During the days of the British Raj, Manipur was one of the princely states.[11] Prior to the British departure in 1947, Manipur acceded to the Dominion of India, along with roughly 550 other princely states.[12] In September 1949, the ruler of Manipur signed a merger agreement with India, giving up his kingdom and obtaining a privy purse in return.[13] Many Meitei people feel that their self-determination was violated by the agreement since the legislature elected under the constitution was not consulted.[14] Followed by contestation of the merger by groups in Manipur, resulting in a 50-year insurgency in the state for independence from India.[14] From 2009 through 2018, the conflict was responsible for the violent deaths of over 1000 people.[15]
The Meitei people represent around 53% of the population of Manipur state, followed by various Naga tribes at 20% and Kuki-Zo tribes at 16%.[16] Manipur's ethnic groups practice a variety of religions.[17] According to 2011 census, Hinduism and Christianity are the major religions of the state.[17]
Manipur has primarily an agrarian economy, with significant hydroelectric power generation potential. It is connected to other areas by daily flights through Imphal Airport, the second largest in northeastern India.[18] Manipur is home to many sports and the origin of Manipuri dance,[19] and is credited with introducing polo to Europeans.[20]
The history of Manipur Meiteis is chronicled in Puyas or Puwaris (stories about the forefathers), namely, the Ninghthou Kangbalon, Cheitharol Kumbaba, Ningthourol Lambuba, Poireiton Khunthokpa, Panthoibi Khongkul, and so forth in the Meitei script, which is comparable to the Thai script. The historical accounts presented here were recordings from the eyes and the judgment of Meitei kings and Maichou [simple] (Meitei scholars).
The Kingdom of Mongkawng and Mongmao
According to the Tai chronicles, Manipur (Kahse) is one of the territories conquered by Samlongpha (1150–1201), the first Chao Pha of Mongkawng.[26] A 14th-century inscription from Pagan, Myanmar, mentions Kasan (Manipur) as one of the 21 states under the Mong Mao ruler Thonganbwa (1413–1445/6); he later was captured by the Governor of Taungdwingyi.[27]
Medieval
Vassal State of the Toungoo empire
Bayinnaung, the ruler of Toungoo dynasty ordered the invasion of Manipur in 1559. He had recalled Binnya Dala from Chiang Mai to lead the invasion. The three armies mostly made up of army from Kale, Mohnyin, Mogaung, Momeik and Sanda led the invasion, the King of Manipur surrendered without any resistance and Manipur became a vassal state of the Toungoo empire.[28]