Comprehension Passage
Christianity arrived in Manipur only after the British Empire's establishment, reaching Imphal in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Despite the American Baptist Mission in Burma's initial unsuccessful attempt to establish a Christian mission in Manipur in 1836, actual Christian missionary work only began in 1894. Political instability likely hindered missionaries' presence in the Manipur Valley until the end of 1893. On September 14, 1762, King Bhagyachandra of what is now known as Manipur signed an agreement with the British East India Company. In 1819, Manipuri King Marjit suffered defeat by the Burmese army, leading Manipuris to seek refuge in surrounding hills and neighboring regions. This seven-year period of devastation (1819-26) is locally known as 'Chahi Taret Khuntaakpa.' To reclaim their kingdom and liberate Manipur from Burmese control, Maharaj Gambhir Singh (1825-1834) sought assistance from the British East India Company. His forces, allied with the British, ousted the Burmese beyond the Chindwin River in what became the first Anglo-Burmese War. The Treaty of Yandaboo (1826) signified Manipur's liberation from Burmese rule, with King Gambhir Singh consenting to the establishment of a British political agent's office in Manipur in 1835. Exploiting internal conflicts and adopting a 'divide and rule' approach, the British began to meddle in the socio-political affairs of the natives. They capitalized on the political rivalry over the throne among Manipuri princes, culminating in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, after which Manipur became a British colony. Only a couple of decades later, a series of anti-colonial mobilizations emerged, including Nupilal Ahanba in 1904 (the First Women's War), the Kuki rebellion (1917-1919), and the Zeliangrong movement. However, the British effectively managed this resistance and maintained control over Manipur until India's independence in 1947.
What significant agreement did King Bhagyachandra sign with the British East India Company, and in which year?
1
The Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826
2
An agreement to start Christian missionary work in 1894
3
The Anglo-Manipur War treaty in 1891
4
An agreement in 1762