Manipur Tourism
Manipur means `the jeweled land’ and it is believed that the gods cleared this space to dance in abandon. This is a visual paradise with cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, winding rivers and roads. Be it culture, people, dances, traditions or its natural beauty, Manipur is enthralling. The northeast state of Manipur is also the last natural home of the dancing deer called `sangai’.
The Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the only floating national park in the world. Manipur is also the land where orchids bloom in profusion on trees, shrubs and on the ground, especially in the months of April and May.
The Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the only floating national park in the world. Manipur is also the land where orchids bloom in profusion on trees, shrubs and on the ground, especially in the months of April and May.
History of Manipur
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.
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 of Manipur
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.
People of Manipur
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.
The people breathe music, dance and sports and exhibit a tremendous zest for life.
Languages of Manipur
The language spoken by the people in Manipur is Meitei, though English is also understood and spoken by some. There many dialects used by the tribals in Manipur and Bishnupriya Manipuri is another popular language spoken in the state.
Religion in Manipur
Majority of the population is Hindu followed by Christians, a small section of Jews and some tribal worshippers.