Second Sino-Japanese War
90-610: The Battle of Shangshak took place in Manipur in the forested and mountainous frontier area between India and Burma , from 20 March to 26 March 1944. The Japanese drove a parachute brigade (fighting as infantry) of the British Indian Army from its positions with heavy casualties, but suffered heavy casualties themselves. The delay imposed on the Japanese by the battle allowed British and Indian reinforcements to reach
180-495: A Part C State . Followed by contestation of the merger by groups in Manipur, resulting in a 50-year insurgency in the state for independence from India. From 2009 through 2018, the conflict was responsible for the violent deaths of over 1000 people. The Meitei people represent around 53% of the population of Manipur state, followed by various Naga tribes at 20% and Kuki-Zo tribes at 16%. Manipur's ethnic groups practice
270-992: A Manipuri woman, Thangjam Manorama Devi , by members of the Assam Rifles paramilitary had led to wide protests including a nude protest by the Meira Paibi women's association. In May 2023, an ethnic clash between Meitei people and Kuki people led to extensive violence and arson, resulting in 60,000 people displaced from their homes and hundreds more dead and hospitalized. According to data released by Manipur Police , as on September 15, 2023; 175 people have been killed; 1,118 people were injured, and 33 people were missing. 96 bodies remained unclaimed. 5,172 cases of arson including destruction of 4,786 houses and 386 religious places, out of which there were 254 churches and 132 temples, were reported since May. Out of 5,668 arms lost; 1,329 arms, 15,050 ammunition and 400 bombs were recovered. Indian army troops were deployed to control
360-536: A change in command, with Yamauchi replaced by Lieutenant-General Ryuichi Shibata . On 7 July the division received orders for a last-ditch attack on Pallel , but by now it had been shattered as a military formation; its remnants retreated back across the Chindwin River to safety. After the defeat at Imphal and Allied advances in the north, the Japanese forces in Burma were forced on the defensive to try to stop
450-665: A cost-saving measure during the Kato Takaaki administration, together with the 13th , 17th and 18th divisions. In July 1937, open hostilities broke out against China and the Second Sino-Japanese War commenced. The 15th Division was re-established in Kyoto on 4 April 1938 as a triangular division , from the reserve forces of the IJA 16th Division . Under the command of Lieutenant General Yoshio Iwamatsu , it
540-513: A garrison force. 24 March 1907, the logistics battalion was transferred to the military school in Ushigome , and entire division has moved to Narashino, Chiba on 28 March 1907. The division was re-assembled 15 November 1908 in its original divisional headquarters located in Toyohashi , Aichi prefecture . However, on 1 May 1925, it was dissolved by Minister of War Ugaki Kazushige as part of
630-560: A merger agreement. He is believed to have signed it under duress. The legislative assembly was dissolved and a centrally appointed Chief Commissioner handled the state's administration, as per the Constitution of India. An advisory council with nominated members was provided to advise the Chief Commissioner. In 1956, the advisory council was replaced by a territorial council with mostly elected members. In 1963, Manipur
720-552: A new country. Over time, many more groups formed, each with different goals, and deriving support from diverse ethnic groups in Manipur. The People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) was formed in 1977, and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 1978, suspected by Human Rights Watch of receiving arms and training from China. In 1980, the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) was formed. These groups began
810-593: A population of 2,855,794 at the 2011 census. Of this total, 57.2% lived in the valley districts and the remaining 42.8% in the hill districts. The valley (plain) is mainly inhabited by the Meitei speaking population (native Manipuri speakers). The hills are inhabited mainly by several ethno-linguistically diverse tribes belonging to the Nagas , the Kukis and smaller tribal groupings. Naga and Kuki settlements are also found in
900-479: A rapid build-up, the British commander, General Thomas Wynford Rees ordered his men forward. Brushing aside all opposition, its forward elements were within sight of Mandalay 7 March. The 15th Division, now under the command of Major-General Kyoe Yamamoto , had received orders to defend the former Burmese capital to the last man. Of the two main positions, the Japanese were driven off Mandalay Hill by 12 March, but
990-577: A spree of bank robberies and attacks on police officers and government buildings. The state government appealed to the central government in New Delhi for support in combating this violence. From 1980 to 2004, the Indian government referred to Manipur as a disturbed area. This term (designated by the Ministry of Home Affairs or a state governor ) refers to a territory where extraordinary laws under
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#17327930149371080-455: A variety of religions. According to 2011 census, Hinduism and Christianity are the major religions of the state. Between the 1961 and 2011 censuses of India, the share of Hindus in the state declined from 62% to 41%, while the share of Christians rose from 19% to 41%. Manipur has primarily an agrarian economy, with significant hydroelectric power generation potential. It is connected to other areas by daily flights through Imphal Airport ,
1170-406: A week, and heavily depleted the 58th Regiment which would lead the attack. It also delayed some of the 15th Division in their advance on Imphal. Miyazaki's Left Assault Force had the shortest and easiest route to Kohima. They arrived at the vital Kohima ridge only on April 3, by which time Allied reinforcements had also reached the area. In the ensuing Battle of Kohima , the Japanese failed to capture
1260-402: A wide front. The Left Assault Force consisted of the regimental headquarters and two battalions of the Japanese 58th Regiment, and detachments from the division's supporting arms units. The regiment's commander was Colonel Utata Fukunaga, but the force was accompanied by the division's Infantry Group commander, Major General Shigesaburō Miyazaki , who was the senior officer. On 18 March, the force
1350-521: Is a scheduled language in the Republic of India, and serves as the lingua franca in Manipur. Other than Meitei language, in Manipur, there is a huge amount of linguistic diversity, as is the case in most of the Northeast India. Almost all of the languages are Sino-Tibetan , with many different subgroups represented. There are multiple Kuki-Chin languages , the largest being Thadou and
1440-456: Is a state in northeast India , with the city of Imphal as its capital. It is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west. It also borders two regions of Myanmar , Sagaing Region to the east and Chin State to the south. The state covers an area of 22,327 km (8,621 sq mi). The official and most widely spoken language
1530-696: Is a staple food for Manipuris. Manipur's climate is largely influenced by the topography of the region. Lying 790 metres above sea level, Manipur is wedged among hills on all sides. This northeastern corner of India enjoys a generally amiable climate, though the winters can be chilly. The maximum temperature in the summer months is 32 °C (90 °F). The coldest month is January, and the warmest July. The state receives an average annual rainfall of 1,467.5 mm (57.78 in) between April and mid-October. Precipitation ranges from light drizzle to heavy downpour. The capital city Imphal receives an annual average of 933 mm (36.7 in). Rainfall in this region
1620-571: Is caused by The South Westerly Monsoon picking up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and heading towards the Eastern Himalaya ranges. This normal rainfall pattern of Manipur enriches the soil and much of the agrarian activities are dependent on it as well. Manipur is already experiencing climate change , especially changes in weather , with both increased variability in rain as well as increasingly severe changes in temperature. Manipur had
1710-481: Is spoken in all the hill districts. Another major language family is the Naga languages , like Tangkhul , Poula , Rongmei and Mao . Less than 5% speak Indo-European languages, mostly Nepali and Sylheti (also considered as a dialect of Bengali ), which is the major language of Jiribam district . The Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation (AKA Department of Language Planning and Implementation ) of
1800-484: Is the Meitei language (officially known as Manipuri). Native to the Meitei people , it is also used as a lingua franca by smaller communities, who speak a variety of other Tibeto-Burman languages . Manipur has been at the crossroads of Asian economic and cultural exchange for more than 2,500 years. This exchange connects the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia to Southeast Asia , East Asia , Siberia , regions in
1890-544: Is the indigenous, polytheistic and animistic ethnic religion of the Meitei people. Sanamahist worship concentrates on the household deity Lainingthou Sanamahi . The ancient Meiteis worshiped a Supreme deity, Salailen, and followed their ancestors. Their ancestor worship and animism was based on Umang Lai – ethnic governing deities worshiped in the sacred groves . Some of the traditional Meitei deities , or Lais are Atiya Sidaba, Pakhangba , Sanamahi , and Panthoibi . Out of
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#17327930149371980-475: The 17th Indian Infantry Division at Tiddim , south of Imphal. Lieutenant General Geoffry Scoones , the commander of IV Corps, was forced to send the 23rd Division (including the 49th Brigade) to help the 17th Division break out of encirclement. Subsequently, the 50th Indian Parachute Brigade was ordered to move to the Sangshak area, to take over the position vacated by the departure of the 49th Brigade. At
2070-535: The Arctic , Micronesia and Polynesia enabling migration of people, cultures and religions. During the days of the British Raj , Manipur was one of the princely states . On 11 August 1947, Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh signed an Instrument of Accession , argued by many that the king was in no legal position to sign the instrument of accession at the time, under the agreement Bodhachandra Singh accede to
2160-481: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act can be used. The laws allow the military to treat private and public spaces in the same manner, detain individuals for up to 24 hours with unlimited renewals, perform warrantless searches, and to shoot and kill individuals who break laws, carry weapons, or gather in groups larger than four. Legal immunity applies to the military. Since 1980, the application of AFSPA has been at
2250-482: The Government of Manipur works for the development and the promotion of Meitei language and other local vernaculars of Manipur. Religion in Manipur (2011) Hinduism and Christianity are the major religions practiced in Manipur. Between the 1961 and 2011 censuses of India, the share of Hindus in the state declined from 62% to 41%, while the share of Christians rose from 19% to 41%. The religious groups of
2340-491: The Indian Union . Later, on 21 September 1949, he signed a Merger Agreement, disputed as having been done without consultation of the popular ministry under Manipur State Constitution Act 1947 and denial of the king's request to return to Manipur to discuss the same with his people. Under 'duress' and 'coercion' Bodhachandra Singh signed the merger agreement merging the kingdom into India, which led to its becoming
2430-524: The 17th century, from what is now Bangladesh , during the reign of Meidingu Khagemba . The socio-political turmoil and wars, particularly the persistent and devastating Anglo-Burmese wars , affected the cultural and religious demography of Manipur. In 1824, the ruler of Manipur entered into a subsidiary alliance with the British Empire in the Indian subcontinent, which became responsible for Manipur's external defence. The British recognised that
2520-465: The 2011 census data. Vaishnavite Hinduism was the state religion of the Kingdom of Manipur . In 1704, Meitei King Charairongba accepted Vaishnavism and changed his traditional Meitei name into Hindu name, Pitambar Singh. However, the first Hindu temples were constructed much earlier. A copper plate excavated from Phayeng dating back to 763 CE (believed to be of the reign of Meitei King Khongtekcha)
2610-427: The 21st Field Artillery Regiment. Their commander (Major Fukushima) insisted that his officers properly reconnoitre the objective and plan their approach in contrast to the 58th Regiment's hasty tactics. However, his infantry became lost trying to approach the position at night. During the following day, their two attached mountain guns destroyed many of the defenders' shallow trenches. On 26 March, Fukushima's infantry of
2700-473: The 233,767 people who opted for the "Other religion" option, 222,315 were Sanamahists. The various other religions were mostly followers of tribal folk religions, 6,444 were Heraka , 2,032 were Jewish and 1,180 were from other tribal religions such as Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak. The government of Manipur is a collective assembly of 60 elected members, of which 19 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and 1 for Scheduled Castes. The state sends two representatives to
2790-434: The 50th Parachute Brigade, but the brigade's position was so small that many of the supplies went to the Japanese. The Gurkhas of 152 Parachute Battalion attacked to recover them, supported by fighters which had escorted the transport aircraft. They were beaten back, but the Japanese also suffered heavy casualties. Japanese artillery was moved into position using elephants, and began firing on Sangshak on 23 March. On 24 March,
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2880-433: The 60th Regiment again became lost trying to attack at night and were caught in the open at dawn. The Japanese planned a last all-out assault on 27 March (although Miyazaki tried to insist that 58th Regiment alone should attack, so that they would have the sole honour of the victory), but ultimately this effort was unnecessary. By that date, the defenders were exhausted and desperately short of water. There were 300 wounded in
2970-612: The Allies from crossing the Irrawaddy . In January 1945 the 15th Division, together with the 53rd Division, was thrown into the defense of Mandalay . The division had received some reinforcements, but at 4500 men it was still less than half of nominal strength. The opposing, Indian 19th Infantry Division , established its first bridgeheads on the eastern side of the Irrawaddy on 14 January and all attempts to dislodge them failed. After
3060-406: The British suffered heavy losses, the defending Japanese battalion was almost annihilated. Despite this setback Yamauchi continued his encirclement of Imphal from the north. The British commander, General Geoffry Scoones drew the conclusion that the 15th Division was the weakest link in the Japanese front and ordered Indian 23rd Infantry Division and Indian 5th Infantry Division to destroy it. In
3150-438: The Indian troops that were taken prisoner were later released – albeit having been stripped of their equipment and clothes – by the Japanese after they were forced to withdraw and were no longer able to spare troops to guard them. Japanese casualties were also heavy. The II Battalion, 58th Regiment was the hardest-hit unit, with more than 400 casualties. However, the prolonged battle had also delayed Miyazaki's advance on Kohima by
3240-470: The Japanese 60th Regiment (the "Uchibori battalion"). The Japanese subsequently occupied the position after a patrol confirmed that it had been abandoned. The 50th Indian Parachute Brigade had suffered 652 casualties. The Japanese reported capturing 100 prisoners, most of whom were wounded. The Japanese also captured plenty of air-dropped supplies which had missed the defenders at Sangshak, and other equipment including heavy weapons, vehicles and radios. Many of
3330-492: The Japanese attack opened, they had received preliminary orders to move to Sangshak. Because of shortage of transport, they required four days (from 14 March to 18 March) to complete the movement. They took under command the 4th Battalion, 5th Mahratta Light Infantry , which had been part of the 49th Brigade, and two companies of the Nepalese Kalibahadur Regiment consisting of 200 men. Upon arrival,
3420-504: The Japanese officers killed in the 50th Parachute Brigade's positions was found to be carrying vital maps and documents, which contained all of 31st Division's plans. Brigadier Hope-Thomson sent two copies of the documents through the encircling Japanese to IV Corps HQ in Imphal. These were to be vital to IV Corps' and Fourteenth Army's response to the Japanese attack on Kohima. The next day (23 March), Allied aircraft tried to drop supplies to
3510-552: The Japanese overran an isolated company (C Company of the 152 Parachute Battalion) deployed on a hill known as Point 7378. The company was reduced to 20 men. Urged by his second-in-command (Colonel Abbott) that the brigade risked defeat in detail if it remained strung out as isolated posts, Hope-Thomson ordered his forces to concentrate. Most of the force initially concentrated at Sheldon's Corner, 8 miles (13 km) east of Sangshak on 21 March, but that afternoon, Hope-Thomson pulled them back, first to "Kidney Camp" 4 miles (6.4 km) to
3600-470: The Japanese were reinforced by the III Battalion of the 58th Regiment, accompanied by the regimental commander and Miyazaki. They attacked immediately, but they too were repulsed. The III Battalion of the Japanese 60th Regiment, belonging to Masafumi Yamauchi 's 15th Division, also began attacking the defended position from the east on 25 March, supported by artillery fire from two mountain guns from
3690-677: The Lok Sabha of the Parliament of India . The state sends one representative to the Rajya Sabha. The legislature of the state is Unicameral. Representatives are elected for a five-year term to the state assembly and the Indian parliament through voting, a process overseen by the offices of the Election Commission of India. 15th Division (Imperial Japanese Army) The 15th Division ( 第15師団 , Dai Jūgo Shidan )
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3780-480: The Meitei-speaking people include Hindus , Sanamahists , Meitei Christians and Meitei Pangals . Besides these, the non Meitei-speaking communities (tribals) are mostly Christians. The Meitei ethnicity (aka Manipuri people ) is the majority group following Hinduism in Manipur, beside other minor immigrants following the same faith in the state. Among the indigenous communities of Manipur, Meiteis are
3870-578: The Ninghthou Kangbalon, Cheitharol Kumbaba, Ningthourol Lambuba, Poireiton Khunthokpa, Panthoibi Khongkul, and so forth in the Meitei script , which is comparable to the Thai script . The historical accounts presented here were recordings from the eyes and the judgment of Meitei kings and Maichou [ simple ] (Meitei scholars). According to the Tai chronicles, Manipur (Kahse) is one of
3960-436: The assembly were held only in the following year. Meanwhile, British India was partitioned into the independent dominions of India and Pakistan , and all the princely states were advised to "accede" to one of the dominions to take over the management of their external affairs and defence. The Maharaja acceded to India on 11 August 1947 and signed a standstill agreement to continue the existing arrangements. Over
4050-486: The brigade found that the area they had been assigned had not been prepared by the 49th, and there was no barbed wire to construct field obstacles. Repeated requests were made for defensive stores by the 50th Brigade, but the demands were not met before the battle began. The 50th Brigade initially deployed over a large area, with outposts 8 miles (13 km) east of Sangshak and the machine-gun company in Ukhrul. On 19 March,
4140-465: The commander of 15th Army, General Renya Mutaguchi A British force at Sangshak was within 15th Division’s operational area, but because of its slow speed, units from the 31st Division assaulted this position on 23 March. The 60th Regiment arrived soon after, but was not allowed to take part in the final assault 27 March. The 15th Division cut the Imphal-Kohima road at Kangpokpi on 3 April. Soon
4230-565: The difficult terrain, the division’s field artillery was replaced with mountain guns and the anti-tank equipment was left behind. Of the division’s nine battalions, one had been detached to the force dealing with the second Chindits operation , and most of its 67th Regiment was still in Thailand. Thus, the 15th Division started the campaign with 6 battalions, 18 guns and a commander, Lieutenant-General Masafumi Yamauchi , who mortally ill with tuberculosis . Soon it had to be urged onwards by
4320-475: The division occupied Nunshigum Ridge, which overlooked Imphal. From here the Japanese could threaten the headquarters of the IV Corps ; this also marked the closest they would come to Imphal. The British counterattack on this ridge included M3 Lee tanks, which came as a shock to the Japanese as they had considered the terrain to be completely impassable to armored vehicles. The tanks proved decisive - although
4410-587: The division took part in the attack on Imphal as part of the Operation U-Go along with the IJA 31st and 33rd Divisions , followed by the Battle of Meiktila and Mandalay . During these operations, the division lost more than half of its men in combat or due to disease, and was forced out of Burma into Thailand in August 1945 days before the end of the war, where it was officially disbanded. Operation U-Go
4500-543: The eastern part of the state, the Yu River Basin, include the Chamu, Khunou and other short streams. Manipur may be characterised as two distinct physical regions: an outlying area of rugged hills and narrow valleys, and the inner area of flat plain, with all associated landforms. These two areas are distinct in physical features and are conspicuous in flora and fauna. The valley region has hills and mounds rising above
4590-522: The entire IJA was committed to combat in Manchuria , leaving not a single division to guard the Japanese home islands from attack. The 15th Division was initially raised from men in the area surrounding Nagoya under the command of Lieutenant General Okihara Kofu . The Treaty of Portsmouth was concluded before the 15th division could be deployed to Manchuria, and it was sent instead to Korea as
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#17327930149374680-744: The entire ridge, and were eventually forced to retreat by British counter-attacks and shortage of food and ammunition. Lt. Col. Dr. Robert Brocklesby Davis, commander of the 80th Field Ambulance (Parachute), was awarded the DSO for his actions in this battle. Lt. Alan Cowell, Platoon commander, 152 Battalion, was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for his actions in the defence of the Church position on 24 March 1944. Manipur Manipur ( / ˌ m ʌ n ɪ ˈ p ʊər / , US also / ˌ m æ n ɪ ˈ p ʊər / ; Meitei : Kangleipak )
4770-492: The flat surface. The Loktak Lake is an important feature of the central plain. The total area occupied by all the lakes is about 600 km . The altitude ranges from 40 m at Jiribam to 2,994 m at Mount Tempü peak along the border with Nagaland. The soil cover can be divided into two broad types, viz. the red ferruginous soil in the hill area and the alluvium in the valley. The valley soils generally contain loam, small rock fragments, sand, and sandy clay, and are varied. On
4860-424: The following months the British with their superiority in numbers and almost unstoppable tanks drove the Japanese off one hill after another. In the middle of June the Japanese 31st Division began retreating from Kohima after suffering heavy casualties. This left the 60th Regiment blocking the Imphal-Kohima road in an impossible situation and the British broke through and reopened the road on 22 June. The next day saw
4950-408: The heart of concerns about human rights violations in the region, such as arbitrary killings, torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment , and forced disappearances . Its continued application has led to numerous protests, notably the longstanding hunger strike by Irom Sharmila Chanu . In 2004, the government lifted the disturbed status after a violent attack on a local woman. The rape of
5040-505: The invasion. The three armies mostly made up of army from Kale , Mohnyin , Mogaung , Momeik and Sanda led the invasion, the King of Manipur surrendered without any resistance and Manipur became a vassal state of the Toungoo empire . In the 18th century, Bodawpaya , the king of Burma acquired the Manipur (1814) along with the western kingdoms of Arakan (1784), Assam (1817). By
5130-524: The land of gold, golden land), not given because Manipur has a lot of the gold mines, but because of its happiness and prosperity. This name was mentioned in the 11th-12th century constitution, the Loiyumba Shinyen . and is still heard in the official song of Manipur, " Sana Leibak Manipur ". The history of Manipur Meiteis is chronicled in Puyas or Puwaris (stories about the forefathers), namely,
5220-728: The largest of Manipur, originates in the Manipur Hills and is joined by tributaries, such as the Irang, Maku, and Tuivai . After its junction with the Tuivai, the Barak River turns north, forms the border with Assam State , and then enters the Cachar Assam just above Lakhipur . The Manipur river basin has eight major rivers: the Manipur , Imphal , Iril , Nambul, Sekmai, Chakpi, Thoubal and Khuga. All these rivers originate from
5310-896: The lesser-known battles of the Second World War. Yet the Allied Victory in this battle was a turning point against the Japanese in East Asia. After the war, the Maharaja took the advice of the British Cabinet Mission and the Chamber of Princes to introduce democratic reforms in the state. The Manipur State Constitution Act of 1947 was promulgated in July 1947 to give the state an elected legislative assembly and an appointed prime minister. Elections to
5400-470: The major tribe conglomerates of tribes inhabiting the surrounding hills. The Kuki-Zos consist of several tribes including Gangte , Hmar , Paite , Simte , Sukte , Thadou , Vaiphei , Zou , and some smaller tribes. They speak Kuki-Chin languages and predominate the southern hill districts of Manipur. The prominent Naga tribes are Angami , Kabui , Kacha Naga , Mao , Maram , Poumai , Sema and Tangkhul , each speaking its own language. They predominate
5490-588: The medieval period, marriage alliances between the royal families of Manipur, Ahom kingdom and Burma had become common. Medieval era manuscripts discovered in the 20th century, particularly the Puya , provide evidence that Hindus from the Indian subcontinent had married Manipur royalty by at least the 14th century. In centuries thereafter, royal spouses came also from what is now Assam, Bengal , and Uttar Pradesh and from other South Indian kingdoms as well. Another manuscript suggests that Muslims arrived in Manipur in
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#17327930149375580-403: The next two years, the multitude of princely states of India were extensively reorganised as India moved towards becoming a constitutional republic . Proposals for reorganisation were also made for Manipur but discarded as being unsuitable. Eventually Manipur was turned into a centrally administered province (called a 'Part C' state, later renamed union territory ) by asking the Maharaja to sign
5670-527: The north on the night of 22 March. Miyazaki was prepared to wait for his regimental guns and some attached mountain guns to arrive to support the attack, but the battalion commander (Captain Nagaya) attacked hastily without artillery support. The British had a total of 46 mountain guns and 3-inch mortars with which to provide indirect fire support, and despite initial gains, the assaulting Japanese force suffered heavily from British artillery and mortar fire. One of
5760-460: The northern hill districts of Manipur. In addition, several smaller tribes that were classified as "Old Kuki" by the British administrators populate Chandel and neighbouring districts. Some of them now classify themselves as Nagas while others retain the Kuki classification. of Total Pop. Languages in Manipur (2011) The official language of the state is Meitei (also known as Manipuri ). It
5850-574: The only Hindus as no other indigenous ethnic groups follow this faith. According to the 2011 Census of India , about 41.39% of the Manipuri people practice Hinduism . The Hindu population is heavily concentrated in the Meitei dominant areas of the Manipur Valley ( Imphal Valley ), among the Meitei people. The districts of Bishnupur, Thoubal, Imphal East, and Imphal West all have Hindu majorities, averaging 67.62% (range 62.27–74.81%) according to
5940-400: The plains, especially flood plains and deltas, the soil is quite thick. The topsoil on the steep slopes is very thin. Soil on the steep hill slopes is subject to high erosion, resulting in gullies and barren rock slopes. The normal pH value ranges from 5.4 to 6.8. Natural vegetation occupies an area of about 17,418 km (6,725 sq mi), or 77.2% of the total geographical area of
6030-469: The position, and the smell of decomposing bodies (including those of the mules belonging to the attached mountain artillery, and supply column) was unbearable. At 6:00 pm on 26 March, Hope-Thomson received orders to withdraw. His brigade moved out under cover of darkness at 10.30 pm, with the 4th/5th Mahrattas providing a rearguard. About 100 wounded were left behind, although many others were carried out. About 100 other men were captured by another battalion of
6120-601: The same name mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Previously, it had been known as Kangleipak ( Meitei : ꯀꯪꯂꯩꯄꯛ , romanized: Kangleipak ) or Meitei : ꯃꯩꯇꯩꯂꯩꯕꯥꯛ , Meiteileipak , transl: land of the Meiteis, Later, the work Dharani Samhita (1825–34) popularised the Sanskrit legends of the origin of Manipur's name. Other names include Sanaleibak ( Meitei : ꯁꯅꯥꯂꯩꯕꯥꯛ , transl:
6210-401: The second largest in northeastern India. Manipur is home to many sports and the origin of Manipuri dance , and is credited with introducing polo to Europeans. The name Manipur ( Sanskrit : मणिपुर , romanized : maṇipura , lit. ''city of jewels'') was chosen by Gharib Nawaz , a convert to Hinduism, in the eighteenth century. It is named after a kingdom of
6300-539: The situation. International outrage resulted from a report that two Kuki women had been paraded naked and allegedly gang-raped by a mob of Meitei men. The state lies at a latitude of 23°83'N – 25°68'N and a longitude of 93°03'E – 94°78'E. The total area covered by the state is 22,327 km (8,621 sq mi). The capital lies in an oval-shaped valley of approximately 700 sq mi (2,000 km ), surrounded by blue mountains, at an elevation of 790 m (2,590 ft) above sea level. The slope of
6390-517: The state remained internally self-governing, as a princely state . During World War II , Manipur was the scene of many fierce battles between Japanese invaders and British Indian forces. The Japanese were beaten back before they could enter Imphal , which was one of the turning points of the overall war in South Asia. The Battle of Imphal , known to the Manipuris as Japan Laan , are among
6480-728: The state, and consists of short and tall grasses, reeds and bamboos , and trees. About a third of Manipur's forests are protected: 8.42% of the forested land is categorized under Reserved Forests, and 23.95% under Protected Forests. There are six major types of forests in Manipur, and 10 subtypes. The six major forest types, according to the state's Forest Department, include Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest, Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests, Sub-Tropical Pine Forest, Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, Montane Wet Temperate Forest and Sub-alpine Forest. There are forests of teak , pine , oak , uningthou , leihao, bamboo, and cane . Rubber , tea , coffee , orange , and cardamom are grown in hill areas. Rice
6570-560: The surrounding hills. Almost all the rivers in the valley area are in the mature stage and therefore deposit their sediment load in the Loktak Lake . The rivers draining the Manipur Hills are comparatively young, due to the hilly terrain through which they flow. These rivers are corrosive and become turbulent in the rainy season. Important rivers draining the western area include the Maku, Barak , Jiri, Irang, and Leimatak. Rivers draining
6660-557: The territories conquered by Samlongpha (1150–1201), the first Chao Pha of Mongkawng . A 14th-century inscription from Pagan , Myanmar , mentions Kasan (Manipur) as one of the 21 states under the Mong Mao ruler Thonganbwa (1413–1445/6); he later was captured by the Governor of Taungdwingyi . Bayinnaung , the ruler of Toungoo dynasty ordered the invasion of Manipur in 1559. He had recalled Binnya Dala from Chiang Mai to lead
6750-433: The thick walls of Fort Dufferin withstood artillery and air bombardment. On 18 March the division received new orders allowing its withdrawal, which it did through the sewers on the night of 19 March. By this time the Japanese position in Burma had completely collapsed. The survivors of the 15th Division (less than half its original strength of 15,000 men) retreated via the territory of the hostile Karen people and through
6840-523: The time, two battalions of the 50th Indian Parachute Brigade had been conducting advanced jungle training in the Kohima area, while the third battalion completed its parachute training in India. The brigade consisted of 152 (Indian) and 153 (Gurkha) Parachute Battalions, with a machine gun company, a mountain artillery battery and other supporting arms. Its commander was Brigadier Maxwell Hope-Thomson. Even before
6930-509: The valley is from north to south. The mountain ranges create a moderate climate, preventing the cold winds from the north from reaching the valley and barring cyclonic storms. The state is bordered by the Indian states of Nagaland to its north, Mizoram to its south, Assam to its west, and shares an international border with Myanmar to its east. The state has four major river basins: the Barak River Basin ( Barak Valley ) to
7020-541: The valley region, though less in numbers. There are also sizable population of Nepalis, Bengalis, Tamils and Marwaris living in Manipur. The distribution of area, population and density, and literacy rate as per the 2001 Census provisional figures are as below: The Meiteis (synonymous to the Manipuris ) constitute the majority of the state's population. They inhabit the Imphal Valley . Nagas and Kuki-Zo are
7110-607: The vast majority (over 96%) of the Christian population in Manipur. The Meitei Pangals ( Meitei : ꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯄꯥꯡꯒꯜ ), also known as Meitei Muslims or Manipuri Muslims, are the third largest religious majority group in the state, comprising about 8.3% of the state population. They belong to the Sunni group of the Hanafi school of Islamic thought and they include Arabs, Bangladeshis, Turanis, Bengalis and Chaghtai Turks. Sanamahism
7200-554: The vital position at Kohima before the Japanese. In March 1944, the Japanese launched Operation U-GO , a major invasion of India. Two divisions of the Japanese Fifteenth Army – the 15th and 33rd – attacked IV Indian Corps at Imphal, the Japanese 31st Division advanced on Kohima, to cut the main road on which the troops at Imphal depended for supply from Dimapur. The Japanese 31st division, divided into Left, Centre and Right Assault forces, advanced over
7290-521: The west, and then to Sangshak itself, where they took up a defensive position on a hill just east of the village, with an American missionary church at its north end. The position measured only 800 yards (730 m) by 400 yards (370 m), and had no fresh water. Hard rock was found only 3 feet (0.91 m) below the soil, so only shallow trenches could be dug. The II Battalion of the Japanese 58th Infantry Regiment had meanwhile captured Ukhrul from 50th Brigade's machine-gun company. Major General Miyazaki
7380-616: The west, the Manipur River Basin in central Manipur, the Yu River Basin in the east, and a portion of the Lanye River Basin in the north. The water resources of Barak and Manipur river basins are about 1.8487 Mham (million hectare metres). The overall water balance of the state amounts to 0.7236 Mham in the annual water budget. (By comparison, India receives 400 Mham of rain annually. ) The Barak River,
7470-683: Was an infantry division in the Imperial Japanese Army . Its tsūshōgō code name was the Festival Division ( 祭兵団 , Sai Heidan ) , and its military symbol was 15D. The 15th Division was one of four new infantry divisions raised by the Imperial Japanese Army in the closing stages of the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905). With Japan's limited resources towards the end of that conflict,
7560-404: Was approaching the village of Ukhrul , about 25 miles (40 km) north-east of Imphal and 8 miles (13 km) north of Sangshak. Early in 1944, the 49th Indian Infantry Brigade of the 23rd Indian Infantry Division had been stationed at Sangshak, tasked with defending against a Japanese advance from the Chindwin River towards Ukhrul. As the Japanese offensive began, the Japanese surrounded
7650-600: Was assigned to the Chinese mainland as a garrison force around Nanjing and to maintain public safety over Japanese-occupied areas. On 17 June 1943 the 15th division was reassigned to the IJA 15th Army in Burma as part of an impending offensive against British India , with Nanjing garrison taken by newly formed 61st division . The division was delayed with road-building in Thailand for several months. Arriving in Burma,
7740-587: Was found to contain inscriptions about the Hindu deities in Sanskrit words. During the 13th century, Meitei King Khumomba constructed a Lord Hanuman temple. The Vishnu temple at Lamangdong was constructed during 1474 CE (during the reign of Meitei King Kiyamba ), by Brahmins immigrating from the neighborhood Shan State . As per the legends, the temple was constructed to house the Vishnu emblem given to King Kiyamba by King Khekhomba of Shan. Phurailatpam Shubhi Narayan
7830-469: Was planned to start in the beginning of March 1944, but because of 15th Division's slow arrival start of the offensive was postponed to 15 March. The 15th Division formed the central position of the three attacking divisions, and its primary objective was to cut the road between Imphal and Kohima at Kangpokpi . On the map this was the shortest and most direct route towards Imphal, but the division had to cross difficult terrain with only poor tracks. Because of
7920-422: Was present with the battalion. He was aware that there was a British brigade at Sangshak. Although Sangshak was in the sector assigned to 31st Division's neighbouring formation, the Japanese 15th Division , Miyazaki knew that this formation was lagging behind his force. He therefore decided to clear the British from Sangshak to prevent them interfering with his advance. The Japanese battalion attacked Sangshak from
8010-591: Was provided a legislative assembly, with a council of ministers headed by a chief minister. It was made a fully-fledged state in 1972 by the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971 . Manipur has a long record of insurgency and inter-ethnic violence. Its first armed opposition group, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), was founded in 1964 aiming to achieve independence from India and establish Manipur as
8100-463: Was the first Brahmin priest of this temple. Christianity is the religion of 41% of the people in the state, but is the majority in rural areas with 53%, and is predominant in the hills. It was brought by Protestant missionaries to Manipur in the 19th century. In the 20th century, a few Christian schools were established, which introduced Western-type education. Christianity is the predominant religion among tribals of Manipur and tribal Christians make up
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