Manipur

Manipur, state in northeastern India, bordered on the east by Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), on the north by Nagaland state, on the west by Assam state, and on the south by Mizoram state. One of the smallest of India's 25 states, Manipur has an area of 22,327 sq km (8,621 sq mi).

Geographically, Manipur is divided into mountainous hills that surround the central valley of the Manipur River. The hills have an average height above sea level of 1,300 m (4,300 ft); the valley, 660 m (2,200 ft). The valley is the most densely populated area of Manipur. At its center is Lake Loktak, which has an area of about 104 sq km (40 sq mi) and is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. The hills are covered with dense forests, containing large stands of teak and bamboo, as well as oak, magnolia, and pine. About two-thirds of the state is forested. The climate is temperate in the valleys and cold in the hills. The average maximum and minimum temperatures in Manipur are 22° C (72° F) and 15° C (59° F) respectively. Average annual rainfall is 1,650 mm (65 in).

The population of Manipur was 2,388,634 in 2001, giving the state an average density of 107 persons per sq km (277 per sq mi). Imphāl is the state capital. More than 60 percent of Manipur's population belongs to the Meithei ethnic group, who are predominantly Vaishnavite Hindus (Hindus who consider Vishnu to be the supreme deity) and live in the central valley. The remaining third of Manipuris belong to one of 30 hill tribes. These tribes are divided into many clans but fall into two main groups: the Nagas in the north and the Kukis in the south. Animism, the worship of nature deities and other spirits, is the dominant form of religion among the hill people, although some have been converted to Christianity. Manipuri and English are the official languages. The Manipuris have a reputation as warriors, and the martial arts are still practiced; polo and hockey are popular sports. The native dance style of Manipur is one of the most well-known forms of Indian dance. Manipuri dance is noted for its graceful turning and swaying. It was popularized throughout India in the 20th century by the poet Rabindranath Tagore, who brought Manipuri dance teachers to his school in Bengal. Manipur is home to a number of colleges as well as Manipur University (founded in 1980).

Agriculture, which provides the livelihood for 70 percent of Manipuris, and forestry dominate the economy. Rice is the principal crop; maize (corn), sugarcane, pulses (edible seeds gathered from pea and bean crops), and tropical and temperate fruits are also grown. Forest products include teak, bamboo, and pine. There is little modern industrial development, but cottage industries such as weaving flourish. Poor road, rail, and air links keep Manipur isolated from most of the rest of India.

Manipur has a unicameral (one-house) legislature of 60 seats called the legislative assembly. The state sends three members to the Indian national parliament: one to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and two to the Lok Sabha (Lower House). There are eight local government administrative districts: five in the hills, three in the valley.

Little is known about Manipur's early history. Manipur was often invaded by Burma (Myanmar); in 1762 the raja (Indian ruler), Bhagyachandra, requested British aid. This eventually led to the seven-year Indo-Burmese war, which was ended in 1826 by the Treaty of Yandabo. This treaty made Manipur part of British India. In 1947 the area became part of independent India and in 1949 it was made a union territory; it became a state in 1972. Political instability in the legislative assembly during the 1960s led to the temporary imposition of direct rule by the Indian president. The state retains a strong pride in its distinct identity, and discontent with the central government has led to political unrest.