Lets Know About IMPHAL

• 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.