Manipur Information
The history of the region of Manipur goes back to the 1st century AD. It was a kingdom formed by the unification of ten clans. Its modern history started in 1819 AD. When King Marjeet ruled over Manipur. The Burmese defeated him and Chahi-Target Khuntakpa became the king. In 1825 Gambhir Singh led the Manipuris in an attack over the Burmese and declared himself as the ruler. The British conquered Manipur on 27th April 1891 AD. Maharaja Churachand Singh was named as raja and the administration was conducted under British Supervision for some years.
After India became independent on August 15th 1947 the Manipur constitution act established a democratic form of government with the Maharaja as the executive head, and a legislature constituted by election on adult franchise. In 1949 Manipur merged with independent India and on 21st January 1972 Manipur was granted state hood.
Manipur is the birthplace of the polo. Polo can be best described as hockey played on horse back. The British popularized the game world wide. They transformed the Manpuri game of pulu into the international sport of Polo.
Manipur boasts an exotic landscape with gently undulating hills, emerald green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests. Manipur means the land of jewels and it is a well named because mother nature has been extra generous in her beauty in this land.
Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam and Burma geographically border the present state of Manipur. About 90% of the land is mountainous and its major river is mountainous and its major river is known as Imphal, after which the capital city was named. Manipur is famous for its orchids and also for its rare and beautiful and exquisite handicrafts. Its culture is a fine blend of colourful festivals, rich history, vibrant customs, wonderful architecture, enchanting music and exciting dance forms. The favourite sport of the people of Manipur is archery.
Manipur General Information
Capital
The capital of Manipur is Imphal.
Districts
There are 9 districts in this state.
Language
The principal languages spoken by this people are Manipuri.
State Bird
Mrs. Hume’s pheasant is this state’s bird.
State Animal
Sangai is this state’s animal
State flower
This state’s flower is Siro Lily.
Festival form an important part of Manpuri life. Festivals project the cultural , social and religious aspirations of the people. There is the festival of Laiharaboa that represents the worship of traditional deities and ancestors. Yaoshang is the most important Hindu festival in Manipur. It is a five day long which the festival begins on a full moon day in the month of phalgun, that is February and March. Kut is an autumn festival of Kuki-Chin-Mize group of Manipuri tribes. This festival celebrates the bountiful food stock, and it is a thanks giving ceremony. Other festivals include Ningo chakouba, which is one of the major festivals in Manipur. It is a social festivals where the women are invited to a feast at their parental house Holi is the another major festival of Manipur and this celebrated for five days starting from the full moon of Phalguna. Gang Ngai is a festival of the Kabui Nagar. It begins with the oath taking ceremony and lasts of five days. Cheiraoba celebrates the Manipuri newyear. During this time of the year the people can clean their houses, decorate them and start everything afresh. The celebration of this festival includes climbing the nearest hill in with the belief that such as act would help a person to conquer new heights in a real life.