Endless Kabaw Valley
(British created vicious cycle of Manipur, Burma and India)
- Part 5 -

By Dr Th Suresh *

Kabaw Valley - Pix :: DocNelson/Flickr

Part III : Manipur-Burma Relationship

Earlier period of Manipur-Burma relationship is not well documented in our State presently. One important source, i.e. Cheitharol Kumbaba by Khelchandra et al, is under fresh editing with many corrections as told by writepr Kulachandra Sharma to the pen-driver in person.

The other main source is the in-depth research done by the great British cheater Lt.R.B.Pemberton on Shan Chronology. From Garibniwaj's period onwards, well documented materials are available and are quoted by various writers. The original materials may not be available in Manipur, but actual locations are well-mentioned in (L) Professor N. Sanajaoba edited book "Manipur-Past and Present" which continues to be one of the main resources of this write up.

The pen-driver also found out that many valuable books / write ups are haphazardly presented on a majority of occasions leading to frequent confusions. As a result, a book/write up has to be read and re-read many times to understand properly. This may be due to lack of knowledge of history on the part of the writer. However, having learnt thesis writing during M.D. study under one Gold Medallist, he is always striving hard for clarity always. Whether succeeded or not is left to the readers.

For clarity of the simple readers, the Manipuri Burma relationship is presented chronologically under five sub-headings:-
1) Before Garibniwaj's reign i.e. up to 1748.
2) From Garibniwaj's reign to Bhagyachandra's (1748-1799).
3) From Labanachandra's reign to final departure of British (1800 -14th August, 1949).
4) Period of complete independence from British (15/8/1947-14/10 1949) and,
5) Final act of annexation to India and onwards (15/10/1949 and onwards).

1) Before Garibniwaj's reign i.e. up to 1748 :-

During this period, research on Shan Chronology has given various resources, especially for about 450 years i.e. from 1263 to1748 (king Khumomba-Charairongba reign). This period witnessed a lot of Ding-Dong battle between Manipur and Burma. As Pemberton stated "Manipur's size extended or contracted according to the fluctuating fortunes and prowess of her monarchs". However during the Ding-Dong battle, Manipur was always in the upper hand and a part of the present Burma, beyond Ningthe River was always occupied by us.

Naturally our claim to these areas is authentic, legal and historically well documented. How far and up to which specific area is only to be found out. At that time, as in succeeding periods, 'might is right' rule always prevailed. The following presumptions could be safely put forward:
i) various Manipuri kings namely Khumongba, Ningthoukhomba, Kiyamba,Mongyamba and Khagemba crossed Ningthe River and annexed those areas to Manipur boundary by conquest.
ii) how far they travel? It varies from 1 day to 4 days journey by foot. Hence we can have a rough idea of Manipur boundary at that time. That means the boundary lies to the eastern side of Ningthe River between 1 to 4 days journey, most probably near or up to River Irrabaddy and its tributarial tracts (see chapter I for details).
iii) hence the so called Kabaw Valley and these extended areas were always under Manipur. No doubt about this, no quarrel to be entertained.

2. From Garibniwaj to Bhagyachandra's reign (1709-1799) :

This period, especially Garibniwaj's relationship with Burma and his adventure to the Burmese territory, is well documented and hence nobody can disclaim it. This has been described in detail in chapter I, sl.no.7. The courageous King invaded Burma for10 years out of which 7 years (1738/39-1744/45) were continuous. By capturing Myedu, Samjok, Matsem, Debayen etc. and destroying Awa Capital Sagaing/ Tsitkiang, the able King established his Supremacy over Burma beyond any doubt. He selected one Burman and put him to the Burmese Throne is also well documented. His other campaign of defeating Kaya King at the request of Burmese king Dipati at the fake end of his reign is again well documented.

Hence the Manipur boundary during his reign must have been in normal time, at least, up to the up and down stream of River Irrawaddy and its tributaries based on the natural courses of the Rivers and the Mountains.

The Manipur Burma relationship was not stabilized during the period -'after the death of Garibniwaj and beginning of Bhagyachandra's reign'. Burma invaded Manipur thrice during the early reign of Bhagyachandra. He ran thrice to Cachar in 1765,1769 and 1773. However afterwards the boundary stabilized and the King was able to maintain the status quo as was during the reign of Garibniwaj.

3) From Labanachandra's reign to final departure of British (1800 to 14/8/1947) :

This period saw important events, mind boggling incidents and various palace intrigues. Bhagyachandra's son King Labanachandra was killed by his brother Madhuchandra. Madhuchandra was again killed by his brother Chourajit and Marjit. The jealous Marjit revolted twice against brother Chourajit (pl. refer chapter II and ref. book of Kulachandra Sharma). Important events having historical bearings are:-

i) the unworthy Marjit made an agreement with powerful Awa King BaGi Dao by handing over our precious Kabaw Valley to Burma, became king and thus reigned during 1814-19 Later on, the relationship became strained. He was supposed to present during the King's coronation event, but absented on some pretext. This made the Awa King angry. He sent his two powerful generals, Pakhawown and Kaniwoon, invaded Manipur and captured the same in 1819. Thus started the Seven Years Devastation of Manipur (1819-1825) which is well known to every Manipuri.

Part IV: Indo-Manipuri Relationship

This was a turbulent period for Manipur. Many political uprisings, social stratification, Congress leadership fight, Maharaja's own fight etc. dominated the landscape. The pen driver don't have time and space to revisit those dark historical periods in this series. May be it can be dealt with in another series. Only relevant points can be touched. The pen driver also can't proceed this chapter without referring to ''before British departure period''.

Hence the write up of this chapter can be divided into three periods:-A) Before British departure B) From the time British left up to merger to India (i.e.15/8/1947 to15/10/1949) and C) Merger and Nehru's last hurrah (i.e.15/10/1949 to 30/3/1953).In keeping with the style shown in previous chapters, the write up is again presented in a chronological order for the sake of readers.

A)Before British departure:- Let us again read it in two periods-1) Churachand's reign and 2) Early period of Bodhchandra's reign.

1) Churachand's reign:- In relevant chapters, it was stated that minor Churachand Singh was put to the Throne on 29th April, 1892 at the age of five as nominal head. The political agent was the 'de fecto administrator of the State'. As a result of the Anglo-Manipuri war, Manipur was to give a fine of Rs 50,000/ per year for 5 yrs. to the British wef 21/8/1891--a big amount at that time. Hence a series of events/changes/uprisings took place--

i) Heavy tax--a series of taxes were introduced like Rs 2 in the valley and Rs 3 in the hills per house per year, land revenue tax of Rs 5 per pari per year, varies taxes for many items/occasions etc. Some of these were from previous regimes but were enforced more vigorously.

ii) Stratification of society--with touchable and nontouchables declared by the king /Brahmasabha/Rattan and paying of Rs 50 to 500 per person for revocation order, other bad practices like pothang system i.e. free carriage and fooding for Amines and peons, bending and removal of shoes in the court, and finally social stratification with poor state subjects on lower echelon and British agents, the king, Darbar and state officials and Mawari traders as exploitive class on higher echelon were practised

iii) Starting of social uprising--in the valley,1904 Thoubal villagers' refusal against pothang service and 1913 protest against oppressive tax system; and in the hills,1917-1919 Kabui rebellion against forced labour, Zeliangrong movement against Christianity led by Jodanong which culminated into a semi-military, semi-religious and political character by 1929,1919 formation of Tangkhul Long( Assembly),1934 arrest of Rani Gaidinleu and 1934 Kabui Samiti of Rongmei were notables.

iv) Growth of political conscious middle class--the period, specially 1922-1933, shows a series of publications/ daily newspapers, worth mentioning are:-1922 Meitei Chanu Magazine with Irabot as editor, 1930 Yakairol newspaper with Ningthoujam Leirel as editor,1933 Lalit Manjuri Patrika and finally coming up of two daily newspapers-Deinik Patrica and Manipuri Matam. These events led to collective movement against feudal and colonial rule by the politically conscious middle class. This finally culminated to the beginning of mass Political awakening.

v) Formation of Nikhil Hindhu Manipuri Mahasabha( NHMM)--it was formed in 1934 among the Meiteis. Present youngsters and coming up generations should know its importance in that a) it is the 1st seed of political party in the state b) Hijam Irabot was a pioneer c) 1st session was held on 30th May, 1934 at Rasmandal of the present Palace with Churachand Maharaj as President and over 300 delegates from Cachar, Tripura, Dacca and Burma attended and d) its objective was to bring unity and overall welfare of Manipuris settled in different parts of the world.

Its 2nd session was held at Silchar in 1936 and 3rd one at Mandalay on2-3rd March 1937 with Irabot as President. Its 4th session, known as Chinga Hill session, held on 29-30th December, 1938 is historically important in that the word Hindu was dropped and known as NikhiL Manipuri Mahasabha (NMM), Maharaja distanced himself and Irabot was appointed President and it was the 1st unpublished political party in the state. It also took important resolutions, viz, socially--removal of touchable and un-touchables, removal of social evils etc., politically--release of Rani Gaidingleu, restoration of self rule and elected representative, uniform administration for hills and valley etc.

In February, 1939, newly elected Secretary Chingakham Pishak forwarded the English version of the resolution to Mr. Mac Donald (president of State Darbar), the Darbar rejected the demand and on 15th February,1939, it was branded as a political party and banned all its activities.

vi) 12th December, 1939 Nupi Lal (The Great Womens' uprising):-Its Sega is well known with remembrance function every year. It was uprising by the Manipuri Womenfolk for the oppression prevailing at that time in general and against artificial price rise and scarcity of rice specifically.

vii) In the hills- Vaiphei National Organisation and Hmar Association was formed in1944 and 1945 respectively.

2) Early period of Bodhchandra's reign (i .e. 1941 to British departure):-

The world scene around this time looks like fascinating with the end of 2nd world war round the corner. The Normandy landing, known as D-Day, by the Allied troops under its supreme commander General Eisenhower was executed on 6th June, 1944. The result was more than expectation. German field Marshal Rommel called the day as the Longest Day. After a bitter fight of 2 months and 20 days, Paris was surrendered by German General Von Choltitz to De Gaulle's General Leclerc on 25th August, 1944(Friday).

Than exactly after 1yr. of D-Day, Germany was defeated by the Allied Forces. On 7th May, 1945, German forces in North West Germany, Denmark and Holland surrendered to Allied Forces at Eisenhower's headquarter at Rheims. The instrument of surrender was signed by German General Jodl; Soviet Union was represented by General Susloparov. On the other hand, at just before midnight of next day i.e. 8th May, 1945, Berlin was surrendered to Soviet Commander General Jhukov.

The surrender instrument was signed by German General Keitel, Admiral Friedeburg and General Stumpff; America was represented by Eisenhower's deputy, Air Chief Marshal Tedder and Air Force Commander in Europe, General Carl Spaatz . Hitler committed suicide on 30th April, 1945 and with the Americans dropping Atom Bombs at two Japanese cities, the 2nd World War soon came to an end with Japan surrendering on 2nd September 1945.

Around this time, with eminent British departure from the sub-continent and also Indian National Congress taking keen interest in Manipur as a part of broader strategy of Princely States, Manipur saw lots of hot steam, political manuveours and uprisings--
i) The period also saw more prominence of Irabot after his return to Manipur in early part of 1945.He re-organised a lot of fronts-- womens', farmers', students' etc.
ii) Formation of 3 openly declared political parties for the 1st time in Manipur-rural based Manipur krishik Sabha(MKS), urban based Manipur Praja Sangha(MPS) with same ideology and urban elite based Manipur State Congress (MSC) with another ideology.
iii) 5th April,1946-Wangkhei joint meeting of MKS and MPS took strong resolution against Goupland Plan of ''Crown Colony" i.e. formation of an independent N-E Frontier Province and Indian National Congress plan of ''Poorvanchal Pradesh" combining Cachar , Manipur and Tripura.
iv) May, 1946 Nambol meeting of Krishak Sabha elected Irabot as President and demanded restoration of popular Government.
v) 21st August, 1946--Praja Mandal and Praja Sanmelani merged with Irabot as President and R.K.Bhubonsana as General Secretary. Its 1st general body meeting also demanded restoration of responsible form of Government.
vi) 4th October, 1946 Aryan Theatre Meeting--called by pro Mahasabha students to form a united party, with Bhubansana presiding, showed disunity when Irabat's name was proposed as a representative. Irabot supporters walked out. Then the remaining members formed Manipur State Congress with Bhubansana as President and Khoimacha as Secretary. Thus our inability to unite at critical juncture was again shown; the stage is now set for intense political power struggle.
vii) 12th December, 1946--Maharaj Bodhchandra set up his own constitution making committee, indirect elections were held and a 16 member committee was inaugurated on 3rd March,1947.
viii) 16-17th March, 1947 Khurai meeting--3rd meeting of Praja Sangha rejected the above.
ix) July,1947--an important piece of Act was formed namely The Manipur constitution Act,1947 visualising an elected Legislative Assembly with 3years duration and a total strength of 53 member --30 vally,18 hills,3 Muslims and 2 nominated.

(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)

To be continued ....