The present book in two volumes is a compilation of what the British officials wrote about the history, geography, economy, society and cultural history of Manipur during the 19 century and the early part of the 20 century. The British-anthology about Manipur had been written by British colonial officials and military commanders. They are of enormous historiographical significance even today. Here and there, one can point out certain unintended aberrations from the local sources and chronicles. In large measure, the reports are credible. As an independent country with her international boundary virtually consolidated by the 15 century A.D., Manipur has to militarily contact and engage with the Burmese and the British invaders. In the early 19 century she had been completely devastated by the Burmese invaders till she regained her sovereignty in 1826. The British paramountcy interfered with her domestic affairs till 1947 and the paramountcy lapsed on its own. The Manipuri Nagas, Manipuri Kukis, Manipuri Muslims and the valley Manipuris constitute the composite ethnic fabric of Manipur. What the British officials wrote with the help of local scholars and sources about Manipur is brought under one cover by Dr. N. Sanajaoba for the benefit of all scholars and historiographers of South-East Asia.
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