My Experiences in Manipur and the Naga Hills Informative Summary

Overview:

Sir James Johnstone’s “My Experiences in Manipur and the Naga Hills” is a fascinating memoir that chronicles his experiences as a British Political Agent in the region during the late 19th century. The book provides a unique glimpse into the daily life and challenges of colonial administration in a remote and complex area.

Johnstone’s account is filled with vivid descriptions of the landscapes, the various tribal groups inhabiting the hills, and the intricacies of political maneuvering between the British government, the Manipur Durbar, and the Naga tribes. He emphasizes the importance of personal government and his belief that the machine-like system imposed by the British was ill-suited to the needs and culture of the native peoples.

Key Findings:

The British colonial government’s approach to the Naga Hills was characterized by timidity and a reluctance to extend their control, leading to instability and conflict.
The Angami Nagas were a powerful and proud tribe who resisted British authority and were adept at warfare and poisoning.
Manipur, under Rajah Chandra Kirtee Singh, was a complex and often unstable state, with a history of internal strife and assassination.
Johnstone’s experience highlights the challenges of balancing colonial authority with respecting native customs and traditions.

Learning:

Colonial Administration: The text provides insights into the challenges and complexities of British colonial administration in a remote and culturally diverse region. Johnstone’s approach emphasizes the importance of understanding and adapting to local customs and political dynamics.
Naga Tribes: Readers will learn about the various Naga tribes, their customs, beliefs, and social structures, including their unique religious practices and intricate warfare tactics.
Manipuri Culture: Johnstone details the history, politics, and social structure of Manipur, providing information about their unique customs, traditions, and political system.
Importance of Understanding Native Culture: Johnstone’s account emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting native cultures in order to effectively govern and establish peaceful relationships.

Historical Context:

The memoir is set against the backdrop of the British expansion in Northeast India and the complex political situation in Manipur and the Naga Hills. The British were struggling to maintain control over the region, while simultaneously facing growing pressure from the Burmese Empire. Internal power struggles and conflicts between the different tribal groups also contributed to the volatility of the region.

Facts:

The Angami Nagas were a formidable fighting force known for their use of spears, swords, poison, and intricate drill.
Blood feuds were common among the Angami Nagas, with the killing of women and children considered a greater feat than killing men.
The Kukis are a monarchical people with a tradition of slavery, often due to debt.
The Cacharees were an indigenous tribe who were driven out of the Naga Hills by the Angami Nagas.
Manipur, under Rajah Ghumbeer Singh, was a powerful force in the region, capable of challenging the Burmese Empire.
The British had a treaty with the Rajah of Manipur in 1762, but their practical relationship began in 1823 after the Burmese invasion.
The British annexed Assam and Cachar in 1825 and 1824, respectively, during their conflict with Burmah.
The Kubo Valley was originally part of Manipur but was ceded to Burma by the British in 1834.
Colonel McCulloch was a key figure in Manipur during the 19th century and was instrumental in securing the loyalty of the Kuki tribes.
The British supported Chandra Kirtee Singh as Rajah of Manipur in 1850, after a long period of instability and internal revolutions.
Sir James Johnstone was one of the few Political Agents who recognized the Maharajah’s grievances against the British and attempted to address them.
The Manipuri system of “Lalloop” (forced labor) was a system of personal service to the Rajah, often used for public works.
The Manipuri army was composed of infantry, artillery, and Kuki irregulars, and they were known for their endurance and ability to construct stockades.
The annual boat races in Manipur were a major event, with the Rajah often participating in them.
The city of Imphal was once a vast network of villages surrounded by gardens and groves.
The valley of Manipur was formed by an earthquake that blocked the river flow, creating a lake that eventually filled in.
The “Kongal outrage” was a Burmese attack on a Manipuri outpost in 1877, which led to tensions and a demand for reparation.
The siege of Kohima in 1879 was a major event that tested the British colonial authority in the region.
The British established a permanent post at Kohima in 1878, moving the headquarters from Samagudting.
The Naga Hills campaign of 1879-80 was overshadowed by the Afghan War, and the troops involved received little recognition for their service.
The construction of the new Residency in Manipur was a major undertaking that required Johnstone to negotiate with the Durbar for land and resources.
The introduction of new arts and crafts, such as carpet making and leather work, was part of Johnstone’s effort to modernize Manipur.
The Burmese war of 1885-86 brought about a significant change in the political landscape of the region, with the British annexing Upper Burmah.

Statistics:

The valley of Manipur is about 650 square miles.
The population of Manipur in 1881 was estimated to be 200,000.
There were about 5000 men in the Manipuri army, divided into eight infantry regiments and an artillery corps.
The average height of Angami Naga men was between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet.
The “sel” was the Manipuri coin, with a rate of 480 sel = 1 rupee.
The new Residency compound in Manipur was about 16 acres.
The new Residency in Manipur was constructed to be shot-proof, with a lower story built of brick.
The Kang-joop-kool, a hill station near Manipur, is about 5170 feet above sea level.
The road from Manipur to Mao, on the Naga Hills frontier, was about 100 miles long.
The distance between Cachar and Manipur is about 132 miles.
The British force that attacked Konoma in 1879-80 numbered about 1000 men.
The village of Konoma had about 1000 houses.
The Burmese force that attacked the British outpost at Kongal Tannah in 1877 was about 100 men.
The Chussad Kukis attacked the Tankhool village of Chingsow in 1880, killing or capturing 45 people.
The British force that relieved Kohima in 1879 consisted of 600 men, including 50 from the Cachar Police, 34 from the 34th B.I., and 500 Manipuris.
The British force that attacked Konoma in 1879 lost 25% of their native ranks, killed or wounded.
The British force that captured Kendat in 1885 consisted of 400 Manipuris, 50 Kukis, and 50 men from the 4th Bengal Infantry.
The Burmese force that attacked Kendat in 1885 was estimated to be 3000 men.
The British lost 7 men killed and 25 wounded in the attack on Pot-tha in 1886.
The Burmese force that defended Pot-tha was estimated to be 400 to 500 men.

Terms:

Political Agent: A British official responsible for managing relations with a native state.
Durbar: The court of the Rajah or Maharajah.
Jubraj: The heir apparent to the throne.
Senaputtee: The commander-in-chief of the Manipuri army.
Lalloop: A system of forced labor in Manipur, requiring men to serve the Rajah for 10 days out of every 40.
Sel: The Manipuri coin, made of bell metal.
Tannah: An outpost or frontier station.
Woon: A Burmese governor of a province.
Phoongyee: A Burmese Buddhist monk.
Tsawbwa: A Shan chieftain.
Mombee Kukis: A Kuki tribe living on the Burmese border.
Dacoit: A brigand or bandit.
Aya Pooiel: The Minister for Burmese Affairs in Manipur.

Examples:

The Kohima Stone: A stone with Ghumbeer Singh’s footprints on it, carved in 1832 after the Rajah subdued the village of Kohima. It served as a symbol of Manipur’s authority over the Nagas.
The Kongal Outrage: A Burmese attack on a Manipuri outpost at Kongal Tannah in 1877. The incident highlighted the tensions between Manipur and Burmah, as well as the British government’s reluctance to take a strong stance.
The Siege of Kohima: In 1879, the British garrison at Kohima was besieged by hostile Naga tribes. The siege tested the British resolve and was eventually relieved by Sir James Johnstone’s force.
The Capture of Kendat: Johnstone’s successful capture of Kendat in 1885, during the Burmese war, demonstrated his military skills and leadership, as well as his knowledge of the region.
The Attack on Pot-tha: In 1886, Johnstone led a night march against Burmese rebels at Pot-tha, a village in the Kubo Valley, and was wounded in the attack.
The Case of Kotwal Koireng: This prince, later known as the Senaputtee, was known for his cruel and violent behavior. His brutality led to a demand for his banishment from Manipur.
The Case of Thangal Major: This influential minister was a devoted supporter of Soor Chandra Singh, and opposed the Senaputtee’s influence. He was accused of being involved in the 1891 rebellion against the British.
The Chussad Outrage: The Chussad Kukis attacked the Tankhool village of Chingsow in 1880, killing and capturing many villagers. This incident highlighted the instability in the region and the ongoing tensions between different tribal groups.
The Incident of the Burmese Messengers: Thangal Major’s disrespectful behavior toward the Burmese messengers, speaking in Manipuri instead of Hindoostani, led to a conflict with Johnstone, who demanded his removal from the position of Aya Pooiel.
The Incident of the Stolen Mail: In 1890, the mail bag between Imphal and Langthabal was robbed, highlighting the growing sense of lawlessness in the region.

Conclusion:

Sir James Johnstone’s memoir provides a fascinating and detailed account of the complexities of British colonial rule in Manipur and the Naga Hills. He skillfully navigates the intricate political landscape, detailing the struggles with various tribes, the complex relationships with the Manipuri Durbar, and the challenges of asserting British authority while respecting native customs and traditions. Johnstone’s account is a testament to the importance of personal government, his belief that the machine-like system imposed by the British was ill-suited to the region, and his strong commitment to understanding and working with the native peoples. His work serves as a valuable historical record, highlighting both the successes and failures of British colonialism in Northeast India.

Learn more