FACTS & FIGURES

INTRODUCTION

The word Manipur literally means a ‘jeweled town’, a name that rightly justifies the small and picturesque land. The people here are very polite and hospitable. Rich in its culture, tradition, and ethnicity, Manipur is one of the seven northeastern states of India. The Raasleelas and the classical dance of Manipur hold a very significant position in the cultural map of India. With sites like the Loktak Lake and the Khonghampat Orchidarium, Manipur is also famous for its natural beauty.

Location

Manipur is situated in the northeastern part of India. Manipur is bordered on its north by Nagaland; on its east lies Myanmar (Burma). The southern part is bordered by the state of Mizoram, while the green valleys of Assam bound the western part.

Physical Features< /font>

Manipur has a low-lying basin in its center surrounded by high-range mountains that sometimes reach up to a height of about 2000 meters.

Climate

The climate of Manipur varies from the tropical to sub-alpine types. The summer months here are moderately hot and the winters comfortable.

Flora and Fauna

Forests account for 67% of the state’s land area. The higher altitude areas are the natural habitat of some of some rare animal and plant species. This is the area where the wet and pine forests occur in the state.

HISTORY

Manipur always used to be independent of its neighboring tribal areas. Though often invaded by Burma, the state usually enjoyed long and stable governments for a good time. Manipur became a part of British India following the Yandaboo treaty with the East India Company in 1826. This treaty was an agreement at the end of the Indo-Burmese war that established the sovereignty of the British government. During the World War II, the Japanese forces marched to Manipur. It was given the status of a full-fledged state in 1972.

PEOPLE

Ethnicity

The ethnicity of Manipur is unique in itself. The people of Manipur include Meitei, Naga, Meitei Pangal, and other colorful communities.

Arts and Crafts

The exotic handlooms and handicrafts of Manipur are highly influenced by the mystique of nature. The Manipuri mekhla is a unique sheet of sarong tied around the waist of the women. The Manipuri waistcoat is another gem of artistry that is in great demand both within and outside the state.

Music and Dance

Manipur is a melting pot of culture. Rajarsee Bhagyachandra of Manipur created the well-known dance called Rasleela. Centering on Lord Krishna, the Rasleela reveals the mythological concepts related with the formation of the state. The Thabal Chongba is another notable dance performed by the boys and girls during the Yaosang festival

Fairs and Festivals

The festivals of Manipur hold special importance to the people of the state. Most of their festivals are characterized by traditional dance and music along with some traditional refreshment. Yaosang is a festival celebrated on the full-moon day of February/March. This festival is also regarded as the festival to welcome spring season. Moreover, there are festivals like the Manipuri New Year celebration known as the Cheirouba and the festival to reassure the loving relationship of the siblings known as Ningol Chakaouba. Kut is another festival that marks the harvesting season in Manipur. Feasts, traditional drinks, and merrymaking characterize the festival.

Attire

The traditional attire of the Manipuris consists of the phanek and phi (half saree) for women and pheijom pumyat (dhoti kurta) for men. These are generally hand woven and very fine in texture and color.

Cuisine

Manipuri cuisine is a unique experience in itself. The eromba is a special fish delicacy of this state. Vegetables and bamboo shoots are some of the other delicacies of Manipur. Among the sweets, Kabok, made up of molasses and rice, is a famous name among the Manipuris. The drink called shekmai, made in a village with the same name, is a famous country wine of the state.

ECONOMY

Infrastructure

Industry

Manipur is making quick strides and striving towards industrialization. A number of small- and medium-scale units could be found in the state.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the single largest source of occupation in Manipur and the mainstay of the state’s economy.

Incentives

• Capital subsidy of 25%, up to Rs 25 lakh, of fixed assets in the region
• Sales tax exemption on all items manufactured for five years
• Special incentives for sericulture units

TOURIST CENTERS

Manipur has a lot to offer to the tourists visiting this state. Some of the places worth visiting are the Shree Govindajee Temple (a pilgrimage as well as historic center of the Vaishnavite), Kaina (a sacred place of Hindus), Khwairamand Bazaar (a market place run by women), Manipur Zoological Garden (renowned for the rare sangai deer), apart from the beautiful Loktak Lake and Sendra Island. Besides, Langthabal (historic sites), Moirang, Moreh, Phubala, Singda, Khongjom, Sahid Mandir, Khonghampat Orchidarium, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Sekta Archeological Living Museum, and the Manipur State Museum are surely worth a visit.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

The capital of Manipur, Imphal, is well connected with the rest of the country by air. Imphal connects the place with Guwahati, Delhi, and Calcutta.

By Rail

As Manipur has no railway network, the nearest railhead to reach Manipur is Silchar in Assam.

By Road

Manipur is well linked with the rest of the country by both national and state highways. The state transport corporation plies regular scheduled buses from Imphal to the other cities in the region.