Interesting Points About Manipur

• Manipur literally means the land of gems. “Kangleipak” and “Meeteileipak” are two ancient names of Manipur state. The kingdom of Manipur was created by Nongda Lairen Pakhangba at around 33AD.
• The people of Manipur follow Sanamahi religion long before Hinduism. In those days they worshiped Pakhangba, the first king of Kangla. His followers believed that he could change his body to any form. A temple of Pakhangba is present at the Kangla fort.
• As per Mahabharata, Manipura was ruled by a king named Chitravahana. Whose daughter Chitrangada was one of Arjuna’s 4 wives. The state has also a reputation of being Gandharva-Desa as described in many ancient texts. Traditionally, the people of Manipur believe themselves originally to be Gandharvas or divine dancers and musicians as mentioned in the ancient texts.
• Manipur is bordered by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Assam to the west, Mizoram to the southwest and Myanmar (Burma) to the south and east.
• The Keibul Lamjao National Park in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur is the only floating national park in the world. The park has an area of 40 Km2. The national park is an integral part of Loktak Lake. It is home to the endangered Eld’s deer.
• The Mapal Kangjeibung Polo Ground at Imphal is the oldest polo ground in the world. It is believed that Polo was invented by king Kangba of Manipur. Later King Nongda Pakhangba hosted the first polo match and Manipur International Polo Festival. The sport was spread in the western countries by the Britishers during colonial rule.
• “Maibam Lokpa Ching” else called “Red Hills” in Nambol town of Manipur is a historical site, where the war between the British troops and the Japanese troops fought in WWII. The Japanese army invaded British India via Manipur in World War II.
• The Imphal War Cemetery has 1,600 Commonwealth burials of World War II and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
• Azad Hind Fauj otherwise known as Indian National Army (INA) war museum in Moirang is a museum dedicated to WWII. The flag of Azad Hind Fauj was first unfurled here during advancing with the Japanese forces to liberate India.
• Manipur has the largest All-women Run Market in Asia. The market is located in Imphal. It is called Ima Keithel (mother’s market) or Nupi Keithelno (women’s market). The market is run exclusively by approximately 400 women traders and men are not allowed to sell anything in the market. A wide variety of products such as fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles, toys, fish and utensils are available in the market. The market is a popular tourist attraction in the state of Manipur.
• An inner Line Permit is required for outsiders as well as domestic tourists to visit Manipur state.

More Informations About Manipur

General Details About Manipur
Date of Merger with India	15 October 1949
Capital	Imphal
Governor	La. Ganesan
Chief Minister	N. Biren Singh
Districts	16
Area (km2)	22,327
Lok Sabha Seats	2
Rajya Sabha Seats	1
State Legislative Assembly Seats	60
Languages	Manipuri, English, Tangkhul, Kuki, Lusai, Hmar, Paite, Thadou

State Symbols of Manipur
State Animal	Sangai
State Bird	Nongyeen
State Tree	Uningthou
State Flower	Shirui lily

Demography of Manipur
Population (2011 Census)	2,855,794
Population Density (per km2)	130
Sex ratio (Females per 1000 males)	985
Literacy Rate (%)	79.85
Per Capita Income (₹)	75,226

Forest & Wildlife Reserves in Manipur

1. Keibul Lamjao National Park
2. Sirohi National Park
3. Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Bunning Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Dzuko Valley
6. Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Zeilad Lake Sanctuary

Major Rivers in Manipur

1. Manipur River
2. Imphal River
3. Iril River
4. Thoubal River
5. Khuga River
6. Tuitha River
7. Tiau River

Important Mountains in Manipur

1. Tenipu (2994m)
2. Khayangung
3. Laikot
4. Tampaba
5. Hkayam Bum
6. Shirui Kashung
7. Koubru
8. Sintongbungi
9. Makuching Ao
10. Vallenbung

Agriculture in Manipur
Major Crops	Paddy, Maize, Pulses, etc.
Cash Crops	Cotton, SugarCane, Turmeric etc.
Vegetables	French bean, Cucurbits, Tomatoes, Brinjal, Bhindi, Colocecia, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Potato, Pea, Broad bean, Radish, Carrot, Broccoli, Lettuce, Capsicum, Onion, Garlic, Chilli, Ginger, etc.
Fruits	Litchi, Cashew nuts, Wall nuts, Orange, Lemon, Banana, Pineapple, Passion fruit, Peach, Pear, Plum, etc.

Mineral Deposits in Manipur

1. Limestone
2. Semi-precious stones
3. Clay
4. Chromite
5. Iron Ore
6. Asbestos
7. Coal

Airports in Manipur

1. Imphal International Airport

Traditional Dances in Manipur

1. Raas Leela
2. Shim Lam Dance
3. Luivat Pheizak Dance
4. Yelhou Jagoi
5. Thang ta Dance
6. Thabal Chongba
7. Pung Cholom (Drum Dance)

Art and Crafts of Manipur

1. Wood Carving
2. textile weaving
3. stone Carving
4. Block Printing
5. Hand-Embroidery
6. Papier Mache
7. Decorative Ivory
8. Collectible Dance Dolls
9. Bamboo and Cane work

Regional Festivals Manipur

1. Yaoshang
2. Kut Festival
3. Kang Festival
4. Gang Ngai
5. Ningol Chakouba
6. Ramjan
7. Heirku Hindongba
8. Lui Ngai Ni
9. Christmas
10. Cheiraoba Festival
11. Lai Haraoba
12. Chumpha Festival
13. Manipur Sangai Festival