The North-Eastern State of Manipur was formed in 21 January 1976 and it literally known as the “Jeweled Land of India”. This is one of the beautiful State of India which is gifted with natural brilliance and magnificence. It has It has 16 districts namely; Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Senapati, Tamenglong, Thoubal, Ukhrul, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Pherzawl, Noney, Kamjong, Jiribam, Kakching. The city of Imphal serves as the Capital city of this State. This State is the home to Meitei Manipuris who consists of the maximum population of Manipur. Other Sino-Tibetan speaking groups such as Loi, Yaithibi, Kuki and Naga also reside in Manipur.
| Established | 21 January, 1972 |
| Capital | Imphal |
| Largest City | Imphal |
| No. of District | 16 |
| High Court | Manipur High Court |
| Rivers | Barak River, Imphal River, Iril River, Nambul River, Manipur River, Tuivai River etc. |
| National Parks | Keibul Lamjao National Park, Sirohi National Park |
| Languages | Manipuri, Meitei |
| Population | 2,855,794 |
| Density | 130/km2 |
| Area | 22,327 km2 |
| State Animal | Sangai (Brow-antlered deer) |
| State Bird | Nongin |
| State Tree | Indian Mahogany |
| State Flower | Lilium mackliniae (Lily) |
| Literacy Rate (2011) | 75.48% |
| Females per 1000 males | 987 |
| Lok Sabha constituencies | 60 |
| Assembly constituency | 2 |
| Official Website | http://manipur.gov.in/ |
| Time zone | UTC+05:30 |
History
Through ages Manipur was called “Kangleipak”. It was mentioned in Mahabharata when Arjuna – one of the Pandavas married the Princess of Manipur Chitrangada. This State has prehistoric archaeological findings in places like Ukhrul, Khangkhui, Tengnoupal and other places. According to ancient history of Manipur, Nongda Lairen Pakhangba (33–154 AD) was the first ruler and the creator of Manipur. In modern times Senapati Tikendrajit was the bravest ruler of Manipur. After the Britishers left India, Manipur was a princely State which came under the control of the Government of India.
Geography
The state covers an area of 22,327 square kilometers lies at a latitude of 23°83’N – 25°68’N and a longitude of 93°03’E – 94°78’E. The State is situated in an oval-shaped valley surrounded by beautiful Blue Mountains at a height of 2,590 ft above the sea level. These mountains create a moderate climate and do not allow the cold winds from the north to reach the valley and this bares cyclonic storms to engulf Manipur which comes from the Bay of Bengal. The state is bordered by the Indian states of Nagaland to its north, Mizoram to its south, Assam to its west, and shares international border with Myanmar to its east. The state has four major rivers which consist of Barak, Manipur River, Yu River and Lanve River. Manipur has two different physical regions: a far-flung area of rocky hills and narrow valleys, and the inner area of flat plain, with all allied land forms.
Demographics
As per 2011 Census of India, Manipur has a population of 2,855,794. Around 58.9% live in the valley and the remaining 41.1% in the hilly regions. The male population of Manipur consists of 1,438,586 and the female population consists of 1,417,208. There are 936 females for every 1000 males in Manipur. The State also has 85.4 % literacy rate.
Economy
The financial of year 2012–2013 gross state domestic product of Manipur at market prices was approximately Rs. 10,188 crore (US$1.6 billion). The State’s economy is totally dependent upon Agriculture since it is the single largest source of livelihood for a majority of the population. The major crops produced here are Paddy, wheat, maize, pulses along with horticulture crops, rare and exotic medicinal and aromatic plants, and soil conditions make it ideally suited for horticultural crops. Growing there are rare and exotic medicinal and aromatic plant and cash crops like Lychee, Cashew, Walnut, Orange, Lemon, Pineapple, Papaya, Passion Fruit, Peach, Pear and Plum. Other occupation like forestry, cottage industries and the main industries like pharmaceuticals, steel re-rolling, plywood, bamboo chipping, cement, vanaspati and electronics and the service sector like Real estate, Consultancies, Travel and Tourism, Hotel Industry and Insurance also provides a great source of income to the State.
Tourism
The tourist season starts from October to February and a lot of peoples from all parts of the country and world gather at Manipur to witness the extra-ordinary beauty of this State. Some of the popular tourist attractions are Loktak Lake, Sendra Island, Manipur State Museum, Dzukou valley, Shree Govindajee Temple, Thalon Cave, Khangkhui Cave, Keibul Lamjao National Park and many more places which are worth visiting.
Sports
Mukna is a popular form of wrestling called Mukna Kangjei which combines the arts of mukna (wrestling hockey) and Kangjei (Cane Stick) is played with the ball made of seasoned bamboo roots. Yubi lakpi is a traditional full contact game played in Manipur using a coconut, which has some similarities to rugby. Other popular sports played here are football and hockey. Mary Kom the famous boxer who is a world champion in Olympics and other International matches hails from Manipur.
Transportation
Manipur is connected to all its neighbour states with National Highways and state highways. Manipur has one railway station, Jiribam. Moreover, construction planning is going on to connect Manipur to its neighbour states as well as its cities. Imphal International Airport is situated in capital Imphal city which connects direct flights from Imphal to kolkata, Guwahati, New delhi and Agartala.
Culture
The main festivals celebrated here are Heikru Hitongba Boat Races and Baruni. The Pung is the Manipuri version of the Mridanga, an ancient drum which is played during the Ras Lila. The traditional dance and music form is Ras Lila, Lai Haroba, Nongdai Jagoi. The people of Manipur also has the gift to excel in traditional art and crafts like making bamboo baskets, fish traps, mats, umbrellas, musical instruments etc.
Education
The schools in Manipur are run by the state and central government or by private organization mainly in English medium. Students may enroll in general or professional degree programs after passing the Higher Secondary Examination under 10+2+3 plan .The renowned universities are Manipur University, Central Agricultural University, National Institute of Technology, Manipur and Indian Institute of Information Technology, Manipur.This State is also the home to India’s first floating elementary school: Loktak Elementary Floating School in Loktak Lake.
Hospitals and Healthcare
Some of the best hospitals which provide good treatments in Manipur are Imphal hospital, Shija Hospitals & Research Institute, Shija ENT Hospital, CMC Hospital, etc.