Thursday, 16 July 2015
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF MANIPUR
Manipur has been described as “Switzerland
of India” by Lord Irwin, it otherwise takes its name from ‘Jewel’ (Mani) ‘State’
(Pur) due to its shape. Physically Manipur may be divided into two parts-the
hills & the valley. The valley is at the centre surrounded by hills on all
sides. The hills cover approx 75% of the total area of the state. The people
& the tribes of Manipur includes Meitei, Naga, Kuki & Chin-Mizo groups
& other colourful communities. Manipur was an indep princely kingdom until
its was defeat at the hands of the British in1891. The last king of this small
kingdom was King Kullachandra Singh. The recorded history of Manipur begins
from the first century AD, i.e since the king assumed power. He drove away the
‘Khabas’, the tribesmen, to the hills. Some ‘Khabas’ who ran away towards the
East became Tangkhul Machiba & some took shelter in the court of Angoms.
From the first to the 15th century, there were many principalities
of different gps of people indep of each other. The gps were the Meiteis, the
Angoms, the Luwangs, the Khumans & the Heiram Khujas.
2
Merger
with Indian Union
2. Manipur was merged with the Union of
India on 15 Oct 49 .
The merger of Manipur into the mainland of India
Fmn
of State
3. After its merger in 1949, Manipur was a class “C” state under a Chief Commissioner. In
1950-51, an advisory form of Govt was introduced & in 1957 this was
replaced by Territorial Council of 30 elected & two nominated members.
Later, in 1963 a Legislative Assy of 30 elected & three nominated members
was est under the Union Territory Act. The status of administrator was raised
from Chief Commissioner to Lt Governor on 19 Dec 69.
4. Manipur became a full fledged state on
21 Jan 72. The assy constituencies were delineated in 1972 into 60 seats, out
of which 19 are res seats for the ST & one seat is for the SC. The State is
rep in the Lok Sabha by two members & one member rep it in the Rajya Sabha.
5. Pre
Independence Pd. A line of powerful & indep kings ruled
the valley, enjoying sovereignity over other small principalities in the valley
& over neighbouring areas of Assam
& Myanmar
6. Manipur reached its ht of glory under
Garib Niwas (1714-1755) who extended the bdy of the empire upto the bank of
Chindwin R by bringing the whole Kabow valley under his occupation. Garib Niwas
revived Hinduism, with the help of a Hindu preacher Shanti Das Goswami. After
the assasination of Garib Niwas, Imphal valley came under Burmese forces who
ravaged Manipur on their way to Assam Burma Indian territory
to be captured by INA, it is here where Col Soukat Ali Malik hoisted the Indian
Natonal flag. The Indian National Army War Memorial alongwith a museum is
located at Moirang.
Sunday, 12 July 2015
People of Manipur
The people of Manipur include Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Meitei Pangal and other colourful communities which have lived together in complete harmony for centuries. These are the people whose folklore, myths & legends, dances, indigenous games and martial arts, exotic handlooms & handicrafts are infested with the mystique of nature. The wonders has no end in Manipur.
Flora & Fauna
 |
| Duko Lily |
Blessed with an amazing variety of flora and fauna, 67% of the geographical area of Manipur is hill tract covered forests. Depending on the altitude of hill ranges, the climatic condition varies from tropical to sub-alpine. The wet forests and the pine forests occur between 900-2700 m above MSL and they together sustain a host of rare and endemic plant and animal life. Coveted the world over as some of the most beautiful and precious blooms, orchids have an aura of exotic, mysteries about them.
In Manipur, they are abound in their natural habitat growing in soil or on trees and shrubs speaking their beauty and colour, stunning the eye that is not used to seeing them. in such profusion. There are 500 varieties of orchids which grow in Manipur of which 472 have been identified
In addition to 'Siroi Lily' which is the only terrestrial lily grown on the hill tops of Siroi hill, Ukhrul, the Hoolock Gibbon, the Sloe Loris, the Clauded Leopard, the Spotted Linshang, Mrs. Hume's Barbacked Pheasant, Blyths Tragopan, Burmese Pea-Fowl, four different species of Hornbills etc. form only a part of the rich natural fauna of Manipur. However, the most unique is the Sangai the dancing deer. The floating mass of vegetation on the Loktak Lake sustains small herds of this endemic deer which unfortunately has the dubious distinction of being the most threatened Cervid (known as Phumdi) in the World. Other mentionable fauna is Salamander known as 'Lengwa' found at the foothill of Siroi in Ukhrul.
How to reach Imphal
The beautiful city of Imphal, the capital of Manipur is connected
by Air, Train and Bus from other places as follows :
by Air, Train and Bus from other places as follows :
By Air to Imphal
Imphal Tulihal Airport is located about 8km from the heart of the City and is well connected directly from the major cities of India namely Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and major cities of North Eastern States namely Aizawl, Silchar, Dimapur etc by Daily/bi-weekly/other basis with the Domestic Air services like Air India, Indigo, King Fisher, Jet Airways, Jet Lite, Spice Jet, Air Deccan etc. Other major cities of India is connected to Imphal via Kolkata/Guwahati.
By Bus to Imphal
- From Guwahati daily on the NH 39 via Dimapur and Kohima many private buses available.
- From Dimapur daily on the NH 39 via Kohima Manipur many private buses available.
- From Silchar daily on the NH 53 via Jiribam many private buses available.
There is no direct train service to Imphal. But travellers can travel upto Guwahati or Dimapur (nearest rail head from Imphal) and then rest by bus or by air.
Where To Stay in Manipur
Hotels /Address /Telephone
Hotel Imphal
North AOC,Imphal
2220459,2224354,
2223250,2223723
State Guest House
Babupara ,Imphal
2221212
Assembly Guest House
Majorkhul,Imphal
2222623
Youth Hostel
Khuman Lampak , Imphal
2223423
Hotel Nirmala
Thangal Bazar ,Imphal
2229014,2224354
Hotel Anand Continental
Thangal Bazar ,Imphal
2223422
Hotel Prince
Thangal Bazar ,Imphal
2220587
Hotel White Palace
Thangal Bazar ,Imphal
2220599
Hotel Pintu
North AOC ,Imphal
2222743
Hotel Deesh Delux
Thangal Bazar ,Imphal
2220608
Tourist Information Centres
At Delhi
Manipur Information Centre,
Baba Kharak Singh Marg,New Delhi
Tel. : 011-3746359
Fax : 011-3746361
Manipur Bhavan,
2, Sardar Patel Marg,Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Tel : 011-6873311/6113150, 6873009
Fax : 011-6111803
At Kolkata
Government of India Tourist Office
Embassy, 4, Shakespeare Sarani,Kolkata
Tel : 2421475, 2423521
Manipur Bhavan,
26, Rowland Road,Kolkata
Tel : 747087, 747975
At Guwahati
Manipur Bhavan,
Rajgarh Road, Guwahati Tel : 540707
At Imphal
Tourist Information Centre,
Directorate of Tourism, Imphal Tel : 2224603, 2220802
Government of India Tourist Office,
Jail Road, Imphal Tel : 2221
Places of Interest
| Photo | Description |
|---|---|
 | Shri Shri Govindajee Temple: -This temple adjacent to the palace of the former rulers of Manipur, is a sacred center for Vaisnavites. It is a simple and beautiful structure with twin gold domes, a paved courtyard and a large congregation hall. The presiding deity, Radha Govinda is flanked by idols of Balaram and Krishna on one and Jaganath, Balabhadra and Subhadra on the other. |
 | Saheed Minar: - The imposing Minar of Bir Tikendrajit park standing tall in the eastern tall in the eastern side of the Imphal Pologround of the state’s capital commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting against the Britist in 1891. The eye-catching Minar also serves as an ideal background for photo shoots. |
 | War Cemetery: - The British and the Indian Army Cemeteries commemorating those who died in the Second World War are serene and well maintained with little stone markers and bronze plaques recording brief accounts of their anguish and sacrifice. These graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves commossion. |
 | Manipur Zoological Garden: - About 6 Kms. From Imphal towards the west, lies the Zoological Garden at Iroishemba, hidden half-a-mile from the Imphal-Kangchup road. Graceful brow-antlered deer (Sangai), one of the rarest species in the world, can be seen there in sylvan surroundings. A trip to this garden at the foot of pine-covered hillocks in the western-most corner of Lamphelpat will be an affair to remember. It will be the children’s day out. |
 | Singda: - At an altitude of 921 metres, Singda is a beautiful picnic spot 16kms away from Imphal. The scenery is inviting. There is an Inspection Bunglow to convenience visitors. Greeted by a breeze-ruffled artificial lake, every visitor is tempted to revisit with packed lunch and a bunch of bum-chums. Kangchup is a beautiful health resorts on the hills overlooking the Manipur Valley. The site is picturesque and worth seeing. With the construction of Singda Dam at Kangchup, the place has become one of the important picnic spots. There is an inspection Bunglow here. |
 | Langthabal: - It is 6kms from Imphal on the Indo-Myanmar road. Langthabal is a small hillock rich in the relics of an old historical place, well-planned tempted to revisit with packed lunch and a bunch of bum-chums. |
 | Red Hill (Maibam Lokpa Ching):- It is a hillock about 17 Kms. South of Imphal City on Tiddim Road. The place was an action-packed location where a fierce battle took place between the Allied Forces and the Japanese Forces in World War II. Japanese war veterans constructed a monument at the foot of this hill and it was significantly named” India Peace Memorial”. |
 | Bishnupur: - Bishnupur is 27 kms away from Imphal City on Tiddim Road. Here stands the conical temple of lord Vishnu built in 1467 during the region of King Kyamba. It is interesting because of its antiquity and architectural design which was influenced by Chinese style. Bishnupur I also known for its stoneware production. The bustling district headquaters is popular for hill-grown oranges, yongchak (tree-bean) and vegetables. Shoibum (fermented bamboo-shoot) scents the air around the town market. |
 | Loukoipat: - It is a hot-favourite tourist spot in Bishnupur district lying just in the outskirts of the district headquarters. A small but aesthetically satiating lake surrounded on all sides by green foliage-rich hillocks, is the main attraction of the spot. Boating facility is also provided to the tourists. A cool greenery-hedged IB built on an elevated site overlooking the lake awaits to host visitors on the look-out for a night’s stay. |
 | Phubala: - A Charming resort on the western fringes of the loktak lake is situated 40kms south of Imphal. It is joined to the mainland by a low causeway. From there, life in and around the gigantic expanse of the loktak lake can be viewed vividly. |
 | Moirang: - Moirang is located 45 kms away from Imphal city on Tiddim Road. The ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity, Lord Thangjing stands there. Every May, men and women in bright traditional costumes sing and dance in honour of the lord there in an eventful festival called Moirang Lai Haraoba. It was from the village of Moirang that the graceful, Khamba Thoibi dance originated. It was also at Moirang that flag of the Indian National Army was first hoisted on Indian soil on April 14, 1944. There is an INA Museum exhibiting letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other articles associated with INA. A bronze statue of Netaji in uniform stands proud in the lawn. |
 | Loktak Lake: - Loktak lake is like a miniature sea. It is the largest fresh water lake in the North-East. Sendra is a hillock of an island of Loktak lake, 48Kms away from Imphal City on Tidim road. From the Tourist bunglow, set atop Sendra island, visitors can get a birds eye-view of the unique Loktak Lake and the floating mass called "Phumdis". |
 | Keibul Lamjao National Park: - The Park is located in the south western part of the Loktak Lake. This is the last natural habitat of the marsh-friendly brow-antlered deer (Sangai) of Manipur. Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only floating park in the world. Shooting for game is prohibited there. |
 | Kaina: - It is a beautiful hillock about 29kms from Imphal on Imphal-Yairipok Road. Kaina is a sacred place of the Hindus. According to legend, one night, Shri Govindajee appeared to his devotee Bhagyachandra, Maharaja of Manipur, in a dream and asked him to build a temple enshrined with his image carved out of a Jackfruit tree which was then growing at Kaina. Hill shrubs and natural surroundings give the place a saintly solemnity Ceremonial dances depicting the divine dream are performed as Rasa Lila at the Mandop. |
 | Khongjom: - It is situated on the Indo-Myanmar Road, 36Kms away from Imphal. It is a place of utmost historical importance. Khonjom was the venue where Major General Paona Brajabashi and other brave Manipuri warriors proved their worth in warfare against the mighty force of the invading British Army in 1891. Khongjom is regarded in awe as a symbol of patriotism and valour. A war memorial laid on the top of this venerable hill adds the historical ambience of the heroic site. Khongjom Day is observed as a State Function every year on April 23. |
 | Andro: - Andro lies 27Kms east of the state capital Imphal. The small town is an ancient Scheduled Caste village of the state. A cultural Complex was established there by the Mutua Museum, Imphal. It exhibited potteries of the North-eastern region of India. There also is a Doll-house wherein dolls of recognized Tribes of the State are displayed. |
 | Churachandpur: - It is the second biggest town of the state spreading out on both sides of the Tiddim Road, 60Kms away from Imphal. It exhibited potteries of the North-Eastern region of India. There also is a Doll-House wherein dolls of recognized Tribes of the State are displayed. |
| Tengnoupal: - 69 Kms away from Imphal on the Indo-Myanmar highway, one comes across the highest point in altitude on the way to Moreh, the border town with Myanmar. Over there, one is at advantage point to have a full view of the valley portion of the state. To stay at or pass through the elevated peak of a village, you need warm clothing in any part of the year. You’ll feel as if you are put inside a fridge. As in Ooty, summer is gone from Tengnoupal. | |
 | Moreh: - The international border town is located on the Indo-Myanmar Road 110Kms south east of Imphal. Being a commercial town, it attracts a large number of people from away from Tamu, its Myanmarese counterpart which was of late given face lift. The recent opening of the Border Trade turned Moreh into an important commercial hub in the North-East. Right on the other side of the border, at Namphalong, there’s a big Myanmarese shopping complex selling all kinds of Thailand and Chinese consumer goods. The shopping complex serves as a poor man’s alternative to Bangkok’s National Stadium Shopping Arcade. Things come much cheaper there. Conducted Tours are organized from Moreh to Myanmarese towns like Kalimiew and Mandalay. Such a tour is of the rare opportunities. |
| Ukhrul: - The district headquaters of Ukhrul district is situated 83 Kms away from Imphal in the east. Undoubtedly, one of the highest hill stations of the state, Ukhrul is famous for a peculiar type of terrestrial Lily, the Siroy Lily (Lilium macklinae sealy) which is grown on the Siroy Hill. Khangkhui Lime Caves are interesting places for excursion. Ukhrul wears gay and festive appearance during Christmas. Known for the natural hospitality of its people, I is the place where pioneer missionary, William Pettigrew was first offered a foothold. | |
 | Tamenglong: - It’s the district headquaters of Tamenglong district situated 156 Kms from Imphal. The region is known for its deep gorges, mysterious caves, refreshing waterfalls, exotic orchids and oranges. The Tharon Caves, Booming Meadow, Zeilad Lake and Barak waterfalls are interesting tourist spots in Tamenglong district. There’s nothing to beat the Tamenglong brand of oranges and cane-mats. |
| Mao: -Mao is one of the oldest hill stations Manipur bordering Nagaland located midway between Dimapur and Imphal on the National Highway 39 at an altitude of 5762.02 feet above sea-level. The Mao IB, built by the Royal Military engineers in 1897 is more than hundred years old. The cultural mosaic of Manipur is not complete without the colorful Mao-Naga dance. Other places worth visiting is Makhel, the historical place of Naga dispersal and the legendary places worth visiting is Makhel, the historical place of Naga dispersal and the legendary place of common origin of the Meiteis and the Nagas, which has the oldest pear tree memorial of the dispersal. Dzuko Valley with its pristine beauty blooms with a rare lily between May and July known as Dzuko Lily. | |
| Koubru Leikha :- Koubru is one of the pious mountains of Manipur and is located on NH-39. A three hundred years old temple of Lord Koubru Mahadeva is situated in the foot hills of "Awang asuppa yoimyai khunda ahanba mountain". The devotees offer rituals in the name of Koubra Baba or the Lord Shiva. In the month of Savan & Mahashiv Ratri, around twenty five thousands devotees used to come in ceremonial attires from different places to offer rituals and chant Mantras in praise of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated besides a beautiful mountain river which attracts hundreds and thousands of tourists. The temple has been maintained for the last 10 years by the Manipur Seva Kanwariya Samittee. |
At a Glance
Manipur literally meaning “A jeweled land” nestle deep within a lush green corner of North East India. It seems much like an exquisite work of art executed by superb hands of Nature and is indeed a state of exquisite natural beauty and splendors, the beauty of which once inspired Mrs. St. Clair Grimwood described it as ” A Pretty Place more beautiful than many show places of the world” Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru paid a fitting tribute by describing it as “Jewel of India”.
Surrounded by blue hills with an oval shaped valley at the centre, rich in art and tradition and surcharged with nature’s pristine glory. Manipur lies on a melting pot of culture. It is birth place of Polo. This is the place where Rajashree Bhagyachandra created the famous Ras Lila, the classical dance of Manipur, out of his enchanting dream by the grace of Lord Krishna.
Her folk dances reveal the mythological concept of creation of Manipur.
Having a varied and proud history from the earliest times, Manipur came under the British Rule as a Princely State after the defeat in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. After independence of India in 1947, the Princely State of Manipur was merged in the Indian Union on October 15,1949 and became a full-fledged State of India on the 21th January, 1972 with a Legislative Assembly of 60 seats of which 20 are reserved for Scheduled Tribe and 1 reserved for Scheduled Caste. The State is represented in the Lok Sabha by two members and by one member in the Rajya Sabha.
MANIPUR AT A GLANCE
| Particulars | Datas |
|---|---|
| Area | 22327 sq.km |
| Population | 27,21,756 |
| Capital | Imphal |
| State Language | Manipuri |
| State Emblem | Kangla Shaa |
| State Bird | Nongyeen |
| State Animal | Sangai |
| State Game | Manipuri Polo |
| State Flower | Siroi Lily |
| Density of Population( per Sq Km.) | 82 |
| Literacy Rate | 59.89% |
| Altitude | 790mtrs.above MSL (Imphal) |
| Latitude | 23.830N to 25.680N |
| Longitude | 93.030E to 94.780E |
| Rainfall | 1467.5mm(Avg.) |
| Rainy Season | May to October |
| Literacy Rate | 68.87 |
| Schedule Tribes | 33(Recongised by Government) |
| Assembly Constituencies | 60(40 General, 19 ST, 1 SC) |
| Parliamentary Constituencies | 2:(One for Inner and One for Outer) |
| National Highways | 3(39-Indo-Myanmar road, 53-New Cachar Road, 150-Jessami-Tipaimukh Road) |
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