Meitei architecture: Difference between revisions

'''Meitei architecture''' or '''Manipuri architecture''' is the [[architecture]] produced by the [[Meitei people|Meitei speaking people]], whose culture flourished in the [[Kangleipak]] kingdom and its neighbouring kingdoms from the middle of the fifteenth century BC.  

The Meitei architecture is best known for its temples (Laishang, Kiyong, Thellon), found scattered in the [[Kangleipak]] (present day [[Manipur]]). Other architectural forms that are still in existence are the grand gates (Hojang), Traditional houses (Yumjao), Public houses (Sanglen), Official buildings (Loishang), etc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=education.Scientific_Papers.Scientific_Principles_of_Ancient_Manipuri_Yumjao_House_and_its_Courtyard_By_Khwairakpam_Gajananda|title=Scientific Principles of Ancient Manipuri Yumjao House and its Courtyard By Khwairakpam Gajananda|website=www.e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>[http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=℅20manipur.Arts_and_Culture.Meitei_Yumjao_The_Endangered_Art]{{dead link|date=July 2020}}</ref>

==Influence==

Due to the arrival of [[Hinduism]] in the kingdom of [[Kangleipak]] (present day [[Manipur]]), the form of architecture was greatly influenced during the 16-17th century AD. Hundreds of [[Vaishnava]] temples were built in the kingdom with a mixed architectural design of both the traditional Meitei architecture and Mainland [[Indian architecture]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sahapedia.org/the-vaishnava-temples-of-manipur-historical-study|title=The Vaishnava Temples of Manipur: An Historical Study|website=Sahapedia}}</ref>

==Styles==

 

The [[temples]] and other [[buildings]] built in Meitei architecture is easily distinguished by the Holy Chirong ([[Horn (anatomy)|horns]]), attached on the top of the [[roof]]. Some of the significant examples are easily seen in the [[Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple]] and [[Sanamahi Kiyong Temple]].<ref>{{cite web | title=SANAMAHI KIYONG TEMPLE - India | website=IMPHAL EAST DISTRICT, GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR | date=2018-07-20 | url=https://imphaleast.nic.in/tourist-place/sanamahi_kiyong/ | access-date=2020-11-17}}</ref>

There are styles of engraving animal figures on the walls of the buildings, especially the figures of bulls, Buffalo, etc. are mainly found.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.webindia123.com/MANIPUR/ART/index.html|title=Arts and Architecture of manipur|website=Webindia123.com}}</ref>

 

==Gallery==

<gallery class="center" widths="140px" heights="145px">

File:Mondum-mahadeva.jpg|A Hindu temple at [[Kakching Khunou]], [[Manipur]]

File:Shree_Govindaji_temple,_Manipur.jpg|A Hindu temple at [[Imphal]]

File:IBUDHOU_PAKHANG_LAISENG_AT_KAKCHING_GARDEN.jpg|An ancient temple at [[Kakching]], [[Manipur]]

File:The_Kangla_Gate.JPG|The Western Gate of [[Kangla Palace]], [[Imphal]]

File:Kangla_Fort_Complex,_Imphal_(75).jpeg|The ruins of old temple inside the [[Kangla Palace]], [[Imphal]]

File:Gopinath_Temple_-_Ningthoukhong,_Manipur_(India).jpg|A [[Meitei people|Meitei]] [[Hindu]] temple at [[Ningthoukhong]], [[Manipur]]

File:Kangla5.jpg|Old ruins at [[Kangla Palace]]

File:Bihu_Loukon_-_Starfort.jpg|[[Bihu Loukon]], aerial view

File:Ibudhou-khamlangba-laikon.jpg|Grand gate of Shrine of Lord Khamlangba, with a holy horn in the top

File:MAHADEV_MANDIR_AT_KAKCHING_GARDEN.jpg|A Hindu temple in Meitei style at [[Kakching]]

</gallery>

 

==See also==

 

 

[[Category:Indian architectural history]]