A Glance
at Manipur
Late
Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru described Manipur as a “Jewel of India”. Indeed
Manipur is one of India’s most precious assets. Its natural beauty bewitched
the beholders and its cultural paraphernalia have been the wonder of the world.
Decorated by innumerable beautiful flora and inhabited by a number of attractive
fauna, Manipur shines with nature’s grace. It is made more
enchanting with its unique natural setting comprising of eye-catching
waterfalls, lakes, streams and evergreen forests.
Colourful
communities and elegant ethnic groups have been living together in harmony for
the last so many years. These are the people whose folklore and
folktales, myths and legends, dance and drama, games and sports, handloom and
handicrafts manifest a distinctive cultural tradition which is unparallel in the
world.
Along
with a glorious history from time immemorial Manipur also experienced an era of
colonialism under the British for about 56 years from 1891 in 1947. After
independence Manipur was merged with the Indian Union and became a full-fledged
state of India in 1972 with a legislative assembly of 60 seats of which 19 are
reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and 1 for Scheduled Castes. The state is
represented in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) by two members and one
member in the Rajya Sabha.(Upper House of Parliament)
FACETS
OF ART & CULTURE
Its
own art forms and cultural expressions and ramifications distinctly identify
Manipur to the world. Its famous classical dance remains a unique dance form
among
all Manipuri dance forms whether folk, classical or modern which have a
different
style and gesture or movement.
The
Rasa Lila, the epitome of Manipuri classical dance reveals the sublime
and transcendental love of Krishna and Radha and the Gopi’s devotion to the
Lord. It
is generally performed at night in a Mandop in front of a temple and watched
with a deep sense of devotion. Ras performances are seasonal and varied, and
performed at the temple of Shri Shri Govindajee at Imphal on the nights of
Basanta Purnima, Sarada Purnima and Kartik Purnima and at local temples later.
As to the composition, the performance is a combination of solo, duet and group
dances. This highly stylized form of dance has sublimity, subtlety and grace.
The richness of the costumes gives luster to the beauty of the art.
Nupa
Pala (Kartal Cholom or Cymbal Dance) is a ramification of the Manipuri style
of dance and music. It is normally performed by male performers using
cymbals and wearing white Pheijom (Dhoti) and spherical Turbans, who sing
and
dance to the rhythm of Pung (Mridanga). Another important characteristic
of
Manipuri dance is the Khamba Thoibi dance which is a duet performance of
male
and female dancers. Khamba Thoibi dance along with the Maibi Dance (Priestess
dance), Leima Jagoi etc. from the “Laiharaoba” dance.
Love
of art and beauty is inherent in the people and it is difficult to find a
Manipuri girl who cannot sing or dance. Generally Manipuris are artistic and
creative by nature. This has found expression in their handloom and handicraft
products. The Manipuri handloom and handicraft are world famous for its
beautiful designs, ingenuity, colorfulness and usefulness.
Each
ethnic group has their own distinct culture and tradition in their dance, music,
dress, customary practices and pastimes. The folk dance of the ethnic
tribes captivates the beholders with their exotic costumes and simple but
graceful rhythm.
Flora
& Fauna
Sixty-seven
per cent of the total geographical area of Manipur is hills covered by
different types of forests. It is thus blessed with amazing varieties of fauna
and flora. Depending on the altitude of hill ranges, the climatic condition
varies from tropical to sub alpine. The wet forests, the temperate forests and
pine forests occur in different regions of the state and they together sustain a
host of rare plant and animal species.
Some
of the most beautiful and precious blooms, orchids and flowers find their
natural habitat in Manipur. Their beauty and color stun the eyes of the
beholders. There are 500 varieties of orchids, which grow in Manipur of which
472 have been identified. “Siroi lily” the only terrestrial lily is
grown on the hill tops of Siroi hill in the Ukhrul district of Manipur.
A
Tradition of Indigenous Games
The
tradition of games and sports dates back to the ancient history of Manipur- a
history of small kingdoms, which were in keen competition with one another. Wars
among themselves and with Ava (Myanmar) resulted in a martial tradition
which
in turn gave due impetus to the development of indigenous games.
A
brief note on the most popular indigenous games & martial arts may be
highlighted as follows:
Sagol
Kangjei (Polo)
The
Manipuri Sagol Kangjei has been adopted by the International Community as
Polo and is now being played worldwide. Today, the world has accepted that the
game of polo originated from Manipur. The Manipuri polo is played with seven (7)
players on each side mounted on ponies, which are often not more than 4/5 feet
in
height. Each player is outfitted with a polo stick made of cane having a narrow
angled woodenhead fixed at the striking end. The ball, 14 inches in
circumference is made of bamboo root. The mounted players hit the ball into the
goal. Extremely vigorous and exhilarating, the game is now played in two styles-
the pana or original Manipuri style and the international style i.e. Polo. It is
exhilarating to see the Manipuri players in their sixties and even seventies
riding ponies at full gallop and playing Sagol Kangjei (polo) with gusto.
The
ponies are also decorated fully with various guards protecting the eyes,
forehead, flanks etc.
The
British learned the game of Sagol Kangjei in the 19th century from Manipur and
after refinement it was named as polo and played in other parts of the
globe.
Khong
Kangjei (Manipuri Hockey)
Like
polo, Khong Kangjei is also a very popular game for the Manipuris. The
game
is played with seven players on either side and each player is equipped with a
bamboo stick about 4 ft in length made in the form of modern hockey stick. The
game is started with a throw of the ball made of bamboo root in the field of 200
x 80 yards in area. A player may carry the ball in any manner to the goal, he
may even kick it but he has to score when the ball crosses the goal line fully.
A
player often encounters an opponent in his attempt at carrying or hitting
the ball towards the goal. The encounter may develop into a trial of strength
which is indigenously known as Mukna. The game requires much physical
stamina,
speed and ability. In the olden days players excelling in the game received
royal favors and prizes.
Mukna
(Manipuri Wrestling)
The
game is the Manipuri style of wrestling played between two male competitors as a
trial of strength using sheer physical strength and skill. Athletes of the same
or approximate physical built, weight and age are made competitors. The game is
an absolute must for the closing ceremonies of Lai Haraoba festival. Mukna is a
highly popular and prestigious game. In the olden days, the game enjoyed royal
patronage.
Yubi
Lakpi (Manipuri Style Rugby)
“Yubi”
in Manipur is coconut and “Lakpi” is snatching and played on the beautiful
green turf of the Palace ground or at the Bijoy Govinda Temple ground. Each side
has seven players in a field that is about 45 x 18 meters in area. One side of
which forms the central portion of the goal line. To score a goal a player has
to approach the goal from the front with his oiled coconut and pass the goal
line. The coconut serves the purpose of a ball and is offered to the king or the
judges who sit just beyond the goal line.
Kang
It
is normally played on the well-polished earth floor of a big out-house. Fixed
targets hit with “Kang” which is a flat and oblong instrument made of either
ivory or lax. Normally each term has seven male partners. The game is also
played as a mixed doubles contest. Played strictly during the period between
“Cheiraoba” (Manipuri New Year’s Day) and the Rath Yatra festival.
Manipuris
religiously adhere to its time frame as popular belief holds that if the game is
played beyond its given limit, evil spirits invade the mind of players and
spectators.
Hiyang
Tannaba (Boat Race)
It
is generally held in the month of November at Thangapat. The boats called
Hiyang Hiren is regarded to be invested with spiritual powers and the game is
associated with religious rites. The Meiteis believe that worship of the Hiyang
Hiren will prevent evil omens; the rowers wore traditional dresses and head
gears. The game is also conducted during the times of natural calamity.
Thang
Ta & Sarit Sarak (Manipuri Martial Arts)
These
are the Manipuri martial Arts, the traditions of which had been passed
down over the centuries. It is a very energetic and skilful art and is a way to
hone one’s battle craft during the peace time in the olden days when every
Manipuri was a warrior who is required to serve his country at the time of war.
Long and precise practice is required and only the brave and athletic could
excel. The art as seen today observe elaborate rituals and rules which are
strictly observed by the participants. Besides, there are other games like
Lamjel (foot race), Mongjong (broad jump) etc.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Area:
22,327 sq km
Population:
22,62,476
State
Language:
Manipur
State
Emblem:
Kanga Sha
State
Animal:
Sangai (brow antlered deer)
State
Bird:
Nongyeen (Syrmaticus humiac humiae)
State
Flower:
Siroi Lily (Lilium macklimiae sealy)
State
Game:
Sagol Kangjei (Manipuri Polo)
Districts:
Districts:
Nine (Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West,
Senapati, Tamenglong, Thoubal and Ukhrul)
Altitude: 790 meters. Above MSL (Imphal)
Latitude: 23.80 degree N to 25.68 degree N
Longitude: 93.03 degree E to 94.78 degree E
Rainfall: 1467.5 mm (average)
Rainy
Season: May to October
Literacy
Rate:
59.89 % (1991 Census)
Educational
Institution:
599 schools, 62 colleges and 2 universities.
Schedule
Tribes: 29 (recognized by government).
Assembly
constituencies: 60 (40 general, 19 ST and 1 SC).
Parliamentary
Constituencies:
Two (Inner & Outer Manipur)
Seaport: None
National
Highways-NH 39 and NH 53 respectively called Indo-Burma Road and New Cachar Road
serve as lifelines to the State. Manipur is served by Imphal Tulihal Airport
with services by both Indian Airlines and Jet Airways connecting Guwahati,
Silchar, Calcutta and Delhi.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FESTIVAL
OF MANIPUR
Manipur
is a land of festivities, merriments and entertainment all the year round. A
year in Manipur presents a cycle of festivals. Hardly a month passes without a
festival. To the Manipuris, festivals are the symbols of their cultural, social
and religious aspirations, which remove the monotony of life by providing
physical diversions, mental recreation and emotional outlets and help them to
lead a better and fuller life.
Some
of the important festivals are:
Gan-Ngai
Celebrated
for the five-days in the month of Wakching (December/January). Gan
Ngai is an important festival of the Kabui Nagas. The festival opens with a
religious ceremony of the first day and the rest of the days are associated with
common feast, dances and presentation of gifts etc.
Ramjan
Id (Id-Ul-Fitre)
Ramjan
Id is the most popular festival of the Manipuri Muslims. It is observed
in the usual spirit of joy and festivities as in other Muslim world. Ramjan is
the ninth month of Hijri year. Since the time of Prophet Mohammed, during this
month the Muslims practice self denial by avoiding food, drink and smoke from
pre-dawn until sunset. This month is spent on prayers. After a month on the
second day of Shawwal, when the new moon is visible they break fast and this
fast breaking day is called Id-Ul-Fiter. On this day, they go to the mosques to
offer prayers and take delicious dishes, exchange greetings and call on friends
and relatives.
Lui-Ngai-Ni
It
is a festival of Nagas observed on the 15th day of February every year. This
is a festival of seed sowing after which tribes belonging to Naga group start
their cultivation. Social gathering, songs, dances and rejoicing highlight the
festivity.
Yaoshang
Celebrated
for five days commencing from the full moon day of Phalguna
(February-March). Yaoshang is the premier festival of Manipur. The Thabal
Chongba kind of Manipuri folk dance, where boys and girls hold hands, sing
and
dance in a circle, is particularly associated with this festival. Boys, girls
and old women collect donations from house to house and the money so collected
is spent in a number of parties and feasts. Indeed, Yaoshang to Manipur is what
Durga Puja is to Bengal.
Cheiraoba
On
the day of the festival, people clean and decorate their houses and prepare
special festive dishes which are first offered to various deities. It is
celebrated during the month of April. A part of the ritual people climb the
nearest hill tops in the belief that it will enable them to rise to greater
heights in their wordly life.
Lai
Haraoba
Celebrated
in honor of the sylvan deities known as Umang Lai, the festival
represents the worship of traditional deities and ancestors. A number of dances
by both men and women are performed before the ancient divinities. The Lai
Haraoba of God- Thangjing, the ruling deity of Moirang is the most famous
one and
attracts huge gathering. It is held in the month of May.
Rath
Jatra
One
of the greatest festivals of the Hindus of Manipur, the festival is
celebrated for about 10 days in the month of Ingel (June-July) Lord Jagannath
leaves his temple in a Rath known as Kang pulled by pilgrims who vie with
one
another for this honor.
Heikru
Hitongba
Celebrated
in the month of September, a festival of joy, with little religious
significance. Along a 16- meter moat, long narrow boats are sailed by a large
number of rowers. Idol of Shri Vishnu is installed before the commencement of
the race.
Kwak
Yatra
The
Goddess Durga is propitiated with pomp and ceremony in this festival. It is
celebrated in the month of October and represent the victory of the
righteousness over the evil.
Ningol
Chakkouba
It
is a remarkable social festival of the Meiteis. Married women come to the
parental house along with her children and enjoy sumptuous feast. It is a form
of family rejoinder to revive familial ties and affection. It is observed on the
second day of the new moon in the Manipuri month of Hiyangei (October).
Kut
It
is an autumn festival of the different tribes of Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups of
Manipur. The festival has been variously described at different places amongst
different tribes as Chavang-Kut or Khodou etc. It is happy
occasion for the
villagers whose food stock is bountiful after a year of hard labor. The
festival is a thanks giving feast with songs and dances in merriment and
joviality for all in honor of the giver of an abundant harvest. It is observed
on the 1st of November every year.
Chumpha
Celebrated
for seven days in the month of December, the Chumpa festival festival
is a great festival of the Tangkhul Nagas. The festival is held after
harvest.
The last three days are devoted to social gathering and rejoicing. Unlike other
Festivals, women play a special role in the festival. The concluding part of the
festival ends with a procession within the village.
Christmas
Christmas,
the greatest festival of all the Christmas of Manipur, is observed
for two days on December 24 and 25. Prayers, reading of Gospels, singing of
hymns, lectures on Jesus Christ, sports, community feast etc., form the major
part of the festival. In some villages where the inhabitants are well-off, the
celebration continues till January 1 on which the New Year’s Day is also
observed.
PLACES
WORTH VISITING
Manipur
is not only the gateway to the Northeastern region but also a
fascinating destination for discerning tourists. Blessed with a salubrious
climate, famous for its distinctive cultural pattern and its evergreen scenic
beauties, it extend the tourists a cordial invitation to visit Manipur. However,
there is a strict restriction of entry into the region. Even an Indian would
need a permit to enter Manipur.
Shree
Shree Govindajee temple
This
temple adjoining the palace of the former rulers of Manipur, is a sacred
center for Vaisnavites. It is a simple and beautiful structure with twin gold
domes, a paved courtyard and a large congregation hall. The presiding deity
Radha Govinda is flanked by idols of Balaram and Krishna on one side and
Jaganath, Balabhadra and Subhadra on the other.
Khwairamband
Bazar
This
is a large crowded market at the heart of the city. Vegetables, fish,
household utensils, implements and fruits are sold on one side and colorful
handloom shawls, Phaneks, Khudeis, bed sheets on the other. The market is very
special in the sense that all the stalls are run by women. Beautiful cane
baskets and cane-bamboo products are also sold in this bazaar.
Saheed
Minar
This
tall Minar of Bir Tikendrajit Park at the heart of the Capital commemorates
the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives while
fighting against the British in 1891.
Manipur
State Museum
This
museum near the Imphal Polo ground has a fairly good display of Manipur’s
heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur’s former rules. Items of
special interest are costumes, arms and weapons, relics and historical
documents. It is opened during 10 am to 4.30 during office days. Sundays and
holidays remain closed.
War
Cemeteries
The
British and the Indian Army cemeteries commemorating those who died in the
Second World War are serenely and well-maintained and with little stone markers
and bronze plaques recording their anguish and sacrifice. These graves are
maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Manipur
Zoological Garden
About
six kms from Imphal towards the west, lies the Zoological garden at
Iroishemba on the Imphal-Kangchup road. Graceful Brow Antlered deer, Sangai, one
of the rarest species in the world, can be seen here in sylvan surrounding. A
trip to this garden, at the foot of the pine growing hillocks in the
western-most corner of Lamphelpat is really enjoyable.
Singda
At
an altitude of 921 meters, 16 km from Imphal to west, Singda is a beautiful
picnic spot. The scenery is picturesque. There is an inspection Bungalow here.
There is also a nice artificial lake as a manifestation of Singda Dam.
Langthabal
It
is six kms from Imphal on the Indo Burma road. This is a small hillock with the
relics of an old historic palace, well planned temples and ceremonial house
amidst pine and jackfruit trees planted symmetrically. A view of Manipur
University from here offers a pleasant scene of the surrounding.
Khongampat
Orchidarium
This
orchid yard of the Forest Department on the National Highway No 39 about seven
kms from Imphal towards north is another place of interest. More than 110
varieties of orchids, including several rare species are grown here. Peak season
is April-May.
Sekta
Archeological Living Museum
Sekta
Mound locally known as the Sekta Kei is a protected archeological site.
The site is located at Sekta village, about 16 kms from Imphal on the Imphal
Ukhrul road. It is a site where evidence of the practice of secondary burial was
discovered. The site was jointly excavated by the Archeological Survey of India
and the State Archeology Manipur and is preserved as a Living Museum.
Red
Hills (Maibam Lokpa Ching)
It
is a hillock about 17 kms in the south from Imphal on Tiddim Road. It is the
thrilling spot where a fierce battle took place between the Allied Forces and
the Japanese Forces in the World War II. Japanese war veterans has recently
constructed a monument at the foot of this hill under the title of “India
Peace
Memorial.”
Bishnupur
Bishnupur
is 27 kms from Imphal in the South. Here stands the conical temple of
Lord Vishnu. It was built in 1467 during the reign of King Kyamba and is
interesting
because of its antiquity and architectural design influenced by Chinese style.
Bishnupur is also well known for its stoneware production.
Loukhoipat
It
is beautiful tourist spot in Bishnupur district is about 27 km away from
Imphal. A tiny lake surrounded by hillocks is the main attraction of this spot.
In this lake, boating facility is provided to the tourists. An inspection
bungalow is opened on a nearby hillock for tourist and public conveniences.
Phubala
A
charming resort on the western fringes of the Loktak Lake is situated 40 kms
from Imphal in the south. It is joined to the mainland by a low causeway. From
here, the life in and around the Loktak Lake cane be visualized vividly.
Accommodation:
Tourist Bungalow
Reservation:
Directorate of Tourism, Imphal; Tel No 0385-320337.
Moirang
Moirang
is 45 kms from Imphal in the south. The ancient temple of the pre-Hindu
deity. Lord Thanjing is located here. Every May, men and women, in bright and
traditional costumes, sing and dance in honor of the Lord here at the Moirang
Lai Haraoba.
It
was from the village of Moirang that the graceful Khamba Thoibi danceoriginated.
It was in Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was
first hoisted on Indian soil on April 14, 1944. There is an INA museum
exhibiting letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other articles associated
with INA. There is also a bronze statue of Netaji in uniform.
Loktak
Lake and Sendra Island
Beautiful
Loktak Lake is like a miniature island sea. It is 48 kms from Imphal
in the south. Sendra island is located in this lake. From the tourist bungalow,
set stop Sendra island visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the lake and the
life in and around it. The fishermen and their families who live in small huts
on its shore make full use of their watery environment. Their main occupation is
fishing. They even build their houses on thick floating weeds, Phumdis,
that
dart around the lake.
There
are bus services to Sendra, reservation can be made through Directorate of
Tourism.
Keibul Lamjao National Park
This
park is located on the fringes of Loktak Lake, some 53 kms away from
Imphal. This is the last natural habitat of the marsh dwelling brow-antlered
deer of Manipur. Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only floating park in the
world.
Kaina
It
is a beautiful hillock, about 29 kms from Imphal in the east. Kaina is a
sacred place of the Hindus. According to legend, one night, Shri Govindajee
appeared to his devotee Bhaigyachandra, Maharaja of Manipur, in a dream
and
asked him to build a temple enshrined with his image carved out of a jackfruit
tree which was then growing at Kaina. Beautiful hill shrubs and charming natural
surroundings give the place a saintly solemnity. Ceremonial dances depicting the
divine dream are performed as Ras at the Mandop. Kaina can be reached by bus via
Thoubal also.
Accommodation:
Kaina Tourist Home.
Reservation:
Through the Directorate of Tourism.
Khongjom
It
is situated on the Indo-Myanmar road about 36 km from Imphal. It is a place
of greatest historic importance. It was here that Major General Paona Brajabashi
and other Manipuri warriors proved their valor against the mighty force of the
invading British Army in 1891. Khongjom is recognized as a symbol of
Patriotism and valor. A war memorial on the tip of this scenic hill adds charm
to this heroic site. Khongjom day is celebrated as a State function every year
on April 23.
Andro
It
is 27 km from Imphal in the east. Andro is an ancient Scheduled Caste village
of Manipur. A “Cultural Complex” is established here by the Mutua Museum,
Imphal. It consists of potteries of the North Eastern region of India. There is
also a “Doll House” where in dolls of 29 recognized tribes of Manipur
(both male
and female) are displayed.
Churachandpur
It
is on the Tiddim road, 60 km from Imphal in the south and is one of the most
beautiful places for sight seeing and holidaying. Inhabited by hill tribes, it
is an advanced tribal town where products of arts and crafts of the area are
available.
Tengnoupal
It
is 69 km from Imphal. The highest point on the Indo-Myanmar road, from here
one can have a full view of the valley of Manipur. When a visitor passes along
the road he will find himself above the clouds but in natural surroundings.
Moreh
This
border town is located on the Indo-Myanmar road, 110 kms from Imphal. Being
a commercial town it attracts a large number of people from neighboring places.
Moreh is only 5 km away from Tamu town, its Myanmar counterpart. Opening of the
border trade turns Moreh into an important commercial center in North-East
India.
Ukhrul
It
is 83 kms away from Imphal in the east. This is the highest hill station of
the state. Ukhrul is famous for a peculiar type of terrestrial-lily, the Siroi
lily grown on the Siroi hills. Siroi Hills and Khangkhui Lime cave are
interesting place for excursion. Ukhrul bears a gay and festive appearance
during Christmas.
Tamenglong
It
is 156 km from Imphal in the west and is the District Headquarters of the
Tamenglong district. This region is known for its deep gorges, mysterious caves
and splendid waterfalls and its exotic orchids. The Tharon cave, Booming Meadow,
Zeilad Lake, Barak Waterfalls are interesting tourist spot in Tamenglong.
Mao
Mao
is one of the oldest Hill stations of Manipur bordering Nagaland located
midway between Dimapur and Imphal on the National Highway 39 at an altitude of
5762.02 feet above sea level. The Mao inspection bungalow built by the Royal
Military Engineers in 1897 is a hundred years old. The cultural mosaic of
Manipur is not complete without the colorful Mao Naga dance.
Other
places worth sight seeing are:
Makhel,
the historic place of Naga dispersal and the legendary place of common origin of
the Meiteis and Nagas, has the oldest pear tree memorial to the dispersal. Dzuko
valley with its pristine beauty blooms with a rare lily between May and
July. The Regional potato farm offer a scenic view of the steep drop to Ikhro
near the highway and Mt Isu, the highest peak in the region.
(Compiled
by Namaram Kishalaya)
(Courtesy:
DIPR)
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