International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Indigenous Political Institutions and Governance in Post-Colonial Manipur: A Study of Administrative and Socio-Economic Transformations

Indigenous Political Institutions and Governance in Post-Colonial Manipur: A Study of Administrative and Socio-Economic Transformations Dr. Nongthombam Brojendro Singh Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science Kamakhya Pemton College, Hiyanthang Abstract This paper investigates the transformation of indigenous political institutions and governance systems in Manipur in the aftermath of colonial rule and its subsequent merger into the Indian Union in 1949. It focuses on the administrative and socio-economic shifts that have shaped governance practices in the region, highlighting the dynamic interplay between age-old traditional institutions—such as chieftainships, tribal councils, and customary legal systems—and the modern structures of the Indian state, introduced through democratic decentralization and constitutional reforms. Manipur presents a unique case of dual governance marked by stark administrative and ethnic distinctions between the Meitei-dominated valley and the tribal-inhabited hill areas. In the post-colonial period, the imposition of state-led reforms in areas like land tenure, agrarian relations, education, and political representation significantly altered traditional systems, while also intensifying identity-based contestations and regional disparities. Indigenous institutions in the hill areas have demonstrated a remarkable degree of adaptive resilience, negotiating their space within the broader framework of the Indian state while continuing to govern local affairs based on customary norms. Using a historical-analytical approach, the study traces the evolution of these institutions and examines their interaction with modern administrative frameworks across regions. It highlights the complexities of governance, identity, and integration in a multi-ethnic and geographically diverse state. Keywords: Indigenous Institutions, Governance, Post-Colonial State, Manipur, Customary Law, Tribal Councils, Democratic Decentralization, Socio-Economic Transformation.