Kangla Palace - Historical and Archeological Significance

Historical and Archeological Significance

Kangla is the most important historical and archeological site of Manipur. The kingdom of Manipur was established and developed at Kangla. Being a site of political and religious centre, Kangla has grown into a formidable fortress city through the centuries. It is from this capital that the Ningthouja clan gradually wielded enough political and military power and grew up to be the most dominant clan in Manipur. The royal chronicle gives many references to the construction of Kangla by successive reigning kings in Manipur.

The major landmarks in the growth of Kangla Fort were constructed by King Khagemba (1597–1652 AD), the conqueror of the Chinese. The royal chronicle records that in 1632 AD, Khagemba constructed a brick wall at the western gate of Kangla Fort. It appears that the art of brickmaking was acquired from the Chinese prisoners who were captured during the Chinese invasion of the eastern frontier of Manipur. Khagemba's son Khunjaoba (1632–1666 AD) improved on the fortification and beautification work of Kangla Fort. It is said that the king excavated a moat (Thangapat) on the western side of the Fort. During his period, the power and prestige of Manipur was at its peak. Burmese kings/chiefs approached him to settle their disputes and beg the hands of Manipuri princesses. The Fort was further improved and enlarged by King Garibaniwaz and after him by successive kings of Manipur.

Since the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra (1762–1798 AD), due to repeated invasion by the Burmese, Kangla was deserted several times. Maharaj Gambhir Singh, with the help of the Manipur Levy, liberated Manipur from the hands of the Burmese invading forces which occupied Manipur for seven years. This period of Burmese Rule is known as "Chahi Taret Khuntakpa" (Seven Years Devastation) in the annals of Manipur. Gambhir Singh, however, established his capital at Langthabal which is now known as Canchipur. During the reign of Nara Singh, the capital was shifted to Kangla in 1844.