The correct answer is: b) Suspicion and potential anti-British leanings.
Political Agent McCulloch’s report on Manipuri sentiment after 1857 described a general feeling of suspicion and potential anti-British leanings among the Manipuri people. This was due to a number of factors, including the British annexation of Manipur in 1842, the British military presence in Manipur, and the British interference in Manipuri affairs.
The British annexation of Manipur in 1842 was a major blow to the Manipuri people. The Manipuri kingdom had been independent for centuries, and the annexation was seen as a violation of Manipuri sovereignty. The British military presence in Manipur was also a source of resentment. The British troops were seen as an occupying force, and their presence was a reminder of Manipuri subjugation.
The British interference in Manipuri affairs was also a source of resentment. The British often interfered in Manipuri politics, and they often made decisions that were not in the best interests of the Manipuri people. This led to a feeling of distrust and resentment towards the British.
As a result of these factors, there was a general feeling of suspicion and potential anti-British leanings among the Manipuri people after 1857. This feeling was to lead to a number of uprisings against the British in the years to come.
Option a) Unwavering loyalty to the British is incorrect. There was no unwavering loyalty to the British among the Manipuri people after 1857. In fact, there was a general feeling of suspicion and potential anti-British leanings.
Option c) Indifference towards the wider political climate is incorrect. The Manipuri people were not indifferent towards the wider political climate. They were aware of the events of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and they were concerned about the implications of these events for Manipur.
Option d) Desire for increased autonomy is incorrect. The Manipuri people did not desire increased autonomy after 1857. They desired independence.