Thread by @Ravi_Ladva1

[Thread] #BharatKeMeiteiHindu This is the story of #RajaKhagemba the Pride of #Bharat and #Dharma The story begins in 1606 A.D in the Kingdom of Kangleipak State [Manipur & Burma] Having put down a rebellion led by his younger brother Sanogba the embers of war still shouldered.

2. The Antagonist of this episode was the Kings younger brother who after his first failed attempt sought the help of Muslims of Taraff - famed for their prowess with Muskets. The Royal Chronicle Cheitharol Kumbab remains illusive on the spark but there are clues.

3. Enter Muhammed Sani a 17th Century Noble man and ally of the renegade prince. Who also happened to be the Younger brother Muhammed Nazir the Ruler of Taraff located in modern day Sylhet. This rag tag coalition assembled their troops MS bringing a 1000 of his own crack troops.

4. Some of the other notable characters in this are Shah Kusum, Sheikh Juned & Kourif Sheikh. Who served under Muhammed Sani as advisors and captains. The force marched from Sylhet to Dimapur to another and into the Kingdom Kachar another ally of the rouge prince.

5. Those keeping score that's a coalition of 4 different forces against Raja Khagemba. Despite the firepower and force they made one fatal error, The picked a fight with the Raja Khagemba who was not only a skilled politician, devout Meitei Hindu but also a brilliant general.

6. The Coalition snaked it's way into Manipur attempting to take the capital and put Sanongba on the throne. Raja Khagemba had not sat idle the news of the coalition had come in quickly and he began to mobile his own army to drive them out.

7. A coalition built on greed and ambition decided to camp in different places some in the valley others in the hills. Sanongba could observe the large force assembled against him and in the middle of the night with Kachari troops quietly slipped away leaving his Muslim allies.

8. The Coalition disintegrating. Muhammed Sani learning he and his Muslim allies were alone had only one option left stand their ground and hope they can parlay. Unbeknownst to him those slipping away in the night including the prince and many leaders had been caught.

9. The Battle of Toubul 1606 AD began with Raja Khagemba dispatching 180 Calvary with 2 guns to round up those trying to retreat. The information extracted from those caught proved useful in formulating the battle order.

10. Despite the abandonment of his allies, Muhammed Sani still had an ace up his sleeve his crack musketeers. Able to fire volley at great distance, there was a faint hope. The two armies clashed and many brave soldiers fell and technology proved to be an equalizer for bravery.

11. Raja Khagemba leading from the front at one point was knocked down from his horse and set up on to try and end the battle early. He was rescued thankfully by Nongsamei [Dhananjoy] one of his court officials. Seeing the difference in firepower Raja made a tactical retreat.

12. Upon withdrawing he revaluated his options and reorganized his army. Rather than risking any further bloodshed and given the topography of Manipur he sent Nongsamei to parlay and treat with Muhammed Sani for an end and withdrawal out of Manipur territory.

13. Muhammed left with very little options, agreed to the terms. He and the remainder of his troops agreed favorable terms, and not long thereafter began to withdraw from his entrenched position. They would be provisioned and guided back across their border.

14. Remember when I said Raja Khagemba was a great military mind. He debriefed and distilled the source of the power these matchlocks - Gunpowder. Given the time the well trained troops can fire multiple rounds making it feel like continuous fire. However no gunpowder no fear.

15. As Muhammed Sani and the remainder of his force embarked on their journey, the Meitei army sprang into action and quickly surrounded them. Without the preparation and entrenched position. The terms of surrender under the pain of death were swiftly renegotiated.

16. The spoils of war for Raja Khagemba were significant - 30 War Elephants, 1000 Guns, 1000 Pangans - Including various trades people such as Gun Makers, Metal workers even Musical instruments were taken as booty. Raja would integrate all this into Kingdom ensuring it's security

17. As for Muhammed Sani even he was integrated into the kingdom - allowed to keep his life and faith. He goes onto become one of Raja Khagembas ministers and set up one of the first Muslim communities in Manipur. Raja Khagembas reign is worth of remembrance and celebration.

18. Sources:
The Mughals and the North East - Meeta Devil & Sajal Nag
The Muslims of Manipur - Salam Irene
Manipur: Past & Present - Noarem Sanajaob
Historical Development of Ancient Capitals Manipur - SD Singh

#BharatKeMeiteiHindu #Manipur #kshatriyadharma

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