Manipur — Culture,
Heritage & Language
Loktak Lake, Manipuri dance, polo origins
Introduction
Manipur — 'A Jewelled Land' — cradles Loktak Lake with its floating phumdis, the world's only floating national park, and gave the world modern Polo and Manipuri classical dance.
Quick Facts
Capital
Imphal
Largest City
Imphal
Official Language
Meitei (Manipuri)
Formation Date
21 January 1972
Area
22,327 sq km
Population
3,000,000+
Region
Northeast
Type
State
Language
Meitei (Manipuri) is the official language, written in Meitei Mayek and Bengali script. English and multiple tribal languages (Tangkhul, Kuki, Paite, Hmar) are spoken.
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Traditional Dress
Women wear the Phanek (wraparound skirt) and Innaphi (shawl); the Potloi is bridal attire. Men wear dhoti and white Pheijom for ceremonies.
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Festivals
Yaoshang (the Holi-equivalent), Ningol Chakouba, Cheiraoba (Manipuri New Year), Lai Haraoba and Sangai Festival.
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Cuisine
Iromba, Eromba, Kangshoi, Chamthong, Singju (a spicy salad), Chak-hao (black rice) Kheer and fermented fish (Ngari).
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Literature
Ras Lila literature, Hijam Anganghal, M. K. Binodini Devi (Jnanpith laureate-nominated) and oral epics like Khamba-Thoibi.
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Art Forms
Manipuri classical dance (Ras Lila), Thang-Ta martial art, Pung Cholom drum dance, Moirang Sai narration and handloom Phanek weaving.
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Historical Importance
Ruled by the Ningthouja dynasty for nearly two millennia; the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891; modern polo originated here as 'Sagol Kangjei'; statehood in 1972.
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