- HISTORY OF IMPHAL
Imphal was ruled by King Khaba and later was conquered by Pakhangba
leaders. Ningthouja dynasty originated here and expanded in politics and
warfare. King Khagemba and his sons built Kangla Palace which was later
destroyed by the British. During Maharaja Bhagyachandra, several
Burmese invasions occurred, which was counter attacked by Gambhir Singh
and Manipur army. First Anglo-Manipur was fought between British and
local in 1881, followed by second Anglo-Manipur war in preceding year.
British destroyed Kangla Fort and captured it. Imphal was part of
British India till Independence and later made capital of Sikkim in
Independent India.
- GEOGRAPHY OF IMPHAL
Imphal is located at the north eastern fringes on India, on the bank of
Manipur River valley. City is boarded by north eastern hilly ranges and
long stretches of plain. Imphal has moderate climate throughout the
year, but quiet cool during January. It has an elevation of 786 m from
sea level and extended in 30 sq kms.
- GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF IMPHAL
Imphal Municipal Corporation takes care of civic administration in the
city. Earlier Gauhati High Court had Jurisdiction over Manipur. Manipur
High Court was established in Imphal in March 2013. City contributes one
member to Indian Assembly.
- LANGUAGE AND CULTURE OF IMPHAL
The Rasa Lila, the essence of Manipur classical dance reveals the love
of Radha and Krishna. Nupa Pula is the result of Manipur style of dance
and music, usually performed by male artists using cymbals and wearing
white dhoti and special turbans. Khamba-Thoiba is another important
dance form, which is a duet performance of female and male dancers. It
is hard to find a Manipuri girl who cannot sing and dance. Manipuris are
creative and artistic in nature, which made their handloom and
handicrafts world famous. Manipuri is widely spoken followed by
Bishnupriya, Meitei, Hindi, English and local dialects.
- EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES IN IMPHAL
Manipur Central University and Central Agricultural University are the
two Universities in the city. Manipur Institute of Technology and
National Institute of Technology, Manipur, takes care of engineering
studies in the city. Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and
Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science represents medical
colleges in the city.
- TRANSPORT FACILITIES IN IMPHAL
Imphal International Airport, the third largest airport in northeast
India, is 8 kms south of city. The extension of Jiribam –Silchar Railway
line to Imphal is expected to complete its work by March 2016. National
Highway 37, 150 and AH-1 passes through the city. Manipur State Road
Transport Corporation connects Imphal with major cities of the state and
neighboring states.
- TOURISM IN IMPHAL
Occupying a saucer shaped valley, Imphal is surrounded by hills on which
siroi lily grows. World’s oldest existing Polo ground is present here.
Shaheed Minar gives tribute to tribal martyrs who sacrificed their life
in war with British in 1891. Kangla Fort reflects the art and culture
Manipur and its civilization. It has significant place in people’s heart
and mind. Shree Shree Govindajee Temple is one of the tourist
attractions is located next to Maharaja’s palace. Manipur State Museum
exhibits Manipur’s tribal heritage and portraits of former rulers. Apart
from these, Khwairambad Bazar is all women’s market, War cemetery,
Loukoi Pat, Khonghampat Orchidarium, Bishnupur are some of the tourist
attractions in the city.
- FESTIVALS CELEBRATED IN IMPHAL
Yaoshang Festival comes in full moon day of Phalguna, in the month of
February/March and lasts for five days. Young boys and girls perform
Thabal Chongba dance. Kut is thanksgiving festival celebrated on 1st
November. Ningol Chakkouba also comes in the month of November. During
the festivals married women along with their children come to their
parent’s house for re-bonding their ties. Some other important festivals
are Lui-Ngai-Ni, Gaan Ngai, Cheiraoba, Lai Haraoba and Ningol
Chakkouba.
