Manipur, state of India, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is bordered by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Assam to the west, and Mizoram to the southwest and by Myanmar (Burma) to the south and east. Like other northeastern states, it is largely isolated from the rest of India. The name Manipur means “land of gems.” Its economy centres on agriculture and forestry, and trade and cottage industries also are important. The state capital is Imphal, located in the centre of the state. Area 8,621 square miles (22,327 square km). Pop. (2001) 2,293,896; (2011) 2,855,794.

Some other Facts About Manipur

1. Manipur played a major role in WW II. Japanese army invaded British India via Manipur, where British forces beat Japan before they could enter Imphal.

2. Manipur became part of India in 1949 and in 1956 it became a Union Territory, whereas 16 years later, Manipur became a state of India.

3. Manipur is known by various names like Kangleipak, Sanaleibak and Meeteileipak.

4. The sports Polo originated in Manipur. this game was later adopted by the Britishers and hence it gained popularity in the west.

5. Handloom weaving and sericulture are two marketing sectors that provide mass employment to the locals of Manipur.

6. India’s first floating elementary school named Loktak Elementary Floating School was inaugurated at Langolsabi Leikai of Champu Khangpok floating village on Loktak Lake in Manipur on February 2017.

7. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has constituted a four-member team for conservation and management of Loktak Lake in Manipur.