Imphal - Polo and the INA began here. FM Lord Slim stayed here. A historic city rarely visited.

They call Manipur: The Jewel of India. I think many states would vie for that title too but I did find it different in many respects.

The City of Imphal saw the rise of the Indian National Army with Subhash Chandra Bose as its head. This is where Polo originally began and where it’s still played on the same grounds. This is where the fierce battles of WW2 were fought with the Japanese and Field Marshal Lord Slim made it his personal HQ. His cottage still remains as a memory of his unequalled leadership. This is the home of the famous Manipuri artist Rajkumar Chandrajitsana Singh – his art gallery called RKCS Gallery - and his works embody Imphal’s history through the ages. 

The city of Imphal is the capital of the Indian state of Manipur. Originally ruled by King Khaba, the throne of Imphal was later ceded by the Pakhangba leaders. It was here that the Ningthouja dynasty originated. The Ningthouja people expanded their influence in politics and warfare. The Kangla Palace, built by King Khagemba and his son Khunjaoba, was destroyed by the British during the Anglo-Manipuri War. This area experienced several Burmese invasions; however, with the help of Gambhir Singh and the Manipur army, Kangla was liberated from the Burmese forces. 

Outside the city is  Red Hill where the Japanese launched a fierce battle for days against Commonwealth forces. On the same route, you can go to the Chiru Waterfalls which is a pleasant two hour outing but does involve climbing many steps. Started walking and found that there was a long slow upward slope and then a series of 179 steps. Waterfall was nice but nothing spectacular. En route we came across a Jewish synagogue – I am told that these locals believe they are the Children of Israel and many have migrated to Israel.

The Indian National Army museum is wonderful. Excellent collection of photographs of the INA and its inception and involvement with the Japanese against the British. The caretaker is an excellent guide. Use his services. The museum has super photos and memorabilia of the INA. 

LOKTAK LAKE .......Loktak is Lok = "stream" and tak = "the end". The largest freshwater (sweet) lake in North -East India, also called the only Floating Lake in the world due to the floating phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matters at various stages of decomposition) on it. Located near Moirang in Manipur state, India. It’s basically a very large area with numerous floating islands on it. Like large grass patches. There is a causeway between the two parts of the lake and at the top of the hill; there is Sendra Resort where you can stay. At opp end of path is a restaurant which had noisy Indian tourists. We had tea and-left at 1.45 pm. 

This ancient lake plays an important role in the economy of Manipur. It serves as a source of water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply. The lake is also a source of livelihood for the rural fisherman who live in the surrounding areas and on phumdis. Human activity has led to severe pressure on the lake ecosystem. 55 rural and urban hamlets around the lake have a population of about 100,000 people. Considering the ecological status and its biodiversity values, the lake was initially designated as a wetland of international importance. 

57 species of water birds and another 14 species of wetland associated birds have been noted in the lake including 28 species of migratory waterfowl (most migrating from different parts of the northern hemisphere beyond the Himalayas). Also recorded were 425 species of animals—249 vertebrates and 176 invertebrates). The list includes rare animals such as the Indian python, sambhar and barking deer

Keibul Lamjao national park. Wanted to see the Sangai deer but no luck. These are brown antler deer often called the Dancing deer!! The park is 45 sq kms of which 26 sq km is a floating island. Said to be the largest in the world. Rest of area is water. The deer are best seen bet 6-9 am and after 4 pm! From the viewing point, we saw tall grass, 10-15 ft height. There were 15 ft fire paths cut at regular intervals. The grass was dry and brownish green. Apparently there Sangai there but I never saw any though the local guide said he saw. 

 Kangla
The centre of Manipur's power till 1891, the historical embodiment of Manipur Rulers and the people of Manipur, Kangla has a significant place in the heart and mind of the people of Manipur. The Govindajee temple, outer and inner moat and other relics are perfect reflections of the rich art and culture of Manipur and her civilization.

The signage outside clearly states that here all men are equal and have to pay their entry fees... How wonderful, if only this applied across our country.

We saw the historical and archaeological museum, the ruins of the palace, the royal boats, the temple, the cottage of FM Slim. And other places. Everything beautifully maintained.

The palace was destroyed by the Brits. The Govindji temple built in 1842 was the local temple but then razed and new one built, like the palace where king asked to move out.

Citadel walls built in 1614. Half destroyed. The seven flags flying on top of the temple memory of the 1st king and queen signify the seven flags = seven clans. Colours and size specs always in same order.

 

 
 

I love this sign so its repeated here again !! 

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