Imphal

Imphal ( , ; ) is the capital city of the Indian state of Manipur. The metropolitan centre of the city contains the ruins of Kangla Palace (officially known as Kangla Fort), the royal seat of the former Kingdom of Manipur, surrounded by a moat. Spread over parts of the districts of Imphal West and Imphal East, the former contains the majority of the city's area and population. Imphal is part of the Smart Cities Mission under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Being a prominent commercial hub, Imphal is known for its weaving, brass-ware, bronze-ware, and other cottage industries. INS Imphal, the third ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy, was named in recognition of the Indian soldiers who fought in Battle of Imphal during World War II, and is the first Indian Navy Ship (INS) named after a city in Northeast India.

Imphal ( , ; ) is the capital city of the Indian state of Manipur. The metropolitan centre of the city contains the ruins of Kangla Palace (officially known as Kangla Fort), the royal seat of the former Kingdom of Manipur, surrounded by a moat. Spread over parts of the districts of Imphal West and Imphal East, the former contains the majority of the city's area and population. Imphal is part of the Smart Cities Mission under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Being a prominent commercial hub, Imphal is known for its weaving, brass-ware, bronze-ware, and other cottage industries. INS Imphal, the third ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy, was named in recognition of the Indian soldiers who fought in Battle of Imphal during World War II, and is the first Indian Navy Ship (INS) named after a city in Northeast India. ==Etymology== The name Imphal ( ) is derived from two words: , meaning 'house', and , meaning 'plenty' or 'beautiful'. In old Manipuri language, yum was also spelt as im. Even today, Imphal is occasionally pronounced as Yum-phal. ==History== Previously ruled by the kings of the Khaba clan, the Ningthouja dynasty started to rule the kingdom after the ascension of King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. The Ningthouja clan quickly expanded and dominated the region in politics and war. Kangla Palace was built by King Khagemba and his son Khunjaoba. The palace was later destroyed by the British during the Anglo-Manipur War. During the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra, there were a number of Burmese invasions. However, the kingdom survived with the help of Maharaj Gambhir Singh. Imphal remained peaceful until 1891, when there were internal differences in the royal family. The British sent J.W. Quinton to help, but the situation only grew worse and Senapati Tikendrajit (also the prince) was ordered to be arrested. The autocratic British behaviour made people angry. This resulted in the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War, which the British won. As a result, many Manipuri soldiers were killed, some including the king of that time period, Maharaja Kulachandra were sentenced to imprisonment and sent to the cellular jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and leaders like Tikendrajit and Thangal General were also hanged. The Battle of Imphal took place between March and July 1944¹, during World War II. The Japanese had invaded Imphal to destroy Allied forces and then invade India, but they were defeated and forced to retreat. The attack made the British realise the militarily strategic position of Imphal. ==Tourist attractions== Imphal offers sites of religious and historical importance within and around the city. Kangla Palace (also known as Kangla Fort) is on the banks of the Imphal River. Kangla means "dry land" in the Meitei language. It was the palace of King Pakhangba, and has religious significance with multiple temples present within the complex. It is also significant in Manipur's history with the British. Bihu Loukon is an ancient star-shaped fort made of mud situated in Maklang, Imphal West District. It was discovered in 2013. Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple is religious site important to both the local religion, Sanamahism, and to Hinduism. The temple is noted for its annual Durga Puja festival. India Peace Memorial at the Red Hills is located south of Imphal. The place was the scene of action and the theatre of the battle that took place between the British Army and the Japanese Forces fighting alongside the Indian National Army in World War II. Red Hill has now become a tourist attraction since the Japanese war veterans constructed a monument at the foot of this hill. The Imphal War Cemetery remembers Indian and British soldiers who fought and died in 1944 during World War II and is managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Imphal is also home to the largest all women run market in Asia, called the Ima Keithel (Mothers' Market). It was established in the 16th century and hosts around 5,000–6,000 women vendors who sell a variety of products. Nupi Lal Memorial Complex is a tribute to the courageous Manipuri women, who sacrificed their lives fighting for justice against the British on 12 December 1939. The Nupi Lal is considered to be one of the most important events in Manipuri history, and it is a symbol of the strength and courage of Manipuri women. File:Uttra sanglen.jpg|A pair of Kangla Sha dragons at Kangla Fort File:Kangla Fort Complex, Imphal (135).jpeg|Bamboo huts in Kangla Fort complex File:Kangla Fort Complex, Imphal (18).jpeg|Ruins of Kangla Fort File:Kangla Fort Complex, Imphal (216).jpeg|Kangla Museum houses File:Kangla 3.jpg|Kangla Fort Complex File:Bihu_Loukon_-_Starfort.jpg|Bihu Loukon aerial view File:Imphal War cemetery.jpg|alt=Cemetery with trees and monuments at ground level|Imphal War Cemetery File:Imphal, Manipur (84).jpeg|alt=Market, seen from above, with colourful textiles|Women's Market (Ima Keithel) ==Transport== ===Air=== Tulihal International Airport is south of the city and has direct flights to major Indian cities. ===Road=== Imphal is connected by the National Highway to major cities like Guwahati, Kohima, Agartala, Shillong, Dimapur, Aizawl, and Silchar. === Railway=== In October 2012, India's Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure approved an extension of the Jiribam–Silchar railway to Imphal. The extension was expected to reach the city by 2019. The total length of the railway line is 110.62 km. The revised estimated cost of construction for the railway line sits at Rs 9658 crore, with Rs 4927.54 crore being spent as of 2019. ==Sports== Khuman Lampak Main Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Imphal. It is used mostly for football and athletics. The stadium holds 30,000 people and was built in 1999. This stadium lies inside the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. Imphal based professional football clubs NEROCA FC and TRAU FC of I-League play their home matches at this stadium. Polo has its origins in Manipur, India, where a traditional version called Sagol Kangjei was played centuries ago. British colonial officers in the 19th century adapted and popularised the game, leading to the modern version of polo that is played worldwide today. ==Education== ===Universities=== Manipur Central University Manipur Technical University Central Agricultural University National Sports University Manipur University of Culture === Technical colleges=== Indian Institute of Information Technology, Manipur Manipur Institute of Technology National Institute of Technology, Manipur Manipur Technical University ===Medical colleges=== Regional Institute of Medical Sciences Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science Shija Academy of Health Sciences ===Schools=== There are many schools in Imphal affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education Board, as well as state government schools. Human Resource Development Academy(HRD), Ghari Areca School, Ragailong Catholic School, Canchipur Comet School, Changangei Dav Public School, Chingmeirong Don Bosco School Imphal, Chingmeirong Guru Nanak Public School Herbert School Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Khumbong (Imphal West), Imphal East, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Thoubal, Tamenglong and Senapati Johnstone Higher Secondary Public School Kids' Foundation School, Ghari Maria International Montessori School, Koirengei Meci Explorer Academy Changangei Kendriya Vidyalaya No 1 Imphal, Lamphelpat Kendriya Vidyalaya No 2 Imphal, Langjing Nirmalabas High School, Imphal Little Flower School Lodestar Public School Manipur Public School Sainik International School & College Imphal Savio English Higher Secondary Public School, Thangmeiband St. Anthony's English School & College Imphal St. John English High School, Nambol, Bishnupur District St. Joseph School St. Paul's English School Sanfort International School & College Imphal Sangai Higher Secondary Public School ==Healthcare== Imphal has many private and government hospitals that are open 24 hours. Regional Institute of Medical Sciences Shija Hospitals & Research Institutes City Hospital Imphal Hospital Raj Medicity Sky Hospital and Research Institute Mother's Care Hospital and Research Centre Apex Hospital Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Horizon Hospital and Research Institute Advanced Hospital Catholic Medical Centre Maipakpi Maternity and Child Hospital Iboyaima Hospital Asian Hospital Lamjingba Hospital Babina multi-speciality Babina oncology Rajamoni hospital Saina multi-speciality(SIMS) Rajmedicity multi-speciality(Underconstruction) ==Notable people== Sanjoy Singh, Number 1 DX class 1 night driver ==See also== Churachandpur Dzüko Valley Keibul Lamjao National Park Loktak Lake Moirang, Manipur. Moreh Ukhrul

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