to Manipur, Cachar or Sylhet once he leaves Manipur and Paka Sana also must accompany him. However Maharaja Surchandra was quite adamant and refused to change his mind.

Takendrakit and his brothers were very happy at the Maharaja's decision. The Maharaja before leaving, handed over all the arms, some keys, a gold ornament, a State sword and a State Coat to Colonel Samu for handing over to Takendrajit. The Maharaja along with Samu Hanjaba and Gopalsana and several attendants, in all about sixty persons left Imphal in the evening of September 23, 1890 at about 7.30 pm.

The Political Agent sent an escort of 35 Rifles of 44th Gorkha Light Infantry to accompany them to Cachar. On the same night the Political Agent informed the Chief Commissioner of Assam regarding abdication by the Maharaja and also recommended Kulachandra to be the next king. Chief Commissioner agreed to the recommendation of the Political Agent and confirmed Kulachandra as Reagent till the receipt of approval from the Government of India.

Maharaja Surchandra and his party reached Silchar on October 3, 1890 and there to his greatest disappointment found that the Chief Commissioner had already left Cachar. On October 6, Maharaja Surchandra repudiated his abdication and sent a telegraph to Chief Commissioner saying that he has not abdicated and Political Agent has misunderstood him.

To this, the Chief Commissioner replied that he would give his best consideration to any representation he might submit but that the Maharaja and his brothers who accompanied him could not be allowed to return to Sylhet, Cachar or Manipur and that for the present he must remain in Calcutta.

The Chief Commissioner on 9th October 1890 requested the Govt not to pass any final order on succession till receipt of Surchandra’s complaint Maharaja could give his representation only on 14th November 1890. On receipt of the complaint, Chief Commis- sioner sent the same to Mr Grimwood, the Political Agent in Manipur on 22nd Nov 1890 for his comment... The Political Agent’s comment was dispatched on December 4th, 1890. The recommendation of the Chief Commissioner to the Govt was forwarded on December 31st 1890.

The final decision of the Government of India on the Manipur Revolution was taken on 19th February, 1891. The Government of India was disposed to reassert the authority of Maharaja Surchandra to the throne as they have promised the guarantee of 'Raj' during his father Maharaja Chandrakirti's life time; they however gave away to Mr Quinton's opposition and decided to recognise Maharaja Kulachandra as ruler of Manipur.

The British felt that they could not permit a revolt against a Chief recognised by them. To remain wholly successful and unpunished and virtual authority on Manipur to pass into hands of Senapati who was according to them notoriously turbulent and the real leader of the revolution. Therefore, Tikendrajit, the Senapati was to be removed from Manipur. The Chief Commissioner was asked to visit Manipur and make known on the spot the decision of The Government of India and that a sufficient force was told to be taken, even though opposition was not expected.

In Manipur during this time, the atmosphere was entirely different. Almost five month's have passed after the September 1890 revolution. The Regent, Jubraj and people of Manipur have taken it for granted that the succession of Maharaja Kulachandra has been approved by the Government of India. But the news of sudden visit of Chief Commissioner with large force put everybody associated with the revolution under tremendous pressure. The Chief Commissioner along with his escort arrived Imphal at 9.30 am on 22nd March, 1891.

Maharaja Kulachandra has already been told about a Darbar to be held at Residency at 12 o'clock of the same day where decision of the Government on succession of king was to be announced. The proposed Darbar never took place. The British then attempted to apprehend Jubraj Takendrajit Singh from his residence on the night of 23rd March 1891. Their mission failed miserably.

On the night of 24th March 1891, the five British officers (Mr James Wallace Quinton, Chief Commissioner of Assam, Colonel C Mc Dowai Skene, Commanding Officer 42 Gurkha Rifles, Mr Frank St Clair Grimwood, Political Agent, Manipur and Mr WH Cossins, Asst Secy to Chief Commissioner of Assam, and Lieutenant Walter H Simpson, 43 Gurkha Rifles ) along with a bugler, Guna Rama were beheaded by the King's executioner using a long handled sword known as 'Tendon Thang' in front of Kangla Sha or Dragon as the British loved to call.

There were three official executioners in Manipur at that time. They were Sagolsem Dhana Singh of Khongnang Pheidekpi, Thambou of Bashikhong and one Naga named Hordung from Heino. They were under the command of Trilok Singh Nongthoiba Satwal can utilise the service of, anybody on duty at Lanmi Yarekshang.

On that fateful night of 24th March 1891, Sagolsem Dhono was on duty. He had the experience of beheading one Irengba Thundangba during 1881 for revolting against Maharaja Chandrakirti. The execution that time took place at Karong 12 miles away from the palace.

It is widely believed in Manipur that the executions of five British officers had been prophesised in "Ningthoural Singkak", a prophecy book written during King Khagemba's time (1597 to 1652). For the interest's sake, the relevant portion of the prophecy is produced here.

"(He) will come in 1771.
The northern capital will be constructed in 1779.
Let it be known that it is on this high ground.
Royal house will be constructed.
The king who ruled during that time will be like a spark.
Many sacred places will be constructed.
The next king will rule for four years.
The next king will rule for three years.
The next king will rule for one year;
In his reign, five heads of white men will fell in front of Kangla Sha (Dragon)
"
(There is a difference of 79 years between Manipur calendar and English calendar)

To be continued.....




* Lt Col (Retd) M Ranjit Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express . This was webcasted on November 30, 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
  • 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