The establishment of British power in North East India was a prolonged process of piecemeal conquest consolidation and colonization of the economy since 1826. There had been an awareness of the exploitative nature of the colonial rule initially for the collection of revenue. With the discovery of tea, coal and petroleum in subsequent times, the exploitation became severe.

The popular resistance took the form of civil rebellions, tribal uprisings and peasant movements in North East India.

The tribals in North East India organized militant outbreaks against foreign rules since the beginning of 19th century.