Manipur literally means the land of the gems. This north-eastern state surrounded by Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram has an international border with Burma in the east. The main language is Manipuri (also known as Meetei Lon). Having a varied and proud history from the earliest times, Manipur came under the British Rule as a Princely State after the defeat in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. After independence of India in 1947, the Princely State of Manipur was merged in the Indian Union on October 15,1949 and became a full-fledged State of India on the 21th January, 1972.

This is the place where Rajarsee Bhagyachandra created the famous Ras Lila, the classical dance of Manipur, out of his enchanting dream by the grace of Lord Krishna. Her folk dances reveal the mythological concept of creation of Manipur. 

The people of Manipur include Meitei, Naga, Meitei Pangal and other colourful communities which have lived together in complete harmony for centuries. Theses are the people whose folklore, myths & legends, dances, indigenous games and martial arts, exotic handlooms & handicrafts are infested with the mystique of nature.Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru paid a fitting tribute by describing it as "Jewel of India".

Manipur Fact File:
Area : 22,327 square kilometres
Population : 23,88,068.
State Language : Manipuri.
Capital : Imphal.
Literacy rate : 59.9%.