Full Description
This book explores the Kuki uprising against the British Empire during the First World War in Northeast frontier of India (then Assam-Burma frontier). It underlines how of the three-year war (1917-1919), spanning over 6,000 square miles, is crucial to understanding present-day Northeast India. The essays in the volume examine several aspects of the war, which had far-reaching consequences for the indigenous population as well as for British attitudes and policy towards the region - including military strategy and tactics, violence, politics, identity, institutions, gender, culture, and the frontier dimensions of the First World War itself. The volume also looks at how the conflict affected the larger dynamics of the region within Asia, and its relevance in world politics beyond the Great War.
Drawing on archival sources, extensive fieldwork and oral histories, the volume will be a significant contribution to comprehending the complex geopolitics of the region. It will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of South and Southeast Asian Studies, area studies, modern history, military and strategic studies, insurgency and counterinsurgency studies, tribal warfare and politics.
Contents
Introduction Part I: Understanding the Anglo-Kuki War 1. 'Fighting the White Men Till the Last Bullet': General Course of the Anglo-Kuki War 2. The 'Haka Uprising' in Chin Hills, 1917-1918 Part II: Tactics, Technology and Symbols 3. Breaking the Spirit of the Kukis: Launching the 'Largest Series of Military Operations' in the Northeastern Frontier of India 4. 'These Crafty Jungle Fighters': Tactics, Technology and Symbols of Kuki war Part III: Ideas, Ideology and Institutions 5. Patriots and Utilitarian in Anglo-Kuki War: The Case of Southern Manipur, 1917-1919 6. 'As Men of One Country': Rethinking the History of Anglo-Kuki War 7. 'Speak as One Free Nation': Significance of Kuki War Council 8. Revisiting the 'Military': Role of Som Institution in Anglo-Kuki War Part IV: Women and the War 9. Aphonic Partners of War: Role of Kuki Women in Anglo-Kuki War 10. Her-story in History: Women's Role in the Anglo-Kuki War Part V: Trial and Tribulation 11. Keeping Them Under control: Impact of Anglo-Kuki War
