Colonial policy and practice in Manipur
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Gangmumei Kamei
Contd from previous issue
Though the Manipur State Durbar did not permit Christian missionary work, the individual Christian families lived in the urban areas. The first Meitei Christian convert was A Porom Singh, a student of William Pettigrew. However SN Parratt claimed that a Manipuri lady named Kaboklei related to the royalty was the first convert in Sylhet. The missionaries converted some individual tribals who lived in British Reserve Area at Imphal. However, in the colonial period, Christian missionary activities were not widespread however it grew up at large scale in the post colonial period.
The Christian missions devoted to the establishment of primary schools; they published books mostly the Bible and other Biblical tracts, extended medical facilities, established Chur- ches in the villages and organized Christian solidarity organizations for the respective denominations and area wise associations. A Christian fraternity among the hill tribe was created. With the spread of western education the world view of the tribal was widened. They participated in the administration of the State. The colonial administrator as indicated by their involve- ment of the Christian missionaries in the State ac- tivities unwittingly showed the collusion between Christian mission and colonialism.
Rule of Raja Churachand Singh (1907-1941)
The Manipur State Durbar Selection of Churachand Singh as the Raja of Manipur by the British authorities was not welcomed by the people of Manipur. Churachand Singh was the son of Rajkumar Chaubi Yaima Singh who was a victim of prosecution by the past ruling house and Chaubi Yaima’s family were almost forgotten. Prince Chaubi Yaima was involved in the rebellion of Prince Bora Chaoba. The rebellion failed; he fled to Cachar and died in 1887 at the village of Lalang. Churachand Singh, a minor of five years at the time of selection as the Raja of Manipur was born on 14th April, 1885.
As mentioned above after several consultations in which Political Agent Major Maxwell played a decisive role. Churachand Singh was selected as a Raja. The following genealogical tree prepared by Major Maxwell and other astrologers showed his claim to the throne of Manipur ruled by Ning-thouja dynasty.
The genealogical tree of Raja Churachand Singh (1885-1941)
Garibniwaz (1709-1748), Ngoubram Shai (Senapati) 11th Son Bhadra Singh (1825 King of Manipur during 7 years devastation) Nara Singh (Regent and Maharaja of Manipur) (1833-1850) Bhogendra Singh alias Bhubon Chaubi Yaima (Sanayaima) Four sons: Dumbra Singh, Dimb Singh, Chandrahas Singh and Churachand Singh (selected as the Raja)
The family of Chura-chand Singh was very poor. His father did not leave behind anything for the family. Chaubi Yaima left behind two wives, Lalita-manjuri and Nitrapati. Luc- kily his mother Lalitmanjuri was the daughter of a leading noble of Moirang. He acted as a guardian of the sons and daughters of the two wives of Chaubi Yaima Singh.
(To be contd)
Contd from previous issue
Though the Manipur State Durbar did not permit Christian missionary work, the individual Christian families lived in the urban areas. The first Meitei Christian convert was A Porom Singh, a student of William Pettigrew. However SN Parratt claimed that a Manipuri lady named Kaboklei related to the royalty was the first convert in Sylhet. The missionaries converted some individual tribals who lived in British Reserve Area at Imphal. However, in the colonial period, Christian missionary activities were not widespread however it grew up at large scale in the post colonial period.
The Christian missions devoted to the establishment of primary schools; they published books mostly the Bible and other Biblical tracts, extended medical facilities, established Chur- ches in the villages and organized Christian solidarity organizations for the respective denominations and area wise associations. A Christian fraternity among the hill tribe was created. With the spread of western education the world view of the tribal was widened. They participated in the administration of the State. The colonial administrator as indicated by their involve- ment of the Christian missionaries in the State ac- tivities unwittingly showed the collusion between Christian mission and colonialism.
Rule of Raja Churachand Singh (1907-1941)
The Manipur State Durbar Selection of Churachand Singh as the Raja of Manipur by the British authorities was not welcomed by the people of Manipur. Churachand Singh was the son of Rajkumar Chaubi Yaima Singh who was a victim of prosecution by the past ruling house and Chaubi Yaima’s family were almost forgotten. Prince Chaubi Yaima was involved in the rebellion of Prince Bora Chaoba. The rebellion failed; he fled to Cachar and died in 1887 at the village of Lalang. Churachand Singh, a minor of five years at the time of selection as the Raja of Manipur was born on 14th April, 1885.
As mentioned above after several consultations in which Political Agent Major Maxwell played a decisive role. Churachand Singh was selected as a Raja. The following genealogical tree prepared by Major Maxwell and other astrologers showed his claim to the throne of Manipur ruled by Ning-thouja dynasty.
The genealogical tree of Raja Churachand Singh (1885-1941)
Garibniwaz (1709-1748), Ngoubram Shai (Senapati) 11th Son Bhadra Singh (1825 King of Manipur during 7 years devastation) Nara Singh (Regent and Maharaja of Manipur) (1833-1850) Bhogendra Singh alias Bhubon Chaubi Yaima (Sanayaima) Four sons: Dumbra Singh, Dimb Singh, Chandrahas Singh and Churachand Singh (selected as the Raja)
The family of Chura-chand Singh was very poor. His father did not leave behind anything for the family. Chaubi Yaima left behind two wives, Lalita-manjuri and Nitrapati. Luc- kily his mother Lalitmanjuri was the daughter of a leading noble of Moirang. He acted as a guardian of the sons and daughters of the two wives of Chaubi Yaima Singh.
(To be contd)