Anglo-Manipuri war of 1891 | Author: Sangini Banik

Anglo-Manipuri war of 1891

By Sangini Banik

The Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, often referred to as the “Manipur Rebellion” by the British, stands as one of the most significant conflicts in the colonial history of Northeast India. The Anglo-Manipur War or Manipuri Rebellion of 1891 was a short armed conflict between the British Colonial Forces and the dissenting royal princes of Manipur Kingdom. The war had profound consequences, leading to the end of Manipur’s sovereignty and its integration into the British Indian administrative structure. It is remembered today as a symbol of patriotism and sacrifice by the people of Manipur.

 

The Manipuri kingdom's relations with the British East India Company began in earnest after the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826), when the British helped restore Gambhir Singh to the throne of Manipur. From then on, Manipur maintained a tributary relationship with the British while retaining internal autonomy.

The roots of the 1891 conflict lie in the internal political strife within the royal family of Manipur. After the death of Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh in 1886, his son Surachandra Singh ascended the throne. However, his rule faced opposition from his brothers, notably Tikendrajit Singh, who was the commander in chief of the kingdom’s army. Tensions escalated when Tikendrajit and his supporters staged a coup against Surachandra Singh on 21 September 1890. Tikendrajit Singh led a palace coup, ousting Maharaja Surachandra Singh and installing Kulachandra Singh as the ruler. The deposed king fled to the British Residency in Shillong, Assam, and sought British intervention to regain his throne. The British authorities, who had their own imperial interests in maintaining stability and influence over Manipur, decided to intervene in what they deemed an internal succession dispute. The Chief Commissioner James Wallace Quinton persuaded the Government in Calcutta that there would be no use trying to reinstate the Maharaja. This was agreed, but the Government wanted the Senapati Tikendrajit Singh disciplined.

The British government sent an expedition under James Wallace Quinton to Manipur in early 1891 with the aim of arresting Tikendrajit Singh and reinstating a ruler of their choice, namely Kulachandra Singh, another brother of the royal family. This intervention marked the beginning of open conflict. On March 22, 1891, Quinton arrived in Imphal with a military escort. He demanded the surrender of Tikendrajit, but the Manipuri court, backed by sentiment, refused. The situation quickly deteriorated when the British attempted a night-time assault on Tikendrajit’s residence. The attack was repulsed, leading to a siege of the British Residency. Finally Quinton went on to negotiate with Tikendrajit. But the angry people of Manipur executed Quinton and his men without the authority of the King.

On 27 March 1891, news of the executions reached the British forces. Determined to avenge the deaths of their officials and reassert their dominance, the British launched a full-scale military campaign against Manipur. Lieutenant Charles James William Grant took the initiative to lead a contingent. On 31 March 1891, British forces seized the village of Thoubal after ousting 800 Manipuri warriors who were garrisoned there. The Manipuris, though outnumbered and outgunned, put up fierce resistance under the leadership of Tikendrajit and other commanders like Thangal General. They fortified key passes and utilized guerrilla tactics to slow the British advance. Battles took place at Khongjom, Thoubal, and other strategic locations. The Manipuri forces made a last stand against the advancing British column. Despite their valiant effort, they were ultimately defeated by the British artillery. By the end of April, the British forces captured Imphal, marking the effective end of the war.

The British response following their victory was swift and severe. On 23rd November of 1891, twenty two brave patriots of Manipur including the King Kula Chandradhaja Singh, Angousana, Senapati Aya Purel Major, Chongtha Mia Maj. Etc were deported in exile for taking part in the war against the British. Tikendrajit Singh and Thangal General were sentenced to death and publicly hanged in Imphal on August 13, 1891. Other prominent figures were either executed or imprisoned. On 13 October, 1891 another brave and loyal hero, Chirai Thangal was executed by hanging in jail for killing the British Telegraph Superintendent Mr. Melvin during the retaliatory attack against the British by the Manipuris.

The Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 holds a unique place in the history of Northeast India. Unlike many other princely states that submitted to British sovereignty without armed resistance, Manipur chose to confront colonial aggression. Every year, April 23 is observed as Khongjom Day in Manipur to honor the warriors who fell in the Battle of Khongjom. The event is commemorated with ceremonies at the Khongjom War Memorial, which stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Manipuri people. The war was not merely a military conflict but a profound assertion of national identity and resistance against colonial subjugation. Though Manipur was defeated and brought under British control, the courage displayed By its leaders and soldiers has continued to inspire generations.