Manipur

Introduction

Manipur, often called the 'Jewel of India' or 'Kangleipak' in the local Meiteilon language, is a state in Northeast India. With its capital at Imphal, the state is characterized by a central fertile valley surrounded by nine hill ranges. It shares borders with Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south, Assam to the west, and an international border with Myanmar to the east and south.

History

Manipur has a long and storied history, with written records dating back to antiquity. The kingdom of Kangleipak was an independent monarchy for centuries. The sport of polo (Sagol Kangjei) is widely believed to have originated here. The 19th century was marked by significant events, including the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, which resulted in a British victory and Manipur becoming a princely state under the British Raj. In 1949, two years after India's independence, the then-Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh signed an Agreement of Merger, incorporating the state into the Union of India. It became a union territory in 1956 and was granted full statehood on January 21, 1972.

Geography and Biodiversity

Manipur's geography is dominated by the Imphal Valley, an oval-shaped basin where the majority of the population resides, and the surrounding hills inhabited by various tribal communities. The state's climate is temperate, with pleasant summers and cool winters, and a monsoon season from May to October.

A key geographical and ecological feature is Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. It is famous for its 'phumdis'—heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter at various stages of decomposition that float on its surface. The world's only floating national park, Keibul Lamjao National Park, is situated on the largest of these phumdis. This park is the last natural habitat of the critically endangered Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii), or dancing deer, which is also Manipur's state animal. The state is also home to the rare Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), which grows only in the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul district.

Culture and Society

The state's population is ethnically diverse. The valley is primarily home to the Meitei people, who are predominantly Vaishnavite Hindus, though the pre-Hindu Sanamahi faith is also widely practiced. The hills are inhabited by numerous recognized tribes, broadly categorized as Naga and Kuki-Zo peoples, who are largely Christian.

Manipur has a rich cultural heritage:

• Dance: Manipuri dance, or Jagoi, is one of India's major classical dance forms, known for its graceful and fluid movements, particularly in the Ras Leela performances which depict the life of Krishna.
• Martial Arts: Thang-Ta is a traditional Manipuri martial art form that combines sword and spear techniques with intricate body movements.
• Festivals: Lai Haraoba is a vibrant festival celebrating traditional deities. Yaosang, celebrated concurrently with Holi, is a major Meitei festival lasting for five days. The Sangai Festival, held annually in November, is a state-sponsored event that showcases Manipur's tourism potential and cultural richness.
• Cuisine: Manipuri cuisine is known for its use of fresh vegetables and herbs. Rice is the staple food, often accompanied by fish dishes and spicy side dishes like 'Eromba' (a chutney of boiled vegetables and fermented fish).

How to Visit

Imphal's Bir Tikendrajit International Airport connects the state to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. The state can also be reached by road via National Highways connecting to Assam and Nagaland. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for domestic tourists from other Indian states to enter Manipur.