Manipur 1891: The Anglo-Manipur War

Manipur 1891: The Anglo-Manipur War is a detailed historical study of one of the most decisive conflicts in the history of Manipur.

Written by SB Luwang and published by Omega Offset Printers, the book traces the political crisis that followed the death of Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh, the palace revolution of 1890, the rise of Tikendrajit, British intervention in the succession dispute, the failed attempt to arrest the prince, and the events that ultimately led to the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.

The narrative follows the conflict from the palace crisis at Kangla to the British military advance from Tamu, Cachar and Kohima, the defence of Thoubal, the fighting at Kakching and Khongjom, the occupation of Imphal, the capture and trial of the Manipuri leadership, and the execution of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.

The book also examines the larger questions behind the war: sovereignty, British paramountcy, princely-state politics, colonial military intervention, resistance, trial and punishment, and the transformation of Manipur under British influence after 1891.

Special attention is given to Khongjom, the role of Paona Brajabasi, the contested chronology of the final battle, the transportation of Manipuri leaders to the Andaman Islands, and the continuing importance of Khongjom Day, Patriots’ Day, Kangla and Khongjom Parba in public memory.

Highlights
Comprehensive account of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891
Political background from the reign of Chandrakirti Singh
Detailed study of the 1890 palace revolution
British mission under J. W. Quinton
Attempted arrest of Bir Tikendrajit
Palace assault and Residency crisis
Grant’s defence at Thoubal
British advances from Tamu, Cachar and Kohima
Detailed account of the Battle of Khongjom
Paona Brajabasi and the southern defence
Occupation of Kangla
Trial of the Manipuri princes and officers
Execution of Tikendrajit and Thangal General
Transportation and exile of Manipuri leaders
Installation of Maharaja Churachand Singh
Khongjom Parba, Patriots’ Day and historical memory
Chronology, genealogy, biographies, military appendices, glossary and bibliography