Manipur

History

Manipur’s history, like that of her neighboring states, goes back to the ages: the ancient Meitei history centers around stories of the forefathers of the people. The land and its people have a varied and proud history. Manipur came under British rule after the Manipuris were defeated in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, after which the state was ruled as a Princely State by its own Maharaja who, no doubt, was guided by policies as laid down by the British Raj.

During the years preceding Independence, Maharaja Budhachandra Singh (1941-1955) along with his Maharani Ishori Devi – one of the Princesses in Nepal - ruled Manipur. It was during the reign of Budhachandra that his state faced the horrors of the Second World War. Manipur was bombarded by the Japanese, and several parts of the then Kingdom were destroyed and the King’s Palace in Imphal was also hit. In the War, the British-led Allied Force defeated the invading Japanese and it came to an end in Manipur in 1945. When the British left India after her independence on 15th August 1947, they handed Manipur back to Maharaja Budhachandra and status-quo was restored to the Princely State.


It was only on 15th October, 1949 that Manipur merged with the Indian Union and by 21st January, 1972, Manipur attained full statehood in the Indian Union with its own Legislative Assembly and Members of the Parliament in New Delhi.



People

The people of Manipur include the Meitei, Naga, Meitei Pangal, Bamon and other communities. The Meiteis, Bamons or the Brahmins, and Pangals mainly live in the valley. There are a number of different tribes who also live in Manipur, Most of whom are hills tribes – such as Tangkhul, Mao, Kom, Purum, Ralte, Sema, Salte, Vaiphei, Monsang, Lamkang, Zhou and other Chin-Kuki-Mizo group. Meitei-lon (The Meitei Language or Manipuri) is common language generally used for purposes of communication. However, several of these tribes have their own language, tradition and culture. These people have lived together in harmony for centuries. Their folklore, myths and legends, dances, local games, martial arts, handloom products and handicrafts invariably have links with nature.



MANIPUR IS ONE OF THE STATES THAT COMPRISE THE NORTH-EASTERN REGION OF
INDIA AND SHARES AN INTERNATIONAL BORDER WITH MYANMAR (BURMA).
ITS IMMEDIATE NEIGHBOURING STATES ARE MIZORAM, NAGALAND, AND ASSAM.
THIS STATES CAN CLAIM A GEOGRAPHICALLY UNIQUE POSITION, SINCE IT VIRTUALLY IS THE MEETING POINT BETWEEN INDIA AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA. MANIPUR VALLEY STANDS AT A HEIGHT OF 790 METRES AND IS SURROUNDED BY NINE HILL RANGES IN CIRCLES GIVING THE IMPRESSION OF A HILL AND TROUGH.

Imphal

Imphal is the capital of this beautiful land. Its blue-green hills, its flora and fauna, winding rivers are clear signals inviting the tourist to come and spend time. The Polo Ground dominates the landscape of the town; according to local legend, the Manipuri game of Sagol Kangjei is the original form of modern-day Polo. Manipur’s proud heritage is encapsulated in a building that goes by the somewhat prosaic name of the State Museum. This museum displays Manipuri’s works of art, archeology, natural history, and textiles. There is also a gallery containing a collection of portrait of former rulers of Manipur. And for those interested in vintage arms and weaponry, this museum has a section that displays some of the armory of the British Raj.




Keibul Lamjao national park

On the fringes of Loktak lake is the Keibul Lamjao National Park. This national park’s habitat consists of the endangered dancing deer, the Sangai, or brow-antlered deer, of Manipur. But his Park’s real claim to fame is that it is the only floating National Park in the world.


Moirang

Subhas Chandra Bose’s intrepid warrior first unfurled the Indian flag in 1944, ensuring Moirang – barely 45 Km from Imphal – a permanent spot in history. The INA Museum preserves the moment for posterity, displaying a collection of letters, photographs, articles, various records and other items of interest. The hot seat of Manipuri folk culture and craft, Moirang is also the location of an ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity. Lord Thangjing. During the Lai Haraoba held in April/May, men and women in colorful traditional garb present dances in honour of the Lord. It is in Moirang too that the graceful Khamba-Thoibi dance originated, traditionally celebrated in April/May. The ritual dance festival of Lai Haraoba is held annually.