Statue of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot
The Monument Commemorating a Socio-Political Pioneer:The Statue of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot is a significant socio-political landmark in Jiribam, erected to honor the memory and legacy of Jana Neta Hijam Irabot (1896-1951), a towering figure in the political and social history of Manipur. Known as "Lam yanba" (Pioneer or Leader of the Masses), Irabot was a revolutionary social activist, politician, and a key leader who fought against colonial injustices and social evils. The statue stands as a powerful symbol of nationalism, self-respect, and the struggle for a just society, aiming to inspire the youth to uphold his ideals of equality and social progress. Its location in Irawat Square, a central gathering area, underscores its importance to the community. The monument serves as a focal point for political and cultural observances, particularly on his birth anniversary (September 30th) and the day he went underground (September 21st). It is a site of solemn respect and a platform for public discourse on the history and future of Manipur. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by leaders like Irabot for the people of the state. The square often hosts civic events and is a quiet meeting place on regular days. The memorial is a vital link to the history of the freedom movement and the political awakening in Manipur, distinguishing it as a historical and cultural destination rather than purely a recreational one.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
0. 5 to 1 HourPlace Type:
Historical Monument, Political Landmark, CulturalEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee for a Public Monument:As a historical and political landmark located in a public square, there is generally no Entry Fee for visiting the Statue of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot or Irawat Square. The site is freely accessible to all citizens and tourists.No Entry Fee for a Public Monument:As a historical and political landmark located in a public square, there is generally no Entry Fee for visiting the Statue of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot or Irawat Square. The site is freely accessible to all citizens and tourists.
Donation for Maintenance:Visitors may, however, find a small, voluntary Donation Box managed by the local community or a memorial trust, where they can contribute a small amount (Rs.10 or more) to support the ongoing maintenance and cleaning of the statue and the square. This is a key topic of the fee structure—civic maintenance through voluntary contribution.
Fee for Organized Events/Filming:Large, organized political rallies, commercial filming, or private ceremonies might require a formal permit from the local municipality and could involve an official Permit Fee, but casual tourist visits are always free.Timing:
Always Open - Public Square Access:As a public square, the site is technically Always Open (24/7 access). However, the recommended and practical Regular Timings for a tourist visit are during daylight hours, typically 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, for safety and to appreciate the mon...Always Open - Public Square Access:As a public square, the site is technically Always Open (24/7 access). However, the recommended and practical Regular Timings for a tourist visit are during daylight hours, typically 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, for safety and to appreciate the monument clearly.
Ideal Visit Time:The Ideal Visit Time is the very early morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) for quiet reflection and to avoid the midday sun and traffic. Late afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) is also pleasant, offering soft light for photography, and the square is usually more active with local social life.Special Events:
Annual Irabot Day Celebration:The most significant and mandatory special event is the annual observance of Irabot Day on September 30th (his birth anniversary). The statue and Irawat Square are the absolute epicenter of the celebrations, featuring state dignitaries, ceremon...Annual Irabot Day Celebration:The most significant and mandatory special event is the annual observance of Irabot Day on September 30th (his birth anniversary). The statue and Irawat Square are the absolute epicenter of the celebrations, featuring state dignitaries, ceremonial parades, floral tributes, and cultural performances by various groups, often involving speeches on his ideology.
Pungdongbam Thoudok Commemoration:The commemoration of the Pungdongbam Thoudok (an event on September 21, 1948, which led to Irabot going underground) is also an important annual event held at the square, featuring speeches and solemn recollections of the event's significance.Best Photo Spots:
The Statue's Full-View Profile:The best spot is directly in front of the pedestal for a full-view profile shot of the bronze statue, capturing its height and dynamic pose. This is best taken from a low angle to emphasize the monument's grandeur.The Statue's Full-View Profile:The best spot is directly in front of the pedestal for a full-view profile shot of the bronze statue, capturing its height and dynamic pose. This is best taken from a low angle to emphasize the monument's grandeur.
The Ceremonial Backdrop:A shot taken from the edge of the square, capturing the statue framed by the ceremonial flags or the local buildings in the background, gives a sense of place and the monument's importance as a community center. This works best during an official event with all the decorations in place.
The Sunset Silhouette Shot:The statue, with its distinct, strong profile, is perfect for a dramatic sunset silhouette shot against the vibrant colors of the evening sky. This requires positioning the camera so the light source (the setting sun) is directly behind the statue.
The Base Plaque Close-Up:A close-up photograph of the engraved commemorative plaque on the pedestal, capturing the names and dates, is an excellent photo for historical documentation and social media sharing to educate others.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Historical Reflection and Tributes:The primary activity is to pay tribute to the leader and engage in quiet historical reflection on his life and sacrifice. Visitors often place flowers or light incense at the base of the statue, especially on significant dates. This is a moment of civic and historical solemnity.
Attending Civic and Cultural Events:If visiting around September 30th (Irabot Day), the main activity is attending the civic and cultural events, including the March pasts, floral tributes, and speeches, which showcase the local commitment to his legacy. This offers a vibrant cultural experience.
Monument and Square Photography:The monument is the main subject for photography, often with an emphasis on capturing the statue's dynamic pose against the backdrop of the sky or the square. ...Historical Reflection and Tributes:The primary activity is to pay tribute to the leader and engage in quiet historical reflection on his life and sacrifice. Visitors often place flowers or light incense at the base of the statue, especially on significant dates. This is a moment of civic and historical solemnity.
Attending Civic and Cultural Events:If visiting around September 30th (Irabot Day), the main activity is attending the civic and cultural events, including the March pasts, floral tributes, and speeches, which showcase the local commitment to his legacy. This offers a vibrant cultural experience.
Monument and Square Photography:The monument is the main subject for photography, often with an emphasis on capturing the statue's dynamic pose against the backdrop of the sky or the square. The lighting conditions in the early morning and late afternoon are best for highlighting the texture of the bronze.
Observing Local Life at Irawat Square:Spend time simply observing the local life at Irawat Square. Since the square is a community hub, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily social and political pulse of Jiribam residents. This is a chance for candid street photography and people-watching.
Reading and Research:The square is an ideal outdoor spot for reading about the history of Manipur and the life of Irabot. The tranquil setting allows for focused historical research and deep thought on the significance of the leader's work.
Educational Group Discussions:The area is frequently used for educational group discussions and lectures by students and historians, especially those focusing on the history of political movements in Northeast India. Joining or observing these groups can be highly informative.
Exploring Nearby Historical Structures:Take a short walk to explore nearby historical structures in the Babupara area, such as old mosques (Babupara Jama Masjid) and other colonial-era buildings, which place the monument in its correct historical context.
Information
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Why Famous:
Symbol of Revolutionary Struggle and Nationalism:The statue is famous as a powerful symbol of the revolutionary struggle in Manipur and the region. Hijam Irabot's contributions to social reform, the formation of the Nikhil Manipuri Mahasabha (transformed into a political pa...Symbol of Revolutionary Struggle and Nationalism:The statue is famous as a powerful symbol of the revolutionary struggle in Manipur and the region. Hijam Irabot's contributions to social reform, the formation of the Nikhil Manipuri Mahasabha (transformed into a political party), and his leadership in the peasants' and women's movements (like the Second Nupi Lan) are legendary, making the statue a pilgrimage site for those inspired by his nationalism. Focal Point for Political and Cultural Observances:It is renowned as the primary focal point for major political and cultural observances in Jiribam, particularly the annual Irabot Day on September 30th. On this day, the square is central to solemn floral tributes, parades, and cultural programs, drawing dignitaries and citizens alike.
Educational Value for Youth:The monument serves a vital role in educating the youth about the state's political history and inspiring them to uphold the leader's principles of social justice and equality, making it an essential visit for school groups. Its prominent location ensures that the memory of his sacrifice is consistently maintained. -
Architecture:
Bronze Statue and Pedestal Design:The main feature is the life-size or slightly larger-than-life bronze statue of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot, typically depicted in a dynamic pose, perhaps with a raised fist or holding a book/paper, symbolizing his revolutionary and literary work....Bronze Statue and Pedestal Design:The main feature is the life-size or slightly larger-than-life bronze statue of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot, typically depicted in a dynamic pose, perhaps with a raised fist or holding a book/paper, symbolizing his revolutionary and literary work. The statue's estimated Dimension is 8 feet (approx. 2. 5 meters) in height. It rests on a multi-tiered concrete pedestal, often faced with polished stone or granite, with a typical Dimension of 10 feet (approx. 3 meters) in height and a square base of 4 meters by 4 meters.
Irawat Square Layout:The statue is the centerpiece of the paved Irawat Square, a designated public gathering area. The square is usually laid out with paving stones, surrounded by a low, decorative boundary railing (approx. 1 meter high). The space includes small, manicured garden beds and a flag pole, with the entire square having a circular Dimension of approximately 30 meters in diameter, designed to accommodate large public gatherings and ceremonies. -
How To Reach:
By Air to Jiribam:Fly to Silchar Airport (IXS) (80 KMS), then take a taxi/shared cab to Jiribam town center. The statue is a short ride from the town center. The alternative is the longer Imphal International Airport (IMF) route (7-9 hours).
B...By Air to Jiribam:Fly to Silchar Airport (IXS) (80 KMS), then take a taxi/shared cab to Jiribam town center. The statue is a short ride from the town center. The alternative is the longer Imphal International Airport (IMF) route (7-9 hours).
By Train to Jiribam:Take a train to Jiribam Railway Station (JIR). The square is in the central Babupara area, which is very close to the main station, making the train a highly convenient option. From the station, it is a quick and cheap auto-rickshaw ride.
By Road from Jiribam:The statue is only about 5 KMS from the center of Jiribam town, located strategically in the Babupara area. The road is paved and the journey is quick, taking only about 10 minutes by car or auto-rickshaw.
By Local Transport within Jiribam:The area is central and highly serviced by local transport. Auto-rickshaws and shared taxis ply the route constantly. Due to the short distance, it is an easy and inexpensive ride. You can also comfortably walk from the central Bazar area. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Best Season - Commemoration and Clear Weather:The Best Time to Visit is during the Winter months (October to March) for the most pleasant weather, which is ideal for spending time outdoors in the square and for attending the major commemorative events in September (Irabot Da...Best Season - Commemoration and Clear Weather:The Best Time to Visit is during the Winter months (October to March) for the most pleasant weather, which is ideal for spending time outdoors in the square and for attending the major commemorative events in September (Irabot Day). The weather in September can be hot and humid, so plan accordingly.
Best Part of the Day - Morning and Late Afternoon:The Morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) is the best time for a peaceful, reflective visit and for getting clear photographs without harsh shadows. The Late Afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) is perfect for observing the local community life and for dramatic sunset light over the monument. -
Near Tourist Places:
Sahab Uddin Agor Garden (approx. 5 KMS), Ningshingkhul Biodiversity Park (approx. 7 KMS), Babupara Jama Masjid (1 KM), Jiribam Kamranga Masjid (3 KMS), Jabed Laskar Rest House (4 KMS), Hassan House (5 KMS), Kabil Rubber Garden (5 KMS), Jiribam Horticulture Farm (10 KMS), Echel Club - Dibong (11 KMS), New Keithelmanbi Waterfall (approx. 12 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety and Local Courtesy:Maintain utmost respect for the monument, as it is a place of deep civic and political significance. Do not climb on the pedestal. Be mindful of traffic when approaching and leaving the square. The area is generally safe, but standard ci...Health & Safety and Local Courtesy:Maintain utmost respect for the monument, as it is a place of deep civic and political significance. Do not climb on the pedestal. Be mindful of traffic when approaching and leaving the square. The area is generally safe, but standard city safety practices should be followed for personal belongings.
Packing and Cultural Awareness:No specific packing is required beyond a camera and water. If visiting during an official commemoration (Irabot Day), wear modest attire to show respect. It is a great idea to read up on Hijam Irabot's life beforehand to fully appreciate the monument's significance.
Accommodation and Nearby Services:All hotels and guesthouses in Jiribam town are conveniently close. The surrounding Babupara area is a local commerce hub, meaning there are plenty of small shops, tea stalls, and local eateries nearby for a quick snack or drink.
Historical and Educational Focus:The monument is primarily a historical and educational site. It pairs well with visits to other local historical and cultural spots nearby like the Babupara Jama Masjid and Hassan House, creating a theme of local history and community development for the day.
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