Manipur is nestled deep within a lush green corner of Northeast India and has been described as the "Jewel of India".
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFgreen 88(photo credit: Courtesy)
Manipur literally means "A jeweled land." Nestled deep within a lush green corner of Northeast India, it seems much like an exquisite work of art executed by nature's superb hands. India's founding prime minister; Jawaharlal Nehru paid a fitting tribute by describing Manipur as the "Jewel of India".
Manipur's blue hills surround a central oval shaped valley. Rich in art and tradition, Manipur is a melting pot of culture. It is birth place of the sport of Polo. It is also the place where Rajashree Bhagyachandra created the famous Ras Lila, the classical dance of Manipur, out of his enchanting dream by the grace of Lord Krishna.
Despite its varied and proud history, Manipur came under the British Rule as a Princely State after its defeat in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. After India gained independence in 1947, the Princely State of Manipur was merged in the Indian Union on October 15, 1949 and became a full-fledged State of India on the 21th January, 1972 with a Legislative Assembly of 60 seats.
The people of Manipur include Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Meitei Pangal and other colorful communities who have lived together in complete harmony for centuries. These are the people whose folklore, myths and legends, dances, indigenous games and martial arts, exotic handlooms & handicrafts are steeped in nature's mystique.
For more on the State of Manipur in India, see the State Government's official website at http://manipur.nic.in/This is a sponsored article. The article should not be considered as advice.