THE KHONGJAI HILLS EXPEDITION 1786: DR TS HAOKIP

"The Khongjai Hills (1741-42) Expedition of 1786: A  Brief Kuki Historical Account and Kanglei Manipur"

   

By:- Dr. TS Haokip

30 March, 2025

Abstract

This article provides a historical account of the Khongjai Hills Expedition of 1786, led by King Chingthangkhompa of Manipur. The expedition was a significant event in the history of the Kuki people, and this article aims to provide a detailed and accurate account of the events surrounding the expedition.

Introduction

The Khongjai Hills Expedition of 1786 was a significant event in the history of the Kuki people. The expedition was led by King Chingthangkhompa of Manipur, who mobilized the whole forces of Manipur to attack the Khongchai villages of the Khongjai hills (Parratt, 2: 25-27).

Background

The Khongjai hills are located to the east of Vangaitang mountain, along the Tuipui (Tuipi) river valley. The Tuipui river originates from the northern points of Thanlon ranges and flows north to release its water into the Irang river (Cheitharol). There were previous interactions between the Khongjais and the Manipur kingdom, including an attack by the guru in 1742 (Parratt, 1: 151, 153) and a visit by Khongchais to the palace in 1784 (Parratt, 2:22).

The Expedition

The forces led by King Chingthangkhompa passed through the Kuchu valley and encountered many Khongjai villages (Cheitharol). From the base camp at the foothills of Khongjai hills, they attacked the Khongjai villages, including Phunchong Yanlam, Khongchai village, and Phunchongyon (Cheitharol). The king erected a stone pillar at Tuyai Yirok, and performed the spear dance in the centre of the Khongchai village (Cheitharol).

Aftermath

The Khongjais were subjugated, and many villagers visited the king and paid presents (Cheitharol). The records indicate that the Kukis (Khongjais) settled in the area in great numbers, starting from the south of the Kuchu valley (Cheitharol). The term "Khongjai/Khongchai" was derived from the name of the main village being attacked, which was inhabited mainly by the Khongsai king and other clans of Kukis (Shaw, 1929: 47).

Conclusion

The Khongjai Hills Expedition of 1786 was a significant event in the history of the Kuki people. The expedition highlights the complex interactions between the Kuki people and the Manipur kingdom. This article aims to provide a detailed and accurate account of the events surrounding the expedition, and to contribute to a deeper understanding of the history of the Kuki people.

References:
*Parratt, J. (1997). The Pleasures of the Past: A Social History of the Manipur Kingdom from 1764 to 1949. Vikas Publishing House.
*Shaw, W. (1929). Notes on the Thadou Kukis. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal, 25(1), 45-57.
*Cheitharol. (n.d.). The Cheitharol Kumbaba, a chronicle of the kings of Manipur.
*Kamei, G. (2015). A History of the Zeliangrong Nagas: From Makhel to Rani Gaidinliu. Spectrum Publications.

 ~ WKZIC

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