Court intrigues in the state of Manipur surrounding the succession of 1886 developed into a fratricidal contest for the throne in 1890. The king’s brothers orchestrated a coup d’etat which sent the regent fleeing and seeking British military assistance to recapture the throne. This resulted in the Anglo-Manipur war.

Artist depiction of battle scene during the Anglo-Manipur War

Source: Unknown artist, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

British victory severely curtailed the independence of Manipur. A new child king was placed on the throne with the British political agent, Major Horatio St. John Maxwell, effectively running the state.