History of Manipur

Ancient Manipur

The history of Manipur dates back to 33 AD with the coronation of its first recorded king, Pakhangba, who established the Ningthouja dynasty. According to the royal chronicle "Cheitharol Kumbaba," Manipur has a recorded history spanning over 2000 years, making it one of the oldest kingdoms in South Asia.

The ancient kingdom of Kangleipak (later renamed Manipur) developed its own distinct culture, language, script, and religious practices. The Meitei people, the dominant ethnic group, created a sophisticated civilization with advanced systems of governance, arts, and warfare.

Medieval Period

The medieval period saw the kingdom of Manipur flourish under various rulers. King Loiyamba (1074-1122 AD) introduced the "Loiyamba Shilyen," a code of conduct and administration that laid the foundation for Manipur's social and political organization.

A significant turning point in Manipur's history came during the reign of King Kyamba (1467-1508 AD), who expanded the kingdom's territories and established diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms. The 17th and 18th centuries witnessed the golden age of Manipur under rulers like Khagemba, Charairongba, and Garibniwaz.

Hinduism and Cultural Transformation

One of the most significant cultural transformations in Manipur's history occurred during the reign of King Pamheiba (later known as Garibniwaz) in the early 18th century. He embraced Vaishnavite Hinduism and declared it the state religion in 1717, leading to profound changes in Manipuri society and culture.

This period saw the development of the classical Manipuri dance (Ras Lila), which beautifully blended indigenous traditions with Hindu themes. The Manipuri script was also replaced with the Bengali script during this time, though efforts to revive the original script have been successful in recent decades.

British Colonial Period

Manipur's independence came to an end with the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. The conflict began when the British interfered in a succession dispute following the death of King Chandrakirti. The subsequent uprising against British officials led to the war, which ended with the British victory and the execution of Prince Tikendrajit and four other nobles.

The British annexed Manipur and installed a minor prince as the ruler under their supervision. This period marked the beginning of colonial rule in Manipur, which would last until India's independence in 1947. Despite colonial control, Manipur maintained much of its cultural identity and traditions.

World War II and the INA

Manipur played a crucial role during World War II as it became a significant battleground between the Allied forces and the Japanese army. The Battle of Imphal and Kohima (1944) is considered a turning point in the war against Japan in Southeast Asia.

Notably, Moirang in Manipur holds the distinction of being the first place where the flag of the Indian National Army (INA), led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, was hoisted on Indian soil on April 14, 1944. The INA Memorial Complex in Moirang commemorates this historic event.

Post-Independence Era

After India's independence, Manipur briefly enjoyed a democratic government with its own constitution and elected assembly. However, in 1949, Manipur was merged with the Indian Union as a Part C State. This merger remains a contentious issue in Manipur's political discourse.

Manipur became a Union Territory in 1956 and was finally granted full statehood on January 21, 1972. The post-independence period has seen Manipur dealing with various challenges, including ethnic tensions, insurgency movements, and demands for greater autonomy.

Contemporary Manipur

Today, Manipur is working to balance its rich historical legacy with modern development. The state continues to preserve its unique cultural heritage while addressing contemporary challenges. Tourism has emerged as an important sector, with visitors drawn to Manipur's historical sites, natural beauty, and vibrant culture.

Historical sites like the Kangla Fort, INA Memorial, and various temples serve as reminders of Manipur's rich past. The state celebrates its history through various festivals, museums, and cultural programs, ensuring that the legacy of this ancient kingdom continues to inspire future generations.