Who's who 1891 of Manipur state archives

The war of Independence or the Anglo- Manipur War 1891, makes an epoch in the history of Manipur. This historic war started initially due to the manual jealously, dissension, distrust and discord amongst the princes of Manipur. After the death of maharaja Chandrakirti Singh, his eldest son Surchandra succeeded to the throne in the year 1886. Since the ascendence of Surchandra Singh, the royal family of Manipur divided into two factions viz., on one side Jubaraj Kullachandra, Tikendrajit, Angousana and Zillanamba joined against the king. The discord between the brothers had been going on for quite sometime but was made public on September 21^st,1890 (the palace revolt). Surchandra and his three brothers rushed to Calcutta and appealed to the British Govt. for help. In the meantime Kullachandra became the king and Tikendrajit became the Jubraj of Manipur. Taking advantage of the internal dissension of the royal family, the British Government openly interfered in the administration of Manipur. As a matter of fact, the British Government wanted to keep Manipur under their control from the very beginning.

They had enough time to poison the minds of the princes by hatching a deep-roosted controversy in order to accomplish their nefarious goal.

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After an interview between Lord Landsdowne , the Viceroy of India and Mr. J.W.Quinton, Chief Commissioner of Assam on 21^st Feb. 1891, the following decisions were arrived at:-

(1) Removal of Senapati Tikendrajit from Manipur.

(2) Recognizing Regent Kullachandra as Maharaja and

(3) Making known the decision by personal visit of Quinton to
Manipur.

The Chief Commissioner Mr. J.W. Quinton arrived to Manipur on 22^nd March, 1891 at 10 a.m. He was received by Tikendrajit and Thangal General with a guard of honour by the Manipuri troops. Truly speaking, Mr. Quinton’s visit to Manipur with his misguided mission became a very important cause for the Anglo-Manipur war, 1891. Mr. Quinton and his party led to the massacre of their objective to capture Tikendrajit Singh. On 24^th March,1891 at 4.45 a.m. the British force suddenly attacked the residence of Tikendrajit Jubraj. At about 8 p.m. the position of the invading troops became critical, the Residency could not be held much longer, and Mr. Quinton arranged and armistice and sent to invite the Maharaja. The Maharaj replied in Bengali as “Jadi/ Astri Sastra pheli padia’”. There was a discussion about the meaning of the word sent by the Maharaja. They sent a letter to Tikendrajit Jubraj and latter asked the Chief Commissioner to come for a Durbar in the Palace.

Mr. Quinton, Mr. Grimwood, Colonel Skene, Mr. Cossins and Lieutnant Simpson, got out of the Residency with a bugler and proceeded to the palace Durbar hall. Jubraj Tikendrajit and the British officers discussed for half an hour. The statement of Tikendrajit during his trial describes the situation.

Thus - “ Mr. Quinton, Mr. Grim wood, Lieutenant Simpson and two other gentlemen then came in and held the Durbar with Angou Mingto and myself. After the usual salute and shaking of hands were over, I enquired about Mrs. Grimwood, and was informed of their safety. I then said that the Chief Commissioner has acted so unkindly, and thereby destroyed the friendship and amity which existed heretofore. The men were much infuriated by the hostile actions taken first by British troops, and it was highly advisable to come to terms and desist from further actions. The officers then expressed their regret and said that they now wanted to go to Kohima, and there may be no more hostility on either sides. It was then proposed by me that unless the arms of the British troops were made over, which I promised to have safely carried by my own coolies and delivered at Kohima, the mere words of the Chief Commissioner could hardly be replied on, as it appeared that he only pretended friendship in order to gain time for further attacks. Since he used a lot of pretences about going to Tammu, then to Kohima, then entertain a ‘Nautch party’ than to invite me to a durbar; while he arranged everything for my arrest. To this the officers disagree and I, desiring to consult the ministers of top-guard, left them with Angou Mingto”.

Then the British officers moved towards the gate, the infuriated people attacked them. Thus, the British officers found themselves in the gravest danger. Mr. Quinton, the Chief Commissioner, Colonel Skene, Mr. Cossins, Lieutenant Simpson and the bugler were beheaded by the public executioner just in front of the two dragons by the order of Jubraj Tikendrajit Singh and General Thangal on 24^th March 1891. After this, the Manipur troops attacked all the British outposts in Manipur. In the northern side, two British officers of the Telegraph Department viz. Mr. W.B. Melville, Superintendent of Telegraph and Mr. O’Brian, a signaler also lost their lives in connection with this out-break at Mayangkhang.

On hearing the news, the British troops moved towards Manipur from three directions i.e. Kohima, Kachar and Burma. Thus the sons of Manipur fought against the British for their motherland. Many heroes like Yaiskul Lakpa, Chinglensana, Brajabasi Paona and Mairaba etc. sacrificed their lives. On 27^th April, 1891 the British hoisted their flag at Kangla (now the Assam Rifles area). From this day onwards, the Manipuris were under the direct control of the British.

After the Anglo-Manipuri War , 1891, many persons were arrested and their cases were tried by the British. The following Manipuris were hanged on charges of waging war against the Queen Empress of India and abatement of murder of Mr. Quinton, the Chief Commissioner of Assam, Colonel Skene , Commissioner of Assam, Colonel Skene, Commanding officer 42nd Gurkha Light Infantry, Mr. St. Clair Grimwood, Indian Civil Services, Political Agent in Manipur, Lieutenant W.H.C ossine, Indian Civil Service, Assistant Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of Assam.

Besides these martyrs were held responsible for the murder of Superintendent of Telegraph, Assam Division, and a Signaller, Mr. O’Brien, who accompanied him, by the Manipuri rebels at Mayangkhang, on the road between Manipur and Kohima.

The Manipuri convicts who were hanged by the Britishes:-

(1)   Jubraj Tikendrajit – 13^th August 1891.
(2)   General Thangal – 13^th August 1891.
(3)   Niranjan Subedar – 8^th June 1891.
(4)   Kajao Singh, Jamandar – 25^th May 1891.
(5)   Chirai Naga of Mayangkhang -13^th October 1891.

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While Jubraj Tikendrajit and General Thangal above were publicly hanged at Pheida Pung (present B.T. Park), the rest of the convicts were hanged inside the jail.

Beside the 5 heroes who were hanged many more persons were also punished for waging war against the Empress.

Name of convicts who were transported for life:-

(1)   Kullachandra Dhaja Singh, (Ex-Regent).
(2)   Prince Angao Singh, Senapati.
(3)   Lokendrajit Birjit Singh, Wangkheirakpa.
(4)   Samu Singh Colonel alias Luwang Ningthou
(5)   Chongtham Nilamani Singh, Ayapurel Major.
(6)   Chongtham Mia Singh, Major.
(7)   Uru Singh, Usurba.
(8)   Chauba Hada, Machahal.
(9)   Ghun Singh, Kongdram.
(10) Kumba Singh, Laisraba.
(11)   Dhaja Singh, Mayengba.
(12)    Nam Singh, Nepra, Machahal.
(13)    Trilok Singh, Nongtholba Satwal.
(14)    Dhon Singh, Sagolsemba.
(15)    Ghun Singh, Indujamba Jamadar.
(16)     Ningthouba Singh, Chingshuba.
(17)     Thaoba Singh, Phanjao Jamadar.
(18)     Tonjao Singh, Mangsatba Jamadar.
(19)     Chaobatol Singh, Heigrujamba Subadar.
(20)      Paradhumba Singh, alias Ashangba kut.
(21)      Chowkami Naga of Mayangkhang.
(22)      Gowho Naga of Mayangkhang.

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JUBRAJ TIKENDRAJIT (1858-1891)

Jubraj Tikendrajit Singh, the hero of the Manipur revolution of 1891, was born in 1858. He was the son of Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh and his mother’s name was Chongtham Chanu Kouseswari Devi.

During the reign of his father (Maharaja Chandrakriti), he was Kotwal, Senapati (during the period of Surachandra) and Jubraj (during the period of Kullachandra). In his individual capacity, he deposed Surchandra ,the reigning king in the year 1890 and installed Kullachandra as the king of Manipur. The rise of such a powerful prince in the eastern most state of India was considered as a threat to the British Supremacy and the Britishes decided to “chopping the fall popy”. Lord Landsdowne regarded this act of indiscretion on the part of Tikendrajit as a great offence. It also gave an opportunity to the British to interfere in the internal affairs of Manipur. He determined to expel the British from Manipur and bring back her independence. Mr. Quinton arrived in Manipur on 22^nd March, 1891and he asked the Raja to hand over Tikendrajit to him as desired by the Governor General of India . This led to a direct clash of arms between the Manipuris and the British. In course of the Skirmish, which took place in the palace campus, Quinton himself, with a number of his officers were put to death. On receipt of this news the British Government sent three columns of troops to Manipur from Kohima, Silchar and Tamu. To save their motherland, the Manipuris fought very bravely under the direction of Tikendrajit. But it was all in vain against the superior mite and arms of the British. On 27^th April, 1891 the British occupied Manipur. Tikendrajit was arrested and after a farcical trial by a general court-martial, he was publicly hanged at Pheida Pung presently B.T.Park on 13^th august 1891.

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GENERAL THANGAL

General Thangal was one of the most prominent heroes of the Anglo-Manipur war 1891.The origin of Thangal is still shredded in mystery. Though some of the naga tribes of the Manipur claim that he was originally a Naga converted to Hindu and absorbed into the Manipuri (Meitei) Community, Manipuri or Meitei Scholars assert that Thangal was a Meitei. He was born in the Ningthouja clan. His father’s name was Kangabam Kshetri Singh, and his mother’s name was Thokchom Chanu Puinu.

He became popular since the period of Maharaja Gambhir Singh. But during the period of Chandrakriti Maharaja, Thangal Major was the most powerful member of the Durbar. He was very loyal to Maharaja Chandrakriti and his sons. The posts held by him were those of Laiphamlakpa, Nunehanjaba, Commandant of the Tooli Naha Regiment of the Manipur Army with the rank of Manjor (Major), the highest military rank, the Ayapural, Minister in charge of Burmese affairs, a Minister of the Durbar and later a General etc. He was both feared and respected by successive British Political agents in Manipur.

However, things changed after the death of Chandrakriti Singh in 1886. In the place revolt of 1890. Jubraj Tikendrajit and Thangal drove out Surchandra, the reigning king and installed Kullachandra as a new ruler of Manipur. This gave an opportunity to the British to intervene in the affairs of Manipur administration. The Government of India deputed Quinton and his associates were executed.

Thangal General surrendered to the British on 7^th May 1891. A special court sentenced him to death for waging war against the Queen and abetment of the murder of British officers. On the evening of 13^th August, 1891, he was hanged with Tikendrajit. The bravery of General Thangal at the moment of his hanging was vividly described by one British officer Lt. Col. Alban Wilson in the following words: - “Tongal pretend to be too ill to walk up the gallows, and he was carried up in a chair and placed beneath the noose………… A sergeant of gunners, who was executioner tapped the Thangal General on the shoulder and said, “Now then, old man, stand up or I can’t hang you”.

"Thangal gazed at him blankly, and then at the interpreter who translated the remark, on which the old fellow shook his head and roared with laughter."

The interpreter said, “Sir, the General states he will not rise”. The Sergeant said, most persuasively ”just tell the old gentleman I’m not going to hurt him." This too, was translated but Thangal would not budge. Then ensured a most ghastly pause, whilst a man climbed up to the top of gallows to lengthen the rope, and when it was adjusted both criminals were loosed off.”…

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NIRANJAN SUBADAR

Niranjan Subadar was a Gurkha who was in the service of the British Army. Niranjan Subadar was the son of Daria Singh, Chetri aged 39 years of village Tikuamoh. He was an Ex-army (Shiphai) of the 34^th Native Infantry. He left the Britishers and joined the native force of Manipur and later appointed as Subadar by the Tikendrajit Jubraj. He was an ex-army (Shiphai) of the 34^th Native Infantry. He left the Britishers and joined the native force of the Tikendrajit Jubraj. He was tried by the chief Political Officer, Manipur Field Force and was sentenced to be hanged by the neck for assisting the Manipuris against the British. The sentence was confirmed by the officer Commanding Manipur Field Force and the Government of India. He was hanged on 8^th June, 1891.

KAJAO

Kajao alias Pukhramba Phingang, son of Chaoba Singh of Kangamong aged 35 joined Borachaoba Singh son of Maharaja Nara Singh in the rebellion against Maharaja Surchandra in 1886 and was in the jail. He was released by Jubraj Tikendrajit from jail in September 1890 and appointed as a Jamadar. After the Durbar in the palace on the night of 24 April 1891 he speared to death Mr. Grimwood then the political Agent on the step of the Durbar hall. He was tried by the Chief Political Officer Manipur Field Force and was sentenced to death. He was hanged on 25^th May, 1891 at 7 a.m.

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GHIRAI NAGA ALIAS CHIRAI THANGAL

Chirai Naga / Thangal son of Chunba of Mayangkhang aged 30 years was put to trial by the Chief Political Officers, Manipur Field force for the attack and murder of the Telegraph officers at Mayangkhang viz W.B Melville and O’Brien. On 25^th April 1891 after the execution of the 5 Britishes at Kangla a column of Maipuri troops under the leadership of –Ashang Kut, Polia came to Mayangkhang. When the Manipuri troops reached Myangkhang, the villagers told that 2 British Offficers of the Telegraph Deptt. Were staying in the Mayangkhang Dak Bunglow. When the Manipuris fired volleys of shots, Mr.O’Brien was instantly killed but W.B.Melville escaped with his rifle under cover of darkness. A big search was mounted in the nearby jungle. Chirai Naga found W.B. Melville near a stream wounded. He was killed and his head cut off by Chirai Naga and brought to the village as a Trophy.

Chirai Naga was arrested and tried by the Political Officer of the Manipur field Force and hanged on 13^th Oct. 1891, inside the jail.

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KULACHANDRA DHAJA (EX-REGENT)

(The Convicts who were transported for life.)

Maharaja Kulachandra Dhaja, was the son of Maharaja Chandrakirti and Chongtham Chanu Naha Lukeswari. General Thangal and Tikendrajit rebelled against the reigning king Surchandra who had abdicated in favour of his half-brother Kulachandra Dhaja. Kulachandra ascended the throne of Manipur on 23^rd Sept. 1890. By temparament he was a man of noble and mild manners. According to Meitei Puwari “Kulachandra Singh always tried to adjust his brothers with one another. He promised to his father before his death that he would always be amicable with his brothers. When he became the king of Manipur he tried to distribute the land to the landless people.” But unfortunately with the coming of Mr. Quinton to Manipur War broke out.

After the war of Independence 1891, Maharaja Kulachandra was arrested on 1891,Maharaja Kulachandra was arrested on 8^th May, 1891, and was tried before a special commission under the presidency of Lt. Col. St. John Mitchell on charge of waging war against the Queen Empress and transported for life with forfiture of properties. He died on 26-1-1934 at Radhakund, U.P.

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PRINCE ANGOU SINGH SENAPATI

Prince Angou Sana Senapati, aged 25 years son of Maharaj Chandrakirti Singh and Queen Haobam Chanu. During the period of Maharaja Surchandra he was a Dolairoi Hanjaba. According to the statement of Angou Senapati”I have been Senapati since October 1890, i.e. about one month after Kulachandra became Maharaja”. Angou senapati fought against the British on 24^th March, 1891, he was arrested on 18^th May, 1891,by the British.

A Special court comprising

1) Lieutenant Colonel St. John Fancourt Mitchell, Asst. Adjutant General as president,

2) Major Richard Kirly Ridgeway V.C. Commandant 44^th Gurkha Rifles as member and

A. W. Davis Esq. Indian Civil Service Deputy Commissioner, Naga Hills as member was constituted for trying the Manipur princes. Angou Sana, Senapati was tried by the special Court from 17^th to 22^nd June 1891 and found him guilty of Waging War against Queen Empress of India and abetment of murder of Mr.Quinton, Colonel Skene, Lieutenant Simpson, Mr. Cossins and he was sentenced to death but his sentence was later commuted to transportation for life.

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LOKENDRA BIRJIT SINGH, WANGKHEIRAKPA

Lokendra Birjit Singh, Wangkheirakpa, son of Singh Dhaja Senapati of Kangjeibung Mapal, aged 43 was a prominent man. He fought against the British on 24^th March 1891 and attacked the western face of British Residency and also subsequently fought against the British troop at Thoubal. He was arrested on 9^th July 1891 and tried by the Chief Political Officer, Manipur Field Force. He was transported for life with forfeiture of property. (Vide No. 1690 E. from Deputy Secretary to Government of India, to General Officer Commanding, Manipur Field Force, dated the 20^th August 1891).

Samu Singh Colonel

Samu Singh, Colonel alias Luwang Ningthou son of Arambam Nityainanda Leikai, aged 60 years was one of the prominent officers of the Maharaja. On 24^th March 1891 when fighting went on between the British troops and armed forces of Manipur State, he was in command of the guard at the firing point of South Gate of the fort. He was tried by the Chief Political Officer, Manipur Field Force and was sentenced to death on the charge of Waging War against Queen Empress of India and abetment of murder of British Officers. The governon General in Council remitted the capital punishment and he was transported during the pleasure of the Government of India, to General Officer Commanding, Mnipur Field Force, dated the 26^th june1891).

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CHONGTHAM NILAMANI SINGH, AYA PUREL

Chongtham Nilamani Singh, Aya Purel Major, son of Kala Singh of Nongthonbam Leikai, aged 55 years was in charge of Burmese affairs (External affairs) and was in command of the Maharaja’s bodyguard and of the citadel, after the conquest of Manipur by the British he was arrested on 9^th May, 1891. He was tried by the Chief Political Officer, Manipur Field Force and sentenced to death but subsequently of (Kalapani) Port Blair with forfeiture of property. He died at Brindaban in the year 1897.

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CHONGTHA MIA SINGH MAJOR

Chongtha Mia Singh, Major was son of Badrian of Lalambung, aged 50, Manipuri. He fought against the British troops on 24^th and 25^th march 1891 when the British troops attacked the Palace to arrest Tikendrajit Senapati and later at thoubal as a leader of Manipur Force. He commanded Manipuri troops at khongjom and resisted the Advance of tamu column on 25^th April 1891. He was arrested at Thoubal. He was later tried by the chief Political Officer, Manipur Field Force from 5^th May to 12^th May 1891 and sentenced him to death for waging war against the Queen Empress. The order was confirmed by H.Collett, Major General Commanding, and Manipur Field Force on 12^th May, 1891. But the sentence of death was commuted to one of transportation for life by order of Government of India. But he was released from Penal settlement of Port Blair, Andaman, in the year 1897. In the year 1898 on 28^th October he applied to the British Government requesting for grant of Rs.100/- (Rupees one hundred) for his maintenance. At that time he was at Radhakund, Muttra N.W.P. The Government of India agreed to his prayer regarding the grant of Rs.100/- (Rupees one hundred) for his maintenance also ordered to reside anywhere in India except in Manipur. Accordingly Chongtha Mia Singh resided at Radhakund during the last part of his life.

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URU SINGH USURBA

Uru Singh, Usurba, son of Churamani Singh of Kubo Leikai. Lalup Chingba was attached to the Top Guard. He was one of the sentries who marched Mr.Quinton, Chief Commissioner of Assam and other British Officers on the night of 2-3-1891 to the scene of their murder. He was tried by the Chief Political Officer, Manipur Field Force in May, 1891 and convicted of transportation during the pleasure of the Government of India. (Vide Secretary to Government of India’s No. 1653 E. dated the 18^th August 1891, to General Officer Commanding Manipur Field).

CHAUBA HIDA MACHAHAL

Chouba hida Machahal, son of Guna Singh of village Ningombam Leikai was one of the sentries who marched the Chief Commissioner of the sentries who marched the Chief Commissioner of Assam and other British Officers to the scene of their murder on the night of 24^th March, 1891. He was tried by the Chief Political officer, Manipur Field Force and sentenced to death on the charge of murder of British Officers, but commuted to transportation during the pleasure of Government of India No. 1653 E, dated the 18^th August 1891 to the General Officer Commanding, Manipur Field Force.

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GHUN SINGH, KONGDRAM

Ghun Singh, Kongdram Lalupchingba son of Lilaiba of Wangkhei, aged 50 years was one of the Sentries who marched Mr.J.W. Quinton, Chief Commissioner of Assam and other British Officers viz. Colonel Skene, Lieutenant Simpson, Mr. Cossins to the scene of their murder on the night of 24^th March, 1891. He was tried by the Chief Political Officer and sentenced him to death on 6^th July 1891. But the order was later commuted to transportation during the pleasure of the Government of India.

KUMBA SINGH, LAISHRABA

Kumba Singh, Laishram, son of Kajao of Yumnam Leikai, aged 27 years was a Sipahi and one of the sentries who marched the British Officers viz. Mr. J.W. Quinton, Chief Commissioner of Assam, Col. Skene, Lieutenant Simpson Mr. Cossins to the scene of their murder. He was tried before the Chief Political officer, Manipur Field Force and sentenced to death. But the order was commuted to transportment of India.

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DHAJA SINGH MAYENGBA

Dhaja Singh, Mayengba son of Dharma Singh of Mayengbam Leikai, 33 years of age was a Sipahi and one of the sentries who marched the four British Officers including Chief Commissioner of Assam on the night of 24^th March 1891 to the scene of their murder. He was tried by Major Maxwell, the Chief Political officer, Manipur field Force, and sentenced to death for the British Officers. The order was commuted to transportation during the pleasure of Government of India.

NAM SINGH, NEPRA MACHAHAL

Nam Singh, Nepra Machahal, son of Kumba Singh of Yambem Leikai, aged 28 years was one of the sentries who marched the four british officers on the night of 24^th March, 1891 from the Durbar Hall to the scene of their murder. He was tried along with other sentries by the Chief Political Officer, Manipur Field Force and sentenced to death for the murder of British Officers. The order of capital punishment was commuted to transportation during the pleasure of Government of India (Vide Secretary to the Government of India’s No.1653 E.dated the 18^th August, 1891 to the General Officer Commanding, Manipur Field Force).

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TRILOK SINGH

Trilok Singh, Nongtholba Satwal, son of Kala Singh of Kubo Leikai, aged 60 years was Satwal or Head of Lanmis who carry out executions. He was tried by the Chief Political Officer, Manipur Field Force and passed order on 6^th july 1891 for putting to death on 6^th july 1891 for British Officers viz, Mr. J. W. Quinton. Chief Commissioner of Assam, Colonel Skene, Liutenant Simpson and Mr.Cossins. The sentence was commuted to transportation during the pleasure of the Governor General in council (Vide Telegram to 1609 E.dated Simla the 11^th August 1891 from the Secretary to the Government of India. Foreign Department to the Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of Assam.

DHON SINGH

Dhon Singh, Sagolsenba, son of Anindram of Khongang Pheidekpi Makha, age 50 years was man who actually beheaded the British Officers. Detail of the actual execution are now available in the Manipur State Archives. Sagle Donor Singh used a” TENDONG THANG”- a long handled sword for the execution. He stood in front of the 2 dragons facing north while the Britishes are marched one by one. The Britisher was in a standing position in front of the dragons facing west while Sagolsem Dhono faced North. Two of the Britishes was beheaded in one blow of the sword, while two Britishes needed two blows of the sword to decapitate their heads. He was tried by the Chief Political Officer, Manipur Field Force and convicted of the death which sentence had been commuted to transportation during the pleasure of the Governor General in council.

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GHUN SINGH

Ghun Singh, Indujamba, Jamadar, son of Sajouba Singh of Sagolband aged 42 years was present when the last volleys were fired by Nagas and Manipuris into the Mayangkhang Dak Bunglow where Mr.O’Brien was killed. He was tried by the Chief Political Officer, Manipur Field Force and the court was of the opinion that he must have been present from the very beginning. Under these circumstances he was transported for life waging war against the Queen and murder of Signaller O’Brien of Telegraph Department (vide No. 2093 E.dated the 22^nd October, 1891, from the Under Secretary to the Government of India, to the Chief Political Officer, Manipur).

NINGTHOUBA SINGH

Ningthouba Singh, Chingsuba Jamadar, son of Bir Singh of Kubo Leikai, aged 41 years was dispatched up the Kohima Road after fighting began on 24^th March, 1891 between British troops and Manipuris to reinforce the Manipuris outposts. He was present when the last volley was fired into the chief political officer. Manipur Field Force and was sentenced to transportation for life on 6^th September, 1891 on the charge of (1) Waging war against the Queen and (2) Murder of Signaller O’Brien of Telegraph Department.

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THAOBA SINGH

Thaoba Singh Phanjao jamadar son of Angao Singh of Kabo Leikai, aged 40 years was in Mayangkhang when Mr. O’Brien Signaller of the Telegraph Department was killed. He was tried and sentenced to transportation for life on the charge of (1) waging War against the Queen and (2) Murder of Signaller O’Brien on 25-3-1891.

TONJAO SINGH

Tonjao Singh, Mangsataba Jamadar son of Chaotol Singh of Kabo Leikai was tried and charged with waging war against the Queen and for the murder of Messrs Melville and O’Brien sentenced to transportation for life.

CHAOBATOL SINGH, HEIGRUJAMBA

Chaobatol Singh, Heigrujamba Subadar, son of Pangandong of Kongmapan, aged 62 was in command of the party of Manipuri troops sent up the Kohima road on 24^th March, 1891. He was charged with waging war against the Queen and for the murder of Messrs Melville and O’Brien of Telegraph Department at Mayangkhang and sentenced to death on 6^th September. 1891 which sentence was commuted to transportation for life.

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PARADHUMBA SINGH

Paradhumba Singh, Ashangba Khut, son of Tojanoba Singh of Wangkhei was a Havildar of Mayangkhang outpost and was on duty on 24^th, 25th and 26^th March, 1891. On receipt of orders from the maharaja of Manipur to arrest British subjects and if they resist to kill them. He collected Nagas from Mayangkhang village to carry out the orders before the arrival of the Jamadars and Subadars. He was tried before the court of the Chief Political officer, Manipur Field Force and sentenced to transportation for life on the charge of murder of Signaller O’Brien of Telegraph Department.

CHOWKAMI NAGA OF MAYANGKHANG

Chokemen Nag- he was present during the attack on Mayangkhang Bunglow when the Sinaller O’Brien was killed. He was also with Chirai Naga when the latter killed Mr. Melville the Superintendent of the Telegraph Department. He was tried and sentenced to transportation for life on 7^th March, 1892 on the charge of (1) Murder of Signaller O’Brien and (2) Abetment of murder of Mr.Melville. (Vide Secretary to the Chief Commissioner’s No. 1822 dated 23^rd April, 1892).

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GOWHO NAGA OF MAYANGKHANG

Gowho Naga was present during the attack on Mayangkhang Bunglow when the Signaller O’Brien was killed. He was also with Chirai Naga when latter killed Mr. Melville the Superintendent of the Telegraph Department. He was tried and sentenced to transportation for life on 7^th March, 1892 on the charge of (1) Murder of Signaller O’Brien and (2) Abetment of Murder of Mr. Melville.

Source: Manipur Who is Who 1891,
published by
Manipur State Archives in 1990.

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