Imphal: Difference between revisions

| name                           = Imphal

| other_name                     = imphal

| settlement_type                 = Capital City

| image_alt                      =

| nickname                        =  

| map_alt                        =  

| map_caption                    =  

| pushpin_map                    = India Manipur #India

| pushpin_label_position          = left

| pushpin_map_alt                =  

| pushpin_map_caption            = Location of Imphal in Manipur

| coordinates                    = {{coord|24.8074|N|93.9384|E|display=inline,title}}

| subdivision_type1              = State

| subdivision_type2              = [[List of districts of India|District]]

| subdivision_name2              = [[Imphal East district|Imphal East]], [[Imphal West district|Imphal West]]

| governing_body                  = [[Imphal Municipal Corporation]]

| leader_title1                   = Mayor

| leader_name1                    = L. Lokeshwor Singh

| demographics_type1             = Languages

| timezone1                      = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]

| postal_code                     = 795001

| website                        = {{URL|http://imc.mn.gov.in/}}

'''Imphal''' ({{IPAc-en|'|I|m|f|@l}})<ref>{{lexico|Imphal}}</ref> is the [[capital city]] of the Indian state of [[Manipur]]. The metropolitan centre of the city contains the ruins of [[Kangla Palace]] (also known as Kangla Fort), the royal seat of the former [[Kingdom of Manipur]], surrounded by a [[moat]]. Spread over parts of the districts of [[Imphal West district|Imphal West]] and [[Imphal East district|Imphal East]], the former contains the majority of the city's area and population.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2016-12-20|title=Simply put: Seven new districts that set Manipur ablaze|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/manipur-violence-new-districts-okram-ibobi-united-naga-council-4436039/|access-date=2020-10-15|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> Imphal is part of the [[Smart Cities Mission]] under the [[Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Imphal Smart City Limited|url=http://imphalsmartcitylimited.com/|access-date=2020-10-16|language=en-US}}</ref>

Initially ruled by Kin Khaba, Imphal was later ruled by the [[Pakhangba]] leaders. The clan of the [[Ningthouja]] tribe originated then. The Ningthouja tribe quickly expanded and dominated the region in politics and war. [[Kangla Palace]] was built by King Khagemba and his son Khunjaoba. The palace was later destroyed by the British during the [[Anglo-Manipur War]]. During the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra, there were a number of Burmese invasions. However, the kingdom survived with the help of Maharaj [[Gambhir Singh]].

 

The [[Battle of Imphal]] took place between March and July 1944, during [[World War II]]. The Japanese invaded Imphal to capture British Colonies. However, they were defeated and had to retreat. This attack made the British realise the militarily strategic position of Imphal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nam.ac.uk/exhibitions/online-exhibitions/britains-greatest-battles/imphal-kohima|title=Imphal and Kohima|work=Britain's Greatest Battles|publisher=[[National Army Museum]]|access-date=9 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207003427/http://www.nam.ac.uk/exhibitions/online-exhibitions/britains-greatest-battles/imphal-kohima|archive-date=7 February 2015}}</ref>

Imphal city is divided between the two districts of Imphal West and Imphal East.<ref name=":2" /> Census collects the information for the two parts of the city separately, with the major portion of the city being in Imphal West and the minor portion in Imphal East.<ref>{{Cite web|title=District Census Handbook: Imphal East|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/14/1407_PART_A_DCHB_IMPHAL%20EAST.pdf|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Census India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=District Census Handbook: Imphal West|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/14/1406_PART_A_DCHB_IMPHAL%20WEST.pdf|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Census India}}</ref>

Imphal is located at {{Coord|24.8074|N|93.9384|E}} in extreme eastern India,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/17/Imphal.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Imphal, India|access-date=10 June 2015}}</ref> with an average elevation of {{convert|786|m|abbr=out}}. It has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen-Geiger climate classification system|Köppen]] Cwa)<ref name="Climate-Data.org">{{Cite web |url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/47589/ |title=Climate: Imphal - Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table |publisher=Climate-Data.org |access-date=31 October 2013 }}</ref> with mild, dry winters and a hot [[monsoon]] season. Temperatures in July average about {{convert|29|°C}}; January is the coldest month, with average lows near {{convert|4|°C}}. The city receives about {{convert|1320|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain, with June the wettest month. The highest recorded temperature was {{convert|35.6|C}}, on 22 May 2009, and the lowest temperature was {{convert|-2.7|C}} on 10 January 1970.<ref name="IMD"/><ref name=IMD2>{{cite web

  |url-status=dead  

  |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6GmnoaB0m?url=http://www.imdpune.gov.in/Temp_Extremes/histext2010.pdf  

  |archive-date=21 May 2013}}  

{{Imphal weatherbox}}

According to Census 2011, Imphal constitutes 42.13% of the total urban population in Manipur. Hence, the history of urban local governance is longer in Imphal than in other parts of the state. The British established the Town Fund Board in Imphal in 1915, which was headed by the then [[Agencies of British India|Political Agent]] Lt. Col. H.W.G. Cole and other nominated members.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Lairenlakpam|first=Bino Devi|date=22 April 2015|title=Development and working of the Imphal Municipal Board from 1956 to 1980|url=http://hdl.handle.net/10603/39465|access-date=9 September 2020|website=Shodhganga|hdl=10603/39465}}</ref> The Town Fund Board continued after Independence and merger with India in 1949 and it was not headed by the Chief Secretary of Manipur Administration. In 1956, the Assam Municipal Act, 1923 was extended to Manipur and the Imphal Municipal Board was formed with 12 elected members. The strength of the elected members of this Board was increased to 24 in 1961 and to 28 in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chapter VIII, City Utility Services|url=http://14.139.13.47:8080/jspui/bitstream/10603/67587/16/16_chapter%208.pdf|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Shodhganga}}</ref> Initially, the Municipal Board was established only to administer the areas in Imphal under the British Reserve, covering {{cvt|3.10|km2}} and 2,862 inhabitants. This was extended to {{cvt|17.48|km2}} in 1960,  {{cvt|18.25|km2}} in 1970, and {{cvt|76.58|km2}} in 1972.<ref name=":0" />

In 1992, the Municipal Board was upgraded to a Municipal Council under the Manipur Municipality Act, 1994.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) for Imphal, Manipur, FY 2015-16|url=http://amrut.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/8%20SAAPMANIPUR.pdf|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation}}</ref> In 2014, the council was upgraded to the status of Municipal Corporation. There are 27 wards under the Municipal Corporation, each with its own elected councillor. There are eight committees and five sections at the corporation to govern the administration of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Organisational Structure|url=http://imc.mn.gov.in/Organisational%20Structure.pdf|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Imphal Municipal Corporation}}</ref>

There are Ward Development Committees in each ward to look after developmental activities at the ward level. The local ward councillor is the chairperson of the committee, which includes two elected and two nominated members as well.<ref name=":1" /> The last election to the corporation was in 2016, with INC winning 12 seats, BJP winning 10 seats, and independent candidates winning 5 seats.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Indo-Asian News Service|date=2016-06-07|title=Congress wins 12 seats in 27-member Manipur local body|work=Business Standard|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/congress-wins-12-seats-in-27-member-manipur-local-body-116060701192_1.html|access-date=2020-09-15}}</ref> According to the Manipur Municipality Act, 1994, the mayor is indirectly elected by the elected councillors from amongst themselves.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Manipur Municipalities Act, 1994|url=http://imc.mn.gov.in/MMAct009converted.pdf|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Imphal Municipal Corporation}}</ref> The first mayor of the corporation was Soram Sunil and was elected in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=18 Jun|first1=TNN /|last2=2016|last3=Ist|first3=05:37|title=Soram Sunil sworn in as first mayor of Imphal {{!}} Imphal News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/imphal/Soram-Sunil-sworn-in-as-first-mayor-of-Imphal/articleshow/52804065.cms|access-date=2020-09-15|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The present mayor of Imphal Municipal Corporation is Laisangbam Lokeshwar and was elected to the position in 2017. Sujata Phaomei is the present Deputy Mayor.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IMC Mayor : 10th jun17 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=Snipp3..100617.jun17|access-date=2020-09-15|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

Manipur is divided into two constituencies for the purpose of Lok Sabha - [[Outer Manipur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency]] and [[Inner Manipur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency]]. Imphal city is part of the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Parliamentary Constituencies {{!}} Imphal West District, Government of Manipur {{!}} India|url=https://imphalwest.nic.in/parliamentary-constituencies/|access-date=2020-10-15|language=en-US}}</ref> The last elections took place during the [[2019 Indian general election]]s. [[Rajkumar Ranjan Singh]] from the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] won the election with 2,63,632 votes.<ref>{{Cite web|last=S|first=Vangamla Salle K.|title=BJP's Rajkumar Ranjan, NPF's Lorho S Pfoze win Manipur LS seats|url=https://www.eastmojo.com/manipur/2019/05/24/bjps-rajkumar-ranjan-npfs-lorho-s-pfoze-win-manipur-ls-seats|access-date=2020-10-15|website=EastMojo|language=en}}</ref>

Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited is responsible for electricity supply in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=https://www.mspdcl.com/irj/go/km/docs/internet/MANIPUR/webpage/pages/Home.html|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited}}</ref> Public Health and Engineering Department of the [[Government of Manipur|Manipur Government]] looks after both water supply, and sewage and drainage in Imphal.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=http://www.phedmanipur.gov.in|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Public Health and Engineering Department}}</ref> Roads in the city are developed and maintained by the state Public Works Department.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=http://pwdmanipur.nic.in/|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Public Works Department, Government of Manipur}}</ref> Imphal Municipal Corporation is responsible for Solid Waste Management.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mahongnao|first=Mirinchonme|date=2017-02-20|title=URBAN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN IMPHAL, MANIPUR|url=https://www.icontrolpollution.com/%20peer-reviewed/%20urban-solid-waste-management-in-imphal-manipur-85937.html|journal=Journal of Industrial Pollution Control|language=en|volume=33|issue=1|pages=696–701|issn=0970-2083}}</ref> The state Department of Fire Services provides fire safety services in the city with one fire station, which is also the department headquarters.<ref>{{Cite web|title=FIRE STATION LIST « Official Website Manipur Fire Servcie|url=http://www.manipurfireservice.gov.in/fire-station-list/|access-date=2020-10-15|website=manipurfireservice.gov.in}}</ref>

{{Main|Tourist attractions in Manipur}}Imphal offers sites of religious and historical importance within and around the city. [[Kangla Palace]] (also known as Kangla Fort) is on the banks of the [[Imphal River]]. ''Kangla'' means "dry land" in the [[Meitei language]]. It was the palace of King [[Pakhangba]], and has religious significance with multiple temples present within the complex.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who's who 1891 of Manipur state archives|url=http://archivesmanipur.nic.in/whoswho.htm|access-date=2020-10-19|website=archivesmanipur.nic.in}}</ref> It is also significant in Manipur's history with the British.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who's who 1891 of Manipur state archives|url=http://archivesmanipur.nic.in/whoswho.htm|access-date=2020-10-19|website=archivesmanipur.nic.in}}</ref> [[Bihu Loukon]] is an ancient star-shaped fort made of mud situated in Maklang, [[Imphal West District]]. It was discovered in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Press|first=Imphal Free|title=Ancient star shaped mud fort discovered at Maklang, Manipur – KanglaOnline|url=http://kanglaonline.com/2013/03/ancient-star-shaped-mud-fort-discovered-at-maklang/|access-date=2020-10-19|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple]] is religious site important to both the local religion, [[Sanamahism]], and to Hinduism. The temple is noted for its annual Durga Puja festival.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Admin)|first=Jitendra(|title=Thousands of devotees throng Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple on the day of Bor on second day of Durga Puja Festival - Impact TV - The Official Website|url=https://impacttv.in/breaking-news/item/821-thousands-of-devotees-throng-hiyangthang-lairembi-temple-on-the-day-of-bor-on-second-day-of-durga-puja-festival|access-date=2020-10-19|website=impacttv.in|language=en-gb}}</ref>

India Peace Memorial at the Red Hills is located }}cvt|12|km}} south of Imphal. The place was the scene of action and the theater of the battle that took place between the British Army and the Japanese Forces<ref>{{Cite web|last=Admin)|first=William(|title=May 10, 1942: first bomb hit Imphal in World War 2|url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/it-articles/item/8456-may-10-1942-first-bomb-hit-imphal-in-world-war-2|language=en-gb}}</ref> fighting alongside the [[Indian National Army]] in [[World War II]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Milaap|date=2019-08-27|title=Footprints of the Past: A Visit To India Peace Memorial|url=https://www.shethepeople.tv/blog/india-peace-memorial-imphal-manipur/|access-date=2020-10-19|publisher=SheThePeople TV|language=en-US}}</ref> Red Hill has now become a tourist attraction since the Japanese war veterans constructed a monument at the foot of this hill.<ref>{{Cite web|last=bureau|first=Odisha Diary|date=2018-01-26|title=The India Peace Memorial at Lokpaching, Imphal|url=https://orissadiary.com/india-peace-memorial-lokpaching-imphal/|access-date=2020-10-19|website=Odisha Breaking News {{!}} Odisha News {{!}} Latest Odisha News{{!}} Odisha Diary|language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Imphal War Cemetery]] remembers Indian and British soldiers who fought and died in 1944 during World War II and is managed by the [[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cemetery Details {{!}} CWGC|url=https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/2064600/imphal-war-cemetery/|access-date=2020-10-19|website=www.cwgc.org|language=en}}</ref>

Imphal is also home to the largest all women run market in Asia, called the [[Ima Market|Ima Keithel]] (Mothers' Market).<ref>{{Cite web|title=3-storey market building coming up at Pureiromba Keithel in Imphal|url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/3-storey-market-building-coming-up-at-pureiromba-keithel-in-imphal.html|access-date=2020-10-19|website=NORTHEAST NOW|language=en-US}}</ref> It was established in the 16th century and hosts around 5,000–6,000 women [[vendor]]s who sell a variety of products.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Incredible India {{!}} Ima Keithel/ Ima Market/ Khwairamband Bazar|url=https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/imphal/ima-keithel--ima-market--khwairamband-bazar.html|access-date=2020-10-19|website=www.incredibleindia.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Chakravarty|first=Ipsita|title=The earthquake has damaged a nerve centre of life in Manipur: the Ima Keithel or Mother's Market|url=http://scroll.in/article/801410/the-earthquake-has-damaged-a-nerve-centre-of-life-in-manipur-the-ima-keithel-or-mothers-market|access-date=2020-10-19|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref>

Imphal is connected by the [[National Highway (India)|National Highway]] to major cities like [[Guwahati]], [[Kohima]], [[Agartala]], [[Shillong]], [[Dimapur]], [[Aizawl]], and [[Silchar]].

In October 2012, India's [[Cabinet of India|Cabinet]] Committee on Infrastructure approved an extension of the [[Jiribam]]–Silchar railway to Imphal. The extension was expected to reach the city by 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/govt-approves-rail-link-to-imphal/1022103|title=Govt approves rail link to Imphal|date=26 October 2012|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=25 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NFR – Jiribam-Imphal Rail Line – Manipur|url=https://www.construction-ic.com/HomePage/Projects?ReturnUrl=%2FProjects%2FOverview%2F151721|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235238/https://www.construction-ic.com/HomePage/Projects?ReturnUrl=%2FProjects%2FOverview%2F151721|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 January 2018|publisher=Construction Intelligence Centre|access-date=7 November 2017}}</ref> The total length of the railway line is 110.62&nbsp;km. The revised estimated cost of construction for the railway line sits at Rs 9658 crore, with Rs 4927.54 crore being spent as of 2019.

[[Khuman Lampak Main Stadium]] is a multi-purpose stadium in Imphal. It is used mostly for [[association football|football]] and athletics. The stadium holds 30,000 people and was built in 1999. This stadium lies inside the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. The professional football club [[NEROCA FC]] and [[TRAU FC]] of [[I League]] uses the stadium as their home ground.

* [[National Institute of Technology, Manipur]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nitmanipur.ac.in/|title=Welcome To NIT Manipur|access-date=10 June 2015}}</ref>

* [[Manipur Technical University]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mtu.ac.in/|title=MTU|website=mtu.ac.in|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-25}}</ref>

* [[Regional Institute of Medical Sciences]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rims.edu.in/|title=Regional Institute of Medical Sciences|access-date=28 January 2014}}</ref>

*Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya including Khumbong (Imphal west), Imphal east, Bishnupur, CCpur, Ukrul, Thoubal, Tamenglong and Senapati

*Savio English Higher Secondary School, Thangmeiband

*[[Ratan Thiyam]], theatre director and chairman of the Chorus Theatre Imphal, former chairman at National School of Drama

* [[Moirang]]

*{{Wikivoyage-inline|Imphal}}

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110927230217/http://imphalwest.nic.in/iwfront.html Imphal West]