Manipur is a state in northeastern India, bordered by Nagaland to the north, Assam to the west, Mizoram to the southwest, and Myanmar (Burma) to the south and east. Known as the “Land of Gems,” the state is geographically isolated from the rest of India. Its capital, Imphal, is centrally located within the state. The area spans 22,327 square kilometers, and the population in 2011 was recorded at 2.86 million, with the region having a population growth from 2.29 million in 2001.
Geography
Manipur is characterized by two distinct regions: the fertile Manipur River valley and the surrounding mountainous terrain. The valley, which covers 1,787 square kilometers, lies at an elevation of about 2,600 feet. A notable feature of the valley is Loktak Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state, which spans 100 square kilometers and serves as the source of the Manipur River. This river flows south, entering Myanmar and merging with the Myittha River, a tributary of the Chindwin River.
The surrounding hills are part of an extensive mountain range, including the Naga Hills to the north, the East Manipur Hills along the Myanmar border, and the Mizo and Chin Hills to the south. These hills rise between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, with the northern ranges reaching elevations over 9,500 feet. The Surma (or Barak) River in the west cuts through the West Manipur Hills, flowing towards Bangladesh.
Climate
Manipur’s climate is mostly temperate in the valley, while the higher hills experience colder weather. During summer, temperatures typically reach 32-34°C, while in winter, they can drop to 1-2°C. The region receives substantial rainfall, with about 1,650 millimeters annually. The driest months are between November and February.
Flora and Fauna
The state’s hilly regions are lush with mixed forests, including species such as bamboo, teak, oak, magnolia, and chinquapin. The Naga Hills feature the Luzon pine. Notable plants found here include rhododendrons, primroses, and blue poppies. The region is home to diverse wildlife like Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards, wild buffalo, and gaurs, the largest species of wild bison. Though the Indian one-horned rhinoceros once inhabited Manipur, it has nearly disappeared due to illegal poaching. The endangered brow-antlered deer is another vulnerable species found in the state.
People and Culture
The population of Manipur is predominantly Meitei, who make up two-thirds of the state’s population and primarily inhabit the valley. The Meitei people are largely Hindus, with women playing a vital role in trade and holding a high social position. In addition to the Meitei, the state is home to various indigenous hill tribes, including the Nagas in the north and the Kukis in the south. These tribes generally speak Tibeto-Burman languages and adhere to animist traditions, although some Nagas have converted to Christianity. More than 60% of the population speaks Manipuri, which, along with English, is the state’s official language.
Economy
The economy of Manipur revolves around agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Rice is the primary crop grown, while other products such as maize, sugarcane, mustard, tobacco, and legumes are also cultivated. The fertile soils of the valley support rich agricultural activity, while terraced farming is prevalent in the hilly regions. Livestock is mainly raised for meat, and domesticated animals are not commonly used for milk or labor in some tribal areas. The forest provides important resources like teak and bamboo.
Manipur’s industrial sector is limited, mainly consisting of cottage industries. The state is known for hand-woven fabrics that are sought after across India and abroad. Other local industries include silk production, soapmaking, carpentry, tanning, and the creation of bamboo and sugarcane products. The state has also developed an industrial hub in Imphal, which includes an electronics manufacturing plant.
Transportation
Due to its geographical isolation, Manipur faces challenges in connectivity with the rest of India. However, it is linked to the national network through a highway connecting Tamu in Myanmar to Dimapur in Nagaland, passing through Imphal. This road links Manipur with the Northeast Frontier Railway. Additionally, Imphal is accessible by air with flights connecting it to cities like Guwahati, Silchar, and Kolkata.
Government and Society
Manipur operates under a constitutional framework with a governor appointed by the President of India. The governor acts based on the advice of the chief minister and the Council of Ministers. The state’s legislature, the Vidhan Sabha, is unicameral, consisting of 60 members. The High Court, located in Imphal, oversees the state’s judiciary, and Manipur is divided into 16 administrative districts.
Education and Health
The literacy rate in Manipur is around 60%, and the state is home to a university in Imphal, along with more than 30 colleges. However, the state faces several health challenges, including tuberculosis, leprosy, venereal diseases, and filariasis. There are not enough health facilities to adequately meet the population’s needs.
Cultural Heritage
Manipur has a rich cultural heritage, with sports like polo and field hockey being particularly popular. The state is also the birthplace of Manipuri, a classical Indian dance form that is distinct for its elegant hand movements and its communal performances by both men and women. Manipuri dance often narrates stories from Hindu mythology, particularly the life of Lord Krishna. This traditional art form, once confined to the region, gained national recognition after being introduced to the rest of India by the poet Rabindranath Tagore in 1917.