The correct answer is: d) Territorial disputes.
Conflicts between hill tribes and the Meitei kingdom in the valley were a recurring theme in Manipur’s medieval history, often fueled by territorial disputes. The Meitei kingdom was a powerful state in the region, and its rulers sought to expand their territory by conquering hill tribes. The hill tribes, on the other hand, were fiercely independent and resisted Meitei expansion. This led to a series of conflicts between the two groups, which often resulted in violence.
In addition to territorial disputes, religious differences and slave raids also contributed to the conflict between the Meitei kingdom and the hill tribes. The Meitei were Hindus, while the hill tribes practiced a variety of religions, including animism and Buddhism. This religious difference led to misunderstandings and conflict between the two groups. The Meitei also raided hill villages for slaves, which further angered the hill tribes.
The conflict between the Meitei kingdom and the hill tribes continued for centuries. It was not until the British arrived in the region in the 19th century that the conflict began to subside. The British established a protectorate over Manipur and imposed peace between the two groups. However, the conflict has never been completely resolved, and it continues to simmer to this day.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Religious differences. The Meitei were Hindus, while the hill tribes practiced a variety of religions, including animism and Buddhism. This religious difference led to misunderstandings and conflict between the two groups.
- Control over resources. The Meitei kingdom was a powerful state in the region, and its rulers sought to expand their territory by conquering hill tribes. The hill tribes, on the other hand, were fiercely independent and resisted Meitei expansion. This led to a series of conflicts between the two groups, which often resulted in violence.
- Slave raids. The Meitei also raided hill villages for slaves, which further angered the hill tribes.
- Territorial disputes. The Meitei kingdom was a powerful state in the region, and its rulers sought to expand their territory by conquering hill tribes. The hill tribes, on the other hand, were fiercely independent and resisted Meitei expansion. This led to a series of conflicts between the two groups, which often resulted in violence.