A Short Constitutional History of Manipur (1891-1972) |
Written by Justice RK Manisana Singh, published by Smt Usa Devi, Price Rs 30/-, Page 102. Reviewed by: Konsam Kulladhwaja |
Many political changes had taken place in Manipur between the years 1891-1972. Therefore, the author was tempted to write a short Constitutional History of Manipur (1891-1972) mentioned in the preface. The book features five chapters and twelve appendices. In this first chapter the author defines the terms like 'Independent States’, 'Protectorate', 'Sovereignty', 'Suzerainty', 'Treaty' and 'vassal State'. In the second chapter the author chalks out the relationship between Manipur and the British. Manipur was an independent State before the events of 1891. There were, however, treaties between the Maharajah of Manipur and the British Government mainly for trade and military alliance. Gradually, the British regarded Manipur as a 'protected State' although it was not as such in its real sense of the term. It was purely a unilateral act of the British in order to make Manipur stable and strong enough to repel any Burmese attack upon British India. But the British often interfered in or with the internal affairs of Manipur. In the war of 1891 between the British and Manipur, Manipur was defeated. Chapter third deals with the administration of Manipur before the Indian Independence Act, 1947. The author depicts the political situation of Manipur (After the Indian Independence Act 1947). Manipur was one of the Indian States. 'Indian State' means any territory, not being part of British India, which His Majesty recognizes as being such a State, whether described as a State, an Estate, a jagir or otherwise, so writes the author. That was from 15th October 1949 the Ministers in Manipur State would cease to function. There are lots of information and the dates in the Appendix which would be very important. The documents include among others Manipur Merger Agreement, Manipur (Administration) Order, 1949 State's Merger Order, 1950 etc. |
Courtesy: The Sangai Express |
* 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.