The Khongjai Hills (1741–42) Expedition of 1786: A Brief Kuki Historical Account and Kanglei Manipur

"The Khongjai Hills (1741–42) Expedition of 1786: A Brief Kuki Historical Account and Kanglei Manipur"  

By:- Dr. TS Haokip

30 March, 2025

Abstract

This article provides a historical account of the Khongjai Hills Expedition of 1786, led by King Chingthangkhompa of Manipur. The expedition was a significant event in the history of the Kuki people, and this article aims to provide a detailed and accurate account of the events surrounding the expedition.

Introduction

The Khongjai Hills Expedition of 1786 was a significant event in the history of the Kuki people. The expedition was led by King Chingthangkhompa of Manipur, who mobilized the whole forces of Manipur to attack the Khongchai villages of the Khongjai Hills (S.N. Parratt, 2: 25–27).

Background

The Khongjai Hills are located to the east of Vangaitang Mountain, along the Tuipui (Tuipi) River valley. The Tuipui River originates from the northern points of the Thanlon ranges and flows north to release its water into the Irang River (Cheitharol).

There were previous interactions between the Khongjais and the Manipur kingdom, including:

An attack by the guru in 1742 (S.N. Parratt, 1: 151, 153)

A visit by the Khongchais to the palace in 1784 (S.N. Parratt, 2:22)

The Expedition

The forces led by King Chingthangkhompa passed through the Kuchu Valley and encountered many Khongjai villages (Cheitharol). From a base camp at the foothills of the Khongjai Hills, they attacked villages including:

Phunchong Yanlam

Khongchai village

Phunchongyon

(Cheitharol)

The king erected a stone pillar at Tuyai Yirok and performed the spear dance in the centre of Khongchai village (Cheitharol).

Aftermath

The Khongjais were subjugated, and many villagers visited the king and paid presents (Cheitharol). Records indicate that the Kukis (Khongjais) settled in large numbers in the area, starting from the south of the Kuchu Valley (Cheitharol).

The term "Khongjai/Khongchai" was derived from the name of the main village attacked, inhabited mainly by the Khongsai king and other Kuki clans (Shaw, 1929: 47).

Conclusion

The Khongjai Hills Expedition of 1786 was a significant event in the history of the Kuki people. It highlights the complex interactions between the Kuki people and the Manipur kingdom. This article aims to provide a detailed and accurate account of these events and contribute to a deeper understanding of Kuki history.

References

Saroj Nalini Parratt (2009). Cheitharol, Volume 1, 33 AD to 1873 AD.

Shaw, W. (1929). Notes on the Thadou Kukis. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal, 25(1), 45–57.

Cheitharol (n.d.). The Cheitharol Kumbaba, a chronicle of the kings of Manipur.

Kamei, G. (2015). A History of the Zeliangrong Nagas: From Makhel to Rani Gaidinliu. Spectrum Publications.

Courtesy: WKZIC

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