By Kabirdash Mayengbam

Abstract

This paper intends to produce the history of unsung hero of Manipur, Thangal General. It covers the summary from the birth to the death of this patriot as well as his contributions for the welfare of his motherland. Though there are controversies regarding his origin and year of birth, we have unanimously accepted he was a Meitei and his heroic contributions in the state. Many contemporary writers give their opinions about his origin and year of his birth. This paper includes the role of Thangal General in the execution of the five British officers including a bugler which led to the occurrence of Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891 and a detailed information of the trial of Thangal General in the court of Manipur. It will impart the further researchers to throw light in the many unsung heroes of India, especially North-east India.

INTRODUCTION

Many unsung heroes were existed in North-east India during the pre-colonial and colonial period. Their contributions of nationalism were quite unknown to the common masses till now. Thangal General was a martyr who sacrifice his life for the sake of his motherland. His contributions to her motherland, Manipur were unsung by most of the people of Manipur. He had no fear to sacrifice his life when he was about to hang in front of the stakes of Manipur. That day, 13th August was celebrated every year in Manipur as “Patriot’s Day”. However, his role in the state was unsung by few people.

THANGAL’S ORIGIN

T. C. Hodson mentions Thangal General as “Naga General Thangal” in his book ‘The Meitheis”. In the book “History of the Assam Rifles” written by Col. L. W. Shakespeare, C. B. C. I, Thangal General was an Indian Army personnel under 34th Indian Army. (Page-64) 1929

“Manipur Yudha” written by Girischandra Choudhury B. L. in Assamese language mentions that Thangal General had Maomaria blood relations as Maomaria rebels were settled in Manipur during the reign of Jai Singh, the king of Manipur. (Page54) 1969

There are some controversies regarding Thangal’s year of birth and birthplace as well as his parents giving different information. He was belonged to Rongmeis according to Rongmeis of Western province of Manipur. Besides, the thangals of Sadar Hills of Northern Manipur claimed that Thangal general was belonged to their community as the latter was born in the village, named “Thangal Cave”. Rongmeis called Thangal as ‘Maikaikham’. During his early days, he was silly and naughty. Leaving Kaikham Longjao village, he migrated to Imphal Valley. We have two probable reasons regarding his migration to the Imphal valley.

First Reason: Thangal and one of his friends stole a goat from a rich man and they planned to eat the mutton. Due to a big crisis about the loss of the goat, Thangal fled to the Imphal Valley instead of returning home. As his mother could not pay the price of the goat, she became a servant of the rich person.

Second Reason: Thangal eloped a lady of Subung village to the Imphal valley. And the fate of it was on her mother.

He took shelter from a bureaucrat of the king. As he was hard worker and wise, he got fond of love from the latter. After that he converted himself Hinduism and became a Meitei. At the time of the death of the bureaucrat, he made Thangal an employee under the king of Manipur.

According to the survey report by Rajkumar Sanahal Singh in his book, “Thangal General”, the khullakpas and old villagers gave detailed information that Thangal was born in the Thangal Cave. His father’s name was Saraingam and his mother’s name was Angkhala. And his real name was Lungthoubu. When the king of Manipur came to the Cave, he saw the tribute and the brave and courage of Thangal. After that the king requested to accompany Thangal with him. His mother sang a song in Thangal language bearing all the tears of the departure of Thangal forever.

“Anka Kalong Katong long

Anda Kabon Kapin ram,

Hi tau anao ayo nou,

Chahou gai Kapok yang;

Anthim anta bu chi nang tha nou bi,

Lungthoubu pui Angkhala ni

Kagui mang andan kaha yang bu;

Gale galebi Kagui Kan ran gui yang,

Angkham Kadei ambam”¹

Meaning: Thangal was a high elevation region and a supporter of King. I, Angkhala was proud of being a mother of you, Lungthoubu. She asked he was alone, and he was to go to the big valley to bring good news.

Sir James Johnstone and Cheitharol Kumbaba, the chronicle of Manipur states that Thangal General was a Meitei but both did not clearly mention the names of his parents. Most of us believed that he was a Naga in origin but converted to Hinduism and took the surname “Kangabam”. Thangal General who was familiar to the former. The former mentions that Gambhir Singh gave the title of “Thangal” to remark the expedition of Thangal village and Thangal General was a Meitei.² In Cheitharol Kumbaba, Thangal General was Meitei in origin having “Kangabam” as his surname. Thangal General was born in1817 in Longjang village in Tamenglong district of Manipur which meiteis often called the village Thangal. His father is Sidapthing and his mother’s name was Shahemlu. His father was gone in his early age and mother adopted him facing all the social evils. After that he shifted home to the valleys of Manipur.³

Thangal General was the descendants of the Bengal goldsmith.⁴

Some naga tribes of Manipur claim Thangal General a Naga in origin and converted to Hinduism in Manipuri community. Whereas Manipuri scholars assert that Thangal was a Manipuri.⁵

YEAR OF BIRTH

Many contemporary writers kept about the birth and body structure (anatomy) of Thangal General. Sir James Johnstone mentioned that the former was old man who was sixty years old. He was born in 1817.⁶

In the letter sent to the Chief Commissioner of Assam in 1891 by Lt. P. R. Gordon mentions about Thangal General that the latter was 80 years old, and he would not be able to hold his post longer.⁷ Further, Secretary to the Assam Chief Commissioner sent a letter to the Secretary of the Indian government. In the letter, Thangal General was very old, aged about 80 years with fair complexion, short and stoutish, hair quite white and very much bent.⁸ “He was an old man nearer eighty than seventy, I should think, taller than the average Manipuri and marvellously active for his age.” ⁹ - wrote by Mrs Ethel St. Clair Grimwood in “My three years in Manipur and escape from the recent mutiny”

When the British government announced a cash award of Rs. 2000 for the arrest of Thangal General, the officers stated that he was about 80 years old.¹⁰

From the above data, we may conclude that Thangal General was born in 1811 if he was eighty years old in the year 1891.

After the defeat of Manipur in the Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891, Maharaja Kulachandra Singh along with his siblings were exiled to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. On 26th June 1891, an application was sent to the Viceroy of India and Governor-General of India. In the application, it is stated that Thangal was about 90 years old¹¹. If it is correct, his year of birth is 1801.

Besides in the trial of Thangal General, Chief Political Agent of Manipur, Maxwell said that he was 85 years old, and his father’s name was Khettri Sing Manipuri from Wangkhei Angom Leikai. Over and above, against the order to hang Thangal General, a memorandum was sent to the Viceroy of India and the Governor-General of India on 18th June 1891. The memorandum includes, “Your memorialist is now 85 years of age, suffering from illness, become short sighted and deaf living in jail for over a month.”¹²

HIS PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Sir James Johnstone personally met Thangal General when he was in Manipur and mentions about him that Thangal was short and thick, darker than the average of Manipuris, with piercing eyes and rather a prominent nose.¹³

“He (Thangal) had a fine old face, much lined and wrinkled with age. He had piercing black eyes, shaggy overhanging white eyebrows, and white hair. His nose was long and slightly hooked, and his mouth was finely cut and very determined. He was fond of bright colours, and I never remember seeing him in anything but a delicate pink silk dhotee, a dark coat made from a finest-rate English pattern and a pink turban, and when the orchids were in bloom, he seldom appeared without a large spray of some gorgeous hued specimen on the top of his turban.” – stated by Mrs. Ethel St. Clair Grimwood in “My Three Years in Manipur and Escape from the Recent Mutiny”.¹⁴

HIS ACHEIVEMENTS

During the early days of Chandrakirti, Thangal general took a vital role in expedition and internal matter of the administration. In 1872, during the reign of Chandrakirti, the king of Manipur, Thangal General along with Souwaijamba Balaram consolidated the Lushai hills. In the establishment of Johnstone English School, later Johnstone Higher Secondary School established by Sir James Johnstone, Thangal General and Balaram Singh took part an important role. Besides, he and Lt. Raban R. E. during the reign of Chandrakirti Maharaj, had constructed the road from Imphal to Mao in 1880. On 13th of Dec, 1873, Dr. Brown and Thangal General as leaders from both sides re-demarcated the present boundary of Manipur.¹⁵ When Naga rebels, in the north, at Khonoma killed Dr. G.H. Damant on October 4, 1879. Lt. Col. J. Jonstone, the political agent in Manipur and Thangal General subdued them.¹⁶ For his service of merit and efficiency, he was rewarded the title “Tangballoi”, the highest title of Manipur at that time. He was accompanied by the Gambhir Singh in the expedition of Naga inhabitant areas. He also accompanied with Rani Kumudini who was exiled in Cachar with his infant, Chandrakirti Singh, the then king of Manipur.

After the death of Chandrakirti, the Maharaja of Manipur, there existed discontent among the stepbrothers regarding the succession. The brothers were divided into two groups, one side was Surchandra and the other side was Kulachandra. Surchandra was accompanied by Pakasana and Thambousana while Kulachandra was accompanied by Tikendrajit, Angousana and Jilangamba. As the brothers of Kulachandra revolted against Surchandra for the throne, the latter fled and seek help of the British government. The British intervened the internal conflict between the brothers of Manipur royal family.

Receiving the information of the arrival of the Chief Commissioner of Assam, Major General W. Quinton in Manipur on 21st March 1891, Thangal General welcome the former at Mao and Angousana and Shamu welcome the commissioner at Sekmai. And Tikendrajit, Jubaraj of Manipur and Kulachandra, Maharaja of Manipur welcome him. The plan to arrest Tikendrajit was failed three times. Due to this failure, the British wanted to end the intrigue in a peaceful way. However, no positive conclusion was made between the King of Manipur and the British. When the British officers were trying to leave the palace, the angry crowd of Manipur revolted against the British and one of the crowd stabbed Lt. Simpson on his head and Political agent of Manipur, Mr. Grimwood was speared by Pukhramba Kajao. All the incident was done by the signal of Thangal General due to bad personal relationship with Mr. Grimwood. This information was mentioned in the application sent by the royal family of Kulachandra to the Viceroy of India and Governor general of India on 26th June 1891.¹⁷

HIS TRIAL AND VERDICT

After The British government defeated Manipur, it announced to arrest the persons who involved in the murder of five British officers. Among them, the government announced a cash reward of Rs 2000 for the arrest of Thangal General. The latter surrendered to the British government on the 7th of May 1891.¹⁸ And he was kept in prison.

The British confiscated 8 promissory notes containing a sum of Rs.10,000.

The confiscated eight promissory notes were sent to the Comptroller of Assam by the Political Agent and Superintendent of Manipur on 10th of July 1892.¹⁹

The proceedings of the trial were done by Lt. Col. Sir H. Maxwell, the chief Political Officer of Manipur. The trial was started from the 22nd of May 1891 to 28th May 1891. And the verdict of the trial was announced on the 1st of June 1891. Six Manipuris viz. Giridhari Singh Angom Ningthou, Jatrasing, Ushuba Lallupchingba, Mani Singh Nepra Machahal, Angangjao Singh and Yaima were come out on the side of British persecution while three manipuris viz. Thangjam Chaoba, Bhubala Singh Mongjamba and Ningthoujamba Chaoba were attended on the side Thangal’s witness.²⁰

Major Maxwell submitted two charges against Thangal General in the trial:

1. On 24th of March 1891, Thangal General revolted against the queen of Manipur. Therefore, his verdict might be capital punishment or exiled for life from the state.

2. On 24th of March 1891, Thangal General murdered Quinton, Chief Commissioner of Assam; Col. Skene, 41st Gurkha Rifles; Lt. Simpson, 34th Gurkha Rifles and Cossins, Assistant Secretary, Chief Commissioner of Assam. So, his verdict might be capital punishment or exiled for life from the state.²¹

According to the first prosecution of the witness, Thangal General was old and one of the most important persons in the darbar. When the Chief Commissioner of Assam reached Manipur, Thangal General was selected as a representative to take care the officer. The persecution tried to charge Thangal General that he was mainly involved in the case of murder of the British officers. He was reported the attendance of Thangal General in the darbar for the resolution of the murder of the British officers. Giridhari who attended the midnight darbar gave the witness that after the darbar, five British officers – Quinton, Col. Skene, Lt. Simpson, Grimwood and Cossins including a bugler – went westwards. However, Due to mob violence, Grimwood was speared by Pukhramba Kajao and Lt. Simpson was severely stabbed on his head. Other officers were successfully saved by the Manipuri bureaucrats and forces. The witness went to the military court (Top Garot) and ordered the forces to safeguard the four British officers including the bugler. At that time, he saw Thangal General in the military court. Then, he went to do household works and it took around two hours. When he returned to the court, he heard to murder of four British officers including the bugler.

According to second witness of the prosecution, the first witness saved the British officers from the mob violence and the latter told the latter to send some forces to safeguard the officers. Among the forces coming to second witness, Usuba brought an order from Thangal General to murder the British officers including the bugler. Then, he went home and heard the news of murder of the British officers in the morning.

The third witness also gave an information about the incident of killing the British officers same as the previous two witness had mentioned. He knew that the British officers had handover to the Sanglingba (professional killer). He stated that he did not meet Thangal General, but the latter’s forces were there near the military court. In the next morning, he saw the blood near the Kanglasha and he knew that the officers had been killed.

The fourth prosecution stated that he had heard the voice of the order to handover the British officers to the Sanglingba (Professional Killer). Then he saw Jatra Singh leaving the darbar. When he come to the military court (Top Garot), he saw the Senapati and Thangal General and the blood in front of Kanglasha.

The fifth and the sixth prosecution gave witness about the handcuff of the British officers in the darbar hall.

According to the first four witness, on 24th of March 1891, Thangal General revolted against the Queen and the conflict between the British and the king of Manipur was started in the midnight after a heavy gunfire in the evening. At that time, the highest post of the military force, Thangal General was in the military court. As the conflict between the two parties started, Thangal General was guilty. Secondly, the most crucial issue was that the order to kill the British officers was given by Thangal General. According to the Thangal General stated in the court, he had already warned to aware the British officers. Denying the words of Thangal, they entered the darbar. Thangal General also attended as a member of the darbar. After the meeting, he left the darbar and took a bath near the darbar. He fell asleep after returning from the military court. In the next morning, he knew the killing of the British officers. One question emerged regarding this situation that why he did not take care the British officers as he aware of the mob violence earlier. The situation after the darbar was more severe than before as common masses gathered in maximum numbers. And returning home of the British officers without any harm is the duty of the Thangal General. Maxwell replied that he did not trust the words of Thangal General and his witness.

Finally, the verdict of Thangal General was announced on 1st of June 1891 that he would be hanged till death as a capital punishment. His guilty was due to the revolt against the Queen Victoria on the 24th of March 1891 and on the same day, he ordered to kill the British officers including the bugler. The letter of the verdict was sent to the Viceroy of India and Governor General of India on 18th of July 1891.

On 11th of August 1891 a telegram was received in Manipur from Simla to punish the guilty Thangal General and Maxwell, the political agent of Manipur announced a proclamation to hang Thangal General till death.

“Proclamation

It is hereby notified for the information of the subjects of the Manipur state.

That before the court of the Cl. Pol. Officer, Tangal Singh alias Tangal General of Manipur was tried and convicted of waging war against the Queen Empress of India and the murder of British officers and was sentenced to be hanged which sentence had been confirmed by the Govt. of India and will be duly carried out.”22

Date of the delivery of the punishment was confirmed on Thursday, the 13th of August, 1891 and the confirmation was acknowledged on the 12th of August, 1891 and he was allowed to meet his relatives. The platform to hang Thangal General and Jubaraj Tikendrajit was made and the construction was finsihed on or before the noon of the 13th August 1891. Attending about 8000 people, Thangal General reached the platform – surrounding 500 Gurkha forces²³ - and he was listened to the proclamation of the death sentence. When the clock stroked at the 5 p.m., Thangal General was hanged along with Jubaraj Tikendrajit. And the bodies were hanged for one hour in the respective platform.

CONCLUSION

Such history was marked with golden colour in the history of Manipur as well as India. Temple of Thangal General has been constructed as a temple and historical monument situated around 5 (five) kilometres from the Imphal city. The temple of Thangal General is in the Wangkhei locality of Imphal. The temple is constructed in a Bengal style and structure of dome represents the Islamic influence on it. There are different unsung heroes of India especially North-east India, sacrificed their life for the sake of their motherland. But maximum of our nation do not recognise them. Further researchers are hoped to throw light on the unsung heroes of India, especially North-east India to build a composite national unity in our country.

FOOTNOTES:

1 Singh, Sri Sanahal, Rajkumar, Thangal General (Manipuri), Imphal: The Manipur Printers and Manufacturers, 1971, p.11

2 Johnstone, James, My Experiences in Manipur and Naga Hills, London, 1876 and Manipur and Naga Hills, Indian edition, 1961, p. 74-75

3 Ibid, p. 77

4 B. S.C., E. W. Dun., Captain, Abridged Gazetteer of Manipur, Simla, 1891, p. 28

5 Sen, Dr. S.P., Dictionary of National Biography, Calcutta, 1974, Vol. IV., p. 34

6 Johnstone, James, My Experiences in Manipur and Naga Hills, London, 1876 and Manipur and Naga Hills, Indian edition, 1961, p. 77

7 Assam Secretariat Foreign a Progs, Sept, 1891, p. 335

8 Ibid, p. 187

9 Grimwood, St. Clair, Ethel, My three years in Manipur and escape from the recent mutiny, London, 1891. p. 85

10 English Translation of the Proclamation from the Chief Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of Burma to Foreign Secretary Govt. Of India, Foreign Dept, dated Rangoon, the 11th April, 1891- Correspondence relating to Manipur, London, 1891, No.3 P-11

11 Majumdar, Dr. R. C., Rebellion in Manipur, New Delhi: Indian Historical Records Commission Proceedings, Vol. XXXV, Part II, February, 1960

12 Memorial of Thangal General Singh dated 18th June, 1819 submitted to His Excellency, the Viceroy and Governor General of India, Simla (Foreign Dept, Secret E. Pros. September, 1891, No-73)

13 Johnstone, James, My Experiences in Manipur and Naga Hills, London, 1876 and Manipur and Naga Hills, Indian edition, 1961, p. 75

14 Grimwood, St. Clair, Ethel, My three years in Manipur and escape from the recent mutiny, London, 1891. p. 85-86

15 Lalit, P, A brief history (puwari) of the meiteis of Manipur, https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html

16 Ibid

17 Majumdar, Dr. R. C., Rebellion in Manipur, New Delhi: Indian Historical Records Commission Proceedings, Vol. XXXV, Part II, February, 1960

18 Telegram from the Chief Political Officer of Manipur to the Foreign Secretary, Simla dated 8th May 1891 – “7 th May, Tongal General surrendered himself today and is now in custody.”

19 Letter from the Political Agent and Superintendent, Manipur to the Comptroller, Assam (political Agent’s Special File No. 12)

20 Singh, Sri Sanahal, Rajkumar, Thangal General (Manipuri), Imphal: The Manipur Printers and Manufacturers, 1971, p.59

21 Singh, Sri Sanahal, Rajkumar, Thangal General (Manipuri), Imphal: The Manipur Printers and Manufacturers, 1971, p.68-69

22 Singh, Sri Sanahal, Rajkumar, Thangal General (Manipuri), Imphal: The Manipur Printers and Manufacturers, 1971, p.106

23 Ibid, p.108

REFERENCES:

1. Singh, Sri Sanahal, Rajkumar, Thangal General (Manipuri), Imphal: The Manipur Printers and Manufacturers, 1971

2. Johnstone, James, My Experiences in Manipur and Naga Hills, London, 1876 and Manipur and Naga Hills, Indian edition, 1961

3. B. S.C., E. W. Dun., Captain, Abridged Gazetteer of Manipur, Simla, 1891

4. Sen, Dr. S.P., Dictionary of National Biography, Calcutta, 1974, Vol. IV.

5. Assam Secretariat Foreign a Progs, Sept, 1891

6. Grimwood, St. Clair, Ethel, My three years in Manipur and escape from the recent mutiny, London, 1891

7. English Translation of the Proclamation from the Chief Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of Burma to Foreign Secretary Govt. Of India, Foreign Dept, dated Rangoon, the 11th April, 1891- Correspondence relating to Manipur, London, 1891, No.3

8. Majumdar, Dr. R. C., Rebellion in Manipur, New Delhi: Indian Historical Records Commission Proceedings, Vol. XXXV, Part II, February, 1960

9. Memorial of Thangal General Singh dated 18th June, 1819 submitted to His Excellency, the Viceroy and Governor General of India, Simla (Foreign Dept, Secret E. Pros. September, 1891, No-73)

10. Telegram from the Chief Political Officer of Manipur to the Foreign Secretary, Simla dated 8th May 1891 – “7 th May, Tongal General surrendered himself today and is now in custody.”

11. Letter from the Political Agent and Superintendent, Manipur to the Comptroller, Assam (political Agent’s Special File No. 12)

12. Singh, Sri Sanahal, Rajkumar, Thangal General (Manipuri), Imphal: The Manipur Printers and Manufacturers, 1971

13. Mai, B, Seamsan, Thangal General-A descendant of the hills, article for the Sangai Express, daily published newspaper, 10th September, 2006

14. Lalit, P, A brief history (puwari) of the meiteis of Manipur, https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html