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Manipur

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Manipur is a state found in northeastern India.

Landscape of Valley
Landscape of Valley

It is a place of many different lands and heights. Most of the state is made of hilly terrain.

Landscape of Manipur1
Landscape of Manipur1

In the middle, there is an oval-shaped area called the Imphal Valley. This valley is about 1,813 square kilometers in size.

Imphal city
Imphal city

The valley sits at a high elevation. It is surrounded by blue mountains that help keep the weather moderate. To the east, Manipur shares a border with the country of Myanmar. It also sits near the Indian states of Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway
India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway

Many different groups of people call this place home. The Meitei people live mostly in the Imphal Valley. They make up about 53% of the people in the state.

Imphal city
Imphal city

Other groups live in the hills around the valley. These include the Naga people, who are 20% of the population. The Kuki-Zo tribes make up about 16% of the people.

The Dzukou Valley
The Dzukou Valley

People here follow many different religions. According to a 2011 census, Hinduism and Christianity are the largest religions.

Largest religion by district in Manipur (2011)
Largest religion by district in Manipur (2011)

You can see many beautiful temples and churches across the land.

Gopinath Temple - Ningthoukhong, Manipur (India)
Gopinath Temple - Ningthoukhong, Manipur (India)
St. Joseph's Cathedral
St. Joseph's Cathedral

Manipur has a very long and deep history. Long ago, it was a kingdom with its own rulers.

The Kangla Gate
The Kangla Gate

In the 18th century, a man named Gharib Nawaz chose the name Manipur. The name comes from a kingdom mentioned in a Hindu epic.

Temple at Kangla
Temple at Kangla

Before that, the land was known by names like Kangleipak or Meiteileipak. It was also called Sanaleibak in old times. This name refers to its happiness and many gold mines.

Landscape of Manipur1
Landscape of Manipur1

During the British Raj, Manipur was known as a princely state. In 1947, the ruler agreed to join the Dominion of India. Later, in 1949, a merger agreement was signed. This changed the kingdom into a part of India.

Map of Taungoo Empire (1580)
Map of Taungoo Empire (1580)

History also shows that Manipur was a place of great battles. During World War II, Japanese and British forces fought here.

The Kangla Gate
The Kangla Gate

The Battle of Imphal was a very important turning point in the war. This helped the Allied forces win in East Asia.

Imphal city
Imphal city

The state has also faced hard times with internal fighting. From 2009 to 2018, many people lost their lives in these conflicts. In May 2023, there was more violence between the Meitei and Kuki people.

Irom sharmila at calicut
Irom sharmila at calicut

This led to many people losing their homes. The Indian army was sent to help control the situation.

Imphal airport
Imphal airport

Today, Manipur is a place of work and beautiful culture. Many people work in farming to grow food.

Soibum yendem eromba
Soibum yendem eromba

The state can also use water to create hydroelectric power.

1 Loktak Lake
1 Loktak Lake

Travelers can arrive using Imphal Airport.

Imphal airport
Imphal airport

This is the second largest airport in the northeast of India. Manipur is also famous for its lovely dances.

Lai haraoba manipur
Lai haraoba manipur

It is even known for sports. Some people say Manipur is the place that introduced polo to Europeans.

Stamp of India - 2014 - Colnect 510569 - Sagol Kangjei
Stamp of India - 2014 - Colnect 510569 - Sagol Kangjei
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🖼️ Images & Media (30)
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Cervus eldii4.jpg
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Imgl0019.jpg
File:Phoebe hainesiana north Bengal AJTJ.JPG
Phoebe hainesiana north Bengal AJTJ.JPG
File:Lilium mackliniae.jpg
Lilium mackliniae.jpg
File:Rohtee belangeri Achilles 147.jpg
Rohtee belangeri Achilles 147.jpg
File:Stamp of India - 2014 - Colnect 510569 - Sagol Kangjei.jpeg
Stamp of India - 2014 - Colnect 510569 -...
File:Map of Taungoo Empire (1580).png
Map of Taungoo Empire (1580).png
File:The Kangla Gate.JPG
The Kangla Gate.JPG
File:1 Loktak Lake.jpg
1 Loktak Lake.jpg
File:Landscape of Manipur1.jpg
Landscape of Manipur1.jpg
File:Landscape of Valley.jpg
Landscape of Valley.jpg
File:Hill Slope.JPG
Hill Slope.JPG

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