CONTENTS - Vol I


Foreword by N. Sanajaoba
Prologue by Editor
Acknowledgments by Editor
Volume I

Chapter 1
Reassessing History For Posterity - Editor's Rationale: 1
Dr. H. Dwijasekhar Sharma
1 Manipur Through Manipuri Eyes: 1
2. Modernity Viewpoint Of History: 6
3. Imagining Post-Modernity: 13
4. Thinning Values of `Sovereignty' Vs Ascendancy Of `Market': 16
5. 'Secularism' et al Becoming Misplaced in Post-Colonial Era: 18
6. Historicism and True Historical Understanding: 20
7. Continuum of Time From 50,000 Years B.P.: 21
8. Affinity of Manipur Culture to 2nd Millennium B.C. Chinese Culture: 22
9. Trade as the Golden Goose Hill Chiefs Could Not Apportion: 23
10. Relevance of Economic History: 24

References & Notes:
References 26

Notes:
1. The Chinese Miracle: 28
2. Cultural Factors in Economic Development: 31
3. Cultural Materialist Viewpoint: 39
4.'Vulnerable Manipur': 42

Chart:
1. Aesthetics (Highest Synthesis And Ultimate Concern) 30

Tables: 1-1: Spectrum of Positions (Increasing Thinness) of Tonniesian/Weberian Practices & Concepts: 38
1-2: Cultural Materialist: Infrastructure: 41

Chapter 2
The Historical, Archaeological, Religious & Cultural Significance of 'Kangla': The Ancient Citadel of Manipur: 45
Pandit N. Khelchandra Singh
1. Tracing Origin of Kangla in Pre-Pakhangba or Khaba Era: 45
2. How Pakhangba Became the God-King of Manipur? 45
3. Origin of The Manipuri People: 47
4. Coronation at `Kangla Men': 48
5. Lallup & Panna Systems as Introduced By Pakhangba: 49
6. Growth of Kangla as a Fortress City Through the Ningthouja Clan 50
7. Kangla-Centric Prosperity of Ancient Manipur: 51
8. Desertion of Kangla during the Burmese Assault: 55
9. Details of Kangla Fort From the Various Annals: 55
10. The Intricate Kangla System: 56
11. Final Assault on Kangla _ The Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891: 57
12. The Climactic Aftermath _ Beheading of Quinton & Others: 58
13. Demolition of Kangla By Brigadier General Collett: 59
14. Post-1891 Status of Kangla: 59
15. Iconic Symbolism of Kangla: 60
16. Monuments, Historical Sites & Remains in Kangla: 61

References Further References & Notes:
References: 68
Further References: 69

Notes:
1. How Pakhangba Extirpated Khaba Chief Nongjengba From Kangla 70
2. The Evolution of Meitei Polity: 71
3. Significance of Kangla in the Economic History of Manipur: 73
4. Kangla as a Central Place Market System: 79
5. Role of Kangla in the Evolution of the Meitei Polity: 80
6. Mythical Significance of Kangla: 82
7. Manipur in the Eyes of Foreign Historians: 84
8. Manipur as the Origin of Polo: 88
9. Handloom & Handicrafts of Manipur: 93

Tables:
2-1: Chronology of the Rajas of Manipur 65
2-2: British Officers Who Served as Political Agents in Manipur: 67
2-3: Names of Traditional Royal Apparels: 96
2-4: Traditional Colours for Different Salais/Clan Members: 97
Chapter 3
The Prehistoric Stone Age_Archaeological Background of Manipur: 99
Dr. O. Kumar Singh

1. Introduction: 99
2. Prehistoric Stone Age: 100
3. Palaeolithic Culture: 100
4. Hoabinhian Culture: 105
5. Neolithic Culture: 107
6. Mayr's 'Founder Principle': 110
7. Sequencing of Stone Age Culture of Manipur: 112
8. Conclusion: 112

References, Further References & Notes
References: 114
Further References : 117

Notes:
1. Pre-Historic Stone Age: Archaeological Background of Manipur: 118
2. George Van Driem's Landmark Findings: 122
3. Further Evidences: 127
4. Transformation into a Rationalized Culture for Descendent-Hominoids: 128
5. Early Indian Influence on Southeast Asia: 128

Tables:
3-1: Chronological Sequence: Stone Age Cultures: Manipur: 111
3-2: Pre-Historic Stone Age: Archaeological Background of Manipur 120
3-3: Development Of China's Sichuan Culture & Splitting-Up of the Tibeto-Burman Languages Family in South/South-East Asia: 121
Chapter 4
Mera Haochongba Festival_The Traditional Hill-Valley Interface: The 'Carnival' of Manipur: 133
A. Kamson
1. Defining Mera Haochongba: 133
2. Pre-Colonial State Formation in the Hill Societies: 135
3. Mera Haochongba_A Time-Defying Tradition: 137
4. Hypotheses_The `Rainbow Coalition' Effect: 138
5. Inter-Communal Harmony_The Basic Aim of Mera Haochongba: 141
6. Mera Haochongba as Per Available Accounts: 144
7. Kabui & Various Ethnoses Cohabiting in Manipur Valley: 147
8. Mera Sanduba_As a Prologue to Mera Haochongba: 150
9. Villagewise Annuities: 151
10. Present Status of Mera Haochongba: 154
11. Upendra Commission Vests a Defining Role to Mera Haochongba: 157
12. Mera Haochongba As Bonding Ritual For Ethnic Groups 162

Appendix:

I. Extracts: Report of the Upendra Judicial Commission of Inquiry: 2001: 164

II. Action Taken Report (ATR) On The Recommendations Of The Upendra Judicial Commission Of Inquiry Set Up By The Govt. of Manipur: Vide Notification No.8/1(1)2001-H Dated 14th July 2001 To Inquire Into The Incidents of 18th June, 2001 at Imphal: 170

References, Further References & Notes:
References 173
Further References 174

Notes:
1. British Negation of Mera Haochongba Led to Inter-Ethnic Eruptions: 174
2. Hill Administration Under the British Regime: 176
3. Naga-Kuki Conflict in Manipur: 180
4. Mera Haochongba Conjoins The Hills & Plains Peoples: 182
5. Mera Haochongba as Trade Networking: 187
6. Instances of Manipuri Kings' Forays into Hill Villages: 192
7. There'll Always Be `A Manipur With A Generalized Culture': 193
8. Manipur's Transcending `Exceptionality' 196
9. British Attitude towards the Hills: 197
10. Aborigines in Canada & Australia 200

Tables:
4-1: Villagewise Chiefs Participating in Mera Haochongba: 150-51
4-2: Presents Brought forth by the Hill Chiefs for the King: 152-53
4-3: Area & Demography of four Manipur Districts Claimed For Nagalim: 160
4-4: Manipur Hill Sub-Areas Allotted to Specific British Officers: 200
Chapter 5-A
The Golden Rule of Garib Niwaz: 201 R. K. Jhalajit Singh

1. Lineage: 201
2. Condition of Manipur During Garib Niwaz's Reign: 201
3. Contemporaneous Condition In Burma: 202
4. Consolidation of Manipur By Garib Niwaz: 203
5. Freedom From Hunger: 205
6. Housing Condition: 209 7. Protection Against Wild Animals: 210
8. Promotion of Public Health: 212
9. Vindication of Manipur's Honour: 214
10. Burmese Invasion on Manipur: 216
11. The Samjok Rebellion: 216
12. Simultaneous Invasions on Manipur: 217
13. The Truth That Sticks!': 219
14. Invasion of Sagaing: 220
15. Victories of Peace: 220
16. Immigration of Brahmins: 221
17. Friendship with Neighbouring States 222
18. Development Works: 222
19. Birth of Jai Singh (Bhagyachandra): 223

References, Further References & Notes:
References: 223

Notes:
1. Fortunes of Manipur at its Highest During the Garib Niwaz Era: 224
2. Innovative Reforms of Garib Niwaz: 226
3. Garib Niwaz as an Imperialist Precursor of a Colonialist (?): 227
4. The Mystery Weapon Arambai, Most Dreaded by the Burmese: 229
5. The Manipuri Pony: 233
6. Backgrounder on Contemporaneous Burma: 237

Tables:
5A-1: Exports from Manipur to Cachar: 236
5A-2: Manipur Export Livestock (1946-47 & 1956-57): 237

Chapter 5-B
Sanskritization Process of Manipur Under King Garib Niwaz: 241
Sairem Nilbir

1. Introduction: 241
2. Charairongba as The First Hinduized King: 241
3. Initiation of Garib Niwaz into Hinduism; 242
4. Destruction of Umang Lai Deities & Temples: 243
5. Identification of Gotras with Yeks/Salais: 244
6. Introduction of a Casteless/Varnaless Hindu Society: 245
7. Burning of Annals or Puyas: 245
8. Identification of Manipuri Festivals with Hindu Festivals: 248
9. Renaming the Kingdom as Manipur: 249
10. Last Days of King Garib Niwaz: 249
11. Conclusion: 250

References, Further References & Notes :
References 251

Notes

1. The Sanskritization -vs- Indianization Theses: 252
2. Descent of Sanamahi Religion: 255
3. Hinduism Reached its Apogee during Bhagyachandra's Reign: 259
4. Transition from Pakhangba to Sanamahi Lineage: 260
5. Sana-Leibak Manipur as Test-Tube of Religion & Identity: 262
6. Manipuriness : Values to Defend: 264
7. Oriental Happiness 270

Tables::
5B-1: Gotras Made Convergent to Yeks/Salais: 245
5B-2: Old Meitei Books Consigned to flame by Garib Niwaz: 246
Chapter 6
Rajarshi Bhagyachandra The Royal Saint and Patriot: 273
Dr. K.Manikchand Singh

1. Introduction: 273
2. Burmese Invasion of 1758: 274
3. Bhagyachandra - the Diplomatic Genius: 276
4. Bhagyachandra's War with Burma, 1764: 279
5. Bhagyachandra in the Ahom Capital: 280
6. Capture of Wild Elephants: 281
7. The Return of Bhagyachandra: 283
8. Further Conflict with Burma: 285
9. Efficient Administrator: 288
10. Unmatched Valour & Patriotism: 289
11. Bhagyachandra's Dharma: 292
12. Ras-Lila: 295
13. Pilgrimage to Vrindavan: 297

References, Further References & Notes :
References 299
Further References 299

Notes:
1. Religious Footprints of Bhagyachandra: 299
2. The Burmese Menace: 301
3. Historical Significance of Natural Border Of Manipur: 306
4. Glorious Reign of Bhagyachandra: 307
5. Religious Transformation of Manipur Under Bhagyachandra: 308
6. Summing Up: 311
7. Economic Content of The Anglo-Manipur Treaty (14 Sept 1762): 312
8. Lasting Consolidation of Manipur 314
9. Rajarshi Bhagyachandra as an Envisioned Social Engineer: 314

Tables:
6-1: Burmese Menace in Terms of Recurrence & Plunderage: 304
6-2: Products of Manipur Pledged By Goursai Towards Defraying
Expenses of English Troops: 313

Chapter 7
Maharaja Gambhir Singh _The Maker of Modern Manipur! 317
Dr. K. Manikchand Singh

1. Introduction: 317
2. Lineage of Gambhir Singh: 318
3. Gambhir Singh's Self-Exile in Cachar: 320
4. Liberation of Manipur by Gambhir Singh: 326
5. Gambhir Singh's Khasi Campaign: 328
6. Gambhir Singh in Sylhet Rath Yatra & Imam Celebrations: 329
7. Gambhir Singh's Cachar Campaign: 330
8. Gambhir Singh's Campaign in Naga Hills upto Assam Border: 331
9. Political Map of Greater Manipur Delineated by Gambhir Singh: 332
10. Gambhir Singh's Creditable Achievements: 335
11. Gambhir Singh as the Heralder of Modern Manipur?: 337
12. Cession of the Kabo Valley: 339
13. The Tragic End of Gambhir Singh: 342
14. British Modus Operandi to Further Cut up Manipur: 343
References, Further References & Notes : 346
References, Further References & Notes: 348

Notes:

1. Definitions: 348
2. De Facto Position of Manipur between 1826 and 1891: 348
3. De Jure Sovereignty Status of Manipur after 1826: 349
4. Anglo-Manipuri Relations: 353
5. The Modernization Process: 355
6. Manipur's Case on the Kabo Valley Issue: 358
7. Transcending Issues of Burma-Manipur Boundary in the 20th Century: 364
8. Pony as Possible Cause for Manipur's Seven Years' Devastation: 364
9. History of Shri Govindaji's Temple: 365

Appendices:

I: Manipur Monarchs' Campaign & Occupation: Kabo Valley & Trans-Chindwin Basin: 367

II: Genealogical Tree of Konbaung or Alaungpaya Dynasty (1752-1846): 369

III: Translation of the Conditions Entered into by Raja Gambhir Singh of Munnipore, On British Government Agreeing To Annex To Munnipore The Two Ranges Of Hills Situated Between The Eastern & Western Bends Of The Barak, The 18th April 1833 (Aitchison C.U.No. LXX -1833): 369

IV: The Kubbo Valley, &Affairs On That Frontier: (Extracts From Chapter VII: The Kubbo Valley, &Affairs On That Frontier Of J.Clarke's Precis of Correspondence, &c. Regarding Manipur Affairs & the Cession of The Kubo Valley To Burma): 370

V: List Of 38 Heroes Engaged For The Cachar Campaign: 381