Manipur, a state in North East India, is renowned for the influential leadership demonstrated by its women. While terms such as Nupi Lan, Meira Paibi, and Ima Keithel may not be commonly associated with mainstream feminism, they hold a significant history of empowering women in Manipur. This blog aims to shed light on the fighting spirit of Manipuri women, drawing inspiration from this distinctive term ‘Nupi Lan’. Nupi Lan, which translates to “Women’s War,” signified protests organised by women in Manipur against British colonialism. Later, the movement progressed as an umbrella movement encompassing all ranges of socio-political issues in Manipur.
First Nupi Lan War (1904)
In 1904, the first Nupi Lan erupted in reaction to a directive from colonial authorities mandating Manipuri men to undertake forced labor in the Kabow Valley for the reconstruction of the British Police Agent’s bungalow. Essentially, the British imposed Lallup (forced labor) on Manipuri men. In response, women rallied, demolishing the state bungalow of the British agent and setting ablaze market stalls in Khwairamband bazaar. Over 5,000 women participated in the week-long struggle. While the British authorities eventually quelled the uprising, they were compelled to revoke the forced labor order.
Second Nupi Lan War (1939)
The second Nupi Lan occurred in 1939, caused by the unchecked export of rice during the Second World War. Marwari businessmen, supported by the colonial government, were exporting rice from Manipur, causing a famine-like situation as flood had caused extensive damage to crops that year. When Manipuri women took to the streets opposing the British policy of extensive rice export, the authorities responded by deploying military and police forces against the unarmed protesters. The women valiantly fought against British policies, and some lost their lives during the agitation. The struggle persisted for several months but subsided with the onset of the Second World War.
Nupi Lan Complex
In remembrance, a memorial complex dedicated to Nupi Lan has been established at Sanakhwa Yaima Kollup, Imphal, Manipur, along the Indo-Myanmar Road (NH-39). This memorial complex is dedicated to the memory of several Manipuri women, who lost their lives while fighting for justice against the British on December 12, 1939.
When is Nupi Lal Day Observed?
The 12th of December, marking the Second Nupi Lan, is observed as Nupi Lan Day by Meira Paibi. It is on this day, several Manipur women lost their lives during Second Nupi Lan.
Every Year Nupi Lal play and rendition of songs marked the observance of the day. This year (2024), about 1,500 women belonging to different age groups, took part in the 33rd State-level Nupi Lal memorial run, dressed in traditional attire. The run covered a distance of around 3 km from the Nupi Lal memorial complex here to Singjamei.
