Colonialism and Resistance : Society and State in Manipur

This book provides a new approach to the study of colonialism and politics of resistance in Northeast India, especially in Manipur, critiquing its dominant historiography. Bringing together scholars from across disciplines, the volume deals with a wide range of issues including constructions of the Northeast, process of ethnicisation, resistance, rebellions and social movements, tribes, literature, imperial strategies, Christian missionaries, and geopolitics.

Part of the ‘Transition in Northeastern India’ series, this volume critically explores how Northeast India, especially Manipuri society, responded to colonial rule. It studies the interplay between colonialism and resistance to provide an alternative understanding of colonialism on the one hand, and society and state formation on the other. Challenging dominant histories of the area, the essays provide significant insights into understanding colonialism and its multiple effects on economy, polity, culture, and faith system. It examines hitherto untouched areas in the study of Northeast, and discusses how social movements are augmented, constituted or sustained.

This book will be of great interest to researchers and scholars of modern history, sociology and social anthropology, particularly those concerned with Northeast India.