Kangla Fort Imphal Manipur Meitei Heritage

Kangla Fort in Imphal is the ancient capital of the Meitei kingdom of Manipur, serving as the royal seat for over two millennia until 1891. The fort complex contains sacred Kangla Sha dragon statues at the main gate, the Nupi Keithel (women market) just outside, and the sacred Govindaji temple. For Meitei people, Kangla represents spiritual sovereignty — the site of Sanamahism (indigenous religion) rituals and annual Lai Haraoba festivals. After independence, Kangla was returned to the Manipur government in 2004 after decades as an Assam Rifles cantonment. Conservation efforts focus on archaeological excavation and revival of traditional Meitei architecture using Kangla brick and timber.