Kangla Fort
| Kingdom of Manipur | |
|---|---|
| Part of History of Manipur | |
| Kings of Manipur | |
| Pamheiba | 1720-1751 |
| Gaurisiam | 1752-1754 |
| Chitsai | 1754-1756 |
| Ching-Thang Khomba | 1769-1798 |
| Rohinchandra | 1798-1801 |
| Maduchandra Singh | 1801-1806 |
| Chourjit Singh | 1806-1812 |
| Marjit Singh | 1812-1819 |
| Gambhir Singh | 1825-1834 |
| Raja Nara Singh | 1844-1850 |
| Debindro Singh | 1850 |
| Chandrakirti Singh | 1850-1886 |
| Raja Surchandra | 1886-1890 |
| Kulachandra Singh | 1890-1891 |
| Churachandra Singh | 1891-1941 |
| Bodhchandra Singh | 1941-1949 |
| Manipur monarchy data | |
| Ningthouja dynasty (Royal family) | |
| Pakhangba (Symbol of the kingdom) | |
| Cheitharol Kumbaba (Royal chronicle) | |
| Imphal (Capital of the kingdom) | |
| Kangla Palace (Royal residence) | |
The Palace of Kangla is an old palace at Imphal in Manipur (Kangleipak). It was situated on both sides (western and eastern) of the bank of the Imphal River. But now it remains only on the western side of the bank. Only the ruins remain now. Kangla means "dry land" in old Meitei. It was the traditional seat of the past Meitei rulers of Manipur.
'Kangla' was the ancient capital of Manipur from the ancient times down to the year 1891 AD. It is located at the heart of the Imphal city almost intersected by 24°N Latitude, 94°E Longitude and it is 2,619 feet (798 m) above mean sea level. It is situated on the western bank of the Imphal River.
In ancient times, 'Kangla' was the royal palace since the reign of Pakhangba who ascended the throne in 33 AD, according to "Cheitharol Kummaba", the royal Chronicle of Manipur.
In pre-Pakhangba period, a ruling clan named Khaba ruled from 'Kangla'. 'Kangla' is not only the seat of political power but also a holy place for religious worship and ceremonies. There are a number of ancient treaties/manuscripts especially "Sakoklamlen" "Chinglon Laihui", "Nunglon" etc., which lay down the rules for the construction, worship, ceremonies relating to 'Kangla'.these palace was surrounded by a huge channel called"kangla pat"
Kangla is the most important historical and archeological site of Manipur. The kingdom of Manipur was established and developed at Kangla. Being a site of political and religious centre, Kangla has grown into a formidable fortress city through the centuries. It is from this capital that the Ningthouja clan gradually wielded enough political and military power and grew up to be the most dominant clan in Manipur. The royal chronicle gives many references to the construction of Kangla by successive reigning kings in Manipur.
The major landmarks in the growth of Kangla Fort were constructed by King Khagemba (1597–1652 AD), the conqueror of the Chinese. The royal chronicle records that in 1632 AD, Khagemba constructed a brick wall at the western gate of Kangla Fort. It appears that the art of brick making was acquired from the Chinese prisoners who were captured during the Chinese invasion of the eastern frontier of Manipur. Khagemba's son Khunjaoba (1632–1666 AD) improved on the fortification and beautification work of Kangla Fort. It is said that the king excavated a moat (Thangapat) on the western side of the Fort. During his period, the power and prestige of Manipur was at its peak. Burmese kings/chiefs approached him to settle their disputes and beg the hands of Manipuri princesses. The Fort was further improved and enlarged by King Garibaniwaz and after him by successive kings of Manipur.
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Wikipedia