Manipur Tour-Part 1- A Visit To The Historic Kangla Fort, Imphal

One of the entrances to the Kangla Palace/Pic: Arijit Nag

When we decided to travel to Manipur, people were quite taken aback. Many had much to say. Some warned us about dangerous militants prowling behind bushes ready to kidnap visitors given the slightest chance while others warned us about remote and dangerous places that must never be approached. While still others were quite sure that there is nothing of tourist interest in the Manipur. However, none of these people had ever set their foot on the “Jewelled Land.” All their knowledge had been gathered from rumors associated with the state by the people from the rest of India. We were, however, quite determined to visit the place and we never regretted the decision ever. 

On a January morning in 2019, we boarded the 9:05 Indigo flight (direct) to Imphal (the capital of Manipur) from Kolkata. We reached Imphal at around 10:30 am. Our pre-booked car and driver from Hotel Imphal were waiting at the exit gate of the airport. As we exited the airport, we were greeted by a bright and sunny winter morning. The weather outside was quite pleasant. The faces of the people around us were quite distinct from what we see in the rest of India. Soon our car was at the gate and we rode off into the unknown.

We reached our hotel, Hotel Imphal, in a matter of around 20 mins. The staff there were very warm and smiling. When we inquired about the touring Manipur, they provided us with a leaflet mentioning the itineraries and costs for the same. We saw the option of a city tour of Imphal and decided to go for it the very day. It cost around Rs. 1500 + taxes (car and driver)

After freshening up a bit, we boarded the car, and off we were. Until now, nothing that our well-wishers had warned us of earlier appeared to be applicable. The only thing we did notice was armed military personnel and vehicles in front of government buildings, at strategic points in the city, and other major private buildings, museums, etc.

Our first stop was the Kangla Fort and the article here is all about this first attraction of Imphal.

Kangla Fort or Kangla Palace can be regarded as the most important historic site of the state. It is from Kangla that Manipur developed its own distinct identity. The palace is located at the heart of the city of Imphal on the western banks of the Imphal River. The Meitei people, the dominant ethnic group in Manipur, trace their origins to the Kangla complex. It is from here that the Meitei rulers ruled over their kingdom. It is also believed to be the “cradle of civilization” by the locals of the region. The palace was built over many centuries by the various rulers who ruled over Manipur. 

The Kangla Sha statues inside the Kangla Palace. It is a mythical creature believed to be the Protector of the King and is the symbol of the Meities/Pic:Arijit Nag

As we entered the gates of this historic palace complex by paying an entry fee of only Rs. 10/- per head (for Indian nationals), we were directed to the Information Center for further information. We paid Rs.150/- per head to book a place in a buggy ride and a guide to take us around the place.

Kangla is not only the historical heart of Manipur but many of the state’s major religious developments started at the site. Today, one can see shrines of both the indigenous religion (Sanamahism) and the introduced religion (Hinduism) of the Meitei people at Kangla.

 

The Kangla Museum Building/Pic: Arijit Nag

There is also a museum at Kangla where one can find maps, images, and models explaining the history of Manipur. 

The Kangla Fort complex was ruled by many Manipuri rules over the course of time and their portraits are present in the museum. Over a period of centuries, the fort was attacked and invaded by many powers including the Burmese for a period of seven years in the 18th century. The period of Burmese rule in the region is labeled as the “Seven Years Devastation.”

The bungalow built and used by the British during their rule in Kangla/Pic:Arijit Nag

Manipur’s independence once more came under threat in the 19th century when the British took advantage of internal rivalries within the royal family of Manipur and invaded the region. The Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 was the result of this British interference. Soon, the British used their diplomatic tactics to gain control of the region. They conquered 'Kangla Fort' on 27 April 1891 and many of the royals were publicly executed. The British posted the Security forces/Assam Rifles at Manipur to keep any rebellions under control. Later, as India earned its independence from British rule, Manipur also became independent of the British but was included as part of Indian territory. The Assam Rifles, now under Indian government, continued to hold their sway over Manipur till 2004. On this year, both the Kangla Fort and the rest of Manipur had its own state government elected by the people of the state. 

The Kangla has not only been the hub of political activities in Manipur but it has also been central to religious developments in the region. The indigenous Sanamahism religion was started by Kangla’s ancient rulers. In the later years, the rulers were influenced by Hinduism, especially Vaishnavism, and built a Hindu (Govindaji) temple in Kangla.

The Ruins Of The Former Govindaji Temple/Pic:Arijit Nag

Today, the descendants of Manipur’s rulers no longer live in Kangla but outside it. The Govindaji temple inside the fort has been shifted to another location. 

                                Sanamahism Temple Inside The Kangla Fort/Pic:Arijit Nag

However, the Sanamahism temple in the complex is still a living temple. 

You can visit both the past Govindajee temple and the living Sanamahism temple as part of your Kangla tour. 

The Deities At The Sanamahism Temple Inside The Kangla Fort

Today, Kangla is a historical site maintained by the state’s archeological department and would soon come under the control of the Archeological Survey of India.

After your tour of this fort, you can always sit down and enjoy some local snacks at the canteen inside the complex. Remember, they can be quite spciy and hot yet delicious!

1. Manipur tour-part 2-Shree Govindajee Temple

https://oishimaya.blogspot.com/2019/02/manipur-tour-part-2-visit-to-shree.html

2. Manipur tour-part 3-Sadu Chiru Waterfall

https://oishimaya.blogspot.com/2019/02/manipur-tour-part-3-visit-to-sadu-chiru.html

3. Manipur tour-part 4-Keibul Lamjao National Park, World's Only Floating National Park

https://oishimaya.blogspot.com/2019/03/visiting-the-worlds-only-floating.html

4. Manipur tour-part 5-Remembering Netaji And Azad Hind Fauz In Manipur

https://oishimaya.blogspot.com/2019/03/remembering-netaji-and-azad-hind-fauz.html

5. Manipur Tour Part 6: The Loktak Lake, A True Marvel Of Manipur

https://oishimaya.blogspot.com/2019/04/manipur-tour-part-6-loktak-lake-true.html

6. Manipur Tour-Part 7: Visiting The World's Oldest Living Polo Ground In Imphal

https://oishimaya.blogspot.com/2019/06/manipur-tour-part-7-visiting-worlds.html