Manipur

Capital : Imphal
Principal Languages : Manipuri

Geography :

A relatively small state, Manipur sits as almost a literal pit of paradise. The center of the state is a low-lying basin, but high mountains reaching over 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) surround it. This fort-like positioning also means that the state is completely land locked. It is enclosed by Nagaland on the north, Myanmar on the east, Mizoram on the south, and Assam on the west.

Important Cities - Towns and Religious - Tourist Place :

Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur (beautiful place inhabited by Kuki tribe), Imphal (Shri Govindajee Temple, War cemetries, Loktak Lake), Kaina, Keibul, khongiom, Lamjao (wildlife sanctuary), Khongamat (orchid yard), Mao (hill station), Moirang (known for the old love story of Khumba and Thoibi), Moreh (border town on IndoMyanmar road), Phubala, Senapati, Sendra, Tamenglong, Thoubal, Ukhrul, Waithou Lake

Climate :

With such drastic changes in elevation, climatic variation can be expected. The climate across the state varies from topical to sub-alpine. Summers tend to be hot with high temperatures usually around 90ºF (32ºC), while winter months typically see daily low temperatures right around freezing (32ºF or 0ºC). Rainfall is heavy in the state, averaging about 78 inches (198 cm) per year. Mountain regions tend to receive most of this precipitation, and rain seems to fall the most from May to October. To avoid the rain and the heat, most consider anytime between October and February as the ideal time to visit.

Location :

Located in northeast India, Manipur is founded north by Nagaland, east by Myanmar (Burma), south by Myanmar (Burma) and Mizoram, and west by Assam.

Culture :

Despite the fact that most Manipuris are Hindu, the Manipuri life contains many facets atypical of other Hindu cultures. Social classifications are not based on the common Hindu caste, but instead cultural groups: the Meiteis, the Bamons (Brahmins with Indian origin), the Pangans (Muslims with Indian origin), and the lois (social outcasts). Even today, people rarely marry members of another group. The Manipuri lifestyle also focuses on the small, closely knit neighborhood, or leikai. All activities and celebrations are done within the lekai, and the greatest honor is respect and approval of one's leikai. Manipur's most well known craft is exotic textile work. The mekhla, a sarong sheet women wear around their waists, and the Manipuri waistcoat are the most demanded masterpieces of this highly refined art. The art of Rasleela combines performance and a history lesson. Developed by Rajarsee Bhagyachandra, the dance recounts the mythological story of Manipur's creation. Such dancing and the exposition of other art forms provide for the state's fabulous festivals, which seem to be year long. Many fill the Manipuri calendar, and each one includes traditional music, dancing, and dining. Yaosang celebrates the full-moon day of February/March and the coming of spring. Cheirouba marks the beginning of a new year, and Ningol Chakaouba reflects on the love of siblings. All of these festivals involve, above all, general glee and merriment.

History :

A princely State for nearly two thousand year, Manipur came under the British rule only in 1891. On attainment of independence, it became a C State in 1949 and a full-fledged State of the Indian union in 1972.

Economy :

Manipur's main industries are pharmaceuticals, steel re-rolling, plywood production, bamboo chipping, cement, and electronics; however, the list is some what misleading. Industrial growth is increasingly more rapid, but currently it is far from developed in the state. Agriculture is the major way of life and means of survival for the state. Rice, bamboo, and various vegetables make up the bulk of agricultural production for the state.

States and Union Territories of India