D.M. College of Arts Hosts One-Day Scholars’ Meet on Manipur’s Political History

Imphal, May 6, 2025 — The History Club of D.M. College of Arts, Imphal, organized a one-day Scholars’ Meet today, highlighting pivotal moments in Manipur’s political history. A student seminar, centered around the theme “Political Developments in Manipur at the Time of the Transfer of Power in India,” was the main feature of the event.

The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Dr. Ch. Sheelaramani, former Principal of the college, with Samuel Duidang, Head of the History Department, presiding. Dr. Homen Thangjam, Associate Professor at Indira Gandhi Tribal University, Manipur, served as Chief Guest, and A. Niranjoy Sharma, Head of Political Science, as Guest of Honour.

Seven students from the 6th Semester of the History and Political Science Departments presented papers on a range of sub-themes including the Nupi Lan, colonial economic policies, the role of Hijam Irabot, and Meitei Pangal contributions to modern Manipur. The presenters included Bemboy Salam, Thongam Gitanjali Devi, Sanasam Debiarani Chanu, Tafshir Ahmed, Maibam Rabish Khan, Khomdram Korouganba, and Sanatombi Moirangthem.

Dr. Arambam Noni delivered a lecture on the main theme, and Dr. Thangjam moderated the seminar. Certificates were awarded to all participants.

The papers explored Manipur’s political trajectory from the 1930s to the 1970s, discussing British policies, hill-valley tensions, grassroots resistance movements like the 1939–40 Nupi Lan, and the influence of political leaders such as Hijam Irabot. Topics also included the formation of the Constituent Assembly of Manipur, the first elections based on adult franchise, the 1949 merger with India, and the evolution towards statehood.

Faculty, students, and research scholars from Manipur University also attended, enriching the academic discourse.