Manipur

Manipur

History of Manipur

Manipur is also known as Kangleipak or Sanaleibak. History believes that “Ningthou Kangba", was the first king of Manipur who ruled from Kangla in 33 AD. Manipur came under British rule in the eighteenth century. During World War II, Manipur has witnessed many battles between the Japanese invaders and the British. Maharaja Bodhchandra has signed the instrument of accession to merge Manipur into India. Manipur became part of India in October 1949. Later it became Union Territory in 1956 and a fully-fledged State in 1972. Europeans observed local people playing polo in the state and adopted the game.

Geography of Manipur

Manipur is located on the north eastern part of India. It is surrounded by Mizoram, Nagaland and Assam. Manipur shares international border with Burma. It is spread in an area of 22327 sq km making it the 23rd largest state in the country. Manipur receives an average annual rainfall of 1467.5 mm and its temperatures ranges from 0 to 36 °C.

Government and Administration of Manipur

For administration purpose Manipur is divided into nine districts. Manipur Peoples Party, Manipur National Conference, Manipur State Congress Party and Maoist Communist Party of Manipur are the major political parties in the state. Manipur legislative assembly consists of 60 seats. Manipur contributes two members to the Indian Assembly in which one is reserved for Scheduled Tribes. Manipur High Court was established in March 2013.

Language and Culture of Manipur

Manipur people are natural craftsmen are creators of beautiful handicrafts of Manipur. Hand-woven and embroidered textiles, Mats made of water reed, Cane and bamboo work, Manipuri dance doll, Wood carving are some of the famous handicrafts in the state. Manipur culture is best reflected in its music. Gaur Padas, Manohar Sai, Thoubal Chongba, Nat are some of the music forms in the state. Pung, Kartal and Manzilla, Harmonium, Pena, Bansuri are some of the musical instruments used to play the folk songs. Manipuri dance reflects the various culture of the Manipur society. Ningol Chakouba, Cackouba, Yaoshang are the important dance forms of the state. Manipuri dances revolve around the life of Krishna. Sankirtana and Raas Leela are two main components of this dance form. Manipuri and English are the official languages of the state. Thado, Tangkhul, Kabui, Paite, Hmar, Vaiphei are the other languages widely spoken. There are 29 dialects spoken in Manipur.

Educational Status of Manipur

Literacy rate of Manipur is approximately 80% in 2011. Manipur University and Central Agricultural University are the important universities in the state. Regional Institute of Medical Sciences takes care of medical sciences in the state. Manipur Institute of Technology, Central Institute of Plastics engineering & Technology, NIT, National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology are some of the prominent colleges in the state.

Economy of Manipur

GSDP of Manipur was 13023 crore in the year 2013-2014. Manipur economy is mainly driven by agriculture, cottage, trade and forestry. Manipur acts as India’s ‘Gateway to the East’. Manipur produces electricity to all residents throughout the year and can sale it through Myanmar grid. Manipur grows variety of rare and exotic medicinal and aromatic plants. Manipur is one of India’s largest producers of bamboo. Indian government, in 2010 announced that it is considering an Asian infrastructure network from Manipur to Vietnam.

Tourism in Manipur

Imphal is the Manipur’s capital city which is at an elevation of 790 meters from sea level and oval shaped valley. Govindajee Temple consists of 2 domes and a large congregation hall. War Cemetery commemorates the dead British and Indian soldiers of World War II. Khonghampat Orchidarium is spread in 200 acres houses more than 110 rare varieties of orchids. Loktak Lake is the biggest natural freshwater lake in North East India. Langthabal houses historic temples and ancient temples. Bishnupur houses Vishnu temple influenced by Chinese style.

Festivals Celebrated in Manipur

Cheiraoba festival is celebrated in traditional way in April. It is Manipur New Year. Gang-Ngai is the important festival for Kabui Nagas. It is celebrated for five days in the month of December/January. The Kut festival is celebrated by Kuki chin mizo group on 1st November. It is a thanksgiving festival and festival of crops. The Kang also known as 'Rathyatra' is held in Govindjee temple. It is one of the important festivals for Hindus and is celebrated for ten days.