Ancient Kangleipak, Antique Manipur or Early Meitei Civilisation was a lesser known human civilisation which emerged around 1445 BC. It flourished around the land of the tributaries of the Manipur River and the Barak River. It contains the heritage of one of the world's oldest civilisations. Ancient Kangleipak is remembered for its arts, literature, sports and other ideas, which became the foundation of modern Manipur. The modern world famous polo sports began as an ancient Meitei tradition.

Understand

Dragon statues standing inside Kangla, the ancient capital fortress of Kangleipak

Ancient Kangleipak is in the Southeast Asia, in present-day Manipur, with parts of it in Nagaland, Assam and Myanmar.

The Symbol of Sanamahism, the pre-Hindu Meitei religion of Kangleipak

Sanamahism is the modern coined term for the ancient pre-Hindu religion of Kangleipak. It is also referred to as Kanglei religion, Meitei religion, Meetei religion or Lai Ningthou religion, alongside the common term - Sanamahi religion. Being a polytheistic faith, its followers worships multiple gods and goddesses building multiple temples and protecting numerous sacred groves. More than 300 sacred groves (Meitei: Umang Lai Khupham) have been identified and protected so far.

The Wakoklon Heelel Thilen Salai Amailon Pukok Puya, shortly known as the "Wakoklon" (1398 BC) is considered one of the oldest known text, written in Manipuri in Meetei script. It is an account on philosophy, science and religion.

Destinations

• 1 Imphal (ꯏꯝꯐꯥꯜ) — This present-day metropolis of Manipur was once the independent kingdom of the rulers of the Ningthouja dynasty. Imphal Polo Ground, the world's oldest polo ground, existed right from the 15th century BC.
• 2 Andro (ꯑꯟꯗ꯭ꯔꯣ) — This ancient mega-village houses a 2000-year-old fireplace still burning in the Panam Ningthou sacred site right from the 1st century AD.
• 3 Kakching (ꯀꯛꯆꯤꯡ) — This ancient town has the most advanced technology in the field of metallurgy in Ancient Kangleipak.
• 4 Moirang (ꯃꯣꯢꯔꯥꯡ) — Known as the "Cradle of Manipuri culture", this ancient kingdom in southern plain of Manipur was and is the source of inspiration to the Meitei cultural diversity and heritage.
• 5 Thoubal (ꯊꯧꯕꯥꯜ) — This town was once one of the two capitals of the ancient Khuman kingdom, another being Mayang Imphal.