Manipur and some of her historical facts for the consolidation of the State
- Part 2 -

Dr O Kumar Singh *

4. Kala Naga stockade located on the top of the range to the north of Cachar road to prevent from the aggression of the Lushais.

5. Kangkum post situated at Phungyar subdivision (Kasom area in Ukhrul district) and it was established during the reign of Maharaj Garibaniwaza in 18th century AD.

6. Khoupum post locates at the place on the Imphal-Cachar road that is known as Tongjei Maril to the Manipuris. This road was the main route of ancient Manipur, and this was the route through which outsiders were contacted.

7. Kongal post situated on the bank of the river Nummeah near to the northern boundary of the Kabo valley established sometime in the early 19th century AD.

8. Mao post situated on the Imphal-Dimapur road established during 1873-74 AD.

9. Moreh post situated on the eastern edge of the Yumadoung range and lies on a flat spur end down the Kujeirok and Leirok steams.

10. Nasinga post lies on the eastern edge of Yumsdoung range between Pussa and Tamoo (Tamu now in Burma).

11. Namfow post was established by Maharaja Chandrakriti Singh for checking the serious outrage on the nearby tribal villages by the Kabow tribe.

12. Prowi post situated to the northeast of the Tangkhul areas.

One more important record in the Cheitharol Kumpapa (2015:62, 65, 318, 331) is that of the cordial relation with the hill people by way of inducting them in the administrative setup of the State and participation in the sports organized by the kings. In 1778, Kabuis played 'Kangjei'.

Again in 1782 CE boat race was done between Luhuppa (Tangkhul) and Karam tribes, and Kharam won the race. During Garibaniwaja's period there is record of inducting the Khongjai (Kuki), Ukhrul (Tangkhul) and Chothe tribes in the administrative setup of the State.

In 1923 CE Maharaja of Manipur inducted Mr Koba Yaima of Maring Khudei Khullen village as 'Chingshanglakpa' and he was entitled to wear 'Khamenchappa – Khudei and – kokyet'. Again in 1928 CE a Khoibu tribe was inducted as 'Senapati' and he also entitled to use 'Dolai' , 'Pe' and 'Khamenchappa Pheijom'.

Another very interesting event recorded in the Cheitharol Kumpapa (2015:332) is the flexibility of Churachand Maharaja towards the tribal allowing two tribal girls of Lemba village of their request to convert to the 'Gouriya' fold of Hindu religion in 1926 CE. This shows the full support of the king of Manipur in the secularism. Even as late as 1977 CE another Tangkhul girl of Ukhrul subdivision, when requested by her, became Meitei Hindu girl as per the record in the Cheitharol Kumpapa (2015:524)

After the British rule, Manipur had the 'Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947' and under this constitution a democratic form of government was established by electing representatives returnable from General, Hill and Mohamadan constituencies in the ratio of 30:18:3 respectively. This democratic government existed from the 18th October 1948 till her merger to the dominion of India on 21st September 1949.

Unfortunately since the advent of British in 1891 CE and merger of Manipur with the Indian Union in 1949 CE, the territorial integrity and unity of Manipur had been challenged and threatened. During the British period from 1891- 1947 CE our frontier in the north had been cut from the earlier Thibomei (Kohima) in the present Nagaland to the Mao.

After the merger of the sovereign Manipur, after attaining its independence on 14th August 1947, to the Indian Union in 1949 we lost another territory generally known as Kabo valley that was given to Burma by the then Prime Minister of India. Till today India Government is not kin to protect its territory encroaching gradually by the Burmese (Myanmarese) into the Manipur side.

During our history prior to 1891, we had able administrator like Mr Thangal General who knew every inch of the territory of Manipur, through his good knowledge of Manipur's territory of that time we could keep the territory in tact.

In the words of Sir James Johnstone (1971:75-76) he described Thangal as "He was acquainted with every part of Manipur, and, though ignorant of English, could point out any village in the State, on an English map.

In fact, he had studied geography in every branch to enable him to defend the cause of Manipur against the survey officers who were suspected by the Manipuris of wishing to include all they could within British territory. He knew all our technical terms such as "watershed" in English. …………" So we wish a man like Thangal General, while considering to settle the boundary problems related to Manipur.

Now the question is should we ignore these historical facts while trying to solve its problems? And are these present problems the effects of the inexperienced and weak rulers of the State?

Concluded