VOICE OF MANIPUR..!

Manipur is a small state where young are reaching higher, dreaming bigger and demanding more & more. A state that is challenging the limits of aspiration, ambitions and possibilities every day. It’s state that wake-up every morning a little younger and infinitely more ambitious in spirit, problems and hustling its way to grow in.

Ancient and Medieval Periods: The early history of Manipur is shrouded in myth and legend. According to tradition, the ancient kingdom of Manipur was established by Nongda Lairen Pakhangba in the 1st century AD. Over the centuries, Manipur developed into a strong and prosperous kingdom, ruled by a succession of dynasties.

One of the most significant rulers of Manipur was King Khagemba (1597-1652), who successfully expanded the kingdom's territories and established friendly relations with neighboring states like Burma (present-day Myanmar) and China. His reign is also known for the introduction of Vaishnavism to the region, which had a profound impact on Manipuri culture and society.

British Influence and the Princely State: The British East India Company, expanding its influence in India, established its presence in the northeastern region by the early 19th century. The First Anglo-Burmese War ended in 1826, and as a result, Manipur was liberated from Burmese control.

In 1824, the British recognized Manipur as a princely state and allowed it to maintain its autonomy while acknowledging British suzerainty. Manipur's political structure remained largely intact, with the Maharaja (local king) as the head of state and the British exercising control over foreign affairs and defense.

During British colonial rule, Manipur witnessed modernization and some administrative changes. However, the British policy of indirect rule allowed the Manipuri rulers to retain much of their traditional authority over internal affairs. Despite this, there were instances of tensions between the British and the Manipuri monarchs over issues of governance and the imposition of certain policies.

Twentieth Century and Independence: In the early 20th century, the Indian independence movement began to gain momentum, and Manipur also saw a surge in nationalist sentiments. The Manipuri people yearned for self-governance and the preservation of their unique cultural identity.

After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Manipur, like many other princely states, had the option to join either India or remain independent. However, facing internal and external pressures, Maharaja Bodhchandra signed the Instrument of Accession in 1949, officially merging Manipur with India.

Since then, Manipur has been an integral part of India, continuing to contribute to the country's diverse cultural landscape and regional diversity. Its rich history as a princely state remains an essential part of its identity and heritage.

The Kuki..!

The Kuki people are primarily inhabits the northeastern region of India, which includes the states of Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Tripura, and Nagaland, as well as parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar (Burma). Their history predates the arrival of the British colonial powers in the region.

The history of the Kuki people is deeply rooted in oral tradition and folklore, making it challenging to trace their exact origins and early history. However, historical accounts suggest that they have been living in the hills and valleys of the region for centuries.

The Kuki people have a diverse and fragmented history due to their geographical dispersion across different regions. Before the British colonial period, the Kuki clans lived in small, autonomous villages, each with its own chieftain. They were predominantly agrarian, practicing shifting cultivation (jhum cultivation) to sustain their communities. The Kuki society was organized around kinship ties and traditional customs.

Throughout their history, the Kuki people have experienced both internal conflicts and external interactions with neighboring tribes and communities. This often led to territorial disputes and occasional warfare over resources and boundaries.