Brief Comparisons: Khongjom Battle & Anglo-Kuki War

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A Brief Comparisons between KHONGJOM BATTLE (1891) and ANGLO-KUKI WAR (1917-1919)

By: Dr.TS Haokip, 28 April, 2025

A brief comparisons between the Khongjom Battle of 1891 and  the Anglo-Kuki War of 1917-1919's significant differences and similarities between these two historical events detailed analysis based on the provided information is as under:

Area of Operation:

Khongjom Battle (1891):  The battle was confined to a relatively small area within the Kingdom of Manipur, specifically around the Khongjom hillock vicinity of Pallel, covering approximately 650 sq. miles.

Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919): In contrast, the Anglo-Kuki War spread across a much larger area, including Manipur, Naga Hills, North Cachar Hills, Chin Hills, Kabaw Valley, and Somra Tract, covering about 6,000 sq. miles. This vast area indicates the broader impact and reach of the conflict.

Duration of Conflict:

Khongjom Battle (1891): The Khongjom battle lasted for approximately 27 days, from March 31 to April 27, 1891, as part of the larger Anglo-Manipur War.

Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919): This conflict extended over a much longer period, lasting about 3 years, from October 17, 1917, to December 8, 1919. The prolonged duration reflects the complexity and the extensive resistance faced by the British forces.'

Expenses of War:

Khongjom Battle (1891): While specific expenses are not detailed, the British suffered 4 killed and 15 wounded, whereas the Manipuri side lost over 128 men. The human cost was significant, but the financial burden on the British exchequer is not specified.

Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919): The British deployed 7,650 transport coolies and incurred substantial losses, including 60 killed, 142 wounded, and 97 died of disease. The Kuki side suffered heavily as well, with an estimated 120 killed, 126 villages burned, and extensive destruction of properties and livestock including 576 mithuns. The British exchequer spent Rs. 28 lakhs, indicating a considerable financial investment in suppressing the rebellion.

Outcome of War:  Khongjom Battle (1891)*: _The British victory led to the installation of Meidingngu Churachand as the king of Manipur. The punitive measures included the hanging of 6 Meitei warriors, including Bir Tikendrajit, by the British administrators.

Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919): The British successfully suppressed the Kuki rebellion but at a high cost. As punishment, 24 Kuki Chief Warriors were arrested and sentenced to imprisonment for 3-4 years in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Cellular Jail. The British also trifurcated the Kuki ancestral land, dividing it into India, Burma, and Bangladesh, and later fragmented the Kukis into 23 tribes through the 1956 ST/SC Modification Act.

Causes of War: Khongjom Battle (1891): The conflict was triggered by a palace coup in Manipur and the British attempt to discipline Senapati Tikendrajit Singh.

Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919): The war was sparked by the British demand for labor corps recruitment during World War I, which the Kuki chiefs resisted. This resistance was rooted in the Kukis' desire for autonomy and their opposition to forced labor.

Legacy:

Khongjom Battle (1891): The battle is celebrated as a heroic event in Manipur's history, with April 23 observed as "Khongjom Day".

Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919): The war is remembered as a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule. Centennial commemorations have been held in Manipur, reflecting the enduring legacy of the conflict.

Conclusion

Both the Khongjom Battle and the Anglo-Kuki War were significant conflicts between the British colonial powers and the indigenous communities of Manipur and surrounding regions.

While the Khongjom Battle was a shorter and more localized conflict, the Anglo-Kuki War was longer and spread over a larger area, reflecting the growing resistance to British rule in the region. The legacy of these conflicts continues to be remembered and commemorated, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting the historical experiences of the Meitei and Kuki communities participating in these wars.

References:

1. Anglo-Manipur War 1891,

2. Brief Account of Anglo-Kuki War 1918-1919.

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~ WKZC

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