The Manipur State Museum is a wonder among the most significant monuments of Manipur. The museum specialises in documenting and displaying the rich cultural past and heritage of the Manipuri common folk and the decked-up royalty. As the tourists visit this place, they are offered grand representations of agricultural prowess in Manipur, the warfare equipment from the past, and the everyday attire of the natives. They are also shown the gorgeous displays of golden human masks, Buddha relics and the iconic Hiyang Hiren, a royal boat. Thus, the museum is perfect for learning more about Manipur and its culture. So, keep reading our blog to learn more about the details of the museum and its speciality.
About Manipur State Museum
The Manipur State Museum is the most significant place in Manipur, preserving its ancient past and glorious days. This museum was initially inaugurated on 23rd September 1969 and has grown over the years to garner more materials from the past. Today, the museum also conducts various programmes to raise cultural appreciation among ordinary people.
The museum showcases many artefacts, including the 54-foot-long Hiyang Hiren, a royal boat. It also has ancient weaponry, traditional attire of the native tribe, items used by royalty, polo equipment from the time, the iconic golden bird, and the gold-plated mask with a human skull. The fascinating sections of the museum cover ethnology, natural history, archaeology, and much more.
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History Of Manipur State Museum
The Manipur State Museum was opened initially to display the native culture of Manipur. It was first inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, in 1969. Since then, the museum has expanded to various sections and subsections. These sections today include archaeology, ethnology, and natural history.
The then Governor of Manipur, Ved Marwah, reopened the ethnology section in January 2001. Since then, the massive monument has exhibited various rare items, such as the hiyang Hiren, ancient coins, paintings, and daily-use items of Manipuri royalty from the ancient, mediaeval, and modern eras.
Collection And Exhibits At The Manipur State Museum
The Manipur State Museum has a vast collection spread over several galleries, including the ethnology and archaeology sections, which are of utmost importance. The most famed collections include the everyday-use items of the Manipuri royalty over the years. This consists of the very popular exhibit of Hiyang Hiren, a large boat now kept in an open gallery.
Various sets of attire, pottery items, ancient coins, fashionable paintings, royalties, and common people’s jewellery are displayed here. The museum boasts a publication of 500 different species of orchids, which are rather rare to find anywhere else in India. Gold masks, polo equipment, statues, smoking pipes, and agricultural items are also shown here.
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Manipur State Museum Entrance Fees And Timings
The Manipur State Museum charges nominal entrance fees: Rs. 10 for Indian adults and Rs. 5 for school-going children. Meanwhile, Rs. 50 is charged to foreign travellers.
Moreover, the State Museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. On Mondays, all the second Saturdays of the month, and Government holidays, the museum doors are shut.
Best Places To Visit Nearby Manipur State Museum
While the Manipur State Museum itself is a beautiful place to visit and experience a wonderful trip to, other nearby areas should be on the bucket list of travellers, such as:
1. Kangla Fort
Image Credit: Haoreima for wikimedia commons
The Kangla Fort has remained a symbol of resilience and Manipur’s glory. Today, the fort is ruined on the western side of its construction, while the eastern side is completely gone. It is located on the east side of the Imphal River. The fort reminds us of the reign of the Meetei rulers in Manipur’s past. The rulers held power over the fort and controlled the state from there. The fort provided a huge defensive structure against most wars in Manipur’s history, finally falling prey to invasions. This historical monument is a great travel option near the Manipur State Museum.
Location: RW4V+X4M, Kangla, Imphal, Manipur 795001
Travel Time: 20 minutes
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2. Langthabal
The Langthabal area near the Manipur State Museum is a renowned place of historical and heritage wonders, including ruins and remnants of various temples and monuments. Apart from the basic structures, tourists can also enjoy the vast pine and jackfruit cultivation within the arena. Langthabal Palace is also situated within the place, becoming a famous icon of Manipur’s former strength and glory. Tourists who are either historical geeks or are genuinely fascinated by the architectural prowess of the forgotten Manipuri people visit it.
Location: Langthabal, Heirangoithong Rd, Manipur
Travel Time: 14 minutes
3. Manipur Zoological Gardens
Image Credit:Joydeep for wikimedia commons
The Manipur Zoological Gardens are the iconic home to the globe’s only dancing deer, the Sangai. People from every corner of the country come here to steal a glance at the majestic deer. This place also qualifies as the only floating national park in the world. Tourists here can expect to spot exotic animals like the Eld’s Deer or the Thamin, the Himalayan Bear, the Slow Loris, Pythons, the Hoolock Gibbon and many more. In addition, this medium-sized zoological park is known for being a great travel option with many flora and fauna to witness.
Location: RV9R+289, Iroisemba Zoological Garden Rd, Uripok, Imphal, Manipur 795004
Travel Time: 15 minutes
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How To Reach Manipur State Museum?
Here are the various ways to reach Manipur State Museum:
By Air
People can board flights to the nearest international airport, Tulihal International Imphal Airport, and then take public transport to the museum.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is in Dimapur, Assam. Hence, people can get off at the station and hop on a taxi or use a bus or any other local public transport to get around the Manipur State Museum.
By Road
Manipur has a well-connected road network, with NH 37, NH 2, and NH 102 running inside the state. Hence, people can use private buses that frequent these routes to reach the State Museum.
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The Manipur State Museum is one of the most popular spaces in the state, boosting the new generation’s interest in the state’s ancient history and heritage. Many tourists visit the museum today to look at fancy coins, traditional attires, royal items, and the iconic exhibits of Manipur’s former royalty. So, if you want to dive into the history and heritage of this state as well, then book a trip to Manipur! Visit with your family and relish the rich cuisine of the state, look at the original handicrafts of the region and tour the museum to learn more about Manipur’s cultural abundance.
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Cover Image Credit:Dhinakar01 for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Manipur State Museum
What is the Manipur State Museum famous for?
The Manipur State Museum is famous for its unique collection. Items showcased include gold human masks, royal boats of enormous length, and the attire, paintings, and ornaments of the natives.
What exhibits are there in the Manipur State Museum?
The Manipur State Museum has many exhibits, including native Manpuri ornaments and attire, relics of Buddha, weaponry from past warriors, natural history documentation, and agricultural equipment, among other iconic displays.
What galleries are there in the museum?
Although the museum contains many collections, it has three major galleries: the archaeology section, the ethnology section, and the natural history section. In addition, there are open galleries as well.
When was the Manipur State Museum opened?
The Manipur State Museum was first established on 23rd September 1969. The place was inaugurated by the then-Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.
What is special about the Manipur State Museum?
The museum is prominent because it is one of the rarest museums that display equal exhibits of common people’s history and royal history. The museum also displays some of the most astounding exhibits, such as Hiyang Hiren, and runs interactive programmes.
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