The personal papers of Christopher Gimson contain correspondence between him, the Society and Professor Eugénie Henderson from SOAS. These document Gimson's interest in and efforts towards encouraging the study of the history of Manipur.
Christopher GimsonLetter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary, asking for updates on the Society’s communication with SOAS in regards to the promotion of the study of Manipuri history. The letter was forwarded to Professor Eugénie Henderson, SOAS, who replies to give her full support but also writes of the difficulty, and that she is willing to meet Gimson in London to discuss further. Six letters, dated 12 October–12 November 1965.
Christopher GimsonLetter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary, writing that he will bring ‘Chin-Lushai Land’ or ‘A Fly on the Wheel’ when he visits the Society. He asks for any updates from Professor Henderson about progress in the study of the old Manipuri language and script. With reply from Diana Crawford, RAS Secretary. Two letters, dated 9–13 June 1967.
Letter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary, replying that while he has no proposals to put forward, he will send a copy of a recent publication by a young Manipuri scholar entitled ‘A Short History of Manipuri’ for the Society’s examination. He further writes that he will visit the Society in June. With reply from Diana Crawford, RAS Secretary, enclosing a membership application form should Gimson wish to join the Society. Two letters, dated 7–28 April 1965.
Letter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary, returning the completed application form. He sends the Society a copy of ‘A Short History of Manipuri’ by Jhalajit Singh and writes that the author deserves encouragement, despite it being immature in many ways. He asks if the Society would prefer to work on linguistic or historical researches, and he feels that a more scholarly and critical approach to the ancient documents is an essential. With reply from Diana Crawford, RAS Secretary. Two letters, dated 7–12 May 1965.
Letter from RAS Secretary to Christopher Gimson, asking whether he wants the photographs he left be returned. With Gimson’s reply to say that the Society can keep them, and that he is interested in what the experts can make of them. He further asks for updates from Professor Henderson.
With the letters are two typed copy letters from Gimson to P. B. Singh [Maharaj Kumar Priya Brata Singh] regarding an article on a gold coin of Gambhir Singh and Jhalajit Singh’s translation of ‘Cheethawl tumbaba’ and his book on the history of Manipur literature, dated 7 April–1 June 1967, as well as three b/w photographs depicting some vessels and a [chicken-shaped] object, stamped by the Publicity Department of the Government of Manipur.
Letter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary, replying that he does not have a copy of '33 India Corps War History'. He further writes of his imminent visit to London. With reply from Diana Crawford, RAS Secretary. Two letters, dated 11–13 February 1967.
Letter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary, introducing himself and the publication project of Yimjao Singh. He writes that he gave money to the Darbar of Manipur in December 1946 to support studies in Manipuri history. He further writes that colleges and younger scholars in Manipur are taking an interest in Manipuri history and their old language but he feels that more trained scholarship is needed. He asks if the Society will be interested in this. With reply from Diana Crawford, RAS Secretary, asking if he has any proposals to put before the RAS Council. Two letters, dated 1–4 April 1965.
Letter from Diana Crawford, RAS Secretary, to Professor Henderson, passing on Gimson's message that Maharaj Kumar Priya Brata Singh might be a useful contact to make in regards to the study of ancient Manipur script and language, with further handwritten notes, presumably by Crawford, on the contact information of Priya Brata Singh and a Dr T. M. Singh, Manipuri in the UK.
Diana CrawfordLetter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary, enquiring whether the Society will be interested in picking up the publication of Yimjao Singh’s book on the old Manipuri language again. He writes that attempts to publish the book in India have not been successful, and that G. H. Luce, late of Rangoon University, may be interested in this project.
Christopher Gimson