Manipur

Manipur, a native state in the north-east of India, occupying some 8000 sq. m. of for the most part heavily timbered mountain-land between Burma, Assam, Chittagong, and Cachar; pop. 221,000, collected most thickly in one valley, 650 sq. m., situated 2500 feet above sea-level. The men are incorrigibly lazy, but passionately fond of the game of Polo (q.v.). The Manipuris combine Mongolian and Aryan characteristics, and are mainly Hindus in faith. The wild hill-men belong to the Naga and other stocks. A British political agent was established at the rajah's court in the town of Manipur or Imphail (pop. 40,000) in 1835. In March 1891 Mr Quinton, chief-commissioner of Assam, accompanied by an escort of Ghoorkas, came hither in March on a mission; and he and Mr Grimwood, the resident, were overpowered and killed. A British military expedition reached the capital before the end of April; and after trial, the Regent and a prince were transported for life, and the 'Senaputty' and chief-general executed. See Mrs Grimwood, My Three Years in Manipur (1891).