This book presents several well-researched documents and archives from Imphal, New Delhi and London Libraries, some of which were never published before. The resources are full of insights into how the then British Political agents, the Maharaja and his Darbar in Manipur and the Christian Missanaries try to influence their own interests among the citizens of Manipur, both the plain and hill people. The historical accounts are vivid and well balanced. The English language is very good and fewer printing mistakes compared to many other books published on Manipur by Indian Press and Publishers. This book also provides a historical background of Manipur, and is a must for those scholars and historians who are interested in Manipur studies and the arrival of Christianity in the state.

I really appreciate the author's attempt to present the socio-economic development of this part of India.Information about the tribals here are less in numbers.Much of which are those written by English scholars before.Here we can find (if you understand the situation in the region)much of the factors why they are still not develop.We can look at their background and somehow conclude the reasons for the tension prevailing there.Kudos to the author.

The book titled "Genesis of Indian Tribes: An approach to the history of Meiteis and Thais" by K.C. Tensuba, which was published in 1993 by Inter-India Publications, New Delhi, is one of very few historical books about Meities of Manipur by a Meitei in English to reach out its history to a wider audience outside Manipur. More than 3300 years starting from King Kaangba (1405 B.C.), Manipur existed as an independent country till 1891 when British conquered the Meiteis at the battle of Khongjom. They ruled Manipur as a separate nation from India and Burma with Ningthou (Maharaja) Budhachandra on the throne. Manipur achieved freedom and sovereignty again on Aug. 15, 1947 from British. However, on Oct. 19, 1949 India annexed Manipur (which Meiteis do not approve and accept) and became an Indian state. Similarities in language, culture, scripture, etc. between Meiteis and Thais (Siams) [and also with Burmese] were brought forward by the author in order to trace a common origin of these different groups of people of the Sino-Tibetan/Tibeto-Burman lineage. However, it should be noted that the present day Meiteis (meaning a group of people, mixed together) are an amalgam of various clans who were inhabitants of the hills and plans of Manipur over a long period. While Meiteis without a doubt are mongoloid in origin, a mere similarity in culture and language with Thais does not necessarily present factual evidences for establishing a common ancestor. It might also occur through exchanges at wars, through trade and commerce or through cultural and historical contacts. Even though the book provides an understanding of the historical and cultural background of the Meiteis, further reseach is warranted in each period of a Ningthourol history. The author's inexperience in handling historical subject materials and a lack of command in the English language hamper the flow of the narration in certain areas of the book and is sometimes difficult to assimilate. [Of course, you are handling with a very long and complex history in a concised book]. Spelling mistakes and errors in the name of people and of kings give the reader a head spinner. Editing is poor and the quality of the book, not the subject, is inferior. Toward the end of the book, pages are not in order. Non-Meitei readers may require to read the book more than once to understand and appreciate the pride of the Meities in their history and culture. The book definitely fills a void for beginners and researchers who are interested in Meiteilogy.

Lalit Pukhrambam 8-21-98 USA