Inscriptions of Identity: Historical Tapestry of the Kukis ~ Dr. George T. Haokip

THE Kuki tribe has maintained a significant presence in the Indian state of Manipur for centuries, a fact further reinforced by their recognition as Scheduled Tribes (ST) under the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order of 1950. Historical records spanning the late 18th to early 20th centuries provide substantial evidence of the Kuki tribe's existence within the Indian subcontinent. 

Chronicles of Kuki Presence:
The historical account of the Kuki tribe's presence in India dates back to the late 18th century. In 1777, the Kukis were noted to have posed a significant threat to neighboring regions, prompting an appeal by the Chittagong chief to Warren Hastings, the inaugural Governor-General of Bengal, for assistance in dealing with the Kuki menace (Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India, published in 1907).
Furthermore, pivotal episodes in the mid-19th century underscore the Kuki tribe's enduring presence. The years 1844 and 1870 mark crucial instances in which the Kuki tribe's existence was documented and acknowledged. Captain T.H. Lewin, Deputy Commissioner of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in 1870, provided a vivid depiction of the Kuki tribe's expansive reach, extending northwards and northeastwards, encompassing territories such as Cachar in Assam and the borderlands of Burma.

The Anglo-Kuki War: A Defining Chapter:
The Anglo-Kuki War of 1917-1919 stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Kuki tribe. This armed conflict, where ethnic Kukis valiantly confronted British colonial forces on Manipuri soil, serves as a pivotal chapter in India's historical narrative. The Kuki tribe's active participation in this significant event exemplifies their deep-rooted connection to the Indian landscape and their unwavering commitment to their indigenous identity.

Census Data and Recognition:
Concrete statistical data from the 1931 Census further supports the Kuki tribe's historical presence in India. The publication "The Purums: An Old Kuki Tribe of Manipur" in 1945 cites the Kuki population in Assam and Bengal as 1,08,282, with 91,690 residing in Assam and 16,592 in Bengal during the 1931 Census. This demographic information substantiates the Kuki tribe's tangible existence within Indian territories.

Refugee Allegations: A Misnomer:
The assertion that certain segments of the Kuki community, who sought refuge in Manipur subsequent to the Burmese military intervention of 1968, ought to be categorically labeled as refugees is a contention fraught with historical and contextual complexities. The utilization of official governmental correspondence advocating the repatriation of these individuals, in support of such a classification, must be approached with circumspection. Such an interpretation fails to adequately appreciate the nuanced historical trajectory and the deeply embedded indigenous heritage of the Kuki tribe within the geographical expanse of India.

In conclusion, the historical chronicles ranging from 1777 to the early 20th century, along with census data and the Kuki tribe's active role in key historical events, irrefutably establish their enduring existence in India. Attempts to dismiss their Indian identity by casting them as non-Indian entities are unfounded and contradicted by the wealth of historical evidence. The Kuki tribe's legacy and historical continuity are integral components of India's diverse tapestry, deserving of acknowledgement and appreciation.

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