Manipur, the Home of In-Ecolibrium

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Nestled on a plateau and surrounded by nine sub-Himalayan ranges of hills, Manipur is the place that gifted the game of Polo to the world. The martial tradition of Manipur is reflected in such indigenous games even today. Literally meaning “the jeweled land”, Manipur is richly endowed with natural beauty and splendor. Home to Sangai (a rare species of brow-antlered deer) and the Siroi Lily (the only terrestrial lily grown on the hill tops of Siroi hill), Ethel St. Clair Grimwood described Manipur as “A Pretty Place more beautiful than many show places of the world.”

The first Prime Minister of India, the Late Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, described Manipur as a “Jewel of India”, bewitching beholders with its natural beauty and its cultural paraphernalia. Decorated by innumerable beautiful flora and inhabited by a number of attractive fauna, Manipur shines with Nature’s grace. It is made more enchanting with its unique natural setting, comprising of eye-catching waterfalls, lakes, streams and evergreen forests.

Manipur is bounded by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south, Upper Myanmar in the east and Cachar district of Assam in the west. Manipur is comprised of nine districts: Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Senapati, Tamenglong, Thoubal and Ukhrul.

A Brief History

Formerly a kingdom whose oral histories — mainly the royal chronicle, the Cheitharol Kumbaba — indicate its establishment in the 1st century AD, Manipur was formed by the unification of ten clans under the Ningthouja clan. With a written constitution nearly 2000 years old, Manipur was a princely kingdom. It has historically been the site of trade routes between India and Myanmar.

Manipur became a part of the British Empire in 1891, and was the arena of the last land battle between the Japanese and the Allied forces during World War II. Even though Manipur had never been part of any of the great Indian empires, upon the departure of the British, Manipur became a part of India in 1949. Manipur achieved full statehood on January 21, 1972. The State is represented in the Lok Sabha by two members and by one member in the Rajya Sabha.

Flora & Fauna

Sixty-seven per cent of the total geographical area of Manipur is hills covered by different types of forests. It is thus blessed with amazing varieties of fauna and flora (visit our photo “flora and fauna” gallery). Some of the most beautiful and precious blooms of India find their natural habitat in Manipur. The beauty and color of flowers and orchids stun the eyes of the beholder. Wet forests, temperate forests and pine forests occur in different regions of the state. Together, they sustain a host of rare plant and animal species that have earned Manipur a position in the TOP 10 BIO-DIVERSITY HOT SPOTS in the world.

Located on the northeastern side of India bordering Myanmar, Manipur has a topography ranging over a few meters above MSL to over 3000 meters above MSL. This topography spread over a mere 22,000 square kilometers gives Manipur a range of various climatic conditions, ranging from tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates all the way to sub-alpine. Because of this range of topography, Manipur is home to over 500 varieties of orchids alone, 472 of which have been identified. The Siroi lily is the only terrestrial lily on Siroi hill in the Ukhrul district of Manipur. Back to Top

Society and Culture

Manipuri society is characterized by simplicity and egalitarian values. Women enjoy a high status and old people are given due respect and reverence. Manipuris love games and sports and have a martial tradition.

Society is organized around neighborhoods called leikais. All activities — from ear-piercing ceremonies, to festivals and cremations — center around the leikai. The approval of the leikai is the highest honor the community-minded Manipuri can seek.

The economic level of the people is more or less uniform. Even though Manipuris are generally Hindus, the Indian caste system is not the basis of social stratification. Instead, society is divided between the Meiteis, the Bamons (Brahmins of Indian origin), Pangans (Muslims, also of Indian origin) and lois (social outcasts, some of whom are descended from prisoners of war from Burma and India). Manipuris rarely intermarry within the same caste, and even today, do not marry within the salai, as the original ten clans are known.

In the field of art and culture, Manipur is best represented by the classical Manipuri style of dance (see our “Manipuri dances” photo gallery). A style peculiar to itself, its inspiration is purely religious, and usually relates to the Raas Lila, the love story of Radha and Krishna. Lai Haroba (feast of dances, representing celebrations of gods and goddesses), Pung Cholem (Mridanga dance), Mao Naga dance, the Priestess dance of Malbe Jagoi, Thangal Surung dance etc., reflect the vibrant culture of the nearly thirty different tribes of Manipur. In fact, Manipur is suitably dubbed “as the land where the gods took to dancing”. The traditional martial arts of Manipur, called the “Thang Ta”, have earned rave reviews wherever showcased in the world.

The rich culture and tradition of the Manipuris are also depicted in their handloomed clothes and handicrafts, world famous for its craftsmanship as well as ingenuity, colorfulness and usefulness. (visit our photo gallery of traditional attire)

Twenty-nine colorful communities and elegant ethnic groups have been living together in harmony for many years. These are the people whose folklore and folk-tales, myths and legends, dance and drama, games and sports, handlooming and handicrafts manifest a distinctive cultural tradition.

Indigenous Games and Competitions (visit our games photo gallery)

The tradition of games and sports dates back to the ancient history of Manipur with its history of small kingdoms keen for competition with one another. Wars among themselves and with Ava (Myanmar) resulted in a martial tradition which in turn gave due impetus to the development of indigenous games. Some of the indigenous games and martial arts are:

Sagol Kangjei (Polo): The Manipuri Sagol Kangjei has been adopted by the International Community as “polo” and is now played worldwide. Today, Manipur is accepted as the originator of the game of polo. The British learned the game of Sagol Kangjei in the 19th century from Manipur and after refinement it was named as polo and played in other parts of the globe. Manipuri polo is played with seven players on each side mounted on ponies that are often not more than 14-15 hands high. Each player is outfitted with a polo stick made of cane, that has a narrow angled wooden head fixed at the striking end. The ball, 14 inches in circumference, is made of bamboo root. The mounted players hit the ball into the goal. Extremely vigorous and exhilarating, the game is now played in two styles: the pana or original Manipuri style and the international style (i.e. “polo”. It is exhilarating to see the Manipuri players in their sixties and even seventies riding ponies at full gallop and playing Sagol Kangjei (polo) with gusto. The ponies are also decorated fully with various guards protecting the eyes, forehead, flanks, etc.

Khong Kangjei (Manipuri Hockey): Like polo, Khong Kangjei is also a very popular game for the Manipuris. This game is played with seven players on either side, each player equipped with a bamboo stick about 4 ft in length made in the form of modern hockey stick. The game starts with a throw of the ball made of bamboo root into the 200 x 80 yard. A player may carry the ball in any manner to the goal. He may even kick it but he has to score when the ball fully crosses the goal line. A player often encounters an opponent in his attempt at carrying or hitting the ball towards the goal, and these encounters may develop into a trial of strength which is indigenously known as Mukna. Manipuri hockey requires much physical stamina, speed and ability. In the olden days, players excelling in the game received royal favors and prizes.

Mukna (Manipuri Wrestling): Mukna is the Manipuri style of wrestling engaged between two male competitors as a trial of sheer physical strength and skill. Athletes of the same or approximate physical build, weight and age are chosen as competitors. This game is an absolute must for the closing ceremonies of Lai Haraoba festival. Manipuri wrestling is a highly popular and prestigious game,and in the olden days it enjoyed royal patronage. Back to Top

Yubi Lakpi (Manipuri Style Rugby): Yubi in Manipur means coconut and Lakpi means snatching. The coconut serves the purpose of a ball and is offered to the king or the judges who sit just beyond the goal line. Yubi Lakpi is played on the beautiful green turf of the Palace ground or at the Bijoy Govinda Temple ground. Each side has seven players in a field that is about 45 x 18 meters in area, one side of which forms the central portion of the goal line. To score a goal, a player has to approach the goal from the front with an oiled coconut and pass the goal line.

Kang: Kang is normally played on the well-polished earth floor of a big outbuilding. Fixed targets are hit with a Kang, which is a flat and oblong instrument made of either ivory or a seed of a plant. Normally, each team has seven male partners. The game is also played as a mixed doubles contest. Played strictly during the period between Cheiraoba (Manipuri New Year’s Day) and the Rath Yatra festival, Manipuris religiously adhere to its time frame. Popular belief holds that, if the game is played beyond its given limit, evil spirits invade the mind of players and spectators.

Hiyang Tannaba (Boat Race): The boat race is generally held in the month of November at Thangapat. The boats, called Hiyang Hiren, are regarded to be invested with spiritual powers and the game is associated with religious rites. The rowers wear traditional dresses and head gears. The Meiteis believe that worship of the Hiyang Hiren will prevent evil omens. Hiyang Tannaba is also conducted during the times of natural calamity.

Thang TA and Sarit Sarak (Manipuri Martial Arts): Thang TA and Sarit Sarak are very energetic and skillful arts, and their traditions have been passed down over the centuries. In the olden days, when every Manipuri was a warrior required to serve his country during times of war, these martial arts were a way to hone one’s battle craft during peace time. Long and precise practice is required, and only those who were brave and athletic could excel. The arts as seen today have elaborate rituals and rules which are strictly observed by the participants. Other games like Lamjel (foot race), Mongjong (broad jump) etc. also kept warrior skills well-practiced.

Festivals

Manipur is a land of festivities, merry making and entertainment all the year round (visit our festival photo gallery). Some of the important festivals are:

Gan-Ngai: Celebrated for five days in the month of Wakching (December/January), Gan Ngai is an important festival of the Kabui Nagas. The festival opens with a religious ceremony on the first day, then the rest of the days are associated with common feast, dances and presentation of gifts, etc.

Ramjan Id (Id-Ul-Fitr): Ramadan is the ninth month of Hijri (Islamic) calendar. The most popular festival of Manipuri Muslims, Ramjan Id is observed with the usual spirit of joy and festivity with which the holiday is celebrated in the rest of the Muslim world. Since the time of Prophet Mohammed, during Ramjan Id, Muslims practice self-denial by avoiding food, drink and smoke from pre-dawn until sunset. The month is spent in prayer. After a month, on the second day of Shawwal, when the new moon is visible (Id-Ul-Fitr), fast is broken and Muslims go to the mosques to offer prayers, take delicious dishes, exchange greetings, and call on friends and relatives.

Lui-Ngai-Ni: Lui-Ngai-Ni is a festival of Nagas observed on the 15th day of February. It is a festival of seed sowing, after which tribes belonging to the Naga group start their cultivation. Social gathering, songs, dances and rejoicing highlight the festivity.

Yaoshang: Yaoshang is celebrated for five days commencing from the full moon day of Phalguna (February-March). This is the premier festival of Manipur. The Thabal Chongb (a kind of Manipuri folk dance, where boys and girls hold hands, sing and dance in a circle) is particularly associated with this festival. Boys, girls and old women collect donations from house to house, the money to be spent in a number of parties and feasts. Indeed, Yaoshang is to Manipur is what Durga Puja is to Bengal.

Cheiraoba: On the day of the festival, people clean and decorate their houses and prepare special festive dishes which are first offered to various deities. It is celebrated during the month of April. A part of the ritual people climb the nearest hill tops in the belief that it will enable them to rise to greater heights in their worldly life.

Lai Haraoba: Celebrated in honor of the sylvan deities known as Umang Lai, this festival held in the month of May represents the worship of traditional deities and ancestors. A number of dances by both men and women are performed before the ancient divinities. The Lai Haraoba of God — Thangjing, the ruling deity of Moirang — is the most famous dance and attracts huge gatherings. Back to Top

Rath Jatra: One of the greatest festivals of the Hindus of Manipur, this festival is celebrated for about 10 days in the month of Ingel (June-July). Lord Jagannath leaves his temple in a chariot pulled by pilgrims who vie with one another for this honor.

Heikru Hitongba: Celebrated in the month of September, a festival of joy, with little religious significance. Along a 16 meter moat, long narrow boats are sailed by a large number of rowers. Idol of Shri Vishnu is installed before the commencement of the race.

Kwak Yatra: The Goddess Durga is propitiated with pomp and ceremony in this festival, which is celebrated in the month of October and represents the victory of the righteousness over the evil.

Ningol Chakkouba: This is a remarkable social festival of the Meiteis, observed on the second day of the new moon in the Manipuri month of Hiyangei (October). Married women come to the parental house along with her children and enjoy sumptuous feasts. This holiday is a form of family rejoinder, to revive familial ties and affection.

Kut: Kut is an autumn festival of the different tribes of Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups of Manipur. The festival has been variously described at different places amongst different tribes as Chavang-Kut or Khodou, etc. It is happy occasion for the villagers whose food stock is bountiful after a year of hard labor. Kut festival is a thanksgiving feast with songs and dances in merriment and joviality, all in honor of the giver of an abundant harvest. It is observed on the 1st of November every year.

Chumpha: Celebrated for seven days in the month of December after harvest, Chumpa is a great festival of the Tangkhul Nagas. The last three days are devoted to social gathering and rejoicing. Unlike other festivals, women play a special role in Chumpal. The concluding part of the festival ends with a procession within the village.

Christmas: Christmas, the greatest festival of all the Christians of Manipur, is observed for two days, December 24 and 25. Prayers, reading of the Gospels, hymn singing, lectures on Jesus Christ, sports, community feasting, etc., form the major part of the Christmas festival. In some villages, where the inhabitants are well-off, the celebration continues till January 1 on which the New Year’s Day is also observed.

Places Worth Visiting (visit our “places to visit” photo gallery)

Shri Govindajee Temple: This temple adjoining 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 side and Jaganath, Balabhadra and Subhadra on the other.

Khwairamband Bazaar: This is a large crowded market at the heart of the city and is very special in that all the stalls are run by women. Vegetables, fish, household utensils, implements and fruits are sold on one side and colorful hand loomed shawls, Phaneks, Khudeis, and bed sheets on the other. Beautiful cane baskets and cane-bamboo products are also sold in this bazaar.

Saheed Minar: This 165 foot monument of Bir Tekendrajit Park at the heart of the Capital commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting against the British in 1891.

Manipur State Museum: This museum near the Imphal Polo ground has a fairly good display of Manipur’s heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur’s former rulers. Items of special interest are costumes, arms and weapons, relics and historical documents.

War Cemeteries: The British and the Indian Army cemeteries commemorating those who died in the Second World War, with little stone markers and bronze plaques recording their anguish and sacrifice. These graves are serene and well-maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Manipur Zoological Garden: This garden at the foot of the piney hillocks in the westernmost corner of Lamphelpat is about 6 kilometers from Impha. Towards the west is the Zoological garden at Iroishemba on the Imphal-Kangchup Road. Sangai, graceful brow-antlered deer that are one of the rarest species in the world, can be seen here in sylvan surroundings.

Singda: At an altitude of 921 meters, 16 kilometers from Imphal to west, Singda is a beautiful picnic spot with picturesque scenery. There is an inspection Bungalow here and an artificial lake as a manifestation of Singda Dam.

Langthabal: This small hillock, 6 kilometers from Imphal on the Indo-Burma Road, has relics of an old historic palace, well-planned temples and ceremonial house amidst symmetrically planted pine and jackfruit trees. A view of Manipur University offers a pleasant scene of the surrounding area. Back to Top

Khongampat Orchidarium: This orchid yard of the Forest Department on the National Highway No. 39 (about 7 kilometers from Imphal towards north) has more than 110 varieties of orchids, including several rare species. Peak season is April-May.

Sekta Archeological Living Museum: Sekta Mound, locally known as the Sekta Kei, is a protected archeological site. Located at Sekta village, about 16 kilometers from Imphal on the Imphal-Ukhrul Road, it is a site where evidence of the practice of secondary burial was discovered. The site was jointly excavated by the Archeological Survey of India and the State Archeology Manipur and is preserved as a Living Museum.

Red Hills (Maibam Lokpa Ching): This hillock about 17 kilometers in the south from Imphal on Tiddim Road is the thrilling spot where a fierce battle took place between the Allied Forces and the Japanese Forces in the World War II. Japanese war veterans have recently constructed a monument at the foot of this hill under the title of “India Peace Memorial.”

Bishnupur: Bishnupur is 27 kilometers from Imphal in the South. Here stands the conical temple of Lord Vishnu, built in 1467 during the reign of King Kyamba. This temple is of particular interest because of its antiquity and architectural design influenced by Chinese style. Bishnupur is also well known for its stoneware production.

Loukhoipat: This beautiful tourist spot in Bishnupur district is about 27 kilometers away from Imphal. A tiny lake surrounded by hillocks is the main attraction of this spot. In this lake, a boating facility is provided to the tourists. An inspection bungalow is opened on a nearby hillock for tourist and public conveniences.

Phubala: This resort on the western fringes of the Loktak Lake is situated 40 kilometers from Imphal in the south. It is joined to the mainland by a low causeway. From here, the life in and around Loktak Lake can be appreciated.

Moirang: Moirang, 45 kilometers from Imphal in the south, is the ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity, Lord Thanjing. Each May, men and women dressed in bright, traditional costumes sing and dance in honor of the Lord here at the Moirang Lai Haraoba. It was from the village of Moirang that the graceful Khamba Thoibi dance originated. It also was in Moirang that the 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, and a bronze statue of Netaji in uniform.

Loktak Lake and Sendra Island: Beautiful Loktak Lake is like a miniature inland sea. It is 48 kilometers from Imphal in the south. Sendra island is located in this lake. From the tourist bungalow, Sendra island visitors can get a bird’s-eye view of the lake and the life in and around it. The fishermen and their families who live in small huts on its shore make full use of their watery environment. They even build their houses on islands of thick floating weeds (Phumdis) that move around the lake.

Keibul Lamjao National Park:This park is the only floating park in the world. Locate on the fringes of Loktak Lake, some 53 kilometers away from Imphal, it is the last natural habitat of the marsh dwelling brow-antlered deer of Manipur.

Kaina: It is a beautiful hillock, about 29 kilometers from Imphal in the east. Kaina is a sacred place of the Hindus. Beautiful hill shrubs and charming natural surroundings give the place a saintly solemnity. According to legend, one night, Shri Govindajee appeared to his devotee Bhaigyachandra, 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. Ceremonial dances depicting the divine dream are performed as Ras at the Mandop.

Khongjom: Situated on the Indo-Myanmar Road about 36 kilometers from Imphal, Khongjom is a place of greatest historic importance, recognized as a symbol of patriotism and valor. It was here that Major General Paona Brajabashi and other Manipuri warriors proved their valor against the mighty force of the invading British Army in 1891. A war memorial sits on the tip of this scenic hill. Khongjom day is celebrated as a State function every year on April 23.

Andro: Andro, 27 kilometers from Imphal in the east, is an ancient Scheduled Caste village of Manipur. A cultural complex is established here by the Mutua Museum, Imphal, consisting of potteries of the North Eastern region of India. There is also a doll house where in both male and female dolls of 29 recognized tribes of Manipur are displayed.

Churachandpur: Inhabited by hill tribes, Churachandpur is an advanced tribal town where products of arts and crafts of the area are available. It is on the Tiddim Road, 60 kilometers from Imphal in the south and is one of the most beautiful places for sight seeing and holidaying.

Tengnoupal: Sixty-nine kilometers from Imphal, this is highest point on the Indo-Myanmar Road. From there, one has full view of the valley of Manipur. When a visitor passes along the road, he will find himself above the clouds but in natural surroundings. Back to Top

Moreh: This border town is located on the Indo-Myanmar Road, 110 kilometers from Imphal. Being a commercial town, it attracts a large number of people from neighboring places. Moreh is only 5 kilometers away from Tamu town, its Myanmar counterpart. Opening of the border trade turns Moreh into an important commercial center in Northeast India.

Ukhrul: Eighty-three kilometers away from Imphal in the east, this is the highest hill station of the state. Ukhrul is famous for a peculiar type of terrestrial-lily, the Siroi lily, grown on the Siroi hills. Siroi Hills and Khangkhui Lime Cave are interesting excursion destinations. Ukhrul bears an especially gay and festive appearance during Christmas festivals.

Tamenglong: This regions is 156 kilometers from Imphal in the west and is the District Headquarters of the Tamenglong district. Tamenglong is known for its deep gorges, mysterious caves, splendid waterfalls and exotic orchids. The Tharon Cave, Booming Meadow, Zeilad Lake, and Barak Waterfalls are interesting tourist spots in Tamenglong.

Mao: Mao is one of the oldest hill stations of Manipur, bordering Nagaland located midway between Dimapur and Imphal on the National Highway 39. It is over 5762 feet above sea level. The Mao inspection bungalow built by the Royal Military Engineers in 1897 is over a hundred years old. Here one can witness the colorful Mao Naga dance.

Other places worth sight seeing are :

• Makhel, the historic place of Naga dispersal and the legendary place of common origin of the Meiteis and Nagas, has the oldest pear tree memorial to the dispersal.
• Dzuko Valley with its pristine beauty blooms with a rare lily between May and July.
• The Regional Potato Farm offers a scenic view of the steep drop to Ikhro near the highway
• Mt. Isu, the highest peak in the region.

*For a good source for current visitor information and current news about Manipur, we recommend visiting E-Pao.net. Back to Top

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