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Pukhrambam Kajao: A Hero of the Anglo-Manipur War

Bishnupur, Manipur

Pukhrambam Kajao, also known as Pukhramba Phigang, stands as one of the most iconic figures in Manipur's resistance against British colonial rule during the late 19th century. Born in 1855 in the village of Kangmong, Imphal West, Kajao came from a family deeply rooted in Manipur's history. His father, Pukhrambam Pathou, and mother, Ningthoujam Ningol Tharo, were natives of Pukhrambam Ingkhol, Langoijam Leikai.

Kajao's journey into the annals of history began when he was recruited into the Manipuri Army during the reign of Maharaja Surchandra, eventually rising to the rank of Jamandar under Maharaja Kulachandra. His life, however, took a fateful turn during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, a conflict that arose from the British interference in Manipur's internal affairs.

The Anglo-Manipur War was marked by the British attempt to arrest Prince Tikendrajit, which led to violent confrontations. On March 23, 1891, Pukhrambam Kajao, driven by a deep sense of patriotism, speared to death Mr. James Wallace Quinton Grimwood, the British Political Agent in Manipur. This act was one of defiance against British colonialism, signaling the start of intense resistance by the Manipuri people.

Following the defeat of Manipur in the war, Kajao, along with other key figures, was captured and subjected to a British military tribunal. He was convicted for the murder of Grimwood and was subsequently executed on May 25, 1891. Kajao's execution, alongside others such as Thangal General and Tikendrajit, was meant to serve as a deterrent, but instead, it cemented his legacy as a martyr and a symbol of resistance.

Even today, Pukhrambam Kajao's sacrifice is commemorated in Manipur. His death anniversary is observed with respect, reflecting on his bravery and the fight for Manipur's sovereignty. The narrative of Kajao and the Anglo-Manipur War continues to inspire generations, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the Manipuri people against colonial subjugation.

Kajao's story is not just a tale of resistance; it is a reminder of the resilience and courage that defined Manipur's struggle for autonomy during one of its darkest periods.