Manipur facts you should know

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Sangai : The endemic, rare and endangered Manipur Brow-antlered deer

Facts are the most interesting things to read. Here are some facts about Manipur that everyone should know.

NONGDA LIREN PAKHANGBA, THE FIRST RULER OF MANIPUR KINGDOM:

Nongda Lairen Pakhangba ascended the throne of Manipur at Kangla in 33 A.D., according to the legend of the Meiteis. The Ningthouja dynasty emerged under his leadership. Nongda Lairen Pakhangba (Ibudhou Pakhangba) became the ruling deity of Manipur.

LION OF MANIPUR, BIR TIKENDRAJIT:

Bir Tikendrajit will always be remembered by the people of Manipur for his courage and patriotism. He was a prince and a great patriot. He fearlessly fought against the British India Empire in the Anglo-Manipur War in 1891 and was called the "Lion of Manipur".

On April 27, 1891, the British hoisted their Union Jack flag at Kangla, and that marked the end of the Manipur Kingdom. On August 13, 1891, Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged at Mapal Kangjeibung (Polo Ground). Every year, August 13 is observed as Patriot's Day in the state of Manipur.

WORLD'S ONLY FLOATING NATIONAL PARK, "KEIBUL LAMJAO NATIONAL PARK":

The floating national park is an integral part of Loktak Lake. It is characterized by a huge floating, decomposed plant locally called Phumdi. This floating national park is home to the endangered Sangai (Brow-antlered deer). Sangai is the state animal of Manipur. It was gazetted as National Park in the year 1977. It is currently under the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

BIRTH PLACE OF MODERN POLO "SAGOL KANGJEI":

The state gave the game of Polo to the world. Polo is known as Sagol Kangjei locally. It is said that the game was invented by King Kangba in the 14th Century BC. Every year during the month of November, the state hosts Manipur International Polo Festival at Mapal Kangjeibung in Imphal. The mallet is called Kangjei and Ball is called Kangdrum. Mapal Kangjeibung is the world oldest polo ground.

BIRTH PLACE OF "MANIPURI RAS LILA":

The Manipuri Ras Lila is one of the 8 (eight) major Indian Classical Dance forms and took birth from Manipur. The dance form is unique in the entire world and characterised by calm eyes and soft serene body movements. It was introduced for the first time during the period of Meitei Maharaja Rajarshi Bhagyachandra. Meitei Maharaja Rajarshi Bhagyachandra ruled the kingdom from 1759–1798 CE.

Phouoibi Ima Keithel Imphal in April 2021 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

WORLD'S LARGEST WOMEN-RUN MARKET "IMA KEITHEL":

The world's largest women's market, "IMA KEITHEL," is located in the heart of Imphal City. The market is busy from dusk until dawn. The vendors are selling a variety of local products. There are 5,000 stalls plus. The meaning of Ima Keithel is woman market.

Locally made products available in the market are fragrant pinewood, different types of pottery, beautiful handcrafted bamboo baskets, pretty local dolls, and colorful potli bags (locally called Senggao).

The facts of Manipur do not end here. Manipur is exceptional in terms of its history, art and craft, lifestyle, culture, and tradition. Keep reading to gain more knowledge.