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History of Imphal


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Early History

Erstwhile ruled by King Khaba, the throne of Imphal was later ceded by the Pakhangba leaders. It was here that the powerful clan of Ningthouja tribe originated. With time, the Ningthouja tribe expanded their dominion over the land and emerged as one of the most influential groups in the field of politics and warfare. The Kangla palace, which is the pride of Manipur, was built by King Khagemba and his son Khunjaoba but was later destroyed by the British during the Anglo-Manipuri War. During the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra, the region witnessed several Burmese invasions. However, with the help of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and the forces of Manipur, Kangla was liberated from the incursion of the Burmese army.

British Rule

The region remained peaceful until the intrusion of the British officials in 1891. Due to the internal differences between the members of the royal family, the British decided to intervene and sort out the problem by sending Mr. J.W. Quinton to negotiate the matter. However, matters grew worse and Senapati Tikendrajit had to be banished from the capital. This in turn led to the first Anglo-Manipur war in 1891. The undeclared autocratic rule over the Manipur by the British angered the local people. In the following year, the Anglo-Manipur, war broke out between the British and the Manipuri commander in chief. The English forces attacked the palace and gunned down the walls of the Kangal fort. Since the capture of the state in 1891, Manipur remained as a part of the British rule until Indian Independence
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