Endless Kabaw Valley (British created vicious cycle of Manipur, Burma and India) - Part 2 - By Dr Th Suresh Part II: Anglo Manipuri Relationship It will not be too much to state that most of the ills of Manipur is due to the behavior of Garibaniwaj. One of the ablest Kings is already surrounded by one bold black mark-that of burring Manipuri historical books and destroying those valuable assets. Had he been a little tactfull, he could have kept the priceless books intact and continue his religious activities. It is his misfortune that history will never forgive him. To this, I will add another blemish that of handing over the Throne to his incompetent step-son Ajit (Chit) Sai intead of to Shyamjai Khurailakpa, the natural and competent hegir. It is again to Manipurs misfortune that one of the courageous kings of Manipur will again not be forgive by history. Let us imagine the scenario, let us see what could have happened if Garibaniwaj had not handed over the throne to Ajitsai: i) Would not there be smooth succession to the Throne in succeeding generations instead of each other fighting by various princes / kings? ii) Would the Burmese ever dare to lay their footprints in Manipur? iii) Would the British ever keep their footprints in our state? iv) Would there ever have been seven years devastation by the Burmese? v) Would there have been the never endings controversy of Kabaw Valley? These intrigue historical perspectives will become clearer and clearer to the reader in the succeeding pages. The more the writer read about Garibniwaj, the more fascinating it became. However the writer is also saddened to put in black and white that his courageous act of conquering and destroying the Burmese capital of Ava and its subordinate principalities ten times during his reign is negetivated by his various acts of omissions and commissions. Can we have a clear mindset to answer these million dollar questions? Let us try. For simple understanding by the simple readers, the Anglo-Manipuri relationship is put chronologically for three periods:- From Ajitsais reign to Nara Singhs reign (May 1748 to 1850) 1. The reader has seen above that Garibaniwaj handed over the throne to Ajitsai, the unworthy king. The 1st relationship started during the reign of this incompetent king. After Plotting and killing Garibaniwaj and Shyamjai Khurailakpa, Ajitsai was forced to abdicate the throne by his brother Bharatsai who became king. Bharatsai also conspired against Gourashyam and Jai Singh, the two sons of Shyamjai against Khurailakpa. However, another noble-hearted brother Anant Sai conspired Bharatsai who fled. By this time people came to know the bad intention of Ajitsai and Bharatsai. Hence, by peoples consent Arant Sai made his distant son Gourashyam (Moramba) and Jai Sing (Bhagyachandra) alternate king of 5 years duration each. Thus Gourashyam became king during 1753-59 and 1961-63 when he suddenly died at the age of 35/36 years. Bhagyachandra became king in April, 1759, abdicated in 1961 and handed over the same to Gourashyam. He again became king in September /October 1763 and again in March, 1768. These are the mind bogling scenarios of those periods in the history of Manipur. One has to grasp these things to understand how Anglo-Manipuri relationship began. Meanwhile, Ajit Sai who fled to Triperra (Tripura) sought British help to regain the throne of Manipur. This is the 1st beginning of Anglo-Manipuri relationship, this is the real beginning of the Anglo-Manipuri relationship. Seeing the situation, King Bhagyachandra sent one Harida Gossain (who knew Bengali) to Mr. Verelhst, the British Chief at Chittagong for negotiation. Haridas convinced the British Chief on three accounts – i) Ajit Sais plea was false and incorrect, ii) requires British help against Burma who were troubling Manipur off and on and iii) possibility of an extensive trade between British India and China through Burma and Manipur. Luckily for Manipur, during this time, British troops were harassed by the Burmese with the help of France in the ports of Negrais and Peru in Burma. Hence, Mr. Verelhst recommended acceptance of the proposal to Mr. Vansittart, the Governor General of Bengal and President of the Board of Directors of the British East-India Company. The Governor accepted the proposal and decided to send three officers to study the situation. They stayed for 14 months in Manipur and sent a report to the Governor General. The favourable report was accepted by the Governor General and thus the 1st Anglo-Manipuri treaty was signed on 14th September, 1762 at Calcutta rejecting Ajit Sais plea. Haridas Gossain signed it on behalf of King Bhagyachandra. It was decided to send six companies of sepoys under three officers. Thus under Mr. Verelhst, the sepoys left for Manipur in January, 1763, reached Kashipur of Cachar in April. However because of unfavourable weather, rain, disease etc. could not proceed to Manipur and hence returned to Bengal. Thus the terms of the treaty were not fulfilled. 2. Meanwhile one Vaishraba Brahmin was killed by his servant. The king who was a true follower of Vaishraba religion abdicated his throne for this simple incident and handed over the throne to his elder brother Gourashyam. This occurred in the year 1761. One finds that there is a disparity in the year of abdication and the year signing of the 1st treaty. Hence this needs further research. Either the abdication year is wrong, or the possibility is – the abdication occurred in December, 1761, Haridas left before abdication and when he returned to Manipur after signing, the king already abdicated the Throne. Anyway, as Bhagyachandra was no longer king, the British requested the Manipur king to send authorized persons for new signature. Accordingly king Gourashyam sent three persons with uncle Ananta Sai as leader with Podullo Singh and Chitton Singh to be assisted by Gaganath Datta who knew Bengali. Thus the 2nd Indo-Manipur treaty (terms and conditions same as the 1st one) was signed at Calcutta on 11th September, 1763 i.e. one year after the signing of the 1st one. 3. Establishment of Gambhir Singh Levy: Another mind boggling palace intrigues involving various princes were happening similar to the one after the death of Garibniwaj, after the death of Bhagyachandra. His son king Labanachandra was killed by his brother Modhuchandra and became king (1800-03). Modhuchandra made his brother Chourajit Jubaraj and Marjit Singh Senapati. Meanwhile Chourjit knew the bad intentions of King Modhuchandra, left him and went to Cacher, returned after about 1 year and 4 months and became king. Meanwhile Modhuchandra, who fled to Cachar King Krishnachandra (his daughter Indrapravas husband) for safety, invaded Manipur with the help of some British army. But he was defeated and killed by Chourajit and Marjit at Samupand near Keinou. Thus Chourajits reign continued from 1804 to 1814. Meanwhile, his brother Marjit revolted twice, reached an agreement with Awa King Ba-Gi-Dao to became king by handing over Kabaw Valley to Burma. Thus he became king during 1814-19. Later on the relationship became strained. The Awa king sent his two generals Pakhawown and Kaniwoon, invaded Manipur and captured the same on 8/1/1820 (Tuesday). Thus started the seven years devastation of Manipur which is well known to all Manipuries. Then Marjit ran to Brother Churajit at Cachar, good brother Chourajit pardoned him and gave away half of his kingdom there. By this time the reader is clear that this unworthy and incompetent king Marjit is responsible for three things: i) handing over of Kabaw Valley to Burma ii) Seven years destruction of Manipur (1820-26) and iii) establishment of Gambhir Singh Levy. Meanwhile British – Burma relationship became worst. Burma had already occupied Manipur and Assam and demanded return of the princes of the two states (including Gambhir Singh) who were in British territory. The relationship worsened further and on 5th March, 1824, Governor General Lord Armhurst declared war against Burma. Intense war broke out in the Cachar front with the Burmese having the upper hand. Thus in April, 1824, Raja Gambhir Singh Levy (later on known as Manipur Levy) was formed based on two angles: a) from the British angle – it was important to have an independent and stable buffer state of Manipur to protect British interest and to check further advance of Burma. They already knew the courage, smartness and foresightedness of Gambhir Singh and firmly believed that he could execute the intended activities, b) from the Manipur angle – Prince Gambhir Singh, with the burning idea of recapturing Manipur from the Burmese York and driving them out beyond our forfatherly occupied Kabaw Valley and surrounding area, has no other choice except to seek British help. His brother Nara Singh had also the same idea. Hence Gambhir Singh made Nara Singh the 1st commanding officer of the Levy, trained for 1 month (September) in Dhaka by British Military officers, thus Nara Singh became the 1st Manipur officer trained in modern military warefare. The British East India Company accepting the idea of rising the Gambhir Singh levy was because of the sound recommendation of Devid Scott, the Agent to the Governor General in the Assam and N.E. states. The British gave aid and assistance to drive out the Burmese and in return Gambhir will get his motherland, Manipur. The total strength of the levy was 594 army including 40 cavalry. The brevity of the Levy was shown in the Tilian (South of Silchar town) war were the two brothers defeated the Burmese troops and checked their advance in the Cachar – Sylet sector. The East India Company further wanted to pursue the Burmese upto Manipur and to drive them further. Accordingly, Brigedier – General Suldham (chief of N.E. Command) was instructed to prepare a fighting force. The General did the same the proceeded to Baskandi (at the side of Jiri River) in February, 1825. However because of bad road condition, unfavourable rain and mosquito-born diseases, the idea to proceed to Manipur was abandoned. Accordingly, the General sent a negative report to the Supreme Administrative Council of East-India Company on 11th March, 1825. 4. Freeing Manipur from Seven Years Devastation: The British set back was a major disappointment to Gambhir Singh and Nara Singh. However they were adamant, didnt want to loose the once in a lifetime chance and wanted to proceed to Manipur on their own. Accordingly, Gambhir Singh informed the British, who agreed to help as they had nothing to lose. Lt. RB. Pemberton wanted to accompany the levy, requested for leave; the leave was granted. He came down upto Manipur as an observe and became a great cheater in Kabaw Valley negotiation as explained in part I of this write-up. The Manipur journey was started on 17th May, 1825, there were pitched battles with Burma at Nunga Village, Moyang Keinou etc. But the Capital Kangla was captured on 12th June, 1825 without any fight by entering from the western entrance. Same day at 8 am., Gambhir Singh was declared king and the king declared subsequent freedom of Manipur from Burmese occupation in front of the Levy army and the crowd. Maharaj Gambhir then declared brother Nara Singh as Senapati in addition to the Commanding Officer post of the Gambhir Singh Levy. The condition of the state at that time was beyond imagination. There were no cultivation because of Seven Years Devastation. The knowledgeable king knew the condition very well. He knew that the overall development of the state as well as that of defense forces were improbable in such a situation. He also knew that unless the Army was expanded and trained fully, it would be impossible to recapture the Kabaw Valley. He discussed the situation with his brother Senapati and Lt. R.B. Pemberton in detail. It was then decided to proceed to Sylhet to take sufficient food items and accordingly left for Sylhet on 24th June, 1825. The burden of defending Kangla was handed over to Nara Singh. After becoming king, the Gambhir Singh Levy was then known as Raja Gambhir Singh Levy (name inserted by the British, hence known as such). At Sylhet, the Raja had detailed discussion with East-India Company authorities, the Company also appointed 2 British Officers, namely, Captain F.S. Grant and Lt. R.B. Pemberton as Instructor-cum-Commissioner of the said Levy. With sufficient armoury and food materials, the Raja and his party left for Manipur on 4th December 1825, reached Maklang Village on 18th and entered Kangla on 23rd December. On the same day, after having a grand feast, in a gathering, the Raja declared the important terms and conditions of the Gambhir Singh Levy as outlined below: i) From this day onwards, the Gambhir Singh Levy will be known as Manipur Levy. ii) Army strength will be increased from 500-1,500 and that of calvalry from 40-150 as agreed to by the British. iii) The expenditure of clotting, fooding, ammunition, medicine etc. will be borne by the supreme council. iv) The British will stock these materials at Chandrapur of Cachar as Arsenal (Chandrapur was developed by the Rajas father King Bhagyachandra). Hearing the terms and conditions, the Levy army were in great joy. In fact, the whole of Manipur were overjoyed. This is a milestone in the history of the Anglo-Manipuri relationship on two events. The 1st one is – the expansion and subsequent training of the Levy army led to the recapture of the Kabaw Valley. The 2nd and more disastrous one is – this further led to the handing over of the Kabaw Valley to Burma without the Rajas consent by the two British negotiators and cheaters, namely, Major F.J. Grant and Captain R.B. Pemberton (already described in detail in Chapter I and will again be described in the Chapter – Various treaties. 5. Signing of the Treaty of Yandaboo, 1826: Meanwhile the 1st Anglo-Burma war, which was started in 1825, ended in February, 1826. A treaty was signed on 24th February at the end of the war. Though Manipur was not a signatory to the Treaty, its importance has to be emphasized on 3 counts: i) Article 2 of the treaty clearly state that should Gambhir Singh return to Manipur, he shall be recognized as a sovereign king. ii) The British embassy at Burma recognized Manipur as an independent state and iii) The British assured Burma that they would not assist Gambhir Singh by giving man, money and advice-prejudicial to the Burma interest. The treaty was signed purely signed purely in English interest in the hope that no war would again broke out with Burma. It was proved wrong by the succeeding two wars. 6. Signing of Jiri Treaty of 1833: Further, a lot happened in the boundary of Cachar front. After the Aglo-Burma war, around 1830-31, Cachar had been annexed to British India. Gambhir Singh was still in possession of Chandrapur area of Cachar. Cachar King Gobindachandra, who was restored to the throne by the British after giving pensions to Manipur princes, asked the British to compel Gambhir to vacate Chandrapur area. Raja Gambhir refused to vacate the area on the ground that the area was his paternal property as his father received the land as a gift from Raja Krishnachandra, Gobindacharyas brother and former ruler of Cacher. For want of documentary evidence, Gambhirs plea was dismissed by David Scott, the Agent to the Governor General in Assam and N-E India. The Agent, however, allowed Gambhir Singh to use an area of around 240 acres east of Basbandi for a period of 15 years to establish a magazine and stationing of man for carrying arms and ammunitions to Manipur (Dr. Ibochouba quoted that a treaty for this was signed in 1830. However, according to Kulachandra Sharmas narrative, it was around 2nd half of 1825. Hence we need further research). Coming back, the writer will be skipping details of the Jiri Treaty. It will be dealt in detail in the Chapter – Various Treaties. This treaty signed on 18th April, 1833 bears political, defence and trademarks. Politically, Gambhir Singh will withdraw his thana at Chandrapur in exchange for transfer of Jiribam (Jiri) to Manipur. The Jiri river and the western bend of Barak river is the inter-state boundary between Cachar and Manipur. Defence wise – each other will protect their territory i.e. either Manipur or eastern frontier of British India in case of war with Burma. The Raja will get arms and ammunitions from the Britis for this purpose. And Trade wise – the Raja will not obstruct any British trade nor impose any heavy duty. 7. The Kabaw Valley Treaty; 1834: This dark spot in the history of Manipur is well documented and well-known to every Manipuri. The details will be dealt in the appropriate Chapter. However, the present Manipuri generation should be very clear as far as the following points are concerned. This is also kept for future generation: i) The two British cheater Major Brown and Captain Pemberton, who were negotiating bounder dispute with Burma on behalf of Manipur, handed over this precious valley to Burma on 9th January, 1834, without the consent of Raja Gambhir Singh. ii) The Manipur king had never signed this and hence this is an illegal treaty as far as Manipur is concerned. It cannot stand time-tested legal scrutiny. It also cannot stand in an international law court. iii) The cunning fox-like British took full advantage of the then weak situation of Manipur and handed over the valley in the hope that the Burmese had been contained and war could not break out. That turned out to be false as shown by another to successive wars. iv) Raja Gambhir Singh died of heart attack on hearing this bad news. v) An important clause is however found in this treaty, that of Manipur Government should get a compensation of 500 Sicca Rupees per months from the date of transfer. In the event of retrocession of Kabaw Valley to Manipur, the payment of compensation should also be stopped from the date of such retrocession. What these imply? Please read the subsequent chapter. vi) The compensation was paid by the Britisher and not by the beneficiary, the Government of Burma. 8. Nullification of the arms and ammunition clause of the Jiri Treaty: Meanwhile 1 yr. after the death of Gambhir Singh, the Manipur Levy army consisted of 3000 Sepoys. British India – Burmese border had been stabilised to some extent. The British (especially Governor General Lord William Bentinek), who was financing Manipur Levy, thought that financing such a large army is useless and wasteful of financial resources. Hence on 7th February, 1835, the British unilaterally stopped the arms and ammunition clause of the treaty. Manipur could not do much on this selfish act of the pseudo-friend British. 9. Establishment of a Political agency and appointment of 1st political agent: The Governor General who was always dreaming that the Burmese would not wedge another war with the British established a political agency by appointing a Political Agent around the same time stated at Sl. No. 7 above. The agent will also act as a communicator between British, Burma and Manipur to prevent any untoward incident between the 3 states. Hence Captain Gordon, who was adjutant to Manipur Levy as lieutenant, was appointed the 1st Manipur political agent (Gordon took one Manipuri Lady as his spouse and died in Dec. 1844). The agency was 1st placed under Bengal Presidency, letter shifted to direct control of Govt. of India in view of foreign and independent status of Manipur in 1836. However from 1879 onwards, it was placed under Govt. of Assam in view of inter border related issue; the same arrangement continued even after merged to India in 1947. Thus started the 2nd slow but steady interference of the Britishers in the affairs of the independent Manipur. The 1st one being the arrival of the 3 British officers for Manipur Levy as instructor-cum-commission in 1825. This is the turning point in Manipur history. This is the beginning of indirect British rule in Manipur. The stage is now set for further British interference. Circumstances leading to a British Protectorate State (from the reign of Chandrakirti to the capture of Kangla Palace by the British i.e. from 1850 to 27th April, 1891): 10. This period started during the reign of Chandrakirti: For clearly of the reader, a brief note of the Palace intrigues after the death of Gambhir Singh is now required. Nara Singh put minor Chandrakirti to the throne just after the death of his brother Raja Gambhir. However widowed Maharani Kumudini plotted to kill Nara Singh, the Jubaraj and the Regent. Accordingly in the evening of 27th January, 1844, while he was praying at Langthabal Palace, an attempt was made to kill him. Though severely wounded, Nara Singh survived. Kumudini along with her son ran to Cachar and reached the same on 3rd Feb. 1844. At the insistence of the people, Nara Singh ascended to the Throne at 8 am. of 8th Feb. 1884 at the aged of 55 yrs. and reigned for a brief period of 6 yrs. upto 1850. After Nara Singh death, his brother Devendra reigned for a brief period of only 3 months. By this time Chandrakirti attended majority, came back to Manipur, defeated Devendra and became king in 1850 and subsequently died on 20th May, 1886 after a long reign of 36 yrs. At the time of his ascent, Colonel McCulloch was the political agent in Manipur. To protect British interest, the agent recommended two things – immediate posting of troops and formal recognition of the new king. The British Govt. informed the agent that they would stick to the non-interferance in the succession issue in Manipur; however he was authorized to announces the policy of upholding the Raja. Accordingly the agent declared the decision of the British Govt. to protect the Raja in a public avowal. Thus unilaterally the British treated Manipur as a British Protectorate state and often referred to as an Asiatic power in alliances will the Queen. This reference will be a very useful tool in future to proof that Manipur was a sovereign state and to further strengthen the argument that the Kabaw Valley treaty was a farce, unauthorized and cannot proof legally. Our new generation also should know the British did not declared Manipur as a British protectorate State on the request of the Manipur Raja and also due to the fact that the Burmese may exert move pressure on Manipur to jeopardize their interest in NE India. The final act capture of Kangla palace complex and afterwords (i.e. from 27/4/1891–14/8/1947), 11. The Circumstances leading to this dark period is too recent, well documented and too common to repeat. Too much of this story is already in public domain to bear repetition here, but the writer cannot resist mentioning important highlights. Besides the two articles written by Dr. K. Ibochouba and Md. Badar Ruddin, as quoted above and Kulachandra Singh, other independent resource is Mr. Grimhoods book of My three years in Manipur (Delhi, Re-print 2008). These are the main resource of this chapter. Chandrakirti was succeeded by king Surchandra. The mutual distrust and jealousy among the princes seen after the death of Garibniwaj and Bheigyachadra is again repeating during this period. Two distinct groups are well established – one group is led by the king and includes his three uterine brothers Pucca Sana, Phaijao Sana and Gopal Sana, the other group is led by half brother Jubraj Kulachandra and includes Tikendrajit, Angou Sana And Zillangamba. The history becomes all the more intense is only because of the kings unbalanced siding with his uterine brother specially Pucca Sana: i) At the instigation of Pucca Sana, the king ordered that Angou Sana and Zillangamba be arrested on 22nd Sept., 1890. ii) The two accused princes got the news in the every of 21st, prepared for a revolt without the consent of Tikendrajit, they revolted around midnight of same Day. Tikendrajit, who came to defend the Citadel with his army knew who the revolters were, then, also joined the revolt. iii) Surchandra took refuse at British residency along with Pucca Sana who came to defend him with some army. There he wrote the formal abdication letter and hending over the throne to his next brother Jubaraj Kulachandra who was staying on some pretext at Nambol Phoijing. Tikendrajit who had popular mandate to became king sacrificed the same and made elder brother Kulachandra king. Thus Kulachandra was crowned around 1.07pm of 23rd Sept. 1890. He made Tikendrajit Jubaraj and Angousana Senapati. iv) On the same day Surchandra left for pilgrimage to Brindaband along with his other three brothers; reached Silchar on 3rd of October and found that the Chief Commissioner was not there. Hence he sent a telegram on 6th deneying his abdication theory. Sameday, Surchandra left for Calcutta and reached on 12th latter on, he submitted a detailed statement to the Viceroy on 12th there. 12. As stated in previous paras, the mind boggling scenario of killing 5 British Officers which led to subsequent Anglo-Manipuri war, is too recent, already in public domain and well documented. Hence the writer will touch only sensitive points and will try to present in a chronological, simplified order for the reader. Let us see whether he succeeds or not: a) After receiving detailed statement of Surchandra, the British camp was in a dilemma, to support Surchandra? To support or not to support Kulachandra? With Surchandra openly accusing the Political agent Mr. Grim Wood for siding with Tikendrajit, it became all the move complex. A section of the British also blamed Grim Wood for the palace revolt as he supported Tikendrajit. b) However, careful reading of Mrs. Grim Woods book, it is clear that her husband was only following the higher instructions, that of keeping good rapport with the king and the people. Her husband knew that Surchandra and his uterine brothers, specially Pucca Sana, were not liked by the people, Tikendrajit was very popular and loved by the people. And also the fact the king was very incompetent was noted by the Political Agent. The fact that they had open friendship with Tikendrajit was in public domain. Mr. and Mrs. Grim Wood also liked the strong and mainly behaviour, the popularity, the kindness and keeping his words to the last behaviour of Tikendrajit. These are the traits rarely seen in a prince. Hence we can conclude safely that the Political Agent and his wife had a soft corner for the Jubaraj. This is human nature. That they had taken no action detrimental to the other side is also to be noted. c) The divergent views of Viceroy Lord lansdown, Chief Commissioner Mr. Quinton and Political Agent Mr. Grim Wood were crystalised on 21/2/1891 with the Govt. of India giving final order as below: i) recognizing Jubraj Kulachandra as Raja, ii) removal of Senapati Tikendrajit and iii) making known the decision by personal visit of Mr. Quinton to Manipur. Accordingly Mr. Quinton left Golaghat for Manipur on 7th March, 1891, reached Manipur on 22nd March at 10 am. Tikendrajit received him with a guard of honour, 4 miles from Imphal. The commissioner after intering Kangla declared that a Darbar would be held soon. Inwardly he instructed Mr. Grimhood to capture Tikendrajit. To shorten, the sequence of events were as below: Quinton sought a Darbar on sameday of arrival i.e. 22nd – Kulachandra + Tikendrajit waited for long – there was delay in translation of Govt. order brought by Quinton – Jubaraj went back as he was unwell as found out by Grim Wood letter on – in the meantime got smell of his arrest also – Quinton ordered that Darbar could not be held without Tikendrajait – GrimWood – Simpson tried to see Jubaraj once in the afternoon and again in the morning of 23rd – in the evening Kulachadra got a letter from Quinton through Grim Wood to hand over the Jubaraj, if not would be arrested – Kulachadnra wrote back that a reply would be given after the Jubaraj recover his health – as nobody came, Grim Wood was again sent to the palace to see Kulachandra or his brothers – Simpson + Grim Wood again went to the palace with a letter to Maharaja threatening arrest from Quinton in case of failure of Jubaraj. Grim Wood met Kulachandra, but his mission was unsuccessful. – On way back, Grim Wood saw Tikendrajit who was ill and still refuse to attend Darbar – Quinton took the fatal decision of arresting Jubaraj by invading his residence in early morning of next day (i.e. 24th) and gave order to Colonel SKene – British played a dubious role of declaring Quinton would leave next day and see the cultural dance as planned – about 4.45 am of 24th, British troops attacked Jubarajs residence – around 8 pm. Britishers were overpowered by Manipur shoulders, they sought ceasefire, it was agreed – 5 officers led by Quinton met Jubaraj at Court Yard for ½ an hour, informed their ungrateful action, also assured safe passage upto Kohima after depositing their arms which is to be delivered at Kohima – The Officers disagreed to this proposal – Suddenly mass reprisal followed. • The unfortunate political agent was pushed by Nepra Koot and Kajao speared him to death. • Quinton, Colonel Skene, Cossins, Lt Sropson and one bugler were taken to the green space in front of the Kangla Dragon and beheaded by the public Executioner under the order of General Thangal aid the Jubaraj. • Mrs. Grim Wood and her party of some army however escaped safely to Cachar. • The British reprisal was swift and fatal. 3 Columns viz, Cachar, Kohima and Tamu column moved to Manipur on 15th, 20th and 23rd respectively and captured Kangla Complex at about 10 am of 27th, April, 1891. • Might is right trial started by establishing a special court for Royal Family and 2 political officers were vested power for trial of other persons. • Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Niranjan Subedar, Kajao and Chanai Thangal were hanged publicly amidst heart – rendering cries of thousands of men and women at polo ground, at the place where the present Sahid Minar stoods, on 13th August. Jubaraj Kulachandra, Angousana and other were departed to Andaman. Thus ended the unfortunate drama in the dark period of Manipurs history. 13. Award or two about Mrs. Grim Wood: Reading her book My three years in Manipur, the writer always feel sorry and unhappiness for this couple. No due had been given to them properly. They were true friends of the Manipuries. In their 1st stint as political Agent, Mrs. Grim Wood stated that every child dances in Manipur. The couple also visited Loktak Lake and its beautiful surroundings and were popular with the crowd/common Manipuries. She also stated that Manipuri women were much more enlightened and intelligent in consequences. Women folks were favourites of Mrs Grim Wood. Their 2nd Stint, after the death of their success Mr. Health, was as disastrous as Mrs. Grim Woods superstitions ideas before coming back to Manipur. Somehow or other She never liked their 2nd posting to Manipur, but fate was otherwise. It is clear that they had no prior information of the empending arrest of the Jibaraj, Mr. Grim Wood knew it only on 21st March (Saturday) one day before Mr. Quinton and his party arrived. They always felt sorry for the Jubaraj for the consequences to follow. Her husband did what was told i.e. establish friendly feelings with the princes and learn their language so as to acquire an influence over the Maharaja and the state itself. She also stated that there was a loss of dignity in her husbands friendship with the Jubaraj and wandered why those opposing this view never commented to approve or disapprove the same. Her husband, when ordered to arrest the Jubaraj at the close of the durbar, left very bitter. The British or Mr. Quinton thought that if Mr. Grim Wood deliver the message, the popular and powerful Jubaraj would feel less. i) Ifs and buts: a) That idea was true and excellent. If Mr. Grim Wood was given some time and free hand, he could have definitely found an amicable solutions. b) the ugly incident occurred only due to Mr. Quintons decision to invade the Jubarajs residence to arrest him around 4.45 am. Of 24th March, 1891 and c) the entire fault lies squarely on the shoulder of incompetent Quinton. ii) It is all the more disheartening to learn that exiled king Surchandra accused Mr. Quinton of disarming his troops without his content. iii) It is further disheartening to learn that the opportunist king Kulachandra gave a statement stating that the British prisoners were murdered by his brother, the beloved Jubaraj, without his knowledge or consent. iv) Mrs. Grim Woods dreaded flight started after leaving behind the Residency at 2 oclock morning of 25th and reaching Cachar on 3rd April, 1891. It is to our fortune that she was still alive to tell the true story of that dreadful period. It is to her greatness that she didnt accuse anybody, alive or dead, in her book. Even the Red Cross, awarded by her majesty, did not change her attitude. Let God bless her soul. 14. Establishment of British Reserve: Before capture of Kangla Complex, a British residency was already there since Gambhir Singhs period. However after the last battle, the Master was searching a safe and complex place both for their subjects and the Military. Hence a British Reserve was established in and around Imphal town measuring about 310 acres in September, 1891 by extending The Cantonment Act, 1889 and the Cruelty to Annimals Act, 1890. The British Reserve included – the cantonment (old palace complex), and the Residency, the state Thana, the Post and Telegraph office, the state Treasury, the State Jail, the Civil hospital and the land at Kangchup. The hospital, public offices and bazar area were not reserved and people were allowed to use those. 15. Churachnd Maharajas reign: On 29th April, 1892, minor Churachand Sings, aged five, were put to the throne, he attend majority in 1907. Departing from earlier norm, for the 1st time a British was appointed regent to the minor Raja. Thus major Maxwell, the political agent also became regent. After attaining Majority, the state administration was transferred to the Raja assisted by Manipur State Durbar. The sequences were as follows: i) The Raja was made ex-officio president of the Durbar. ii) The British made different rules for the valley and the hills for administrative purposes. iii) The Durbar was bestowed move power then the Raja under the Manipur Administration Rules, 1907. iv) A British officer was made vice President of the Durbar, he was made more powerful than the Raja. v) British India had full control of the Durbar, both Valley and Hills, vi) The Maharaja and the Durbar was given power only to administer the valley, had no power to administer the hills. The hills were administered by the political agent and the assistant political agent (vice president of the Durbar). vii) The rule was amended on 1916 to made the vice President as President. The Raja can overvide the Durbar only with the consent of the political agent. The president was also given power to administer hill areas on behalf of the Raja. viii) Only in 1931, abler the Naga unrest, a Manipuri as appointed as assistant to the president of the Durbar. Thus sum total is – all powers are vested to the Britishers, they tried to divide the hills and the valley to bring disunity for their convenience, and the Raja was only nominal head. After British left Manipur is August, 1947, the legacy was transferred to the independent India Government who got into the shoes of the British Masters. 16. A native state vs the subordinate state: This chapter cannot be complete without discussing this underlying idea. For all practical purposes, as stated in the proceeding paras, the state administration was run by the Britishers with the Raja as nominal head. However, Manipur was not annexed and remained a native state. The matter was thoroughly discussed in British Parliament. Assam Chief Commissioner, Mr. Ward was strongly in favour of annexation. However ex-Viceroys of India, Lord Ripon and Lord North Crook, and Lord Derby were against it. Public opinion in India and Britain was also against it. This was clearly stated in the government of Indias Resolution of Manipur, 21st August, 1891. Though become liable to the penalty of annexation, the British had not exercised it. The proclamation stated that ….. had graciously assented to the re-establishment of the native rule under such condition …… The Viceroy Lord Landsdowne, finally remarked that Manipur had not been annexed as a mark of clemency. What proof one want now? Is not it legally binding? Is not it enough to stand legal scrutiny? 17. The culprits: From the various discussions given in the preceding paras, we can now safely conclude that two persons, one Manipur king and another Britisher are responsible for the unfortunate incident that took place. They are:- i) The incompetent king Surchandra who sided with his uterine brothers, especially Pucca Sana, instead of taking a neutral and reasonable stand in the various palace fights among the princes. ii) The another person is unworthy Assam Chief Commissioner Mr. Quinton who ordered invasion of Tikendrajits residence to arrest him instead of trying to have an honorable negotiated settlement. These are ifs and buts, the readers will have more in the coming chapters. (N.B.: Approximate locations of Samjok and Ka-Ya (Koi) Kingdom is the knowledge the writer gained during conversation with Kulachandra Sharma.) (An indepth analysis is a attempted for Kabaw Valley under different sub headings i) boundary - Past and Present, ii) Anglo-Manipuri relationship iii) Manipur - Burma relationship, iv) Indo-Manipuri relationship, v) various treaties and finally vi) what we can do; being published serial wise - editor) @Surchandra@
Posted on: Thu, 21 Nov 2013 10:48:55 +0000
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