The social structures of North East India under colonial rule were complex, influenced by the region’s diverse ethnic groups, and shaped by the changing political, economic, and cultural dynamics during the British era. The British colonial administration did not directly control the entire region for much of the period, and the traditional social structures of the indigenous communities were often distinct from the norms prevalent in the rest of India. However, the imposition of colonial policies gradually altered these traditional structures, leading to shifts in power, social organization, and economic practices. Before the arrival of the British, the North East was home to various indigenous groups, each with its own social organization. These ranged from hierarchical societies with well-defined castes or clans to more egalitarian structures. For instance, in the kingdom of Manipur, the social structure was based on a feudal system with a king at the top, while the Nagas and other tribes had more decentralized forms of governance, often organized around villages or clans. The political organization of these societies was closely tied to their cultural practices, including rituals, festivals, and warfare. With the arrival of the British in the early 19th century, especially after the annexation of Assam in 1826 following the Treaty of Yandabo, the colonial administration began to impose new political and social systems. The British view of governance often disregarded the local customs and structures, as they were inclined towards centralization and the establishment of a uniform system of rule. In Assam, the British introduced the zamindari system, which involved a hierarchy of land revenue collectors. These intermediaries often clashed with the traditional landholding systems of the indigenous tribes, where land