By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: The Governor of Manipur V.K. Duggal released the Indian edition of Lady Belinda Morse’s book “Calamity & Courage: A Heroine of the Raj” at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan on April 20, 2014. The book narrates the life and ordeal of Ethel Grimwood, wife of the Political Agent of Manipur Frank St.C. Grimwood (1888-1891), ICS, and the political development that led to the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. The book was published in 2008 by Book Guild Publishing, London.
The book-releasing function was attended by Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh, Public Health & Engineering Department Minister I. Hemochandra, Works Minister Dr. Kh. Ratankumar, Secretary to the Governor R.K. Nimai, Lady Belinda Morse, Sir Jeremy Morse, Judith Macaulay (a descendant of Frank Grimwood) and Kat Macaulay.
Addressing the gathering, Governor V.K. Duggal said he was honored to release the Indian edition of the book by Lady Belinda Morse. He further said that soon after he took charge of the Governor of the State he requested his Secretary to provide some books which would give an insight into the history, the people and the cultures of the state. One of the books he got was Mrs. St. Ethel Clair Grimwood’s “My Three Years in Manipur” which gives a vivid account of the lives of the Manipuris including the royal family and the events that lead to the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. It is a commendable work written in simple and straightforward style, he added.
“The book of still carries a lot of drama and romance and gives a vivid account of both the celebratory and the tragic happenings of that period. All of you would have heard about the author Mrs. Belinda Morse and I will not dwell too much on her book; but will add that Ethel Grimwood’s “My Three Years in Manipur” though an eminently readable book and gives thorough insight into the incidents of 1891, the question as to what happened to Ethel Grimwood later on remains unanswered. Lady Morse’s book provides the answer. I have no doubt the readers will find it as equally, if not more, interesting,” Duggal added.
Duggal also said that he was glad to know that a documentary is being developed on the visit of Lady Belinda Morse and her team. He expressed, “I had been informed that the documentary will provide an avenue to compare and juxtapose the contrasting perspective of the two widely different cultures in their approach to history, the British relying solely on documentation, while Manipur relying on ballads, performing arts, oral rendition, etc. I hope that the documentary will bring the two people even further closer so that they can work together as one for the common good of mankind.”
Belinda Morse’s book is the story of Ethel Grimwood and her ordeal in the midst of the political turmoil that developed in the small kingdom of Manipur in 1890-1891.
The royal strife that developed among the sons and relatives of Maharaj Chandrakriti (1850-1886) soon after his death led the British to directly interfere in the political affairs of Manipur. In an attempt to capture the Senapati Tikendrajit the British made an attack and killed many innocent Manipuris. In retaliation five British officers including F.St.C. Grimwood and the Chief Commissioner of Assam J.W. Quinton, C.S.I, I.C.S. were killed. The Manipuris attacked the residency of the Political Agent. Mrs. Grimwood, who was then staying at the residency, left Manipur for Cachar along with few of his retinue. The British Government soon declared war against Manipur on 31 March 1891. Ethel Grimwood was later awarded Royal Red Cross by Queen Victoria.
Morse’s book narrates the thrilling account of Ethel Grimwood’s bravery, endurance and escape from the terrifying political ordeal of 1890-91. Morse is the great-grand-daughter of the Victorian artist John Hanson Walker, who exhibited the portrait of Ethel Grimwood at the Royal Academy.