Agrarian System of Manipur: Pre-Colonial Period
By Sougrakpam Dharmen Singh, M.K. Washima Begum
Summary
The agrarian system of pre-colonial Manipur was central to its economy and society, with agriculture serving as the primary livelihood and economic driver. The history of agriculture in the region dates back to ancient times, with evidence of early cultivation practices and land management systems. In Manipur, the Ningthouja dynasty, established in the first century CE, implemented a structured administrative system, including the Pana and Lallup systems, to manage land revenue, labor, and infrastructure development. The Pana system divided the valley region into six administrative units, each overseen by specific officials, while the Lallup system required able-bodied men to provide labor for state activities, such as military service and public construction. Land ownership and revenue collection were closely tied to the state, with the king holding ultimate authority over all land types, including homestead, agricultural, and forest lands. The study highlights the importance of understanding the agrarian structures, land assessment, revenue systems, and agricultural practices to grasp the socio-economic dynamics of medieval Manipur. The research also emphasizes the role of traditional customs, indigenous land laws, and the interplay between geography, topography, and cultural practices in shaping the region's agrarian economy.
Conclusion
This study of Manipur's pre-colonial agrarian system reveals a complex economic structure deeply intertwined with the region's geography, culture, and governance. The research highlights how agriculture, as the primary livelihood, shaped societal organization through distinct land systems in valley and hill areas, including the unique Pana divisions and Lallup feudal service. The findings underscore the centrality of land revenue in state economics and the interplay between traditional customs, resource management, and political authority. By examining land ownership, cultivation practices, and administrative mechanisms, the paper provides critical insights into how agrarian policies sustained the Kingdom of Manipur's infrastructure, defense, and territorial expansion. The study also offers a framework for understanding regional economic resilience and the socio-political dynamics embedded in pre-colonial agrarian structures, with implications for historical analysis of similar systems in other agrarian societies.