British administration in Manipur 1891 1947

Abstract

This work is aimed at a study of the administrative and constitutional development of Manipur State during 1891 - 1947, the period of British domination over the state. Manipur was an independent state before 1891. After her defeat in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, the British Gov-ernment of India assumed the political power of the state since April 1891. The British Government of India did not annex the state mainly for the reason that owing to the scanty resources of Manipur, the British authorities considered the taking over of the state administration to be a liability; not an asset. Tharefore, arrangements were made to regrant the state to a Native Raja under a Sanad. However, while selecting the new Raja, special care was taken to serve British interests. The old line of the kings of Manipur was precluded from occupy-ing the throne as a mark of punishment for their part in the so called revolt of 1891. Churachand Singh, a minor of only six years of age from a collateral branch, was selected Raja of Manipur with the Political Agent as the Regent. The Politi-cal Agent was redesignated as Political Agent and Superinten-dent of State; and was made responsible for the administra-tion of the entire state. There occurred a number of changes in the administration. The traditional Lalup system (practice of contributing labour for the state works) was abolished. A house tax was imposed on both the hills and the valley. The valley areas were sub-divided into Panas (sub-divisions) for administrative conve-nience. The land in the plains was surveyed and a land tax was also imposed. There were developments in communication facilities; schools were established to impart formal edu-cation to the Native children. The Panchayat Courts were established for dispensing of Justice in the plains. However, in the hills, the indigenous system was least disturbed, excepting that the Political Agent was kept at the top of the state authority in matters of hill administration. In 1907 the Raja attained majority; and the state...