Indo-Burma Frontier and the Making of the Chin Hills: Empire and Resistance

This book explores British colonial expansion in the Indo-Burma frontier, including resistance, administrative policies, and the creation of the Chin Hills District. It provides a critical analysis of British relations with the indigenous Chin/Zo community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate details of British colonial expansion in the so-called unadministered hill tracts of the Indo-Burma frontier. It explores the transformative shift in colonial policy from non-intervention to intervention, shedding light on the complex dynamics of power and governance in this region. The book commences with the aftermath of the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-26), which witnessed the British annexation of the North-Eastern Frontier of Bengal and the expansion of their influence over the Arakan and Manipur frontiers. It concludes with the separation of Burma from India in 1937, marking a significant chapter in the history of this region.

Throughout its pages, the book meticulously documents the resilient resistance of the indigenous hill peoples to the colonial invasion. It sheds light on the administrative measures employed, including disarmament, the subjugation of local chiefs under a colonial legal framework, and the standardization of 'Chin' as an ethnic category to encompass the diverse tribes and sub-tribes. Moreover, it delves into the creation and consolidation of the Chin Hills District as a political entity, providing a comprehensive account of British relations with the indigenous Chin/Zo community from 1824 to 1935.

By contextualizing these events within the broader framework of British imperial policy, the book offers a critical analysis of the British approach towards the Indo-Burma frontier. It uncovers the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and conflicts that shaped the region's history, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of colonial rule.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in modern Indian history, military history, colonial history, British history, South Asian history, and Southeast Asian history. It offers a wealth of primary archival sources and literature that provide a deep insight into the historical processes and cultural dynamics of this region. Through its comprehensive analysis, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted history of the Indo-Burma frontier.

Weight: 485g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367784829