The correct answer is: c) A slow erosion of their sovereignty.
The British East India Company had been trading with Manipur since the early 18th century, and by the mid-19th century, the Company had established a strong presence in the region. In 1857, the Indian Rebellion, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, broke out. The rebellion was a major challenge to British rule in India, and the British responded by increasing their military presence in the region. This included sending troops to Manipur, which was seen by some Manipuris as a threat to their sovereignty.
The British also began to interfere in Manipuri politics. In 1862, the British deposed the Manipuri king, Chandrakriti Singh, and installed his brother, Kulachandra Singh, as king. The British also imposed a number of restrictions on Manipuri sovereignty, including a ban on the export of arms and ammunition.
These actions were seen by some Manipuris as a slow erosion of their sovereignty. They felt that the British were trying to take over their country, and they resisted British rule. In 1891, the British invaded Manipur and annexed the kingdom. This was the final blow to Manipuri sovereignty, and the kingdom was never restored.
The other options are incorrect for the following reasons:
- Option (a), “A necessary evil for protection,” is incorrect because the British did not provide protection to Manipur. In fact, the British were the ones who posed a threat to Manipuri sovereignty.
- Option (b), “A positive step for modernization,” is incorrect because the British did not modernize Manipur. In fact, the British imposed a number of restrictions on Manipuri society and culture.
- Option (d), “A chance to restore Manipur’s old power,” is incorrect because the British were the ones who destroyed Manipur’s old power.