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Kangla is the most significant archaeological site in Manipur. At Kangla, the kingdom of Manipur was founded and later prospered. Kangla, as a political and religious centre, has evolved through the ages into a strongly fortified city. The Ningthouja clan became the most powerful group in Manipur by wielding impressive political and military clout from its capital. The construction of Kangla by successive ruling monarchs of Manipur is mentioned frequently in the royal chronicle.
The Kangla Fort, situated on the banks of the river, Imphal, is the Manipuri History palace, the seat of the Meitei Dynasty, the olden kings of Manipur. The current Kangla Palace was the old capital of Manipur until 1891, and it is located on the dried-up western bank of the Imphal river. The palace is located at a height of 798 metres above sea level.
The Kangla Fort has stood in this location for almost two millennia. The first mention of it may be found in the chronicles of King Pakhangba, who reigned over the province as early as 33 AD.
Kangla Palace
The Kangla Palace or Fort is a symbol of Manipur’s greatness. In Manipuri or Meetei, the word, ‘Kangla’, denotes ‘dry ground ‘. Kangla was Manipur’s historic capital, and it was from this fort that a succession of Meetei rulers controlled the state.
King Khagemba (1597-1652 A.D.) – the ruler of the Chinese – built important monuments for the development of the Kangla Fort. According to the royal chronicle, Khagemba built a brick wall at the western gate of Kangla Fort in 1632 A.D. The technique of brick manufacturing appears to have been learned from Chinese PoWs during the Chinese invasion of Manipur’s eastern boundary. The fortification and beautification work of Kangla Fort was enhanced by his son, Khunjaoba (1632-1666 A.D.). On the western side of the Fort, the monarch is claimed to have dug a moat (Thangapat).
Due to successive Burmese invasions, Kangla had been evacuated multiple times since Maharaja Bhagyachandra’s reign (1762-1798 A.D.). With the support of the Manipur Levy, Maharaja Gambhir Singh was able to free Manipur from the invading Burmese armies, who had held the state hostage for seven years. In Manipur’s history, this time of the Burmese rule is known as “Chahi Taret Khuntakpa” (Seven Years Devastation). Gambhir Singh, on the other hand, chose Langthabal, which is today known as Canchipur, as his capital. The capital was moved to Kangla in 1844 under the reign of Nara Singh.
Following the Anglo-Manipur War in 1891, it was taken over by the British troops. It was afterwards taken over by the Assam Rifles, which held it till 2004.
The fort was handed over to the state government of Manipur by former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on November 20, 2004. The fort is now open to the public and is a prominent tourist destination in the state. For art enthusiasts and historians, a visit to the Kangla Fort is a must, as this ancient fort holds tremendous archaeological, religious, and historical value.
History of Kangla Palace
Kangla was once the traditional seat of Manipur’s Meetai monarchs. Kangla was Manipur’s first capital till 1891 AD. Despite being such a significant part of Indian history, the fort now seems to be in a shambles. The state government, on the other hand, is working on a Concept Development Plan (CDP) for the Kangla Fort in order to restore its beauty.
After gaining Chinese workmen during the battle, brick walls were built around the fort in 1632. The fort was taken by security troops after the Manipuri rulers were defeated by the British in the Anglo-Manipur War in 1891. The Assam Rifles maintained the fort after Independence.
Architecture
The fort was constructed with well-burned bricks and stood twenty feet tall. A variety of sacred sites, notably Pakhangba’s coronation site, are located inside the fort’s boundaries. There are three entrances to the castle, two in the west and one in the south. The southern entrance was connected to the Shree – Shree Govindajee Temple by a canal.
Features of Kangla Palace
The Kangla Palace is a centre of tourist attraction in the North-East and is considered one of the holiest locations in Manipur. The Nungjeng Eekon, a sacred pond believed to be the dwelling of Lord Pakhangba, is said to be one of the 360 major sacred locations in Kangla. Then there’s Nunggoibi, a temple devoted to the Goddess of War.
Conclusion
This part of Manipur is rich in Indian customs and traditions, and is steeped in history. Kangla, therefore, is one of India’s most historically significant sites.
