Manipur

Manipur is a state in northeastern India making its capital in the city of Imphal. Manipur is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south and Assam in the west; it also borders the country of Myanmar to the east. The Meiteis, who live primarily in the state's valley region, is one of the primary ethnic groups. Their language, Meitei (also known as Meiteilon or Manipuri), is also the lingua franca in the state. It was recognized as one of India's national languages in 1992. The game polo originated in Manipur. British soldiers and planters took it back to England, modified the rules and made it popular around the world. Rosa macrocarpa, the beautiful species of rose, was discovered by Sir George Watt in Manipur in 1888. Lord Irwin described Manipur as the "Switzerland of India". Sarit Sarak and Thang ta, relatively unknown and unique Martial Art, originates from Manipur. Manipur is famous for its classical and folk dances, including the graceful and soft Ras Lila, the acrobatic Pung cholom among others and the dance during the festival of God Laiharaoba known as Maibi Dance.