Manipur State Museum
A Repository of Manipuri History: The Manipur State Museum, inaugurated in 1969 by Smt. Indira Gandhi, serves as the primary custodian of the region's rich historical, archaeological, and ethnographic heritage. Located centrally near the Polo Ground, the museum systematically documents and displays the cultural evolution of Manipur, spanning from ancient times to the modern era. The museum’s collection is meticulously categorized into different galleries, including Art and Archaeology, Ethnology, Natural History, and the Children's Gallery. A key highlight is the magnificent 54-foot-long royal boat, Hiyang Hiren, displayed in the open-air enclosure, which was historically used by the Meitei kings for races and ceremonial purposes. The Ethnology section is particularly rich, showcasing the diverse traditional costumes, ornaments, tools, weaponry, and cultural artifacts of the various tribal and ethnic groups residing in Manipur, offering deep insight into their unique ways of life. Furthermore, the museum houses a vast collection of rare manuscripts (Puyas), ancient coins, paintings, portraits of the former Manipuri rulers, and historical documents, all of which are crucial to understanding the political and social history of the kingdom. The Natural History section includes local flora and fauna, emphasizing the region’s unique biodiversity. The museum's primary objective is to preserve the cultural identity of Manipur and educate the public on its profound heritage, making it an essential intellectual and cultural stop in Imphal. (Approx. 400 words)
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 - 3 HoursPlace Type:
Museum; Cultural Center; Historical RepositoryEntry Fees:
Indian Citizens: A nominal entry fee, typically INR 20 per adult, is charged for Indian citizens. This fee contributes to the maintenance and preservation of the exhibits and facilities.
Foreign Nationals: Foreign tourists are charged a hig...Indian Citizens: A nominal entry fee, typically INR 20 per adult, is charged for Indian citizens. This fee contributes to the maintenance and preservation of the exhibits and facilities.
Foreign Nationals: Foreign tourists are charged a higher, but still nominal, fee, usually around INR 50. This differential pricing is common across national museums in India.
Photography Fees: A small, extra fee (e. g. , INR 50 to INR 100) may be charged for carrying a camera inside (excluding mobile phone cameras). There is usually a higher fee for professional video cameras.
Concessional/Student Rates: Students and educational groups are often eligible for heavily subsidized or free entry upon presenting a valid ID card, emphasizing the museum's educational mandate. (Approx. )Timing:
Regular Timings: The museum is generally open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (sometimes until 4:30 PM).
Weekly Holiday: The Manipur State Museum is closed on Mondays and on major public holidays. Always confirm the closure day before planning you...Regular Timings: The museum is generally open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (sometimes until 4:30 PM).
Weekly Holiday: The Manipur State Museum is closed on Mondays and on major public holidays. Always confirm the closure day before planning your visit.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is on a weekday morning (Tuesday to Friday) right after opening, to avoid crowds and allow for a peaceful, detailed examination of the exhibits. Allocate a minimum of 2 to 3 hours for a comprehensive visit.
Avoid Lunch Hour: Try to avoid the 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM period if you wish to see all galleries before the closing time. (Approx. )Special Events:
Commemoration of Founder's Day: The museum often organizes special events, including lectures, seminars, and temporary exhibitions, to commemorate its founding date (in November) or other significant historical and cultural anniversaries throughout the year, featuring schola...Commemoration of Founder's Day: The museum often organizes special events, including lectures, seminars, and temporary exhibitions, to commemorate its founding date (in November) or other significant historical and cultural anniversaries throughout the year, featuring scholars and cultural experts.
Temporary Exhibitions: Throughout the year, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on specific themes, such as a particular tribe, a historical period, or a unique art form of Manipur. These events are announced locally and offer focused cultural immersion. (Approx. )Best Photo Spots:
The Hiyang Hiren Enclosure: The most iconic photo spot is the large, covered shelter housing the 54-foot-long royal boat Hiyang Hiren. The sheer scale of the boat makes for a spectacular photograph, especially capturing the texture of the wood.
...The Hiyang Hiren Enclosure: The most iconic photo spot is the large, covered shelter housing the 54-foot-long royal boat Hiyang Hiren. The sheer scale of the boat makes for a spectacular photograph, especially capturing the texture of the wood.
Portraits of the Maharajas: The gallery featuring the formal portraits of the former rulers of Manipur offers a dignified and historically rich backdrop for visitors.
Ethnological Dioramas and Displays: The detailed dioramas and mannequins dressed in traditional tribal costumes provide excellent, vibrant photo opportunities showcasing the state's cultural diversity.
The Museum Facade and Lawns: The simple, modern exterior facade, often framed by well-maintained green lawns, provides a good, clean backdrop for a mandatory 'I was here' photograph. (Approx. )Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Tour the Ethnological Galleries: Spend significant time in the Ethnology section to appreciate the diverse cultures, including the unique costumes, ornaments, and traditional tools of the Naga, Kuki, and Meitei groups, understanding the state's socio-cultural complexity.
Study the Historical Artifacts: Examine the galleries displaying the portraits of the Maharajas, royal weaponry, and historical documents to gain a deeper appreciation of Manipuri political history and the various wars, particularly the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.
Admire the Hiyang Hiren: Walk around the massive 54-foot-long royal boat housed in its separate enclosure, reflecting on the historical significance of Hiyang Tannaba (boat races) as a major royal and cultural event.
Attend a Guided Tour or...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Hiyang Hiren Royal Boat: The most famous exhibit is the magnificent 54-foot-long traditional royal dugout boat, Hiyang Hiren. These ceremonial boats were historically significant, and this one is a rare, preserved example of Manipuri craftsmanship and royal tradition. <...The Hiyang Hiren Royal Boat: The most famous exhibit is the magnificent 54-foot-long traditional royal dugout boat, Hiyang Hiren. These ceremonial boats were historically significant, and this one is a rare, preserved example of Manipuri craftsmanship and royal tradition.
Rich Ethnographic Collection: The museum is renowned for its comprehensive and diverse collection of artifacts from the various indigenous tribes of Manipur, providing a valuable and respectful showcase of the state's vibrant cultural mosaic and social history.
Preservation of Royal Artifacts: The museum is famous for its historical gallery, which preserves and displays portraits, weaponry, and personal effects of the former Maharajas of Manipur, giving visitors a direct link to the kingdom's political past. (Approx. ) -
Architecture:
Modern Institutional Architecture: The building features a modern institutional architectural style, typical of public utility buildings constructed in India during the mid-20th century. It prioritizes function, space, and display capacity over traditional aesthetic embelli...Modern Institutional Architecture: The building features a modern institutional architectural style, typical of public utility buildings constructed in India during the mid-20th century. It prioritizes function, space, and display capacity over traditional aesthetic embellishments.
Layout and Dimension: The museum is a multi-story structure with a simple, rectangular floor plan, organized into specific galleries to facilitate a chronological and thematic flow for visitors. The overall floor area is substantial, designed to accommodate large exhibits and administrative offices. The most unique architectural feature is the specially constructed open-air shelter housing the Hiyang Hiren boat. The boat itself is approximately 54 feet (16. 4 meters) long, requiring a dedicated, high-roofed enclosure. The interiors are simple, featuring large display cases, controlled lighting, and informational plaques, adhering to modern museum display standards, and designed for crowd flow. (Approx. ) -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Imphal's Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF). The museum is approximately 8 km from the airport. Hire a pre-paid taxi or a local auto-rickshaw for the 20-minute drive.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is D... -
Near Tourist Places:
Polo Ground (0. 1 km), Ima Market (Nupi Keithel) (~1. 5 km), Kangla Fort (~1. 5 km), Shaheed Minar (~2 km), Shri Govindajee Temple (~2. 5 km), Nupi Lal Memorial Complex (~2. 5 km), Mahabali Temple (~3 km), Imphal War Cemetery (~4 km), Manipur Zoological Garden (~5 km), Langthabal Konung (~9. 5 km). (10 Places with Distance)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The museum is indoors; follow standard safety protocols like avoiding touching exhibits. Carry a small water bottle; outside food and drinks are typically not allowed inside the display galleries.
Packing: Bring reading g...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(477+) of Manipur Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Sakti FallsSophi VillageTolloi VillageTummu VillageWanglei PeakWanglei VillageKhayang WaterfallsLairok Maru Lairok Maru Peak Sirohi National ParkAkham Khou Azuram Community ReservesBarak WaterfallsBuning MeadowDailong VillageDevpriya HillDilji WaterfallDuithailong VillageMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
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