On author, research and publication : A critical look

Dr Longjam Krishnamangol
Contd from previous issue
It is further observed that the territory of Manipur that comprised within the boundaries of the state occupies an area of 7000 square mile of which a valley of 650 miles constitutes the central portion (i.e.the central valley) and the remainder is formed by an encirceling zone of hilly and mountainous country inhabited by various tribes, who have been brought under subjection to the paramount authority of Manipur (“Muneepoor” by R.B. Pemberton), C.f. R.B. Pemberton The Eastern Frontier of India, (First Publisher in 1835 and Photographically reproduced and published by Mital Publications in 2018 : 21)
In fact, the higher figures of the total area of Manipur were estimated at 8000 sq. miles. As already pointed out, “The total area of the territory (i.e. the Native State of Manipur - bracket added) is between 7 and 8000 sq. miles (i.e. between 7000 and 8000 sq. miles-bracket added) , and that of the valley proper about 650 sq. miles (Brown. R, statistical Account of the Native State of Manipur and the Hill Territory under its Rule (1873 and reprint edition, 2018 : 1) It has also been pointed out: “As the country (i.e. Manipur added) has never been surveyed and mapped, the area stated above is merely approximate, and represents the size of the territory (i.e. Manipur added) as nearby as possible (Ibid. p.l.). In fact, it is found that there were different estimates on the area or size of Manipur as there were many disputed areas. It may, however, be pointed out that the Native State of Manipur was then brought in under the sovereignty of one kind (Cf, (Late) Ibungohal, 1960 : 10)
Again, in his book Gazetter of Manipur E.W. Dun also described the boundaries of Manipur (E. W. Dun, 1886 : 1 & 2) Thus, the boundaries of Manipur were fixed during the British period in Manipur And, according to E.W. Dun, the boundaries of Manipur were demarcated in 1882. (Cf. E.W. Dun, 1886 :1 & 2) reprinted by Akansa, 2018 : 1& 2.
Again a quick look into his book has also revealed that he did not give the total estimated area of Manipur. But he clearly described the boundaries of Manipur. And he clearly stated that this boundary with Burma was laid down in 1882 (Cf, E.W. Dun 1886:2)
In this book, The Naga Tribes of Manipur, T.C. Hodson further pointed out that the state of Manipur contains about 8000 sq. miles of which 7000 per miles are hilly territory as opposed to the valley territory (i.e. the valley area)- (T.C. Hodson, The Naga Tribes of Manipur, 1911 and reprinted by D.K. Publishers, 2007 : 1)
Thus, any research scholar or any writer/author on the history of Manipur will face a lot of challenges in his or her tasks of research or writing a book on history of Manipur. It can further be pointed out that the historical aspects of development cannot be easily neglected in our search for socio-Economic development of Manipur
To avoid any controversy on the area of Manipur, after the merger agreement, it can be pointed out that the 1961 census of Manipur used 8000 sq. miles as the total area of Manipur. Today, the total geographical area of Manipur is measured in terms of square kilometer, which is already known. At present, it is found that Manipur has a total geographical area of 22,327 sq. kms. which constitute 0.7 percent of the total surface of India. (DES, Economic survey, Manipur, 2020-21, P.I.)
 It can further be pointed out that 90 percent of the total geographical area of the state (i.e. 20,089 sq. Kms) are hills and the remaining small valley covers 2,238 sq. kms., which is only one-tenth of the total area of the state. (Cf. DES Economic Survey Manipur, 2020-21 P.I.) Here, it can be pointed out that, in recent years, the total area of Manipur was 22,356 sq. kms., which is now recorded at 22,327 sq. kms. Thus, in research or publication of book, the selection/collection and use of data is usually done after proper scrutiny of the data. (To be contd)