The northeastern region of India, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, holds a significant place in the historical and strategic narratives of British India. The British policies in this region, their relations with the tribes, and the strategic importance of Assam during colonial rule shaped the socio-political and economic landscape of the Northeast.
1. British Policies in the Northeast Frontier
1.1 Initial Entry and Consolidation
The British entry into Assam began with the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826, marking the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War. This treaty brought Assam under British control.
Assam's annexation served as a buffer zone against Burmese aggression and facilitated the expansion of colonial influence in the Northeast frontier.
1.2 Administrative Strategies
The British implemented the Regulation System, whereby territories were categorized into "regulated" and "non-regulated" areas. This allowed flexible administration and control over tribal areas.
Assam was made a Chief Commissioner's Province in 1874, separating it from Bengal to ensure focused governance.
1.3 Forest and Revenue Policies
The British exploited Assams rich natural resources, especially tea plantations, which became a cornerstone of Assam's economy. They introduced indentured labor systems, drawing workers primarily from central India.
The Forest Acts of 1878 and 1894 regulated access to forest resources, alienating tribes from their traditional livelihoods and leading to significant tribal resentment.
1.4 Frontier Policy
The British followed a Dual Policy:
Direct control over plains areas like Assam.
Indirect control over hill tribes through a system of Political Officers who mediated between the tribes and the colonial government.
1.5 The Inner Line Regulation
The Inner Line Regulation (1873) was introduced under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation. It restricted entry into tribal areas, ostensibly to protect tribal customs but primarily to safeguard British commercial interests and maintain political stability.
2. Relations with Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland
2.1 Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh was sparsely populated by various tribes, such as the Nyishi, Adi, and Apatani, living in relative isolation.
British relations were characterized by expeditions and punitive measures rather than consistent governance. These tribes were often referred to as "hostile" due to their resistance to external influences.
The British occasionally used force to subdue tribes, such as during the Abor Expedition (1911-12), which sought to quell tribal unrest.
2.2 Tribes of Nagaland
Nagaland was home to fiercely independent Naga tribes. Relations were marked by conflicts, including frequent raids by Naga warriors on plains settlements.
The British introduced the Naga Hills District in 1866, but governance was limited to a few administrative outposts.
Anthropological interest led to detailed studies of Naga tribes, with British officers often adopting paternalistic attitudes towards tribal customs and governance.
The Naga tribes relations with the British were complex, involving alliances and hostilities. For instance:
The Angami Nagas fiercely resisted British control, resulting in the Angami Campaign of 1879.
The British also employed missionary efforts to bring about cultural transformation among Naga tribes.
2.3 Long-term Impact
The introduction of missionary-led education and Christianity created significant socio-cultural changes among tribes.
British policies often disrupted tribal autonomy, leading to long-standing grievances and later fueling post-independence demands for autonomy and statehood.
3. Strategic Importance of Assam during British Rule
3.1 Buffer against External Aggression
Assam served as a critical buffer zone against Burma, China, and Tibet. It was strategically important for maintaining the security of British territories in eastern India.
The annexation of Assam after the Anglo-Burmese War curtailed Burmese ambitions in the region.
3.2 Resource Extraction
Assam's vast natural resources made it an economic asset for the British Empire:
Tea plantations in Assam, introduced by the British in the early 19th century, became one of the most lucrative enterprises.
Oil extraction began in Assam in the late 19th century, with the discovery of oil in Digboi.
3.3 Military Significance
The northeastern frontier played a vital role during the World Wars:
Assam was a base for British military operations against Japanese forces in Burma during World War II.
The construction of the Stillwell Road, connecting Assam to Burma and China, highlighted its strategic value.
3.4 Trade and Connectivity
Assam was crucial for the British due to its location along the Brahmaputra River, which facilitated trade and transportation.
The region's connectivity to Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia made it a hub for regional commerce.
3.5 Geopolitical Control
The British interest in Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states stemmed from their geopolitical concerns about Chinese expansionism.
Maintaining control over the Northeast frontier ensured British dominance over Himalayan trade routes and curbed the influence of competing powers.