Life of Jadonang: An Unsung Martyr

Today, the 29th August marks the 94th Martyrdom Anniversary of Jadonang, a freedom fighter, social reformer, and spiritual leader of Rongmei Naga who hailed from Puiluan (Kambiron) in the then North-West Sub-Division of Manipur (present-day Tamenglong and Noney Districts). Born in 1905 (Not known exact date) to Thuidai Malangmei and Chunlungliu Malangmei, a poor agrarian family, Jadonang and his siblings were raised by his widowed mother. From early childhood, he displayed remarkable qualities, often associated with mystical events such as making predictions about individuals or villages that later proved true. This spiritual insight earned him a reputation as a divinely enlightened person, and many believed he was destined for greatness. He grew up during an era when British colonial rule dominated the Manipur hills. As a child, Jadonang witnessed the harsh realities of colonial oppression like heavy taxation, forced labour, and other various exploitation. He also endured the devastating impact of the Kuki Rebellion (1917–1919), which brought massive suffering to his community.

During these turbulent times, Jadonang emerged as a social reformer through his religious movement called “Heraka” which mean Pure, similar in spirit to Raja Ram Mohan Roy. He challenged entrenched customs by prohibiting animal sacrifices and certain taboos, promoting social and spiritual reform that resonated deeply with his people. His popularity grew rapidly, and people from far and wide came to join his cause. In recognition of his leadership and spiritual stature, he was later honoured with the title ‘Haipou’, a revered address reserved for great personalities among his people.

He toured extensively across the Zeliangrong areas (comprising Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui) on a pony gifted by his mother, spreading his message and propagating his vision of social and political awakening. Identifying the need for organised resistance, Jadonang formed the “Riphen or Rihphyan,” a group of armed youth trained to defend their land and developed a military drill which are still preserved and performed even today. His role evolved into that of a socio-political-religious leader who openly opposed colonial exploitation. It is significant to note that the Zeliangrong people had a long history of resisting colonial oppression. They were the first to refuse payment of taxes to the British imperial authorities when Manipur fell into the colonial rules that introduced house tax in the hills after 1891. He famously declared “Makaamv Guangh Tu Pwni” (The land shall be reigned by his people) and urged his people not to pay taxes to the British regime.

Like other sons of the soil in the Northeastern hills like U Tirot Singh, Pa Togan Sangma, U Kiang Nangbah of Meghalaya and Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General of Manipur, Jadonang stood firm against imperial rule, reaffirming the inherent freedom of his people. As his movement spread across Manipur hills and Naga Hills, British authorities grew alarmed among themselves. In 1928, he was once detained at Tamenglong but later released without explanation for proclaiming the end of British rule in India. He even planned to meet Mahatma Gandhi during his proposed visit to Silchar after the INC Session 1926 in Guwahati. However, Gandhi did not visit Silchar. Despite having no formal education, he led a mass movement that the British labeled as the “Naga Raj Movement,” laying the foundation of political awakening for his people. At the height of his influence, early Christian converts,reportedly influenced by colonial agents, were mobilised against him.

Sensing his increasing popularity, the British fabricated charges of abetment to murder under the Indian Penal Code to arrest him for the crime he had never committed. He was captured at Lakhipur, Cachar, during a pilgrimage to Bhuban Hills, and later taken to Imphal with the helped of Assam Rifles after being held in Silchar Jail. He was denied bail and his trials were conducted by J.C. Higgins, the Political Agent at Imphal. Higgins was patently unjust as he acted both as prosecutor and judge, and Jadonang was denied legal counsel. This flaw of procedures led to the miscarriage of justice was mentioned in official reports to the Governor of Assam. He was lodged in Imphal Jail from 29th March to 29th August, 1931. Ultimately, he was sentenced to death, while some of his followers were given life imprisonment or acquitted. His conviction was appealed to the Governor’s Council at Shillong and later submitted his mercy petition to the Governor-General of India which were rejected and declined.

On 29th August 1931, he was executed by hanging at Imphal Jail, in the presence of a large crowd of Nagas and Meiteis. He ascended the scaffolds without fear, proclaiming his innocence to the last moment. His body was taken by local youth for burial in his village. His execution was not for a supposed crime but a colonial conspiracy to crush a rising movement for self-determination. Haipou Jadonang’s martyrdom at just 26 years of age became an architect for stronger resistance against British rule in the region. Although the British attempted to tarnish his name just as they branded Bhagat Singh, Khudiram Bose and the likes as criminals, the truth of his sacrifice endured. For decades after Independence, his contributions remained largely unrecognised, but his legacy as a visionary leader and martyr of India’s freedom struggle stands unshaken. May his legacy lives on. May his legacy inspire generations to come and bind in unity.

Poujiabthai @Zeppuh Gangmei

Research Scholar, NEHU