LAND:

Manipur is situated between 23.83oN and 25.68oN latitude and 93.03oE and 94.78oE longitude. It comprises 1820sq.km of flat plateau of alluvial valley and 20507sq.km of hill territory and forms a part of the Himalayan mountain system which carries this cup-shaped wonderland inside its series of hill ranges. Manipur is bounded by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south, upper Myanmar in the east and Cachar district of Assam in the west. The valley portion of the state is surrounded by hill ranges from all sides.

Manipur had been a Union Territory from 1956 and became a full-fledged state from 1972. Manipuri was recognised as a national language in 1992.

There are many mythical stories about the origin of the name Manipuri. Some local people narrate its link with the Mahabharata. They say the name is from Mani, a jewel. This jewel was formerly in the possession of the Rajas of the country ages ago. The country was at one time named Mohindrapore but the Raja named Bubra Baha changed the name to Manipur. According to the Mahabharata the name Manipur was in existence before the birth of Bubra Baha and Mahindrapore was the name of a high hill which is situated a short distance to the east of the capital.

Jawaharlal Nehru described Manipur as the 'Jewel of India'. By virtue of its geographical situation, Manipur is a shining pearl in the Himalayan system. Manipuris call it as Meithei Leipak. In the valley Kongba (Imphal), Eeril and Thobal are the big rivers which originate from the hills and flow down into the valley and forms the drain for all waters flowing into the valley carrying them off by Sagnu river through the southern ranges of hills further into the Ningthee. The Bark river flows through its western borders. The natural lake Loktak is a big water reservoir of 36 metres depth. It is 8 miles long from north-west to south-east and 5 miles broad at its greatest breadth from the east to west. The dark green Eichornia (water Hyacinath) reed and other aquatic plants floats on its surface abundantly.

In the valley there are numerous small lakes and swamps. The hills around the cup-shaped valley add to the natural beauty of Manipur. The hills are part of the Himalayas and are termed as Sub-Himalayan ranges. They are spread into ranges with irregular serrated ridges with tapering cliffs. There are several names given to these ranges. On the west : Nunjaibong, Kala Naga, Chakka Nungba, Kanpum and Kopru-Laimotol. On the north : The Khhunho spurs, Thumion (Mayang Khang), Laison and Sirohi farar. On the East : Surameti or Chinganguba, Somrah, Kassom, Nupitel or Maphitel and Yomadoung and on the South : Hawbi. Among these Chinganguba or Surameti peak is the highest with 12,557ft. All the hills are covered with luxuriant growth of forests with nagesar, jurul, India-rubber, tan, oak, ash, teak, palm (in eastern slsopes). There are different varieties of bamboo all over Manipur. Pinus Longifolia is found in Somrah basin and in northern portion. It has been planted on the hillock adjacent to Imphal town. The forest department of Manipur should make it a policy of reforestation of these entire ridges if they are really keen on aesthetic reflection of Imphal town in its peripheries. In the high hills the red and white rhododendron is seen. The flame of the forest trees are also found on the way to Tamenglong.

The soil is considered fit for all kinds of grain crops, vegetables and fruits. Sirohee hill in Ukural is famous for the Sirohee lily. The species of this plant is endemic to that particular hill only.

CLIMATE
The climate of Manipur is moderate. The valley gets the reflection of the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter from the neighbouring hills. The months of November, December, January and February remain dry and the remaining eight months are more or less rainy. January is very cold in winter and May-June are the hottest in summer.

HISTORY
Manipur represents population of two ethnic groups, the people who inhabit the hills called the Nagas and those who inhabit the valley called the Meiteis. The hills are also inhabited by the group called the Kukis. Imphal is the political capital of Manipur. The earliest recorded history dates to 900AD. In the course of its history there have been several invasions from Myanmar (Burma) which borders with Manipur and numerous clashes with the Nagas. In 1826, Manipur was brought into India by the treaty of Yandavo by Raja Jai Singh with the British at the end of the Indo-Burmese war. This followed a dispute in accession to the throne. With the intervention of the British the dispute was settled. In 1891 Churachand was nominated the Raja and it came under British rule as a princely state. During World War II Imphal was occupied by the Japanese. After Indian independence Manipur became a Union Territory and subsequently achieved statehood in January 21,1972.

TOURISM
Manipur is situated south of Nagaland. It is about 700 Km north east of Calcutta. It is called 'the land of jewels'. Foreigners require permits for visiting this state.

IMPHAL
Imphal, the capital of Manipur lies in the heart of an oval shaped valley. It is one of the oldest state capital of the country, found in the IIIrd century B.C. The name is derived from the word 'Yumpham' (homestead).

Shri Govindaji Temple
It is situated at the heart of the town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It has two golden domes and a large raised hall. Ceremonial dances are held here regularly.

Khwairamband Bazar
This Bazar (market) is at the heart of the town. Open from 0700 to 1900. It is the largest women's bazar in the country. Around 3,000 women gather here every day. It is believed that these women are supervised by the Ima Goddess, so this bazar is known as "Ima Market or 'Keithel'. It is an excellent market to buy handicrafts and handloom wears. Fish, vegetables, food stuffs, cosmetics and jewellery are also available.

The War Cemeteries
There are two cemeteries maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. One on the Imphal - Dimapur NH-39 and the other one is at Imphal - Ukhrul Road. These are very beautiful and peaceful sites.

Keibul Lamjao National Park
It covers an area of 25 sq km. It is the only floating sanctuary existing in the country. A small population of thamin (Sangai), the brow-antlered deer (one of the most endangered species of deer in the world), hog deer, panther, fishing cat, wild boar and water birds are the most interesting wild animals and birds seen here.

The population of Manipur comprises different social groups. They are Meiteis, Nagas, Kukis and Miscellaneous groups. The entire population of Manipur is distributed into two regions: the hill population and the valley population. The valley people are supposed to be the descendants of four old tribes called Khuman, Luang, Moirang and Maithai. The hill people are broadly divided into Naga and Kuki tribes. The people of Manipur, both in the valley and the hills are having predominantly Mongoloid features. But it is not difficult to distinguish the valley and the hill people. The people from the valley show a developed sharpness in their features over their hill counter-parts. The valley population had numerous occasions to come in contact with the invaders and migrants through the valley. This contact over the ages regenerated a race of some peculiar characteristics, in physical features reflecting the basic Mongoloid characters with definite modifications, to a certain degree.

The concept of unity in diversity was a remarkable characteristic of this state. In the history of Manipur there has not been even a single instance of communal or ethnic dispute. But in recent times, Manipur has been the scene of bitter ethnic conflict. The ethnic animosity between the Kukis and the Nagas stems from xenophobic insecurity. Over 1,000 have been killed, more injured, houses burnt down and thousands rendered homeless, in the conflicts in the past six years.

The people of Manipur are simple and largely untouched by the pollution of modern living. Their wants are few, they love outdoor life, find communion with nature and depend on the gifts of nature like rice for food, fish to supplement their dish. The general facial characteristic of the Manipuris are of the Mongolian type. There is a great diversity of the features among them. The people are very good looking and fair. It is not uncommon to meet girls with brownish black hair, brown eyes, fair complexions, straight noses and rosy cheeks. The Manipuris are decidedly a muscular race. Fat people are rare. They have good chests and well formed limbs.

The Meitei language, which is the official state language is basically the language of the valley people and other dialects spoken by the tribes in the hills are classified under Tibeto-Burman family. Meitei language have been borrowed by the Naga and Kuki people of the hills.

The majority population of the entire state is under the religious fold of Hinduism especially in the valley. There is no trace of Buddhism having been established here in any period of history. Islam entered through the Muslim migrants from East Bengal, but Muslim population in the valley is very little. Christianity, introduced by the British as a policy was not embraced by Meiteis in the valley but attracted almost entire hill tribes.

FESTIVALS
Rathayatra

Rathayatra locally known as 'Kong', is held on the second new moon of Inga (June-July) until the tenth day. During the Rathayatra the procession follows the music party with a pung (drum), nahal (large cymbals), gongs, bells and conch. The devotees sing devotional songs and dance. The offerings of barti (short sticks having cotton fibre wrapping around, soaked in ghee), flowers and fruits are made by devotees at different places in the locality. In the evening community feasts are arranged in the Mandapas of temples. The Kirtan called 'Khubakisei' is performed by the devotees. In houses a special kind of food is prepared as a 'prasad'. The main Rathayatra is performed in the Govindajee temple. The women wear special dress for the occasion, the light pink coloured 'fanek' and white 'chader'. Man wear white dhoti and kurta. Some old people also wear white 'pagri'.

Janmashtami:
In Manipur Lord Krishna's birthday called Janmashtami is celebrated on the eight day of the new moon in the month of Thawan (July-Aug). It is celebrated by the Manipuris with great enthusiasm and devotion. The devotees keep fast on that day and visit temples. The main rush is seen at the Mahabali temple. A kind of festival is arranged there. In other temples also the priests recite stories of the birth and life of Lord Krishna.

Heikru Hitongba:
Heikru Hitongba, the boat race, is an annual function which takes place on eleventh Langban on the canal in the Bijoy Govinda area. It is related to the Govindajee temple as the deities from the temple and palace are made to preside during the function. Offerings of pieces of gold and silver are made before the presiding deities by the Brahmins and the leaders of the two crew parties. The crew-men show a spirited performance. Each party tries its level best to complete with the other or even to overthrow the other boat.

Durga Puja:
Durga Puja is celebrated in Mera (October) month. The main centre of worship of Durga Puja is the Kali temple of Imphal town. The images of goddess Durga are made at several places in Mandapas and in public places. The Mandapas are decorated during these days and Puja is held in praise of the goddess. The Brahmins recite stories of Puranas, Krishna, Radha and Chaitanya. The idol of goddess is carried in a procession on the last day.

Diwali:
The Diwali festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The houses are cleaned and decorated. The temples, temple yards, houses, shops and public places are illuminated with divas, candles and electric lights. The goddess of wealth, the Lakshmi, is worshipped in temples and houses. Children enjoy playing with fireworks.

Baruni:
The Baruni festival is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the dark half of Phairen (Jan-Feb). It is devoted to worship of Lord Shiva. It is introduced by Chandrakirti in the nineteenth century. On this day the devotee boys, girls and elders make a pilgrimage to Nongmaijing mountain. it is a tradition to take ritual bath in the river Ganges. The bath is taken by the pilgrims in Chinggoi stream. after taking the bath they climb the mountain at night by the northward route and follow the opposite side route for descending. The phallic stone is in the Shiva shrine on the mountain. The pilgrims present their offerings to the Shivalinga. Kirtans are also arranged in the temple. The crowd is massive and provides a festive look on this isolated spot.