Interesting Facts about Manipur

This article is all about historical, geographical, social, religious, cultural, amazing, rare, unknown interesting facts about Manipur.

Quick Basic Facts about Manipur

It was a Union territory from 1956 and became full fledged state from 1972.
The earlier name of Manipur was Kangleipak or Meeteileipak.
The origin of European Polo game lies in Manipur. Locals used to play a game riding on horseback which they called Pulu. The British spread this game as modern Polo to England during colonial period.
The advent of Japanese forces to India was checked after they were defeated by British near the border of Imphal during World War II.
The King of Manipur Princely state Bodchandra Singh signed the instrument of accession in 1949 and merged the princely state to union of India.
Manipur was called as Jewel of India by Jawaharlal Nehru.

Manipur borders with 3 states – Nagaland in north, Mizoram in southwest, Assam in northwest. It also shares international boundary with Myanmar in east. Length of international border along with Myanmar is 398 Km.
Mount Iso of Senapati district is the highest peak of state with an altitude of 2,994 m.
River Barak is the largest river of Manipur.
Loktak lake which is the biggest fresh water lake of northeast India is quite popular. It is famous for its unique Phumdis – the floating islands
Keibul Lamjao is the only one floating national park of the world floats over the Loktak lake.
As per 2011 census, Manipur has the highest sex ratio (987 females per 1000 male) among all seven sister states of north-east.

Economy of the state is poor and as per year 2014 data, Manipur stands at third last place in terms of GDP per capita.
Handloom weaving is the biggest industry of the state and accounts for one third of household workers
This state is the first to introduce Oak Tussar Industry (Sericulture – Silk farming).
Other industries include bamboo and cane articles, rice mills, edible oil crushing and leather goods.
Main Agriculture products of Manipur – Paddy, wheat, maize
Mineral resources – limestone

Manipur has literacy rate of 79.85 % which is well above of India’s average literacy rate of 74.04 %. Manipur stands at 9th rank among Indian states in terms of literacy.
Mukna (Wrestling) is a popular sport of the state.
The main tribal group of Manipur is Meetei which constitutes of 27 % population.
About 46 % of people are Hindus and 34 % are Christians while remaining 10 % are from different folk religious groups.
Manipuri is the well known and popular classical dance form which is based on the instances of Lord Krishna and Radha.
Festivals include Dol jatra, Lai Haraoba, Rasa leela, Cheiraoba, Gaan-Nagai, Yaoshang(Holi) and christmas.

M C Mary Kom – the famous five time World Boxing champion who also won medal in Olympics.
Irom C Sharmila – she is famous socialist and political activist. She started Hunger Strike in year 2000 which is still going on. She is also called as Iron Lady of Manipur.