Imphal


Imphal is the capital city of the Indian state of Manipur. The metropolitan centre of the city contains the ruins of Kangla Palace, the royal seat of the former Kingdom of Manipur, surrounded by a moat.

History

Initially ruled by Kin Khaba, Imphal was later ruled by the Pakhangba leaders. The clan of the Ningthouja tribe originated then. The Ningthouja tribe quickly expanded and dominated the region in politics and war. Kangla Palace was built by King Khagemba and his son Khunjaoba. The palace was later destroyed by the British during the Anglo-Manipur War. During the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra, there were a number of Burmese invasions. However, the kingdom survived with the help of Maharaj Gambhir Singh.
Imphal remained peaceful until 1891 when the British arrived to intervene in internal differences between the royal family. The British sent J.W. Quinton to help but the situation only grew worse and Senapati Tikendrajit was banished. The autocratic British behavior made people angry. This resulted in the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War, which the British won.
The Battle of Imphal took place between March and July 1944, during World War II. The Japanese invaded Imphal to capture British Colonies. However, they were defeated and had to retreat. This attack made the British realise the militarily strategic position of Imphal.

Demographics

the population within Imphal's city limits was 268,243. The average literacy rate in the town was over 90%, with a male literacy rate of 95% and female literacy rate of 87%. Nearly 70% of the inhabitants were Hindu, 10% were Christian, 3.8℅ Sanamahist, 3.7% Muslim, 0.54% Buddhist, 0.45% Jain, and 0.18% Sikh.
The Imphal East and Imphal West districts together have a population of 918,739, which includes Imphal Municipality and the towns and suburbs of Bijoy Govinda, Chingangbam Leikai, Khongman, Khurai Sajor Leikai, Kiyamgei, Kongkham Leikai, Laipham Siphai, Lairikyengbam Leikai, Lamjaotongba, Lamshang, Langjing, Langthabal Kunja, Langthabal Mantrikhong, Lilong, Lilong, Naorem Leikai, Naoria Pakhanglakpa, Oinam Thingel, Porompat, Porompat Plan Area, Pangei, Sagolband, Takyel Mapal, Thongju, and Torban.

Geography and climate

Imphal is located at in extreme eastern India, with an average elevation of. It has a humid subtropical climate with mild, dry winters and a hot monsoon season. Temperatures in July average about ; January is the coldest month, with average lows near. The city receives about of rain, with June the wettest month. The highest recorded temperature was, on 22 May 2009, and the lowest temperature was on 10 January 1970.

Tourist attractions

Kangla Palace

is on the banks of the Imphal River. Kangla means "dry land" in the Meitei language. It was the palace of King Pakhangba, and also has religious significance. There are a number of temples, and it is surrounded on three sides by a lake.

Bihu Loukon

is an ancient star-shaped fort made of mud. It is situated in Maklang, Imphal West District.

Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple Complex

A religious site and a tourist attraction, the Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple Complex is noted for its annual Durga Puja festival in September or October.

India Peace Memorial (Red Hill)

The Red Hill is 17 km south of Imphal City on Tiddim Road. The place was the scene of action and the theater of the battle that took place between Allied Forces and Japanese Forces fighting alongside the Indian National Army in World War II. Red Hill has now become a tourist attraction since the Japanese war veterans constructed a monument at the foot of this hill.

Imphal War Cemetery

This cemetery remembers British and Indian soldiers who fought and died in 1944 during World War II.

Women's Market (''Ima Keithel'')

The market stalls are all run by women, and it is reportedly the only such market in the world.
Three Mothers Art Gallery is an art museum located at Thangapat Road, Palace Compound, 4.3 km from Imphal.

Transport

Air

is south of the city and has direct flights to major Indian cities.

Road

Imphal is connected by the National Highway to major cities like Guwahati, Kohima, Agartala, Shillong, Dimapur, Aizawl, and Silchar.

Railway

In October 2012, India's Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure approved an extension of the Jiribam–Silchar railway to Imphal. The extension was expected to reach the city by 2019. The total length of the railway line is 110.62 km. The revised estimated cost of construction for the railway line sits at Rs 9658 crore, with Rs 4927.54 crore being spent as of 2019.

Sports

is a multi-purpose stadium in Imphal. It is used mostly for football and athletics. The stadium holds 30,000 people and was built in 1999. This stadium lies inside the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. The professional football club NEROCA FC and TRAU FC of I League uses the stadium as their home ground.

Education

Universities

Schools

There are many schools in Imphal affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education Board, as well as state government schools.
Imphal has many private and government hospitals that are open 24 hours.