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About Imphal |
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Imphal City is the capital of the Indian state of Manipur.The
ruins of the old Palace of Kangla are situated in the heart of
the town, surrounded by a moat. Kangla Fort used to be the
home of the paramilitary force, the Assam Rifles, until
November 2004 when it was handed over to the state of Manipur
by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The Polo Ground, which
is the oldest remaining pologround in the world, is another
prominent feature of the town. Near the Polo Ground is the
Manipur State Museum, which has a collection of old exhibits
and pictures portraying the history of Manipur. 'Ima Keithel'
at Khwairamband Bazar is the only market in the world where
all the stalls are run by women.
In 1944, during World War II, the Battle of Imphal and the
Battle of Kohima were the turning points in the Burma
Campaign. For the first time in the South-East Asian Theatre
of World War II, the Japanese lost the initiative to the
Allies who retained it until the end of the war. On 18 June
1997, the Imphal district was split into Imphal East and
Imphal West. |
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History of Imphal |
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Early history
Initially Imphal city was ruled by King Khaba, the throne of
Imphal was later ceded by the Pakhangba leaders. It was here
that the powerful people of Ningthouja tribe originated. With
time, the Ningthouja tribe extended their authority over the
land, and emerged as one of the most powerful groups in the
field of politics and warfare. The Kangla palace, which is the
pride of Manipur, was built by King Khagemba and his son
Khunjaoba but it was later destroyed by the British during the
Anglo-Manipuri War. During the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra,
the region witnessed several Burmese invasions. However, with
the help of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and the forces of Manipur,
Kangla was liberated from the attack of the Burmese army.
British Rule
The region remained quiet until the invasion of the British
officials in 1891. Due to the internal differences between the
members of the royal family, the British decided to intervene
and sort out the problem by sending Mr. J.W. Quinton to discuss
the matter. However, matters grew worse and Senapati Tikendrajit
had to be banished from the capital. This in turn led to the
first Anglo-Manipur war in 1891. The undeclared autocratic rule
over the Manipur by the British angered the local people. In the
following year, the Anglo-Manipur war broke out between the
British and the Manipuri commander-in-chief. The British forces
attacked the palace and gunned down the walls of the Kangal
fort. After the capture of the state in 1891, Manipur remained
as a part of the British rule until Indian Independence. |
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Geography and climate of Imphal |
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Imphal is the capital of Manipur which is located at 24.82°N
93.95°E. It has an average altitude of 786 metres (2578 feet).
It is situated in the extreme east of India.Imphal has a humid
subtropical climate, with cool, dry winters, a warm summer and a
moderate monsoon season. July is the hottest month with
temperatures averaging around 32 °C (90 °F), while January is
the coldest with average lows near 4 °C (40 °F). The city gets
about 1320 mm (52 inches) of rain, with June being the wettest
month. |
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Tourist Attractions in Imphal |
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Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple Complex
This is the major site of religious as well as of tourist
attraction, this temple complex is known for annual Bor
festival, during the Durga pooja time in the month of
September or October
Jama Masjid
This a holy place of the Muslims living in Imphal. This
well-constructed masjid is the only masjid inside Imphal
market. It is located on the bank of the Nambul River. The
other major mosques in Imphal are Hatta Jama masjid,
Golapati masjid and Babupura Masajid and Porompat Mosque.
Shree Govindajee Temple
This place was believed to be the highest place for any
cultural activity during the times of the Maharajas. It is
situated at a place near the Royal palace of past
Maharajas, it has two domes and a raised congregation hall
to keep the holy deities in their place, aloof and high.
War Cemeteries
The cemeteries are the seats of memory for the British and
Indian soldiers who fought and died in the Second World
War.
Women's Market or Ima Keithel
The market stalls are all run by women and it is reported
as being the only such market in the world. The bazar
consists of two main sections -one where the vegetables,
fruits and necessary items are sold and the other where
the handloom products of the state is sold. The custom of
the market is that around 3000 'Imas' or mothers run the
stalls.
Kangla Fort
The Palace of Kangla is an old palace at Imphal in
Manipur (Kangleipak). It was situated on both sides
(western and eastern) of the bank of the Imphal River. But
now it remains only on the western side of the bank. Only
the ruins remain now. Kangla means "dry land" in old
Meetei. It was the traditional seat of the past Meetei
rulers of Manipur.
Loktak Lake
Loktak Lake is the largest fresh water lake in
North-Eastern India and the only floating lake in the
World. It is also the habitat of Curvus Eldi Eldi, an
endangered species found only in Manipur.
Manipur Zoological Gardens
Manipur Zoological Garden is situated at a distance of
6 km from the capital, the zoo is very modest to the core
with its surrounding, a large area of open grounds.The
Brow Antlered deer, which is a rare species, can be seen
in the Manipur Zoological Gardens.
The Manipur State Museum
Manipur State Museum is the representation of the
tangible information of history. The Museum shows a
display of the tribal heritage and the collection of the
artifacts of the former Ningthourels of Manipur. Costumes
of the common people and warriors, arms and weapons of the
varied communities and historical objects and historical
documents can be seen here. The priceless artifacts,
documents and cultural heritage of a mentioned
civilization can be first accessed through a Museum.
Matai Garden
Matai garden is located at Matai, Imphal east district
which is about 5 km towards North in NH-39.The garden is
also called as Ibudhou Asheiningthou garden taking the
name from Ibudhou Asheiningthou (local God of Matai). The
garden is known for its numerous Duranta plant which are
well shaped and decorate the whole garden.
Sambal- Lei-Sekpil garden
The garden is located in Sagolban, Kwakeithel, Imphal,
toward the Tidim road. The place is well-known for Sambal-
Lei-Sekpil literally sambal means fence lei means flower
and sekpil means topiary. The flower got Guinness Book of
Records in 26 November 1999 (at the height of 50 ft. 35
steps). The garden is open to all visitors. |
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How to Reach Imphal |
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By
Rail
Imphal is not connected by the railway network. Nearest railway
station is Dimapur railway station of Nagaland. It is almost 7
hours bus journey from Dimapur station.
By Road
Imphal is linked with its neighbouring states via bus routes.
There are daily bus services to Kohima and Dimapur in Nagaland
and Guwahati in Assam.
By Air
Imphal is linked to Kolkata and Guwahati by Indian (Indian
Airlines), Air Deccan, Indigo and Jet Air services. |
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