Manipur

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Manipur

Area: 22,327 sq km
Capital: Imphal
Language: Manipuri
Manipur had been a Union Territory from 1956 and a full-fledged state from 1972. Mani-puri was recognised as a national language in 1992. Manipur is bounded by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south, Upper Myanmar in the east and Cachar district of Assam in the west.



History: Manipur has a varied and proud history from the earliest times. It came under British rule as a princely state in 1891. The Manipur Constitution Act, 1947, established a democratic form of government with the Maharajah as the Executive Head and a legislature constituted by election on adult franchise. The Legislative Assembly so constituted functioned till it was dissolved on the integration of the state with the Dominion of India in October, 1949.Then it was governed as if it were a Chief Commissioner's Province and then as a Part 'C' State under the Indian Constitution with effect from 26-1-1950.

In 1950-51 an advisory form of popular government was introduced and in 1957 this was replaced by a Territorial Council of 30 elected and 2 nominated members. In 1963, a legislative assembly of 30 elected and 3 nominated members was established. The status of the Administrator was raised from that of a Chief Commissioner to that of a Lieutenant Governor in Dec., 1969. Manipur achieved full statehood on January 21, 1972. Manipur has been the scene of bitter ethnic conflict in recent times. The ethnic animosity between the Kukis and the Nagas stems from xenophobic insecurity. Of the 18 lakh population, Kukis number 2.5 lakh, and Nagas 4 lakhs. Over 1,000 have been killed, more injured, houses burnt down and thousands rendered homeless, in the conflicts in the past six years.

Administration: Manipur was reorganized into 8 districts in 1983.
Districts
  1. Imphal
  2. Bishnupur
  3. Thoubal
  4. Ukhrul
  5. Senapati
  6. Tamenglong
  7. Churachandpur
  8. Chandel
Economy: The main crop of the state is paddy. Maize is cultivated in the foot hills. Out of the area of 22,327 sq km, the area available for cultivation is about 2.1 lakh hectares only. The area under paddy is 1.86 lakh hectares.The state has made significant advance in the agriculture. Per hectare consumption of fertiliser reached 90 kg during 1992-93.

More than 70% of the high yielding varieties of paddy are locally bred, punshi, phouoibi and KD series. Rice production was 510,000 tonnes in 1996-97. Productivity is upto 2225 kg. per hectare for high yielding variety.Handloom is the biggest industry in Manipur. There are 3 lakh spindles and at least 3 lakh persons are employed in the field.The Manipur Spinning Mill, launched in 1974 has grown to use 16,416 spindles. The Khandsari Sugar Factory at Khangabok is working on full stream.

A TV assembly unit and a cycle assembly unit are working in full swing. A Mechanised Dye House was commissioned in 1987. There are about 8000 small scale industrial units in the state.Manipur is the first to introduce Oak Tasar Industry. In the hill area there are 75 Tasar Farms, 1500 Tribal families (or 1500 members) produce about 30 million Tasar cocoons valued Rs. 3.00 million. Apart from this over 100 Scheduled Caste families in the valley practise mulberry rearing in traditional ways producing 45,000 kg of raw silk annually by reeling and spinning and utilise the same in its exquisite handloom industry.

Universities:
  • Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Pin: 795 001
  • Manipur University, Imphal, Pin: 795 003.
Tourist Centres: Called a 'Jewel of India' by Jawaharlal Nehru, Manipur lies in the shadows of hills. The picturesque Manipur valley dotted with gleaming lakes is famours for a variety of orchids. Manipuri dance is world famous. So also her exquistie handicrafts.The important tourist centres in the state are Imphal, the capital and centre of all cultural and commercial activities adorned with two War Cemeteries maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Govindajee Temple, Women bazaar, etc. Besides, the Bishnu temple at Bishnupur built in 1467 A.D., the Loktak lake, the biggest fresh water lake in eastern India, Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world, the Orchid Yard at Khongampat, etc. are also quite attractive.

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