In India, the Northeastern region is quite charming and interesting enough to be known about. Among the eight Northeastern States, Manipur is situated on the eastern frontier of India. It is bounded on east by Myanmar, on north by Nagaland, on west by Assam and on south by Mizoram and Myanmar. Manipur lies between 23.83N and 25.68N latitude and between 93.03 E and 94.78E longitude. It has an area of 22.327 sq km. Physically, Manipur comprises two parts-the hills and the valley. The valley is at the centre surrounded by hills on all sides. The hills cover about 9/10 of the total area of the State. Manipur Valley is about 790 meters above the sea level. The hill ranges are higher on north and gradually diminish in height as they reach southern part of Manipur. The valley itself slopes down towards south.
Manipur has a long and glorious history, since the beginning of the Christian era. The recorded history of kingship strated from 33 AD, which marked the coronation of Pakhangba. After Pakhangba a series of kings ruled over the kingdom of Manipur. The independence and sovereignty of Manipur remained uninterrupted, until the Burmese invaded and occupied it for approximately seven years in the first quarter of 19th century (1819-1826). Then came the British parmaountcy in 1891. Manipur regained independence along with the rest of India in 1947. When the Constitution of India came into force on 26th January, 1950, Manipur became a Part C State under a Chief Commissioner in 1950 - 51, a Council of Advisors was introduced in 1957, which was replaced by a territorial Council of 30 elected and 2 nominated members. Later, in 1963 a Territorial Assembly of 30 elected and 3 nominated members was established under the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963. In December 1969 the Chief Commissioner was replaced by Lt. Governor. Manipur become a full-fledged State on 21st January, 1972, with a Legislative Assembly of 60 members of whom 19 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and one for Scheduled Castes. The state is represented in Lok Sabha by two members and by one member in Rajya Sabha. |
