Manipur, one of the most remote states of north-eastern India. Literally Manipur means a land of Jewel, some time with patriotisms we address it as Kangliepak or Sanalaipak. Now time has come to know and ask ourselves "Where we are heading", are we really living in so called Land of jewels or Sanalaipak?

Let's start with some background about our state, Manipur total area of 22,327 Sq Km, with total population of 2,388,634 (as per 2001 census). Male's population of 1,207,338 against females population of 1,181,296. Average literacy rate to total population is 68.87%, males contributing 77.87% and females 59.7%. Manipur rank 19th in literacy rate out of 35 states and UT's. Manipur stand much ahead of other well known states. With this figure lot many question started banging up, why then we are so much lagging in all fields from other states inspite of so many educated persons? Do other states have same problems like us? Do all the educated youths always look for white collar government jobs? Do other states believe in self employment? Do other states have law and order situation like us? Band, blockade, strikes, corruption etc. exist there too? Is license to kill anybody, killed by Army, police, Un-identify person etc our fundamental right by birth. Have we ever imagined the value of a life?

In order to get some light about the above questions, Let play back our past history so that we can analyzed how we progress in the journey of time till today. Existence of human inhabitation in Manipur date back to pre-historic time. As per history of Manipur beginning of settlement start during mythic king Pakhangba as the first king in 33 AD. As per "Manipur and The Mainstream" by N. Tombi Singh, Published in 1975.

History of Manipur from 33 AD till date can be classified into different period as follows (From the perspectives of the evolution of the development of Manipuri literature, R.K. Jhalajit Singh).

• 33 - 428 AD: Ancient Period
• 8th Century - 1047 AD: Old Period
• 1047 - 1709 AD: Early Medieval Period
• 1709 - 1819 AD: Late Medieval period
• 1819- Till date: Modern Period

As our present developmental evolution and growth is mostly influence by our history during Late Medieval and Modern period with some contributions from late part of early medieval Period. This era is considered as one of the most important period as during this era in the history of Manipur, king courts started maintaining written record of major events called Chaitharol Kumbaba.

It will be eye opening to compared historical growth and development of Manipur with other part of the world during the above various periods.

Early Medieval Period (1047 - 1709):
Notable contribution during this period of history mainly influences by games and sports (Kang Sanaba) activities. Worshiping of sacred stone started during this period.

Late Medieval Period (1709 - 1819):
Pamheiba was one of the greatest Meitei kings of Manipur. He was known for his warfare and intensity of extending his territory. Influences of Hindu religion reached its peak during this period in the reign of King Pamheiba. This began the cremation of dead bodies among meiteis. The well known event of destroying religious and Puya called Puya-Meithaba took place during this time (Mera, 1732 AD).

During the period Manipur comes in contact with British east India Company. The name "MANIPUR" for "MEITRABAK" or "SANNA-LEIPAK" came to existence in 1774 AD when Warren Hastings was the Governor General of India. The famous Manipuri dance "Ras-Leela" was played during this period. New era of development in the field cultural activities, education, standard of living can be seen during this period.

Modern Period (1819 - Till date):
This period can be sub-classified further as - Pre-Colonial, Colonial and Post colonial Era's.

Pre-Colonial Era - During this period, political and administration of Manipur was in turmoil as the princes of Manipur were fighting for power and controlling the throne. During this anarchy, Burmese occupants destroyed the country badly. The palace was leveled to the ground and along with this our cultural prosperity mixed with ground.

Colonial Era - Manipur was under direct British Empire for around 56 years. Famous revolt by Manipuri women's against British called as Nupi Lan occurred. Many new technologies outcomes where introduce to the people of Manipur right from artilleries to Aeroplanes. English and Bengali languages were introduced to people of Manipur.

Post-Colonial Era - After more than 50 years of independence, still we are surrounded by all sorts of problems. Fighting for independence from India, AFSPA, Corruptions, unemployment, drugs, Education, Basic Infrastructures and many more it's uncountable. Whom should we blame for all these problems, Government of India or Ourselves?

Now its time to come out of veil and to think "where we are heading?". If we drilled down our history, it is clear that we were never been hard working, innovative and objective driven people. We only believe in living life in its simplest form i.e. hand to mouth philosophy.

The economy Manipur is diverse and encompasses agriculture, handicrafts, forest product and textile. Mainly Agricultural activities had driven Manipur economy, which is basically traditional village farming. Manipur has made some progress in the setting up of small-scale industrial units of which some 7700 have been set up. As per the latest published report per capita income of Manipur in the year 2003-04 is 8751(In rupees).

Regarding the questions we raised before, we can try to answer it from the following comparison. if we compare Manipur with Kerala. Keralite utilized their weapon of education in exploring all available resources around the globe. In any hospital all over India you will find maximum numbers of nurses are from Kerala. Even outside India say in Middle East, 95% of the Indian populations in Middle East are Keralites. Do they don't want to work in their own state at the comfort of their home? In Manipur, even with all comforts of home, we all depend to outsider especially from Bihar and UP for our all odd jobs. We do feel ashamed to do odd jobs like saloon, cobbler, manual labour etc. Have we ever imagined how much money we are draining through this channel? May be this is what we learned and called educated persons.

It's now open to you all for discussion. Please contribute your value feedbacks and inputs.

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