7 Historical Places in Manipur & Why It's Famous

Manipur is home to several spots of historical importance. In this article, we will be talking about 7 important places of historical significance in Manipur. 

1. Kangla Fort

Kangla Fort is an ancient fort located in the city of Imphal, in the Indian state of Manipur. The fort is located on the banks of the Imphal River and has a rich historical and cultural significance in Manipur. The fort was the seat of power of the Manipuri kings for centuries and has played an important role in the history of Manipur. The fort has seen many battles and conflicts over the years and has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Today, the fort has been converted into a historic and cultural park and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the various structures and artifacts within the park, including the royal palace, the coronation hall, and the sacred Kangla Sha, a large stone slab that was once used for royal ceremonies.

2. Imphal War Cemetery

The Imphal War Cemetery is a military cemetery located in Imphal, the capital city of the Indian state of Manipur. It was built to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives in the battles fought in the region during the Second World War. The cemetery contains the graves of more than 1,600 soldiers from the Allied forces, including soldiers from the United Kingdom, India, Canada, Australia, and others. The cemetery also includes a memorial to over 1,200 soldiers from the Indian Army who lost their lives in the region during the war and have no known graves. It is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in the region. The cemetery is a popular destination for visitors who are interested in the history of the Second World War and those who wish to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers.

3. Shaheed Minar

Shaheed Minar is a monument located in the city of Imphal, the capital of the Indian state of Manipur. It was built to commemorate the martyrs who lost their lives in the Manipur State Agitation, a movement that aimed to protect the interests of the people of Manipur and their unique identity. The Manipur State Agitation took place in the early 1980s, and it was a nonviolent movement that sought to prevent the merger of Manipur with other states in the region. The movement was met with violence and repression from the authorities, leading to the deaths of many activists and supporters. The Shaheed Minar was built in memory of those who lost their lives during the agitation, and it stands as a symbol of the struggle for justice and freedom. 

4. Shree Govindajee Temple

Shri Govindjee Temple is one of the most important and revered temples in Manipur, dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha. It is known for its unique architecture, which blends the traditional Manipuri style with the North Indian style of temple architecture. The temple has a central dome that is supported by pillars, and it is surrounded by smaller domes and spires. The temple is believed to have been built in the 18th century, during the reign of King Bhagyachandra, who was a devotee of Lord Krishna. The temple is also known for its rich history and cultural significance, and it is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Krishna. The temple is famous for its Ras Lila performances, which are traditional Manipuri dance dramas that depict the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha.

5. Sanamahi Temple

Sanamahi Temple is dedicated to Sanamahi, who is considered to be the supreme deity of the Meitei community, the predominant ethnic group in Manipur. It is one of the oldest and most revered shrines in Manipur, and it is believed to have been built in the 1st century AD. The temple has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the centuries, and it has been an important center of worship for the Meitei community for many generations. The temple is also known for its rich cultural heritage, and it is an important site for religious and cultural festivals in Manipur. The Lai Haraoba festival, which is the most important festival of the Meitei community, is celebrated in the temple complex every year.

6. Manipur State Museum

The Manipur State Museum was established in 1969 and is dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Manipur. It houses a collection of artifacts, manuscripts, documents, photographs, and other materials related to the history, art, culture, and traditions of Manipur. It has several galleries, each dedicated to a particular theme or period in the history of Manipur. These are dedicated to the arts and crafts of Manipur, which include pottery, weaving, and embroidery, as well as traditional musical instruments and dance costumes. The museum also has a collection of rare manuscripts, including ancient palm leaf manuscripts, which are considered some of the most valuable treasures of Manipur's cultural heritage.

7. Hanuman Thakur Temple

Hanuman Thakur Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hindu mythology. It was built in the 18th century, during the reign of King Garibniwaz, and is one of the oldest and most important temples in Imphal. The temple is known for its unique architecture, which blends traditional Manipuri and Hindu styles of temple architecture. The Hanuman Thakur Temple is known for its rich history and cultural significance, and it is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Hanuman. The temple is also known for its annual Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, which take place in the month of April and attract thousands of devotees from all over Manipur and neighboring states.

Also Read: 7 Temples in Manipur that you should definitely visit