Famous State of Manipur in india

  By Dhananjai | September 4, 2012 | INDIAN CULTURE

History Much of its early history is undocumented but what is known is that. Manipur was invaded by Myanmar in 1762. After that, the ruler of Manipur had to pay a tribute to the Burmese ruler. In 1819, the Manipuri king, Bhagyachandra did not attend the coronation of Burma’s new king, Bagyidaw. In retaliation, Burma sent a punitive expedition to Manipur. Bhagyachandra asked for British help and that led to a seven year war between Britain and Myanmar. It ended with the treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. Manipur then became a part of British India. It saw an uprising against the British under the leadership of Tikendrajit Singh who was hanged for his rebellion against the British overlords. The Indian National Army, led by Netaji Subash Chandra Bose with the help of the Japanese held Imphal under siege for almost four months. After independence it remained a Union Territory and gained full Indian statehood only in 1972. In the 1960s, President’s rule was imposed in this region owing to unrest. Currently the state is in the throes of tribal rebellion against government policy.

Economy The state’s forests of teak, bamboo, oak, magnolia and pine trees sustain much of its economy. Agriculture provides 70% of Manipuri people with employment. Rice, maize, sugarcane, pulses, tropical and temperate fruits are grown here. Its main cottage industry is weaving. Almost every rural home has a traditional weaving loom.

Language 60% of the Manipuri population belongs to the Meitei tribe who are Vaishnavite Hindus. They believe in Lord Vishnu, the protector in the Hindu Trinity (Vishnu, Brahma and Maheshwar). There are about 30 hill tribes and the two main tribal groups are the Kukis of the south and the Nagas of the north. The people of Manipur have long been acclaimed warriors. They excel in martial arts, hockey, rugby and polo (all of them indigenously Manipuri). Also co-existing is a group of Jews who believe they are the descendants of the Menashe Tribe (a lost Jewish tribe). In 1951, their local chief Tehalah dreamt that they were to return to Judaism and Israel. The people breathe music, dance and sports and exhibit a tremendous zest for life.

Religion Majority of the population is Hindu followed by Christians, a small section of Jews and some tribal worshippers.

Food Eaten on banana leaves while sitting on the floor, the cuisine consists mostly of rice, fish and meat. Traditional local specialties are `ironba’ (fish chutney), bamboo shoot, vegetables and `Kabok’ (a roasted rice and molasses dessert). Liquor is prohibited in Manipur.

Culture and Crafts Economically, Manipur has poor infrastructure and development has been slow. Culturally, this little state is known all over India and parts of the world for the intricate steps and rhythm of its “Manipuri dance”. It is a classical dance form very different from other Indian dance styles, primarily because it is devotional in nature. The dance is a depiction of the “Ras Leela” or love story of Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha. Each tribe has their own distinct traditions; ways of life and cultural heritage, but all of them are similar in their love for life and beauty. The culture of the tribesmen, their creativity and love for leisure find eloquent expression in dance and music. Ritualistic tribal dances are performed at special social rites. The folk dance is less intricate but rhythmic and colourful. The state is rich in folklore, both religious and temporal. Handloom and handicraft products reflect creativity and zest for life in their joyous colours and intricate patterns. Each tribe has its own clan motifs and shawls and sarees all bear the individual patterns.

Tourist info centres

Tourism Reception Counter Imphal Airport Tourist Information Centre Directorate of Tourism Imphal
Tourist Officer Directorate of Tourism Hotel Imphal Complex

How to get there by Air The airport is 6 kms away from Imphal, the capital of Manipur. There are bi-weekly flights from Delhi to Imphal. Calcutta has flights to Imphal six days of the week. Silchar (Assam) has four flights a week to Imphal. Tourist Buses, taxis and local buses will take you to Imphal city from the airport.

How to get there by Rail There are no railway lines inside Manipur. The nearest railhead is Dimapur (Nagaland), 215 km from Imphal, the capital city. There are trains that connect to it twice a week from the major cities of India. Buses, taxis and rented cars (with chauffers) then bring you to Imphal city. It would take you about 9 hours by bus from Dimapur to Imphal.

How to get there by Road You can drive into Imphal from the neighbouring states of Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. The ideal car to hire is a 4WD that comes with a chauffer and it is advisable to have spare tyres because breakdown facilities on the roads are negligible.

Getting around Buses and 4WDs are the most available means of transport in Manipur. You can also hire a taxi for moving around Imphal, the capital city. The tourist attractions are well within reach of Imphal and 4WDs and cars can be hired – all rented cars come with chauffers. Local and private buses to other parts of Manipur from Imphal have their depot 200m north of Khwairamband, the shopping centre.

Where to Stay in Manipur

The accommodation options and places to stay in Manipur mainly include budget hotels. You can easily find a budget accommodation in its capital, Imphal. The other tourist spots have very few or no places to stay, therefore it is important for you to book in advance.

Best Time to Visit Manipur

The best time to visit Manipur is between October and March when state experiences a mild and pleasant winter full of sunshine.

Climate Manipur enjoys a sub-tropical monsoon climate. It belongs to the temperate rainy climate region with dry winters and warm summers. Temperature in the summer months ranges between 25°C and 32°C. Rainfall is relatively abundant and widespread, varying from a maximum of 258.9 cm at Jiribam to only 97 cms at Wanghal. December to February is winter, March to May is hot and humid, the monsoon (rainy season) starts in May and lasts up to September.

Things to do in Manipur

The lush green state of Manipur provides a tourist with a lot of interestingthings to do. Visit the capital city, Imphal and take a sightseeing tour to the Manipur State Museum, the Khwairamband market, and the well maintained British War Cemetery. Take a trip to the beautiful town of Langthabal near Imphal, the Andro village for its cultural heritage, and Khongjom town for its historical importance.
Nature lovers can visit the Loktak Lake, the Keibul Lemjao National Park, the Manipur Zoological Garden, and the Khongkhampat Orchidarium, which are some of the best places to see in Manipur.
Shopaholics will have a great time shopping at the Khwairamband market, which is popular for its eye-catching fabrics and household items. One can also collect mementoes from the outskirts of the market, and handicrafts from GM Hall and Paona Bazaar.
Adventure activities in Manipur include boating, camping, and trekking. Lai-Haraoba, Dol Yatra, Rath Yatra, and Durga Puja form the major festivals of Manipur.