Manipur represents population of two ethnic groups, the people who inhabit the hills called the Nagas and those who inhabit the valley called the Meiteis. The hills are also inhabited by the group called the Kukis. Imphal is the political capital of Manipur. The earliest recorded history dates to 900AD. In the course of its history there have been several invasions from Myanmar (Burma) which borders with Manipur and numerous clashes with the Nagas. In 1826, Manipur was brought into India by the treaty of Yandavo by Raja Jai Singh with the British at the end of the Indo-Burmese war. This followed a dispute in accession to the throne. With the intervention of the British the dispute was settled. In 1891 Churachand was nominated the Raja and it came under British rule as a princely state. During World War II Imphal was occupied by the Japanese. After Indian independence Manipur became a Union Territory and subsequently achieved statehood in January 21,1972.

The Indian classical dance style, Manipuri is one of the most beautiful dance styles of India, nurtured in the mountanious region of northeast. It opted its name from the name of the area Manipur, which means jewel of a land. Manipuri is an inherent part of the rituals of daily life such as weddings and homage to ancestors in that area.

There is a beautiful legend that relates the dance form to its birthplace. It is widely believed that the Gods had drained a lake in a beautiful countryside, in order to find a place to dance. Thus was the origin of Manipur and the dance style came to an esteemed position as Manipuri.

Manipuri dance was initially performed only in temples as any other Indian classical dance. It is only since the early 20th century that Manipuri dance has been presented on stage with

The major attraction of Manipuri dance style is the beautiful costumes of the dancers.

the encouragement of Rabindranath Tagore. Unlike many other dance forms, Manipuri has retained its ancient ritual based dances and folk dances along with the later developed classical Manipuri dance style. cal Manipuri dance style.

The main expression of Manipuri is devotional in nature. It is exclusively attached to Hindu deities Radha and Krishna, who are the main characters in Manipuri dances. There are a number of forms in Manipuri. These are the Rasa Lila, the Pung Cholom, Nupa Cholom, Thoibi and a host of others. Among these, Rasa Lila is a highly evolved dance drama, choreographed on 'Vaishnavite Padavalis', composed by mainly eminent Bengali poets and some Manipuri Gurus.

Tourist attractions in Manipur

Imphal:
The bustling capital city of the state lies in a heart shaped valley 790 m above sea level. This is a melting pot of various tribes that constitute the populace of Manipur. Tourist attractions in Manipur are mostly located in around the city.

Govindajee Temple:
This is a Vaishnavite temple built by the former King's of Manipur. The simple but beautiful structure consists of 2 domes and a large congregation hall. The shrines of Krishna and Balaram on one side and Jagannnath flank the presiding deity.

War Cemetery:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains the graveyard. Little stone markers with bronze plaques on them commemorate the dead British and Indian soldiers of World War II.

Khonghampat Orchidarium:
The sprawling land of 200 acres boasts of over 110 rare varieties of orchids including a dozen endemic species.

Zoological Gardens:
It houses Sangai (the graceful brow antlered deer) at the base of pine-clad hillocks.

Langthabal:
This is a small hill featuring relics of a historic palace and architecturally beautiful temples.

Bishnupur:
The place has a Vishnu temple with peculiar Chinese influence. Beside that, the Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake of the northeastern India and Red hill where a fierce battle between the British and the Japanese took place during the World War II.

Manipuri Dance:
This divine dance form of Manipur has spread its fame far and wide. It is also a very important one among Indian classical dance forms depicting the sublime love between lord Krishna and his consorts Radha and the Gopi's (milkmaids).