Yumjaotaba

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Yumjaotaba
Pitamber
King of Manipur
Reign1820-1821
Coronation 1820
Predecessor Herachandra
Successor Gambhir Singh
Born1790
Manipur
Died1834
Manipur
Issue Ripujit
House House of Karta
Dynasty Ningthouja dynasty
Father Madhuchandra
Religion Hinduism

Yumjaotaba, also known as Keiphasana, Nawol Singh, Pitamber was the son of Meitei King Madhuchandra, the second son of King Bhagyachandra. [1]

Contents

Reign

Yumjaotaba ascended to the throne of Manipur in 1820 during the period known as the Chahi Taret Khuntakpa. [2] It is believed that he was sent by his uncle, Chourjit Singh, during the Burmese annexation of Manipur, with the intention of assassinating his other uncles, Gambhir Singh and Nara Singh [3] [4]

The Complex Political Environment

The internal struggles among the princes, compounded by the Burmese invasion, created a complex political environment in which Yumjaotaba's loyalty and actions remain debated in historical narratives. [4] [5]

Attempt to Liberate Manipur

While the main resistance to the Burmese invasion was led by Gambhir Singh and the Manipur Levy with British support during the First Anglo-Burmese War, Yumjaotaba’s brief reign reflects the internal divisions and unstable leadership that marked Manipur’s struggle for independence. [6] [7]

War tactics

Yumjaotaba, along with 800 guerrillas, 50 horses, and 12 guns, collaborated with his cousin Herachandra in a strategy to trap the Burmese general Kanewoon. As part of their plan, Yumjaotaba gathered rice for the Burmese forces stationed at Sekmai. In a case of mistaken belief, the Burmese authorities, thinking Yumjaotaba had defeated Herachandra, rewarded him with 40 horses, 20 guns, and two gilded swords. However, Yumjaotaba and his guerrillas had already successfully eliminated 200 Burmese soldiers at Heiyen. They positioned themselves strategically, spanning from Uchiwa Khundon to Heiyel near Loktak Lake, where they continued to eliminate Burmese forces at Chaobok. [8] [9]

Symbolism of Yumjaotaba's Ascension

Yumjaotaba's position during the Burmese annexation is often overshadowed by the military and political leadership of his uncles, yet his ascension to the throne symbolizes a fragment of the kingdom's attempt to retain indigenous authority amidst foreign occupation. [5] [4] [7]

Death

Yumjaotaba's death is unknown but, some sources claim that he died in 1834 [4]

References

  1. ↑ Parratt (historienne).), Saroj Nalini (2005). The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: The Cheitharon Kumpapa : Original Text, Translation and Notes. Jain Book Shop Publication. ISBN   978-81-939548-5-0.
  2. ↑ Sharma, Gourachandra. Gambhir Singh Chahi Taret Khuntakpa.
  3. ↑ cbkwgl (2023-04-30). "Manipur". cbkwgl’s Newsletter. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
  4. 1 2 3 4 T.c. Hodson (1908). The Meitheis.
  5. 1 2 "History of Manipur | PDF". Scribd. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
  6. ↑ Sharma, Gourachandra. Gambhir Singh Chahi Taret Khuntakpa.
  7. 1 2 "Seven Years Devastation 1819 1826 Book Review By James Oinam". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
  8. ↑ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. Mittal Publications. ISBN   978-81-7099-853-2.
  9. ↑ Sana, Raj Kumar Somorjit (2010). The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs: From 1666 CE to 1850 CE. Waikhom Ananda Meetei. ISBN   978-81-8465-210-9.
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