The Nupi Lan - Observed on 12th December

The Nupi Lan (meaning "Women's War" in the Meitei language) refers to two significant mass movements led by women in Manipur, British India, against colonial authorities and oppressive policies. These movements are landmark events in Manipuri history, renowned for their display of women's power and unity.

The First Nupi Lan (1904)

The first Nupi Lan broke out in 1904 in response to the British colonial authorities' reintroduction of the forced labour system known as the Lallup.

Cause: British officials ordered Manipuri men to travel to the distant Kabow Valley to fetch timber for rebuilding a burnt bungalow. The Lallup system required men to provide 10 days of free labour every 30 days for the state, a practice that had been previously abolished and was deeply resented.

Events: Thousands of women gathered and marched to the British Political Agent's residence, demanding the withdrawal of the forced labour order. They blocked roads and prevented men from being taken to work. The British attempted to suppress the protest, but the women resisted.

Outcome: The women's sustained agitation forced the British to cancel the order, demonstrating the power of their collective action.

The Second Nupi Lan (1939-1940)

The second Nupi Lan began on December 12, 1939, and was triggered by a severe food crisis caused by British economic policies. This movement had a profound political impact and sowed the seeds for future constitutional and administrative reforms.

Cause: Despite crop damage from heavy rains, the British and local Marwari monopolists continued the unchecked, large-scale export of rice from Manipur during World War II, leading to a shortage and soaring prices for local people.

Events: Thousands of women in the Khwairamband Bazar in Imphal protested the export ban reversal and demanded immediate changes in the administration. When officials could not immediately ban exports, the women surrounded the state durbar office, confining the president. Clashes with Assam Rifles troops ensued, and many women were wounded.

Outcome: The movement eventually forced the government to impose a ban on rice exports and led to significant political consciousness among Manipuris, paving the way for demands for a responsible government in the 1940s. Prominent revolutionary Hijam Irabot was involved in supporting and guiding the movement and was subsequently imprisoned.

Nupi Lan Day is commemorated annually on December 12 in Manipur to honour the bravery and resilience of these women. The movements remain a powerful symbol of women's influence in the region and continue to inspire women's movements, such as the Meira Paibi movement, today.

References

Journal Articles

• Yambem, S. (1976, February 21). Nupi Lan: Manipur women's agitation, 1939. Economic and Political Weekly, 11(325-331.

Books/Book Chapters

• Chishti, S. M. A. W. (2005). Political developments in Manipur, 1919-1949. Kalpaz Publications.
• Dena, L. (Ed.). (1991). History of modern Manipur (1826-1949). Orbit Publishers-Distributors.
• Kamei, G. (2012). Lectures on the history of Manipur. Akansha Publishing House.
• Kipgen, T. G. (2009). Women's role in the 20th-century Manipur: A historical study. Kalpaz Publications.
• Singh, K. M. (1989). Hijam Irabot Singh and political movements in Manipur. R.B Publishing Corporation.
• Singh, N. L. (1998). The unquiet valley. Mittal Publications.
• Online Sources (Articles and Reports)
• Indian Culture. (n.d.). The Nupi Lan movement (1939). https://indianculture.gov.in/node/2832059
• Indian Culture. (n.d.). The first Nupi Lan, 1904.
• https://indianculture.gov.in/.../dist.../first-nupi-lan-1904
• The Manipur Page. (n.d.). Nupi Lan – the second women's war in Manipur.
• https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/nupilal.html

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