13/08/2026
*Anglo-Manipuri War (1891)* — known in Manipur as _Manipur's National Liberation Struggle_ and in British records as the 'Manipur Expedition, 1891' 3c8f6374
*What happened*
After the Seven Years Devastation and the Treaty of Yandabo 1826, Manipur had been under British protection with a Political Agent in Imphal since 1835. By the 1890s palace politics blew up. 99fb
The spark: The British tried to remove *Tikendrajit Singh*, the Senapati/military commander, and arrest him on 24 March 1891. The British Residency in Imphal was attacked. Chief Commissioner for Assam J.W. Quinton, Col. Skene, the British Resident Frank Grimwood and other British officials were killed. 6374
*The war*
Britain sent a 5,000-strong punitive expedition in 3 columns:
1. *Kohima column* — from the north, led by Major General H. Collett
2. *Silchar column* — from the west, led by Colonel R.H.F. Rennick
3. *Tamu column* — from the south/Burma, led by Brigadier General T. Graham
They faced ∼3,000 Manipuri soldiers. 6374
Key battles:
- *23 April*: At Kakching, Manipuri troops led by Poila Meiraba fought. Meiraba and 20 soldiers were killed
- *25 April*: *Battle of Khongjom* near Pallel. This is remembered as the last battle. Major Paona Brajabashi, Heirang Kongja and Chinglensana died here. British: 2 killed, 11 injured. Manipuri: 128+ killed
- *27 April*: The 3 British columns entered and captured deserted Imphal. Union Jack was hoisted at Kangla Palace
*Aftermath*
- *13 August 1891*: Tikendrajit Singh and Thangal General were publicly hanged at Pheidabung, now Bir Tikendrajit Park. 5 Manipuri commanders total were hanged
- *King Kulachandra Singh* + 21 nobles were sentenced to forfeiture and transportation for life to Cellular Jail, Andamans
- *Disarmament*: ∼4,000 fi****ms confiscated
- *22 September 1891*: A 5-year-old boy, *Meidingngu Churachand*, was put on the throne. Manipur became a Princely State under British tutelage
*How it's remembered*
In Manipur, August 13 is observed every year as *Patriots’ Day* to honor Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Paona Brajabashi and others who died defending sovereignty. 99fb
*Quick facts*
- *When*: March – April 1891
- *Result*: British victory, Manipur lost sovereignty
Since you're in Imphal, you’ll see this history everywhere — Kangla, Khongjom, and Bir Tikendrajit Park are all tied to it.
