Described by Jawaharlal Nehru as ‘the Land of Jewel’, Manipur boasts of an exotic landscape with gently

undulating hills, emerald green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests. It is the tranquillity enveloping it,
interrupted only by the soft breeze that sets it apart from the other northeastern states, and makes it an ideal
gateway. Manipur, also literally meaning the Land of Jewel, is a paradise on earth where Mother Nature has
been extra generous in her beauty.

Manipur has also other popular names like Meitei Leibak. According to the Kalika. Purana, it is the place where
the waist of Devi fell at the time of Daksa Yajna. Another account states that her outer garment Mekhela fell to
the ground here while she was dancing.

Manipur is famous for its rich culture and traditions, scenic landscapes, natural beauty, and mouth-watering
cuisines, and is surrounded by nine hills with an oval-shaped valley at the centre resembling a necklace,
justifying its name.
 People and Culture

The people are simple and welcoming, and

speak softly and politely. People of different
ethnic groups live together here, peacefully for
centuries. These ethnic groups include
Bishnupriya Manipuris, Naga, Kuki and Meitei-
Pangal (Muslims), although the majority are
Meiteis.

Manipuri folklore, myths and legends, dances,

indigenous games and martial arts, exotic
handlooms and handicrafts are filled with the
mystique of nature. The hill tribes of Manipur,
although divided into a number of clans and
sections, can be grouped under two major
Aimol Tribe is listed under the Kuki tribes found living both in Assam and Manipur.
They speak Aimol, classified under Kuki-Chin-Mizo language. They live in parts of
Chandel and Senapati districts, and around Loktak Lake in Bishnupur. They
practise slash and burn agriculture and are primarily Christians.
Anal Tribe is one of the oldest dwellers in the southern hills of Tengnoupal district.
They were recognized as a tribe in 1951. Earlier, they were recognized as one of the
oldest Kuki tribes; nowadays they identify themselves as a Naga tribe.
Chiru Tribe: Chirus are among the earliest inhabitants of Manipur and Assam. It was
recognized as a scheduled tribe in 1956. They are found in the four districts of
Tamenglong, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Thoubal, and speak Chiru, one of the
Kuki-Chin-Naga languages.
Chothe Tribe: They are settled in Chandel and Bishnupur districts and speak a Kuki-
Chin dialect. Their main occupations are cultivation, livestock rearing and weaving.
Some of them are blacksmiths.
Gangte Tribe: One of the major Kuki-Chin tribes dwelling in Churachandpur,
Tamenglong and Senapati districts. They have a very strong population with around
40,000 worldwide, as of 2018. The Gangtes are also one of the well-educated and
developed lot, with 99% literacy.
 Koirao Tribe: Also called
‘Thangals’ they are settled
mostly in Senapati district.
They are close-knit and live in
villages located along the
National Highway No. 2.
Thangals, in general, may be
grouped under two divisions
— Nagas and Kukis.

Hmar Tribe: Belongs to Kuki-Chin-Mizo group

concentrated mainly in Churachandpur district. Agriculture
and weaving are their main occupations. They adopted
Christianity in 1910.
FESTIVALS
Kang (Ratha Yatra of Manipur): One of the most importantFestivals
Lui-Ngai-Ni: A collective festival of the Nagas observed on the 15th
day of February, this is a seed-sowing festival after which the Naga
tribes begin their cultivation.
Yaoshang: Celebrated for five days commencing from the full moon
day of Phalguna (February/March), it is the premier festival of
Manipur. The Thabal Chongba, a Manipuri folk dance, where boys
and girls holding hands together sing and dance in a circle, is a special
feature of this festival.
Cheiraoba (Manipuri New Year): People clean and decorate their
houses and prepare special dishes festivals of the Hindus, and is
celebrated for ten days in July.
Ningol Chak-kouba: A social festival of the Meiteis. Married
daughters of the family come to their parental homes along with their
children to enjoy the festivities.
Kut Festival of Kuki- Chin-Mizo: This is an autumn festival of the
different tribes of Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups.
Chumpha Festival of Tangkhul Nagas: Celebrated for seven days in
December .
Dances

Punk Cholom or
Raas
 Mary Kom: Chungneijang Mary Kom
Sports Personalities Hmangte, popularly known as Mary
Kom, is the most popular Olympic boxer.
She is the only female to set a six-time
record of winning the World Amateur
Boxing Championship and the only
female boxer to win a medal in each of
the total seven world championships.

Places of Special
Interest

St Joseph’s Cathedral
The architecture is an Anglo-Manipuri fusion. The splendid architecture
Manipur: The Land of Jewel! makes it one of the unique landmarks of Imphal, with the Hills in the
background and beautiful buildings enhancing the view.
Nagaland is situated on the easternmost region of India.
One of the seven sister states India, Nagaland is covered
mostly by high-altitude mountains. The hospitability of
the people here and their culture and tradition simply
touch the heart. Moreover, the Nagaland is an ideal
destination for trekking, rock climbing and jungle
camping.
 What is Naga Culture
Known For?
Nagaland exquisitely rich in flora and fauna and is a
habitat to some of the dandiest plants and animals, not
leaving behind the beautiful birds to which this place is
home. Owing to its diversity in birds, Nagaland is referred
to as, The Falcon Capital of The World. Nagaland
supports a flamboyant tribal culture which leaves
anybody visiting the place amazed and dazzled.
 Festivals In Nagaland
to experience the Hornbill festival, you should visit
Nagaland during the first week of December. It is one of the
biggest festivals that takes place in Kisama village.

Tsukheneye is a festival that is mainly held in the Phek

district in Nagaland and celebrated among the people of the
Chakhesang tribe in Nagaland. This festival is quite famous
among them because they are related to the harvest of their
crops.

Naknyulem is a fun-filled festival that is celebrated by the

people of the Chang tribe. It is promoted to celebrate not
only friendship but the culture and tradition of the tribe.
 The Delicacies of Nagaland

Axone (fermented soybean) Bamboo shoot Fermented dry fish

The food of Nagaland is known for its variety and simplicity. Being one of the major
states in the North Eastern part of India, it is an important tourist site for its beautiful
scenery and most importantly food. Naga food is considered spicy due to their love for
the most famous king chilly ( known as raja mircha in the North East).
The Long-living Tribes: The
Essence of Naga Culture and
Tradition

Nagas are mostly Christians. The state is regarded as the most Baptist state
in the world as 75% of it is dominated by them. Soft-heartedness and
hospitality of Nagas leave anyone visiting the place astounded. They have a
zest for life and are very exuberant when it comes to celebrating festivals or
any other day of equal significance.
Art and Craft
Though the main occupation of the Nagaland people is irrigation,
they have been blessed with dexterity, especially the women. The
ordinary metals such as iron, brass and tin are used to make
exquisite jewellery in the form of armlets, neckbands, bangles and
much more. Beads are also used to make beautiful necklace

Folk Dance and Music of

Nagaland
Owing to the joie de vivre nature of Nagas, dance
and music are an essential part of their culture. The
tribal dance and music will set your feet tapping. The
dance is generally performed in groups on the folk
songs perfectly synchronised with music through
various musical instruments such as Asem (drums),
Tati, Mouth Organ, Bamboo Flute, etc
Nagaland and Manipur might be small when
measured geographically but culturally it has
many flavours endowed. The traditions, fairs,
festivals, art and craft of the various tribes are
full of vibrant colours and energy. The zest with
which people live here is inspirational. One
must make the Manipur Nagaland people as
their host and cherish the culture at par along
thank you
 NAME – SARVAGYA DUBEY
CLASS -10
SUBJECT – ENGLISH LITERATURE