Mapao : One of the oldest villages in Manipur

Manipur Tourism Department *

World Tourism Day celeberated at Mapao Zingsho, on September 27 2016 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam

MAPAO AT A GLANCE:

Mapao is one of the oldest villages in Manipur. The same history is found in the MEITEI NINGTHAUROL page.7, (Written by Mr. Biramani) during the reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba 33 AD - 150 AD) Mapao village had existed by then. The meaning of Mapao has been derived from the word "Pao-hanching" (Information hill). As there was a close relationship between the Meitei Maharaja and the villagers of Mapao, there was frequent exchange of messages between them.

During the World War II, it became a great battlefield as it was a convenient place for warfare. The old road alignments constructed by the Britishers during the war are still there till date and can be seen from the present Mapao Zingsho. One can also get a scenic view of Koubru range in the north, Imphal valley in the south, Pangei, Sainik, Sambei, Chingkhu, Tangkham Khundrakpam, Yumnam Khunou, Sawombung in the south east and Sekmai, Leimakhong, Kanglatongbi, Motbung in the west.The Altitude of Mapao hill is 1181 mtrs above MSL.

Mapao Boundary:

North : Shinei katha, the highest peak of Mapao(1501 Altitude) Mongjam Chingjin, boundering the Heingang ching Payaching, bordering the Maibung Samu Lamlan hill, bordering the Thingshat and Luwangsangol Mapao Zingsho Village: The Mapao hill (Phungreiwon) was climatically favorable being free from pollution.

However, due to some practical difficulties such as manually, carrying paddy from foot hill to the top of the hill, water scarcity during the dry season, transportation problem and no connectivity of electricity living in the hills became hard. So, the younger generations after considering all these inconveniences, proposed and decided to move down at the foot hill where the village is presently located since 1956. The present village was known by the name Mapao Keithelmanbi, but since February 2015, it has been christened Mapao Zingsho (Mapao East).

SURUNG (Tunnel):

There is a Surung at the hilltop of Mapao which leads directly to the palace of Maharaja. According to the oral history that has been passed down, the pigeon was used as the messenger to carry the messages through this Surung. At the spot where this particular Surung is located, a small temple had been constructed by our forefathers to offer pujas. It is also said that the place had been governed by the Pakhangba god. This Surung still exists on the Mapao hill.

Faith and beliefs: Before the coming of the Christian era, our forefathers were animists while some of them worshipped Pakhangba as their god. But since 1922, the villagers started embracing Christianity and now the entire village is a Christian community and will be celebrating its Centenary in 2022.

Social and Environmental Upliftment: In order to protect the environment and maintain cleanliness in line with the Swatch Bharat, program, a committee consisting of twelve reliable members of the village has been formed Tree plantation is taken up every year. The Committee is the responsible body who will look after all related matters on tourism.

Information about Mapao Zingsho: Mapao Zingsho is a hidden village surrounded by the hills. Therefore, mobile network and internet facility is not favorable which can be an inconvenience for visitors/tourists. There are two schools, Government high school and the Stepping Stone English School.

Cleanliness Drive: It will not be an exaggerated fact to state that since its inception, the village has been maintained well and kept clean. Cleanliness is next to godliness

The World Tourism Day Celebration:

As the Tourism Corporation of Manipur encouraged and suggested, the World Tourism Day will be celebrated at this tiny village on September 27, 2016.

Attention Please:

1. Limited Home Stay facility is available with prior information.

2. Family Picnic spots. It is opened for families only.

HOW to find the village: 19 km away from Imphal via Pangei, Saikul road and gets diverted from Sambei to the western side. 5 km away from Sambei to Mapao Zingsho. It is a blacktopped road.

Main Tourist / View Points: Seven Gazebos/Thatch huts in the village Compound *Zingsho Kaphung (a small hill-just in the Eastern side of the Church and School -(walk-able distance)

Prayer Mountains (Two locations):

(a) *The first one is situated Just above the western side of the village where there is a Gazebo/thatch hut (motorable) The whole village view of Mapao Zingsho and the neighboring villages can be viewe.d from there.

(b) The second location is at the top of Mapao hill from where, Koubru hill, in the north, Imphal valley in the south, Sekmai in the west and Sainik, Pangei in the south east can be viewed. (Motorable- 6 km away from the village. Mapao Zingsho)

Remarkable Spots at Mapao Hills:

1. Katakong (Spring): It is considered to be the best quality of water, in Mapao being available throughout the year. Its water temperature is cool in summer and warm in winter.

2. Kataphungtung: Convenient to view neighboring places from all different directions. It is also called a Prayer Mountain.

3. Kameo Langkhei: Old Christian Cemetery. We can get a splendid eastern view of the neighboring places from this point.

4. Lungkham: An old picnic spot.

5. Thingna reokashai: It is situated in the ranges of the Shinei katha peak where there is a hole that is considered to be a holy place. Out of respect, the natives would place freshly plucked leaves at the entrance of the hole and by evening, it would mysteriously be found missing. They would thus believe that, the particular god must have consumed the offered leaves.