Kangla Fort: A journey through Manipur's great past

Kangla Fort, located in Manipur's Imphal, is an ancient fortified palace that served as a traditional seat of the Meitei rulers and the capital of pre-modern Manipur. Originally located both sides of the Imphal River, now, only the western side of the fort remains in a ruined condition.
The current Kangla Palace was the old capital of Manipur until 1891. The palace is located at a height of 798 metres above sea level. The name ‘Kangla’ translates to ‘the prominent part of the dry land’ in old Meitei.

The fort has stood in this location for almost two millennia. The first mention of it may be found in the chronicles of King Pakhangba, who reigned over the province as early as 33 AD.
The fort in Imphal is believed to be haunted by the spirits of the soldiers who died during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. With numerous battles and conflicts, the site witnessed significant bloodshed, which contributes to the belief that restless spirits may haunt the area. The Kangla Fort was destroyed and abandoned multiple times during Burmese invasions, especially during the Chahi-Taret Khuntakpa, or Seven Years' Devastation. 

The Seven Years Devastation, also known as Chahi Taret Khuntakpa, was a period of Burmese rule during which the valley of Manipur was devastated for seven years, from 1819 AD to 1826 AD. This episode began on the 12th day of Poinu, a lunar month of the Meitei calendar, in 1819 and ended in February 1826. It is regarded as the darkest and most tragic yet landmark event in Manipur's history. The devastation had severe consequences for the political, social, and economic conditions of the kingdom. This tragic period exposed the inhumanity of the Burmese, who carried out intense torture and plunder, causing great suffering to the people of Manipur and leaving indelible marks on their minds. Manipur had never faced such a catastrophe before the Burmese subjugation.

Kangla Palace

The Kangla Palace, also known as the Kangla Fort, stands as a symbol of Manipur's grandeur. King Khagemba (1597-1652 A.D.), who was known as the ruler of the Chinese, played a pivotal role in the development of Kangla Fort by constructing significant monuments. According to the royal chronicle, in 1632 A.D., Khagemba built a brick wall at the western gate of the fort. It is believed that the technique of brick manufacturing was acquired from Chinese prisoners of war during the Chinese invasion of Manipur's eastern boundary. The fortification and beautification of Kangla Fort were further enhanced by his son, Khunjaoba in 1632-1666 A.D. It is said that Khunjaoba dug a moat, known as Thangapat, on the western side of the fort.
The fort was handed over to then Manipur government by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on November 20 in 2004. Today, it stands as a prominent tourist destination, brimming with archaeological, religious, and historical significance.

Architecture

The fort, built with well-burned bricks, stands twenty feet tall. Within its boundaries are several sacred sites, including Pakhangba’s coronation site. 
The fort has three entrances: two in the west and one in the south. The southern entrance is connected to the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple by a canal.