Nupi Lan (Manipuri: ꯅꯨꯄꯤ ꯂꯥꯟ, lit. "Women's War") refers to two significant women-led movements in Manipur, a state in Northeast India, against the British colonial rule and the exploitative economic policies of the then Maharajah of Manipur. These movements are considered pivotal in the history of Manipuri women's political activism and anti-colonial resistance.
First Nupi Lan (1904)
The first Nupi Lan occurred in 1904.
- Causes: The immediate cause was the British order for all Meitei men to rebuild the bungalow of the Political Agent, which had been destroyed by fire. This order was a revival of the Lallup system (forced labour) which had been abolished earlier. The imposition of forced labour on men, without pay and requiring them to fetch timber from distant hills, was seen as a severe burden on families, particularly impacting women who bore the brunt of maintaining households.
- Events and Outcome: Thousands of Manipuri women gathered and protested against the British authorities, demanding the revocation of the order. The women effectively prevented men from participating in the forced labour. Faced with determined and widespread resistance from the women, the British authorities were forced to withdraw the order and instead impose fines on villages for the repair work. This event highlighted the collective power and political consciousness of Manipuri women.
Second Nupi Lan (1939)
The second and more impactful Nupi Lan began on December 12, 1939.
- Causes: The primary cause was severe economic exploitation by Marwari traders, who, with the backing of the British administration, were exporting huge quantities of rice from Manipur. This unchecked export led to acute scarcity of food grains and soaring prices within Manipur, creating famine-like conditions, especially after a series of floods and droughts had already affected rice production.
- Events:
- On December 12, 1939, thousands of women, primarily Meitei, gathered in Imphal and marched to the Manipur State Durbar demanding an immediate ban on rice export.
- When the president of the Durbar, Mr. T.A. Dunne, attempted to bypass the women and proceed to his office, the women surrounded him and refused to let him go until their demands were met.
- The protest escalated, with women picketing rice mills and godowns, preventing the export of rice.
- The British authorities initially attempted to suppress the movement through force, including a lathi-charge by Assam Rifles personnel, which resulted in injuries to many women. However, the women remained undeterred, continuing their protests and occupying government offices.
- The movement saw effective organization by women's groups, who communicated through a traditional network of markets (known as Ima Keithel or Mother's Market).
- Demands: The women demanded an immediate halt to rice exports, control over rice prices, and later expanded their demands to include the establishment of a popularly elected government and an end to the exploitative policies of the British and the Maharaj.
- Outcome and Significance:
- The continuous and determined protests by the women forced the British government to ban rice export from Manipur.
- The movement significantly increased political awareness among the masses and strengthened the anti-colonial sentiment.
- It led to some administrative reforms and the British willingness to consider demands for a more representative government, although full responsible government was not granted until after India's independence.
- The Second Nupi Lan is often seen as a precursor to the Manipuri nationalist movement and the demand for the integration of the state into the Indian Union on more favorable terms.
- It cemented the powerful role of women in Manipuri society and politics, inspiring future generations of activists.
Legacy
Both Nupi Lan movements are celebrated as crucial milestones in Manipur's history of resistance and women's empowerment. December 12 is observed annually as "Nupi Lan Day" in Manipur, commemorating the bravery and collective action of the women. The events are a testament to the strong socio-political position of women in Manipuri society and their historical role in challenging injustice and asserting their rights.