One of the former princely states of India, Manipur has been known by different names time and again to the British Viceroy and Governor - General of India. Lord Irwin, Manipur was the 'Switzerland of India', while Pandit Nehru described it as the 'Jewel of India', for 'Mani' in Hindi means jewel. This place also finds mention in the great Hindu Epic Mahabharata as an ancient Kingdom, where Arjuna and Pandavas had married the princess of Manipuri. His son Babaubahan eventually defeated his.

Nagaland bound Manipur in the north by Mizoram and in the south. It also shares it borders with Myanmar. This picturesque state is a nature lover’s delight, for it offers a panoramic view of the lush green hills with numerous mountain springs gushing here and there. This place is also laden with luxuriant vegetation, prominent of which are the beautiful and exotic orchid flowers.

From being a Union Territory, Manipur became a full-fledged state in 1972. The state language Mainpuri was recognized as one of the national languages in 1992. Manipur has also witnessed some turbulent historic times when she was under the British sovereignty. A surge for freedom from the British imperialism, led to a bloody revolt involving eminent personalities, of which were a self-styled prophet known as Jodonang and a young freedom fighter called Rani Gaidiniliou. The Rani was however, freed and honoured by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru after Independence.

The People of Manipur are basically Vaishnavite Hindus belonging to the Meithe tribe, and are also related to the 'Shans' of Burma. Manipur is well known for being the land of fierce warriors, excelling in martial arts like spear dance, wrestling, sword fights and in sports like polo and riding. Infact polo, which was a favorite game of the Mughals and was, popularized the world over by the British, originated in Manipur. This state is famous for the Manipuri dances, which have charmed people time and again. These dances are closely related to the worship of Lord Vishnu. One of the dance forms known as 'Rasa Dance' involves slow graceful movements and delicate had gestures. Women wearing glittering and colorful stiff skirts, which barely move, usually perform it. Another, known as 'Sankirtana', which is performed by men and involves acrobatics on the part of male dancer, often precedes this dance from. They play 'Pung' (drums) and cymbals while simultaneously exhibiting rythmic and athletic movements. The handloom textiles of Manipur are also quite popular all over India. Women play an active role in weaving as well as spinning.