Table of Contents
Manipur, often referred to as the “Jewel of India,” is a state located in the northeastern part of the country. Known for its scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant history, Manipur offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
This article explores Manipur in-depth, including its formation, geography, physiographic regions, national parks, rivers, waterfalls, economy, dams, and lakes.
The State at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Before Statehood | Manipur Kingdom |
| Admission to Union | 15 October 1949 |
| Union Territory | 1956 |
| Statehood | January 21, 1972 |
| Borders | Manipur is bordered by – Nagaland to the north, – Mizoram to the south, and – Assam to the west, and – shares an international border with Myanmar to the east. |
| Capital and Largest City | Imphal |
| Districts | 16 |
| Chief Minister | N. Biren Singh (BJP) |
| State Legislature | Unicameral |
| Number of Seats in Legislative Assembly | 60 |
| Rajya Sabha Seats | 1 seat |
| Lok Sabha Seats | 2 seats |
| Area (Total) | 22,327 km² (8,621 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 23rd |
| Population (2011 Census) | 2,855,794 |
| Population Density | 130/km² (300/sq mi) |
| Official Language | Manipuri |
| Official Script | Meitei script |
| GDP Rank | 28th |
| HDI (2018) | 0.696 (15th) |
| Literacy Rate (2011) | 76.94% (18th) |
| Sex Ratio (2011) | 985 females per 1000 males |
| Major Rivers | Imphal River, Barak River, Manipur River |
| Tourist Attractions | Loktak Lake, Kangla Fort, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Imphal Valley |
Symbols of Manipur
The Emblem of Manipur serves as the official symbol of the state. It was formally adopted on 18 December 1980. Manipur became a full-fledged state of India on January 21, 1972.
Design
- The emblem highlights the Kanglasha, a mythical figure that combines features of:
- A lion and a dragon, symbolizing strength, authority, and protection in Manipuri mythology.
State Formation
Accession to India (1947–1949)
- Manipur’s Status at Independence (1947): At the time of India’s independence, Manipur was a princely state under British suzerainty. Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh ruled the kingdom. After India’s independence on August 15, 1947, the princely states were given the option to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent.
- Merger Agreement (1949): In 1949, after negotiations with the Indian government, Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on September 21, 1949, in Shillong. Under this agreement, Manipur was officially merged with the Indian Union on October 15, 1949.
Union Territory (1949–1972)
- Transition to a Union Territory (1956): After the merger with India, Manipur was initially classified as a “Part C” state, which meant it was administered by a Chief Commissioner appointed by the central government. In 1956, Manipur was restructured as a Union Territory under the provisions of the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. This period saw significant political changes as Manipur came under direct central control, with limited powers of self-governance.
Statehood (1972)
- Grant of Full Statehood: On January 21, 1972, Manipur, along with Tripura and Meghalaya, was granted full statehood by the Government of India under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971. Manipur became the 19th state of the Indian Union, and the state was given its legislative assembly and representation in the Indian Parliament.
- First Legislative Elections: Following the grant of statehood, the first Legislative Assembly elections were held in 1972. Moirang Koireng Singh became the first Chief Minister of Manipur
Administrative and Constitutional Developments
- Autonomous District Councils (1971): Before attaining statehood, the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971 was enacted, which provided for the creation of autonomous district councils for tribal areas. These councils were established to ensure greater autonomy for the tribal population in the hill areas, allowing them to manage local affairs such as education, public health, and agriculture.
Brief History
Early Historical Period
- Kangleipak State and Early Constitution: The Kangleipak State (ancient name of Manipur) is one of the earliest known states in the region. King Loiyumba, who ruled in the early 12th century, is credited with developing a written constitution, the “Loiyumba Sinyen,”.
- Cheitharol Kumbaba (Royal Chronicle): This is the primary historical record of the kings of Manipur, dating back to 33 CE.
- Meitei Clans and Expansion: In the early centuries, various clans, including the Meitei, Khuman, Moirang, and others, fought for dominance. The Meitei clan, through warfare and alliances, eventually unified the valley and established the foundation of the kingdom.
Early Modern Period: Vaishnavism and Expansion
- Introduction of Vaishnavism: During the reign of King Meidingu Senbi Kiyamba (1467–1507), Brahmins from the Indian subcontinent migrated to Manipur, introducing Vaishnavism. King Kiyamba embraced Vaishnavism, marking the beginning of the religious shift from Sanamahism to Hinduism.
- King Pamheiba (Garib Niwaz) and the Burning of Sacred Scriptures: King Pamheiba (1709–1748), also known as Garib Niwaz, played a pivotal role in the religious transformation of Manipur. Under his reign, the entire Meitei population was forcibly converted to Hinduism. King Pamheiba renamed the kingdom “Manipura” during his reign.
Colonial Period and Anglo-Manipuri War
- Seven Years Devastation (1819–1826): The Burmese invasion of Manipur during King Marjit’s reign led to the occupation of the kingdom for seven years. This period, known as Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (Seven Years Devastation), resulted in chaos, destruction, and mass displacement.
- Restoration of Monarchy: With the help of the British East India Company, King Gambhir Singh was able to drive out the Burmese and restore the Manipur kingdom in 1826.
- Anglo-Manipuri War (1891): In 1891, a conflict arose between the British and the Manipuri kingdom, culminating in the Anglo-Manipuri War. Despite the valiant resistance of Manipuri forces, the British emerged victorious, leading to Manipur becoming a princely state under British rule.
- End of Independence: Following the war, Manipur lost its sovereignty and became the last independent state to be incorporated into British India.
World War II and Japanese Occupation
- Battle of Imphal (1942–1944): During World War II, Manipur became a key battleground between the Japanese forces and the Allied powers. The Japanese bombed Imphal multiple times, causing widespread destruction. The Battle of Imphal was one of the decisive battles of the war, marking the turning point in the Allied campaign in Southeast Asia.
Post-Colonial Period: Integration with India
- Treaty of Accession (1949): After India’s independence from British rule in 1947, Maharaja Bodhachandra of Manipur signed the Treaty of Accession in 1949, merging the kingdom into the newly independent Republic of India. This decision was met with resistance from sections of the Manipuri population.
- Union Territory and Statehood: In 1956, Manipur became a Union Territory of India, and on 21 January 1972, it was granted full statehood. Since then, Manipur has been a part of India, although political tensions and calls for greater autonomy persist.
Geography
Physiographic Division
Manipur is divided into two broad Physiographic regions:
- The Hills: Covering approximately 90% of the state’s area, they form the outer ring of Manipur’s geography.
- The Central Valley: The heart of Manipur, the Imphal Valley is a flat plain surrounded by hills, constituting 10% of the area. It is the most densely populated region and the economic and cultural hub of the state.
Topography, Landforms, and Terrain
The terrain is a combination of valleys, plateaus, and rugged hills. The Imphal Valley is flat, fertile, and surrounded by rolling hills, while the hill ranges rise steeply to form a series of ridges and valleys.
Rivers in Manipur
| River | Source | Course in State | Mouth | Tributaries | City on Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imphal | Senapati District | Flows through the Imphal Valley | Chindwin | Iril, Thoubal, Nambul | Imphal |
| Barak | Liyai Kullen Hills, Senapati | Flows in the western hills of Manipur | Bay of Bengal | Jiri, Makru, Irang | None |
| Manipur | Kangpokpi District | Flows southward into Myanmar | Myanmar | None | None |
Lakes and Waterfalls
Loktak Lake
Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India, is situated in the Imphal Valley. It is famous for its phumdis (floating islands) and is an essential part of the state’s hydrology.
Waterfalls
- Leimaram Waterfall: A scenic waterfall located near Imphal, known for its picturesque setting.
- Khonghampat Orchidarium: Though not a waterfall, this is a must-visit for nature lovers due to its spectacular orchid species.
Tribes of Manipur
Manipur is home to several indigenous tribes, each with its own unique culture and tradition. Some of the major tribes include:
| Tribe | Population (Approx) | Key Cultural Features |
|---|---|---|
| Meitei | 1.5 million | Predominantly Hindu, famous for dance forms |
| Naga | 250,000 | Known for their traditional handicrafts |
| Kuki-Chin-Mizo | 400,000 | Rich in folklore, distinct customs and dances |
Dances of Manipur
Manipur’s classical dance form, Manipuri, is internationally acclaimed. It focuses on graceful movements, intricate footwork, and religious themes, especially the Rasa Leela, which depicts the love story of Krishna and Radha.
Other folk dances include:
- Thang Ta: A traditional martial art dance.
- Pung Cholom: A drum dance performed during festivals.
Festivals of Manipur
| Festival | Description |
|---|---|
| Yaoshang | Duration: Celebrated for five days in spring, starting on the full moon day of the month of Lamda (February–March). Cultural Significance: Yaosang is the indigenous festival of the Meitei people of Manipur. Importance: It is considered the most important festival in Manipur. |
| Sajibu Nongma Panba / Meitei Cheiraoba (Meitei New Year) | Significance: Lunar New Year festival of the Meitei people Month: Sajibu (March/April), the first month of the Meitei lunar calendar Historical Significance: Origin: According to the followers of Sanamahism (the ethnic religion of the Meitei people) the festival is believed to have started during the reign of King Maliya Fambalcha (1359 BC–1329 BC), also known as Koi-Koi. |
| Sangai Festival | Meitei Name: Known as Sangai Kumhei. Timing: Held annually from 21 to 30 November, organized by the Manipur Tourism Department. History: Initially celebrated as the Tourism Festival, it was renamed in 2010 to highlight the Sangai, the shy and gentle brow-antlered deer, which is the state animal of Manipur. Locations: Primarily celebrated in the valley areas of Imphal, the state capital. |
| Ningol Chakouba | Hiyangei Nini Paanba: Ningol Chakouba is also known as Hiyangei Nini Paanba. Timing: Celebrated on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyangei (October–November). Cultural Significance: This festival is celebrated as the bond of love between married women and their paternal families |
| Heikru Hidongba | Event: Manipuri boat racing festival Location: Moat of Sagolband Bijoy Govinda Leikai, Imphal Date: 11th day of the Meitei calendar month Langban (September) |
Cuisines
Manipur’s cuisine is known for its simplicity, yet rich flavours. It relies heavily on rice, fish, leafy vegetables, and indigenous herbs. Some popular dishes include:
- Eromba: A fermented fish chutney.
- Chamthong: A vegetable stew with herbs.
- Ngari: Fermented fish, a staple in most dishes.
- Singju: A local salad made with seasonal vegetables and mustard leaves.
Economy
Agriculture is the backbone of Manipur’s economy. The state’s major crops include rice, maize, pulses, and various horticultural produce like pineapples, oranges, and lemons.
Handloom and Handicrafts
Manipur is famous for its handloom industry, one of India’s largest. Manipuri shawls, especially the Moiraingphee and Phanek, are widely admired. Additionally, bamboo and cane crafts are prominent, contributing to the state’s economy.
Tourism
- Loktak Lake: Known for its floating phumdis and as the world’s only floating national park, Keibul Lamjao.
- Kangla Fort: A historical site with cultural and historical significance in Imphal.
- Shirui Hills: Famous for the unique Shirui Lily, found only in Manipur.
- Keibul Lamjao National Park: Home to the endangered Sangai Deer.
Adventure Tourism
The state offers numerous opportunities for trekking, camping, and water sports. The hill regions are ideal for trekkers, while rivers like the Barak offer rafting opportunities.
National Parks
- Keibul Lamjao National Park:
- Location: Bishnupur district
- Area: 40 square kilometers
- Significance: The only floating national park in the world, located on Loktak Lake, and home to the endangered Sangai deer (Brow-antlered deer).
- Shirui National Park:
- Location: Ukhrul district
- Area: 100 square kilometers
- Significance: Known for the rare Shirui Lily, which blooms only in the Shirui Hills.
Conclusion
Manipur, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers a unique and enriching experience. Its well-preserved natural resources, including national parks, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes, underscore the state’s commitment to ecological sustainability. The economy, driven by agriculture, handloom, handicrafts, and tourism, continues to develop, making Manipur an important state in India’s northeastern region.
Other North-eastern States: