Department of Planning, Government of Manipur Mayank Gaur & Vasundhara Sharma Surajit Som Basic4 Advertising Pvt Ltd Ajanta Offset & Packagings Ltd

Transcription

1

2

3

4 Published by Written by Art Produced by Printed at Department of Planning, Government of Manipur Mayank Gaur & Vasundhara Sharma Surajit Som Basic4 Advertising Pvt Ltd Ajanta Offset & Packagings Ltd First edition published in 2012 All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers. The opinions expressed in the book are the photographer s and author s, and do not necessarily reflect the establishment s official stand.

5 Editorial Board D.S. Poonia, IAS Chief Secretary, Manipur R.K. Jhalajit Singh Educationist Mutua Bahadur Prop. Mutua Museum Dr. Th. Munindro Singh Director (Planning) Rungsung Ramaiya Asst. Prof, G.P. College Dr. Kamkenthang (Retd) Director (TRI) Dr. R.K. Nimai Singh, IAS Commissioner (Art & Culture) Chairperson Member Member Member Member Member Member Convenor Photography & Design Akash Das 1

6 2 His Excellency the Governor of Manipur, Shri Gurbachan Jagat at the Raj Bhawan.

7 FOREWORD Manipur, though small in size, is a State of many diversities. From the hot sub-tropical climate of Jiribam to the alpine clime of Dzuko, from 800 feet above MSL at New Somdal to above 9000 feet at Mount Iso, Manipur has it all. Inhabited by more than 35 different communities with their own unique cultural traditions, it is a veritable paradise for cultural scholars. It has also not been left untouched by modernity and one can find it side by side with tradition. Manipur has contributed to the world polo and Ras Lila, besides many other things which are yet to be discovered and popularized. Manipur though unfortunately has no book to its credit introducing it to other parts of the globe. The present attempt by the State Government to produce a Coffee Table Book on the different aspects of Manipur is a laudable effort and I am confident that it will be well received and will be a befitting introduction of the State. No single book can do justice to such a diverse State but there will be other efforts to take up what was not covered by this endeavour. (Gurbachan Jagat) 3

8 4 The Hon ble Chief Minister, Shri Ibobi Singh in a reflective mood, at his residence.

9 MESSAGE The State of Manipur has an amazingly rich cultural heritage and a proud history of gallantry. A vibrant microcosm of diverse communities and tribes, the State boasts of several unique experiences, not to be found anywhere else in the world; such as the floating wildlife sanctuary of Loktak Lake, Sangai a dancing deer, the Siroi lily, found only in Manipur and the world s hottest chilly. Besides its substantial canvas of ethnic performing arts and crafts, the State also has a very glorious sports culture with the likes of boxing heroes Dinko Singh, Mary Kom and Debendro Singh, hockey star Thoiba Singh and international weight lifting champion Kunjarani Devi, to name a few. This Coffee Table Book is a marvelous showcase of the myriad aspects that make Manipur truly fascinating. I have keenly followed its evolution and extend my heartiest congratulations to the State s Planning Department, as well as to all the professionals who have gone to great lengths, to bring it to life. I believe it is an absorbing, informative and quite entertaining look at mesmerizing Manipur. (Okram Ibobi Singh) 5

10 6

11 Swaying, drumming and leaping in synchronised frenzy, the Pung Cholom dancers must surely be driven by some cosmic energy. 7

12 The peace within the warrior s heart The sound of silence in beckoning landscapes The pristine wisdom of a country maiden s song And, the child-like laughter of a village elder, living his 2nd century... In a land where legends are as real as the sight of floating land and dancing deer and life is awash with a golden glow long before the horizon blushes in most of India welcome to a kaleidoscope of moving memories The grand old sentinel of timeless traditions stands guard over Manipur s cultural legacy, lest rampant tides of modernity harbour the ambition to sweep over it. Wonder what the halo over his head is, though! 8 8

13 9

14 10 Fishing rods are for kids. Armed with a massive contraption of bamboo and net, our lady is an old hand at prizing out the prize catch from the smallest of puddles.

15 11

16 12

17 13

18 14

19 15

20 16 A celestial drama plays out with twists and turns, light and shade worthy of a grand opera over Imphal, the capital of Manipur.

21 17

22 The Hindu Lord Krishna s childhood pranks with Gopis (cow herd girls) are enacted with much fanfare. Interestingly, child Krishna is often played by little girls! Blow one conch shell successfully, and you will probably blow your own trumpet for long. But blowing two, simultaneously, often at different pitches, is a skill unique to a handful of Meitei artistes. 18

23 19

24 20

25 The intrepid Royal Riders of Manipur take the concept of going the extra mile many a mile, announcing their arrival with the thundering sound of the Royal Enfield. Doctors, psychologists, musicians, social workers, academia an impassioned band of brothers, reaching out to remote settlements with medicine, essential items, advice, knowledge and love. 21

26 It isn t often that you meet proud homemakers who are equally at home in the boxing rink! On our right, 5 times world boxing champion and bronze medalist in 2012 Olympics, Mary Kom. Her biggest prize her twin boys. And on our left, 5 times Asian champion Sarita Devi

27 23

28 The grandiose premises of the High Court. The pride of belonging to our great Republic finds a myriad expressions on Republic Day in Manipur. 24

29 25

30 26 What a way to go places in life! A hut on one of many floating islands, on Loktak Lake.

31 27

32 28

33 What better way to start the day than with a mighty swig; the world seems to light up almost instantaneously, too! Of all the treasures life has bestowed upon the Manipuris, smiles are definitely the most precious and abundant. 29

34 A well-rehearsed tribal dance or a spontaneous photo op, it s all in a day s work for Manipur s star performances

35 31

36 Handling the world s hottest chilly is no child s play unless you are a cool kid, that is! It s never too early to join the celebration called life in Manipur. Little girls learn festive dance steps almost as soon as they learn to walk

37 33

38 34

39 Before you start mistaking this to be a local version of polo, know this; the royal game of polo is, in fact, a global imitation of the Manipuri Sagol Kangjei, exported out of here by the British in the 19th century. Perhaps the only way to shoot these brave-hearts without getting into serious trouble with them! 35

40 36

41 His Excellency the Governor of Manipur, Shri Gurbachan Jagat with dignitaries at high tea on the Republic Day, at his residence. Let s talk business, shall we? The future-ready City Convention Centre in Imphal is the venue of high-powered meetings, conventions and conferences. 37

42 38

43 The Assembly complex of Manipur, in all its regal splendour. Steeped in old world charm and equipped with new-age communication tools, it is a worthy venue for the powers that be

44 Manipur rocks, and how! Combining Western and ethnic instruments and sounds, Guru Rewben, one of the land s acclaimed virtuosos serenades the soul. Perfectly in tune with those who have a taste for the good things in life. 40

45 41

46 42 Catch them young is the motto of this land, where indigenous martial arts, sports and other physical activities are an integral part of life.

47 43

48 44 On the right, Arambam Bobby, Mr World And on the left, most likely, Mr World 2025!

49 45

50 46

51 From the deft fingers of tradition to the vibrant hues of haute couture, Manipur is brimming with gushing expressions and global styles. 47

52 India s priceless cultural legacies come to light in the renowned Bhagyachandra Festival, a triennial week-long classical festival. It draws celebrity performers from the country s many diverse classical dance forms. Local performers add fervour to the Holi celebrations in rural Imphal, as the festivities hit a crescendo in the 5-day revelries. 48

53 49

54 50 Shall we dance, deer? Sangai, an intriguing dancing deer is found only in Manipur; that too, on the world s only floating National Park, on Loktak Lake!

55 51

56 52 Harvest time may be a backbreaking period of sweat and toil for adults; for children though, its picnic time...

57 53

58 54 Times change, territories change, even the weapons change...what never changes, is the courage, commitment and sheer ability of the descendants of Manipur s many warrior clans.

59 55

60 56

61 Rope tricks of different kinds! On the left, Manipuri girls flag off the international wall climbing competition at the Sangai Festival. On the right, exuberant young girls rope in wary travellers during Holi, locally known as Yaoshang, to claim their legitimate ransom before letting them pass. 57

62 58

63 To the children of fishing communities, this is a rite of passage to a livelihood. The casual comfort with which the little gent surveys his domain says these young men are well on their way. 59

64 60

65 Not just a loom, in Manipur, it s an heirloom. In a land where beauty abounds and creativity thrives, beauty pageants bring ethnic fashions to life in grand style. 61

66 Raas Lila, the epitome of Manipuri classical dance embodies the transcendental relationship of Lord Krishna with Radha and the Gopis (cow herd girls). Drenched in the spirit of celebration, festivities and prayer, Holi, the festival of colour, is celebrated in the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple in Imphal

67 63

68 64 The Sangai Festival is really like a cultural kaliedoscope of all that is great and fascinating about Manipuri life. A 10-day showcase of Manipur s diverse cultures, tribes, performances, cuisine, sports, arts & crafts... with a fair sprinkling of representation from other parts of India and the world.

69 65

70 6 66 Nothing like a true brew, homemade if you please, to get the spirited young folk going.

71 67

72 68

73 The gateway to the Far East the Moreh Bridge connecting India to Myanmar is poised to play a significant role in bridging the nation s trade and cultural relations with neighbouring countries. Here s to a world of opportunities. The African stall at the venue of the Sangai Festival reflects Manipur s growing trade relations with the world. 69

74 7070 Food for thought, on the trot. The traveller will find many such alluring roadside eateries dotting the landscape.

75 Going places together, with happy baby wrapped in a reassuring bond of love

76 72

77 A mythical interpretation of Creation, this dance-drama ends with the victory of women; an apt example of equality being ingrained in Manipuri culture. Way beyond land ownership, the fishermen and women of Loktak pride themselves in the possession of cultivated rings of thriving catch. Talk about liquid assets! 73

78 74

79 They drum, they dance and accompanied by soul stirring music, they create a time warp where the fine line between the past and the present blurs

80 Is it hockey? Is it wrestling? No, it s a game of Mukna Kangjei Manipuri hockey; and any competition, from anywhere else in the world is effortlessly ruled out! Manipur s rich boxing legacy is the gold standard for Indian sport, with state boxers shining in global arenas. Here, legendary coach, Dronacharya awardee L. Ibomcha Singh in action. 76

81 77

82 No ordinary fish market, this; atop Phumdi floating biomass, a customer gladly takes the fisherman s bait. The people of Manipur venerate Mother Earth; and the Mother nurtures their inborn talent by giving liberally of herself, to help them eke a livelihood out of their skills. 78

83 79

84 Ok, so we are giving the bride away. But would you please be kind enough to keep her smiling? Generations of dedicated craftsmanship strewn into their DNA, the hard working weaver women weave on the traditional loin loom. 80

85 81

86 A family that cooks together, stays together. It s another matter that the tantalising aromas wafting from the delicious preparations make the staying together bit that much easier! Delicious native cuisine vies with spicy gossip and saucy pictures, in here

87 83

88 84 The optical illusion aside, it is true that the boat is on the move... and so is the land!

89 85

90 86 For the culinary vagabond, there are thrilling taste trails criss-crossing the Manipuri landscape. And whatever the setting, traditional or avant-garde, the advice is, seek out and savour the exotic native fare.

91 87

92 On the waterfront, a lonely shepherd strides along. Such reservoirs are vital lifelines for local settlements and agriculture. The celestial orb rises, to create a captivating moment of light and shadow in some quaint hamlet. 88

93 89

94 90 Is myth just a figment of imagination? Could it be that the legend of the powerful spirit that forbids overtures of love in these caves, despite being a romantic deity, is just a story? And if all that isn t true, how do you explain away that sagacious rock face peering down at the wise old warrior?

95 91

96 Gushing with grace and unbridled force, pristine curtains of water descend upon land. A reservoir of scenic beauty that inspires a sense of wonder, the Khuga Multipurpose Dam is a wellspring of prosperity, bringing drinking water and irrigation facilities to the masses. 92

97 93

98 94 Passions run deep, voices echo in the night, the musician strums to the beat of his own heart and the rest is sheer magic.

99 95

100 96 They say that a legendary hero Khamba and his heroine Thoibi danced before the sylvan deity for peace and prosperity, and he was pleased but then why did he send the court jester?

101 97

102 98 With diverse communities and tribes, Manipur is a vast cauldron of culinary treats. On the left, a traditional Meitei festival feast. On the right, members of a hill tribe preparing a grand feast.

103 99

104 If you thought climbing the corporate ladder was tough, try this! And be warned, the pole is liberally oiled for good measure. The fruit of labour is sweet... proud ladies display their freshly plucked treasures in the Orange Festival. 100

105 101

106 102

107 Clad in pious saffron and joyous smiles, the elderly matrons patiently await the blessings of Panthou, their living deity. The toils of life don t seem much of a burden when in the company of friends

108 104

109 Even the Sun God feels compelled to bow to her radiant beauty, as she strikes a stunning front cover pose without even realising it. 105

110 The gallant guardian of peace will never hesitate to go the extra mile to answer the call of duty. Terrain, or no terrain. Slashing blades and lethal moves... it s just another day at the office. 106

111 107

112 The parents arrive with their princess, in a shimmering trousseau worthy of the queen to be... The guests have arrived. Let the wedding ceremonies begin

113 109

114 110 The guardians of tradition, shoulder to shoulder with the guardians of life.

115 111

116 112 It s the Orange Festival and beauty blooms in all its glory, behind the scenes. Captivating images, captured moments before the catwalk.

117 113

118 114

119 Mr Positive! Pradip Kumar, an inspirational mascot of hope and glory for the whole world. A Mr India finalist, this champion bodybuilder took to the sport to battle the HIV virus. 115

120 116

121 Perfect synergy and unbound energy; that s what it takes to make ripples in the national and international arena. 117

122 118

123 The handiwork of genius comes in many shapes and sizes. On the left, a cane artisan at work and on the right, black pottery being created... without the potter s wheel. 119

124 The light of wisdom glows bright on a priest at Manipur s ISKON Temple, a globally popular pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Krishna. The beauty and the beast! A petite foreign tourist alongside sculptures of the mighty, mythical Kangla Sha (dragon) in Kangla Fort. 120

125 121

126 122

127 Long is the journey of life... embark upon it with a smile, and it becomes worth the while. A sombrero, a señorita, a smile and a sunset... sublime, isn t it? 123

128 A celestial poetry being chanted in the holy precinct of Lord Krishna s ISKCON Temple. Atop a hillock, a tiny temple with a larger-than-life aura. It is believed that crows came into existence from this very spot. 124

129 125

130 126 Even before the star spangled blanket spreads out over the capital city of Imphal, a myriad beacons light up as if to show the approaching night the way.

131 127

132 128 Lightning strikes, menacing jabs and nimble footwork... what matters is the spirit of combat, irrespective of the arena.

133 129

134 130 It takes brawn and brains to stay on top, whatever the arena. On the left, judo practice and on the right, high drama in a game of Yubi Lakpi - quite like rugby, except that it is played with a greased coconut, by greased players!

135 131

136 132

137 Veiled in the mists of myth, is the fabled city of Shangri la paradise on earth; this quaint little landscape - Turtle Lake, evokes a sense of déjà vu for that mystical land. A light hearted moment amongst the superstars of Manipur s thriving film industry. Mollywood? 133

138 A very heartening aspect of Manipuri culture is the high esteem they accord to their womenfolk and their elderly. Here, an aged matriarch holds sway over a festive celebration. On a moonlit night, amid a large gathering of youth, the circle of romance begins spinning. The Thabal Chongba is a ritual dance that encourages the youth of both sexes to intermingle and, if lucky, find a life partner. 134

139 135

140 They say those who have the will, make their own way. For this enterprising lady driver, its business on overdrive. We got the drive, and there s no stopping us... Manipur s chic gen-next on the move. 136

141 137

142 The princess of light comes a calling... Whoever said too many cooks spoil the broth has obviously never been in a community kitchen in Manipur. The menu of the day features light-hearted banter, a courtship or two, a few badly sung songs and incidentally, food and drink too

143 139

144 Fashion street, what else! No smoke, no horse-power. As long as there s strength in the limbs and drive in the heart, we are going places in life

145 141

146 A smile is such a funny thing, it wrinkles up the face Another generation of proud inheritors of this timeless legacy one of the oldest surviving huts from another time. 142

147 143

148 Sinews of steel and an iron will... No kid s stuff, this! It s a game of Yubi Lakpi, local rugby, and it s no holds barred, it seems. 144

149 145

150 146

151 It s meal time, and the world can wait. On the left, the village chief with senior panchayat members and on the right, happy little cherubs in a noble home of hope, for HIV affected children. 147

152 A warrior princess holding court? The horns adorning the wall behind her are testimony to her clan s martial pedigree. The more heads displayed, the more heads will bow, in reverence. The stoic calm on that weathered countenance conceals the extreme rigour of a warrior s turbulent life. 148

153 149

154 150

155 Lofty is the abode of the Lord; an aesthetic perspective of the Pakhangba Temple at Kangla Fort, a revered place of worship for the Meitei community. A courtyard in the colossal Kangla Fort; Manipur s most important historical site, with memories of the erstwhile royalty as well as the British Raj alive and echoing in several buildings of eminence. 151

156 Another busy day at Ima Asia s largest women only market. Trust us, those ladies will have you eating out of their hands! A multitude of footwear on the shelves, and the world at my feet

157 153

158 Thankfully, there is no age limit for the nicer things in life, like happiness, joy, exuberance and beaming smiles. A hop, a skip and a jump towards a standing ovation on the Republic Day! 154

159 155

160 156

161 Who said the sky is the limit? Ask this high flier! Record books, please note. There s an entire village in there! 157

162 158

163 No trouble getting the hubble-bubble going! Pots on their heads, songs on their lips, here come the country maidens. 159

164 160

165 Just as the ripples remain long after the boat has passed by, memories of mesmerizing Manipur will linger on 161

166 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Planning Department, Government of Manipur is deeply indebted to the members of the Editorial Board, all officials of the Government of Manipur, the Basic4 Advertising team, the many performers & troupes, as well as various individuals who, in diverse capacities, made this publication possible. Special thanks to Mr. D.S. Poonia, Chief Secretary, Manipur who conceived, nurtured and enriched this project in a myriad ways.

167

168