Imphal

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Imphal
type = capital
latd = 24.82
longd = 93.95
locator_position = left
state_name = Manipur
district = Imphal West, Imphal East
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 786
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 217,275
population_density =
area_magnitude = sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone = 3852
postal_code = 795xxx
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
footnotes =

Imphal audio|Imphal.ogg|pronunciation is the capital of the Indian state of Manipur.

In the heart of the town and surrounded by a moat, are ruins of the old Palace of Kangla. Until 2003, the grounds used to be occupied by the Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force. Another place of historical interest is the Polo Ground which is the oldest existing polo ground in the world. Near the Polo Ground is the Manipur State Museum, which has a good collection of old artifacts and nice pictures depicting the history of Manipur. 'Ima Keithel' at Khwairamband Bazar is the only market in the world where, as the name suggests, all the stalls are run by women.

In 1944 during World War II the Battle of Imphal, along with the simultaneous Battle of Kohima, was the turning point in the Burma Campaign. For the first time in the South-East Asian Theatre of World War II the Japanese lost the initiative to the Allies, which they retained until the end of the war.

The state is also famous for the Brow-antlered Deer called the Sangai. This species of the deer is endemic to Manipur and is on the verge of extinction. Last count of Sangai deer revealed only 162 left in the Keibul Lamjao National Park.

On 18 June 1997, the Imphal district was split into Imphal East and Imphal West.

Geography

Imphal is the capital of Manipur,located at coord|24.82|N|93.95|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/17/Imphal.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Imphal] ] . It has an average elevation of 786 metres (2578 feet). It is located in the extreme east of India.

The Imphal Valley is drained by several small rivers originating from the hills surrounding it. These include the Imphal, Iril, Sekmai, Thoubal, and Khuga rivers.

Main Tourist Attractions of Imphal

Shree Govindajee Temple

This place was considered to be the highest place for any cultural activity during the times of the Maharajas. Located at a place near the Royal palace of past Maharajas, it has two domes and a raise congregation hall to keep the sacred deities in their place, aloof and high.

War Cemeteries

The cemeteries are the seats of remembrance for the British and Indian soldiers who fought and died in the Second World War. When you visit these cemeteries, the peace and the cleanliness of the place will entice you. If the tourists are not satisfied with the serenity then they can go through the various written messages on the stone markers and bronze plaques of the graves.

Women's Market or Ima Keithel

Cacophony, bargain of products and a spread of a beautiful and colourful cloth is what you would most notice when you visit this market place. But, this is the charm of the place, if a person wants to know how the trade goes in Manipur, this is the first place to buy. The bazar consist of two main sections -one where the vegetables, fruits and necessary items are sold and the other where the handloom products of the state is sold. The peculiarity of the market is that around 3000 'Imas' or mothers run the stalls.

Manipur Zoological Gardens

The Brow Antlered deer, which is a rare species, can be seen in the Manipur Zoological Gardens. Located at a distance of 6 km from the capital, the zoo is very modest to the core with its surrounding, a large expanse of open grounds.

Manipur State Museum

The museum, which is the representation of the tangible information of history, shows a display of the tribal heritage and the collection of the artifacts of the former Ningthourels of Manipur. Costumes of the common people and warriors, arms and weapons of the varied communities and relics and historical documents can be seen here. The priceless artifacts, documents and cultural heritage of a mentioned civilization can be first accessed through a Museum.

Transport

Air

Daily flights are available from New Delhi to Imphal via Guwahati, capital of Assam.

Railroads

In 2007, the Economist newspaper reported that a railway line from Guwahati via Imphal to Moreh, the last frontier town less than a km. from the border of Myanmar would be built.

Roadways

If you are a sight seeing enthusiast and fancy the beautiful, picturesque landscapes of the mountains, and do not mind the tiresome fourteen odd hrs. bus journey to Imphal, you could buy a Super Delux Bus ticket from Guwahati. You will surely be blessed with the view of your bus ride through the clouds while crossing Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. You could see the birds flying below you.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Imphal had a population of 217,275. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Imphal has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 74%. In Imphal, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

References

External links

Government Websites
* [http://imphalwest.nic.in/iwfront.html Imphal West]
* [http://imphaleast.nic.in/ Imphal East]
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/seirangba_marup/ Seirangba Marup,] the language based Yahoo Group about Manipuri Art and Literature
* [http://www.kanglaonline.com/ Kanglaonline] -> News Channel from Manipur
* [http://e-pao.net/ e-pao] -> News Channel from Manipur
* [http://www.ifp.co.in/ Imphal Free Press]
* [http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/ Sangai Express]
* [http://www.radiomanipur.com/ Radio Manipur]
* [http://northeasterner.in/ Northeasterner: Beautiful People]