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Kangla Palace
The word Kangla means dry land in the old Meetai language. The Palace of Kangla, now in ruins, was an old palace located in the capital city of Imphal in Manipur (Kangleipak). Originally, the palace was spread on both sides (western and eastern) of the banks of the Imphal River, but currently most of the ruins are located only on west side of the river bank. The old Meetai kings used the palace as their seat of government.
The palace is situated at the center of the city of Imphal and well above mean sea level at a height of 2,619 feet (798 m). As per the royal records of Manipur which are known as the 'Cheitharol Kummaba', Kangla was the royal palace since 33 A.D. when Pakhangba ascended the throne.
Along with being the seat of political power 'Kangla' is also famous as a holy place for ceremonies and religious worship. With regards to the laws for the worship, ceremonies and construction at 'Kangla', several old treaties and manuscripts are available, viz. 'Sakoklamlen' 'Chinglon Laihui', 'Nunglon' etc.
History
Kangla meaning 'dry land' in old Meitei was originally the customary seat of the past Meetai rulers of Manipur. 'Kangla' was the earliest capital of Manipur until 1891 AD. Despite being such an important place of Indian heritage, the fort today just possess some ruins to speak of its once held magnificence. However, the State Government is working on a Concept Development Plan (CDP) of 'Kangla Fort to restore its beauty.
During 1632, after acquiring Chinese laborers from the war, brick walls were constructed around the fort. After the Manipuri kings lost to the British in the Anglo-Manipur War in 1891, the fort was occupied by the security forces. Even after Independence, the Assam Rifles occupied the fort, and it was only in 2004 that it was handed over to the state government.
Architecture
Twenty feet high, the fortress was built of well-burnt bricks. A number of holy places, including the coronation place of Pakhangba, were positioned within the area of the fort. The castle had three entrances, two in the western part and one in the southern region. The southern entry was linked with the channel leading to the Shree - Shree Govindajee Temple.
Best time to Visit
Imphal has moderate temperature during summer and monsoon. Post monsoon and winter are cool seasons. The place can be visited throughout the year but the best time is from September to April.
Visitor Information
The regal entrance will welcome you to a world of long-gone periods. Many new constructions have been erected within the fort amongst which is the enormous statue of the legendary dragon, Kangla-sha. Be prepared to sense the amity and tranquility as you hike up the marble stairs to the Ibudhou Pakangba temple. Walk down to the semi-ruined red-brick temple of Brindaban Chandra, Shri Govindajee temple and other edifices, all the while appreciative of the natural prettiness around the zone. Besides all these, the south side has a museum which contains many stimulating relics which relate to the history of Manipur. A massive garden of roses beautifies the north-east side of the fort.
How to Reach
Air
The airport in Imphal is at a distance of 8 km from the city center and the taxi fare is nearly about Rs 150. This airport is well-connected to the places like Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. International travelers have to get connection flights from Kolkata or Delhi.
Rail
Imphal doesn't have its own railway station and the nearest railhead to Imphal is the Dimapur railway station which is located at a distance of 215 km and is near Manipur. It will take about 8 hours to reach Imphal from Dimapur by bus or taxi.
Road
Nagaland and Manipur State buses operate from the towns of Aizwal, Dimapur, Itanagar, Kohima, Shillong and Agartala. The frequency of the buses is every day and the tariff per seat is Rs 75 to Rs 250. Dimapur to Imphal requires a bus travel of 8 hours.
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