Meckley

Decisions

Manipur

An anthology of excerpts from the pre-20th century books, memoirs, journals, magazines, newspapers and government documents about the history, geography, economic, politics and culture of Manipur, accompanied by introductory notes contextualising the history of this critically positioned state in the broader history of the rest of Southeast Asia.

The Endless Kabaw Valley

This book is about Manipur's emotive issue of Kabaw Valley with Burma and the role British played therein. It also displays Nehru's mishandling of Kabaw Valley by transferring the same to Burma in March 1953 without the people and the Parliament's consent. Interwoven are also various Burmese principalities / kingdoms, various reigns of Manipur kings and Manipur's controversial merger to the Indian Dominion in 1949 along with British Indian Imperialism and Indian Independence Struggle. It is done so for the reader to dissect finer inner ideas and sequences. This is all the more necessary at the time of critical analysis of Manipur-Burma relationship, Anglo-Manipur relationship and finally Manipur's merger to India, including the final handing over of Kabaw valley to Burma. The other reason for inclusion of these topics is to give a stimulus to our young students and researchers, present and future, to implant in-depth researches and new thoughts in respect of Manipur history. This is not a history book, but historical accounts presented in a sequential form and in its true perspective. Many misleading Manipuri historical accounts, presented by various historians, scholars and writers (foreign and Indians), have been highlighted and placed in a proper basket. The author has tried to incorporate in-depth new thoughts and new interpretations, which were never found in any publication / research so far, for future students and researchers. It also highlights the killing of 6 British officials, including political Agent Grim Wood and Assam Chief Commissioner Quinton, the defeat of tiny Manipur at the hands of the British Army and subsequent public hanging of Prince Tikendrajit and Thangal General along with 3 other Manipuris in May-October 1891. The introductory Chapter has tried to give a brief account of an update of Manipur, the archaeological finds, its people, its language and Cheitharol Kumpaba - the Royal Chronicle of Manipur.