Imphal War Cemetery

Along the National Highway No. 39 lies the Imphal War Cemetery that preserves the ashes of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Second World War. At present, the cemetery preserves 1,600 burials that are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. 

The Imphal War Cemetery lies at a distance of  2 kilometers from the heart of the city of Imphal. Initially, the cemetery housed the graves of 950 soldiers. The administrative authorities of the cemetery brought in the graves of the soldiers placed in two other cemeteries of Imphal thereby increasing the total number to 1,600. The nearest landmark to the Imphal War Cemetery is the DM College which stands at a distance of 1 kilometer from the burial ground. The stone tombstones bear the epitaph that recounts the lives of the soldiers and their bravery in death. Some of these accounts are engraved on bronze plaques. The serene and tranquil atmosphere of the cemetery is well maintained by the commission. 

Imphal War Cemetery is an important memorial that retells the story of the horrific war that claimed the lives of several young soldiers. The peaceful cemetery is one of the popular tourist attractions of Manipur.

The British and Indian Army  cemeteries commemorationg those who  died in the second  world war are serene and wall maintained with little stone makers and  bronze  plagues recording the gloriues sacrifice of the heroes. These graves are maintained by the common wealth war graves commission Imphal.The easiest route from Burma (now Myanmar) to India is through Imphal into Assam and after the invasion of Burma, Imphal became a focal point in the defence of India against the Japanese. Early in 1942, as the Japanese approached Rangoon, a very large proportion of its Indian population fled from the city to India, many of them to Upper Burma and so by Chindwin tracks to Assam.

 In May of that year, Commonwealth forces followed the same route on their retreat to India. In their wake came still more civilian refugees, many of whom died on the arduous journey under ceaseless heavy rain, without transport and food. Of the 400,000 civilians who fled to India about 140,000 passed through Imphal into Assam. The defence of India and the retention of a position from which Burma could be re-entered now became of primary importance. 

The 23rd Indian Division was formed in Manipur State, new airfields were constructed there, and army and air force reinforcements arrived. Eventually there was a considerable concentration of Commonwealth fighting forces in the Imphal area and from November 1944 onwards, No. 38 General Hospital was posted there. Strategically well placed for attacks on the lines of communication by railway, road and river which were vital for the maintenance of all Allied operations in Burma, Imphal with its airfields was a main objective when the Japanese made their thrust towards India in the spring of 1944. There was severe fighting in the surrounding hills and on the outskirts of the plain and the Japanese succeeded in cutting a long section of the Imphal-Kohima road and holding it for over three months. 

The Fourteenth Army held on grimly, inflicting heavy punishment on the Japanese. Of all the battles on this frontier of India the siege of Imphal and its relief in the summer of 1944 rank next in importance to the Battle of Kohima. 

INA Memorial Moirang

The Indian National Army (INA) Complex is located at Moirang, a town in Bishnupur District, around 45 KM from Imphal. This complex has a historical significance and associated with a very important event in the Indian freedom struggle and World War II.

INA Martyrs Memorial complex at Moirang was established in 1985. The complex has a museum and a library. The complex has a statue of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and a museum which exhibits letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other articles associated with the INA movement. Tourists, particularly from Japan, regularly visit the memorial complex to pay homage to their forefathers who had lost their lives in Manipur during World War II. The Japanese government has decided to construct a hospital in the memory of their forefather who died in Manipur during the war. Since its inception, the office of the Memorial has been organizing annually the Birthday of Netaji (23rd January), Flag Hoisting Day (14th April), and the Azad Hind Hukumat Day.

Historical Background

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose motivated his young army possessed by the idea of total freedom to the motherland from the clutches of British. He form the Indian National Army also called as Azad Hind Fauj. Azad Hind's military forces in the form of the INA saw some successes against the British, and moved with the Japanese army to lay siege to the town of Moirang. This is the first place in Indian soil where Netaji hoisted the Indian tri-color flag for the first time in April 14,1944, and Moirang became the unofficial headquarters of INA. Plans to march towards Delhi, gaining support and fresh recruits along the way, stalled both with the onset of monsoon season and the failure to capture Imphal. British bombing seriously reduced morale, and the Japanese along with the INA forces began their withdrawal from India. This Place in Moirang where Netaji unfulred the Indian flag first time had been later developed as INA Complex.

The Museum in the INA Complex

The Complex has a life size statue of Netaji and a Memorial Musuem. The Museum displays various letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other memorabilis reminding the noble sacrifices made by the INA.

Tourists, particularly from Japan and England, regularly visit the memorial complex to pay homage to their forefathers who had lost their lives in Manipur during World War II. The Japanese government have come one step forward to construct a Hospital in the memory of their forefather who died in Manipur during the war.

The Union Tourism Ministry has recently sanctioned the first installment of `12 crore for upgradation of the 'Indian National Army memorial complex mega project', at the popular tourist destination in Moirang near Imphal, Manipur. The total cost of the project is pegged at `25 crore.

Shopping Places for Handlooms and Handicrafts products

The treasured culture and tradition of the Manipuris are also displayed in their handloom clothes and handicrafts. The Manipuri handloom and handicraft are world famous for its craftsmanship as well as ingenuity, colourful, colourfulness and usefulness.

The people are artistic and creative in their thinking and outlook. Every house possesses a loom, and Manipuris weave with a passion and style, unparalleled by any other state. Manipuri bed covers of Moirangfee and flower designs, silk and cotton sarees, scarves, blankets and shawls, in distinctive shades and weaves, make for an alluring collection. A wide array of artistic handicrafts from bamboo, papier mache, decorative ivory, dolls and jewellery make for prized souvenirs.

Manipur's main shopping attractions are the traditional Manipuri handwoven textiles. The Manipuri dance doll with its graceful stances is a lovely memento to buy for family and friends. These exclusive handloom and handicraft items are sold at Khwairamband market, the largest exclusive women's market in the country, which is a must on every visitor's travel itinerary.

Popular Shopping Places

Ideal places to buy such handicrafts are Paona Bazar, where fixed price shops will lessen your shopping worries, Manipur Handlooms Sales Emporium, Handloom House and Tribal Emporium and Sangai Handloom, near the Gandhi memorial.

RKCS Art Gallery : One the of Finest art gallery in India

RKCS Art gallery is one of premier art gallery in Northeastern India founded by legendary RKCS (Rajkumar Chandrajitsana singh) in 1990 but officially as full flegded gallery, the RKCS ART GALLERY was inaugurated on 5th May 2003 by Orissa Governor M.M Rajendran as Chief guest, Manipur Governor Ved Marwah as President, Chief Minister of Manipur O. IBOBI and State Art and Culture Minister Dr M.Nara Singh as Guests of honor.

RKCS ART GALLERY a dream project of RKCS, his objective to leave out a worthwhile contribution for the people and foreign visitors had endeavored untiringly to establish a fascinating art house.

One of most outstanding achievements of Shri RKCS is the completion of an ambitious project of depicting the history of Manipur (1709-1949). After 10 years of hard works including research with eminent scholars of Manipur. The paintings recount main events of about 240 years of Manipur beginning with a historical episode of 1709 and closing with one of most memorable event, the merger agreement of Manipur with India 1949. And Many number of works on mythological and cultural subjects. His dream of Recording old such events for posterity.

Now RKCS art gallery has become a tourist attraction spot and has been attracting high dignitaries and persons of eminence from far and wide.

RKCS is no more today but his paintings are alive to tell stories from the pages of Manipur’s history and cultures. Lively with living colors and tone, expression and idiom. The art gallery is being maintained and cared for by RKCS museum of art and crafts. The doors are wide open to anyone interested in experiencing the creative genius of artist. Now the gallery have collected more than 500 objects of art works of RKCS.


ABOUT RKCS

Born on October 13, 1924 at Keishamthong Longjam Leirak In Imphal, Shri Rajkumar Chandrajitsana singh - a popularly known as RKCS – is a household name in the domain of Fine arts in Manipur.

Son of Shri Rajkumar Yumjaosana Singh (1870-1954), one of the pioneer artists in Manipur, RKCS started his career as an apprentice to his talented father during the period of 2nd World war.

In 1947 RKCS established his art studio under the title of “The RKCS,Chitralaya” which has become an alma mater for serious professional artists in Manipur. Remarkable for realistic and imaginative portrayal, RKCS’s paintings covers a wide range of subjects that has been received well by the public as well as by connoisseurs within and outside the state. During the span of sixty five years, he has executed more than ten thousands number of works on mythological, historical and cultural subjects with vigour and vivacity, and distinguished himself as a portrait painter.

RKCS paintings had been exhibited throughout India over the years to benefit the cultural heritage of Manipur, its people and several non-profit organizations.

RKCS died on November 20, 2004. His death happened on a historic day for Manipur when Government of India handed Kangla palace over to people. For RKCS, it was the realization of yet another dream. His last painting on Kangla was presented to Shri Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India as a state gift to mark the historical event. It was a tribute to his love for Kangla- a subject very close to his heart.

RKCS paintings have been collected by persons coming from different part of world. Many of his works have either been gifted to or collected by various distinguished individuals and institutions in India and abroad. RKCS’s paintings on different subjects were presented to former Presidents of India, Shri Giani Zail singh, Shri R.S Venkataraman, Shri K.R Narayanan, Shri A.P.J Abdul Kalam and to former Prime Ministers Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Shri I.K.Gujral, Shri H.D Gowda, Shri Atul Bihari Vajpayee and Shri Dr. Manmohan Singh and Smt Sonia Gandhi Chairperson UPA government by the Government of Manipur during their visits to the State and Ambassadors of many Nations also collected his paintings. Today his name has become almost an institution.


"I have lots of things to do. I dream of restoring the lost culture through paintings. I dream of recording of such events for posterity." -- RKCS

Traditional Game: Mukna

Mukna is a sport, which is a combination of wrestling and judo, originating from, and popular in the state of Manipur. Historical records prove, that Mukna has been played since, the first half of the 15th century, but no exact record is available of the earlier meets. In Manipur, there is a belief that this type of wrestling goes as far back as the Hayachak era (Satya Yug), when Pakhangba, the son of the Atiya Guru Shidaba, caught his irate brother, Sanamahi who was the incarnation of a horse, causing chaos and confusion in the kingdom. Sanamahi was furious with his father, for naming Pakhangba as his successor. Pakhangba trapped his brother at the end of a long and bitter encounter, when he used a deadly grip that rendered Sanamahi powerless. This paved way for the birth of Mukna. This sport really flourished during the reign of King Khagemba (1597-1672). The game is generally played on the last day of the festival of Lai Haraoba (worship of the sylvan diety), and is an intrinsic part of the ceremonial functions.

The competitions are usually in the same weight category. Contestants, wearing a waist belt and a groin belt, hold each other's belts, and then the match begins. Holding the opponent's neck, hair, ear, private parts or legs with the hands, are considered foul. Boxing and kicking are also not permitted. The competitor who touches the ground first with his head, back, shoulder, knee or the hand, is declared the loser.

Some of the traditional equipments and dresses of the land are used by the players of this game. This is principally, to protect the vital parts of a player's body. It also helps to identify the pana or the yek, to which the wrestler belongs. The waist belt is known as a ningri. The winner is called a yatra. He is declared winner, if he succeeds in pinning his opponent to the ground - with the whole of his body or his back touching the ground.

There are many techniques or lou, used in Mukna. Absolute physical fitness and skill is required, while mastering these techniques. Today, the game is popular in Imphal, Thoubal and Bishnpur.

THANG TA MARTIAL ART OF MANIPUR: A CULTURE OF PERFORMANCE

THANG TA is popular term for the ancient Manipuri Martial Art known as HUYEN LALLONG. The art developed from the war environment of the tiny state of Manipur in North-east India, which was an independent kingdom since the early Christian era. It played an important role in the geopolitical environment of medieval times in between India and China with many independent states at war with each other. Constant life and death struggles between clans, tribes and states resulted in the devising of ways and means of safeguarding the lives of the citizen soldiery and at the same time developing an inward attitude to problems of life, death and afterlife.

The art of the battle simultaneously envisioned a deep value system or world view ensconced within the culture of the small ethnic communities struggling for survival from constant attack from hostile neighbours and also to sustain a social order based on rank, status and kin affiliations of a collective kind. The individual was always in deep relationship with the community using ritual as a means of constant regenerative action in tune with the movement of the spiritual world of ancestors beyond human life. The world of man was an outward revelation of the inner life of the natural world and the universe. Deep harmony between outer action and inner forces resulted in the use of the body in various forms of expression.

The art of the battle and the use of weaponry, when its warlike engagements were over, developed into a system of wielding objective elements in organic relationship with the cosmos. The body itself became a space where the tensions and dynamics of creation was worked out in a system of movements reflecting the essence of these creative forces. The whole world of the dynamic cosmos was recreated within the world of the body of man.

THANG TA (The art of sword and the spear) thus became an expressive art form which however retained its fighting character at the secret home schools of individual teachers or Gurus, after being prohibited during the period of the colonial raj (1891-1947). It survived during the period of Manipur’s integration with the Indian Union in 1949, where the art was shown in festivals and performance platforms abroad since 1976. Unfortunately, the internal system of meditative practices and its essential spiritual character is at risk of being lost through lack of knowledge and committed practice by the present generation. Contemporary theatre practitioners are gaining awareness of its basic energy use and creative exercise of the body’s resources which would enhance the performance energy of the artist. It is at an exploratory stage that this new culture is being re-examined.

The movement behaviour of the different parts of the Manipuri martial body are derived from the cultural and habitual uses of daily life. Certain extra-daily postures, positions. and movements are compiled into codes adding to the natural repertoire.

Physical Characteristics in Customary Usage and Ritual Practice

1.Khurumba (the bow) - where the forward/downward flexion of the relaxed spine is used.

2.Tha Leiba -Rotation and tilts of the pelvic joint in different angles while supporting the torso in regular curvilinear uses are most common. The half turn of the chest are also common.

3. Thong khong (bridge support) - The squat is also a familiar use of the lowering of the upper extremities nearer to the ground, where the two legs in deep bent position support the whole body, thereby proximally utilizing the use of the upper extremities at the ground level. Men use three positions of squat in a descending order to enable the firmer hold of the body in pro-gravitational positions.

4. Wai teiba - a daily ritual of cleaning the floor by women. Women use a different flexible squat system with the bent knees opened out to enable the forward flexion of the torso or spine. The hand uses the washcloth with more space at her command while rubbing the floor. The entire system of body use are rich and varied, and the wrists could be most appropriately exploited in Khujeng Leibi (Wrist circling) to emulate the figure of eight.

Thang(Art of the sword) emphasizes Phidup (coil), lowering of one’s body near to the ground to enable a spring action for expansion and attack.

TA(Spear) emphasizes PHANBA, an opening out of the body with two forms, NONGPHAN to stimulate the expanse of the sky, and the LEIPHAL emulating the expanse of the earth at the ground level in order to reach out to all directions of space. The spear uses about 75% of the lower extremities in motion, while the wielding of the sword normally takes 75% exercise of the upper extremities.

The martial system is a much more vigorous use of the body in order to reach out to the space of the opponent, and the two arts are derived from the physiographic and cultural environment of the Manipur plains and the hills. The Meitei in the plains, the pre-dominant ethnic group are capable of using both sword and spear in its weapon system. The sword is most favourably used in protecting the body from attack from all sides, whereby the figure of eight is extensively used to cover the all vulnerable parts of the body. The Meitei often use more movement than stillness while preparing to fight the opponent, and the self as target is dynamic, moving and shifting position often. There is also the use of stillness while awaiting the attacking move of the opponent, depending on the nature of the enemy. (Courtesy:www.thangta.com)

By Bus to Imphal

From Guwahati daily on the NH 39 via Dimapur and Kohima   many  private buses available.

From Dimapur daily on the NH 39 via Kohima Manipur  many  private buses available.

From Silchar daily on the NH 53 via Jiribam  many  private buses available.

By Train to Imphal

There is no direct train service to Imphal. But travellers can travel upto Guwahati or Dimapur (nearest rail head from Imphal) and then rest by bus or by air.

By Air to Imphal

Imphal Tulihal Airport is located about 8km from the heart of the City and is well connected directly from the major cities of India namely Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and major cities of North Eastern States namely Aizawl, Silchar, Dimapur etc by Daily/bi-weekly/other basis with the Domestic Air services like Air India, Indigo, King Fisher, Jet Airways, Jet Lite, Spice Jet, Air Deccan etc. Other major cities of India is connected to Imphal via Kolkata/Guwahati.


Imphal Airport is an airport in Imphal located 8 km south of the capital of Manipur, India.
The airport offers regional commercial airline service as well as general aviation and charter service.
The terminal houses a post office and variety shop. There is also a reception counter of Tourism Department. Wheel chair accessibility, child care room, and assistance to physically challenged, aged and infirm are available.

Imphal Airport was a major Allied supply base. The Allies could fly men, equipment and supplies into the airstrips at Imphal (and Palel also, until the onset of the monsoon rains) so although cut off by land, the town was not without a lifeline. Allied aircraft could also parachute ammunition, rations and even drinking water to the encircled combat units during the Battle of Imphal, when Japanese forces attempted to invade India, but were driven back into Burma with heavy losses.

Airlines operating via Tulihal Airport Airport

Air India (AI)

IndiGo (6E)

Jet Airways (9W)

Jet Konnect (S2)

Kingfisher (IT)

Introduction to Manipur

Due to its geographical situation, Manipur is a shining pearl in the Himalayan system. Jawaharlal Nehru once described Manipur as the 'Jewel of India'. Manipur is a natural delight with hills around the cup-shaped valley and numerous small lakes and swamps. Manipur had been a Union Territory from 1956 and became a full-fledged state from 1972. Manipuri was recognised as a national language in 1992.

Brief History of Manipur

Manipur has population of two groups, the people who inhabit the hills called the Nagas and those who inhabit the valley called the Meiteis. The hills are also inhabited by the group called the Kukis. Imphal is the political capital of Manipur. The earliest recorded history dates to 900 AD. In the course of its history there have been several invasions from Myanmar (Burma), which borders with Manipur and numerous clashes with the Nagas.

In 1826, Manipur was brought into India by the treaty of Yandavo by Raja Jai Singh with the British at the end of the Indo-Burmese war. This followed a dispute in accession to the throne. With the intervention of the British the dispute was settled.

In 1891 Churachand was nominated the Raja and it came under British rule as a princely state. During World War II Imphal was occupied by the Japanese. After Indian independence Manipur became a Union Territory and subsequently achieved statehood in January 21,1972.

Geography of Manipur

Manipur is located between 23.83oN and 25.68oN latitude and 93.03oE and 94.78oE longitude. It comprises 1820 sq. km of flat plateau of alluvial valley and 20,507 sq. km of hill territory and forms a part of the Himalayan mountain system, which carries this cup-shaped wonderland inside its series of hill ranges. Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south, upper Myanmar in the east and Cachar district of Assam in the west bound Manipur. Hill ranges from all sides surround the valley portion of the state. All the hills are covered with luxuriant growth of forests with nagesar, jurul, Indian rubber, tan, oak, ash, teak and palm.

The climate of Manipur is largely influenced by the topography of this hilly region which defines the geography of Manipur. Situated at an elevation of 790 meters above the sea level, the state of Manipur is wedged between  hills from all sides. This north eastern corner of India is blessed with a generally amiable climate though the winters can be a little chilly.

Climate

The maximum temperature recorded in the summer months of Manipur is 32 degree Celsius. In winter the mercury often falls to sub zero temperature making it frosty in the wintertime. The coldest month in Manipur is January and July experiences the maximum summer temperature. The ideal time for tourism in the state, in terms of the climate of Manipur, is from the months of October till February, when the weather remains bright and sunny without the scorch of the sun.

The hilly state is drenched in rains from the months of May and continues till the middle of October. It receives an average rainfall of 1467.5 mm, annually. However, the rain distribution varies from 933 mm in Imphal to 2593 mm in Tamenglong. The downpour ranges from light drizzles to heavy showers.

The normal rainfall of Manipur enriches the soil and helps in agricultural processes and irrigation. However, the heavy and sustained fall of rain is largely responsible for the soil erosion down the hill slopes. The South Westerly Monsoon picks up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and heads towards Manipur, hits the Eastern Himalaya ranges and produces a massive amount of rain in the state.

Population of Manipur

The noteworthy aspect of the population of Manipur is its sex ratio. With 978 females per 1000 males, Manipur has a balanced sex ratio. According to the last census in 2001, the total population of Manipur is 23, 88,634. There are a total of 11, 81,296 of females in comparison to 12, 07,338 of males.

About 60% of the population resides in the valley region while the rest lives in the hilly areas of the state. The state population is a combination of non tribal and tribal people. The tribal people mostly inhabit the hilly areas and the plains have a dense population of non tribal people.
Manipur has a large rural population of 18, 18,224 and comparatively much lower urban population of 5, 70,410. The population density in Manipur is 107 per square kilometers. The literacy rate of Manipur is almost 69% with the total literate population of 14, 29,656.

Districts of Manipur

Manipur has 9 districts: Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur, Imphal-East, Imphal-West, Senapati, Tamenglong, Thoubal and Ukhrul

Rivers of Manipur

Manipur has Major Rivers - Imphal, Iril, Nambul, Sekmai, Chakpi, Thoubal and Khuga.

Language 

Meitei, Bishnupriya Manipuri, Hindi, English, Mizo and local dialects.

Government of Manipur

Okram Ibobi Singh is the Chief Minister of Manipur, He has held that position since March 7, 2002. He is a member of the Indian National Congress.

Economy of Manipur

Agriculture and allied activities is the single largest source of livelihood of rural folk. Paddy is the main crop grown. Manipuri rice is very sweet. It can be eaten without curry. Other crops are wheat, pulses, maize etc. There are two modes of cultivation viz, punghul and transplantation of seeds. In the hill area Jhum and terraced cultivation are carried in the agricultural season. In general the land is cleared in the month of January and February. Crops are sown in May-June and harvesting starts in October and ends about in the early part of December. The soil is considered fit for all kinds of grain crops, vegetables and fruits. Sirohee hill in Ukural is famous for the Sirohee lily. The species of this plant is endemic to that particular hill only. Fruits cultivated include pine-apple, arum, orange. In some areas of the valley apricot, oranges, lemons and mangoes are also grown. Every kind of vegetables like cabbage, carrot, radish, beetroot, turnip, ladies finger, pumpkin and pulses are grown and the yield is very good. Vegetables also include chilly, potato, cabbage, pea, brinjal and tomato.

Manipur has also made some progress in the setting up of small-scale industrial units. A joint sector plant to manufacture drugs and pharmaceuticals has been commissioned and electronic goods; Steel fabrication articles and plastic goods are being produced in the state. Among other industries a spinning mill, a ghee manufacturing unit and similar factories to make other consumer products have been commissioned. A factory is already making colour and black and white, TV sets.

Manipur Travel Information

Manipur has a many offer to the tourists visiting this state. Some of the places worth visiting are the Shree Govindajee Temple, Kaina (a sacred place of Hindus), Khwairamand Bazaar, Manipur Zoological Garden, apart from the beautiful Loktak Lake and Sendra Island. Besides, Langthabal (historic sites), Moirang, Moreh, Phubala, Singda, Khongjom, Sahid Mandir, Khonghampat Orchidarium, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Sekta Archeological Living Museum, and the Manipur State Museum are surely worth a visit. 

Heikru Hitongba

Celebrated in the month of September, a festival of joy, with little religious significance. Along a 16 meter moat, long narrow boats are sailed by a large number of rowers. Idol of Shri Vishnu is installed before the commencement of the race.

Rath Jatra

One of the greatest festivals of the Hindus of Manipur, this festival is celebrated for about 10 days in the month of Ingel (June-July). Lord Jagannath leaves his temple in a chariot pulled by pilgrims who vie with one another for this honor.