View source for Imphal

{{Short description|Capital city of the Indian state Manipur}}
{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Imphal
| settlement_type    = Capital city
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| total_width              = 230
| image_style              = 
| perrow                   = 1/2/2/1
| image6 =  
| image7 =
| image8 = Imphal - St Josphes cathedral.JPG
| image9 =
| image3 = Uttra sanglen.jpg 
| image4 = Kangla Fort Complex, Imphal (216).jpeg
| image5 =Langol Hills, Imphal, Manipur, India.jpg 
| image1 = Imphal At Dusk.jpg
| image2 = Temple of God Pakhangba of Sanamahi religion inside the Kangla Fort, Imphal West, Manipur.jpg
}}
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = '''Clockwise from top:''' <br/> Imphal city view, [[Nongshaba]], Langol Hills, [[Shree Govindajee Temple]], [[St. Joseph's Cathedral, Imphal]], Kangla Fort Complex, Sanamahi Temple
| nickname           = 
| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = 
| pushpin_map        = India Manipur #India#Asia#Earth
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_map_alt    = 
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Imphal in Manipur
| coordinates        = {{coord|24.8074|N|93.9384|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{IND}}
| subdivision_type1  = State
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Manipur]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Imphal East district|Imphal East]], [[Imphal West district|Imphal West]]
| established_title  = <!-- Established -->
| established_date   = 
| founder            = 
| named_for          = 
| governing_body     = Imphal Municipal Corporation
| leader_title1      = Mayor
| leader_name1       = Vacant 
| government_type    = Municipal Corporation
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_metro_km2     = 94
| area_rank          = 1
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 786
| population_total   = 390000
| population_metro   = 617584
| population_as_of   = 2024
| population_footnotes = 
| population_density_km2 = 4150
| population_rank    = 1
| population_demonym = 
| demographics_type1 = Language(s)
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 795001
| area_code          = 3852
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| registration_plate = MN-01
| website            = {{URL|http://imc.mn.gov.in/}}
| footnotes          = 
| demographics1_info1 = {{Unbulleted list|style=white-space:nowrap;
  | [[Meitei language|Manipuri]] (Meitei)
  | [[English language|English]]
}}
| official_name      = 
}}
'''Imphal''' ({{IPA|mni|im.pʰal|lang}};<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=H. Surmangol |date=2006 |title=Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Imphal |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%8F%EA%AF%9D%EA%AF%90%EA%AF%A5%EA%AF%9C&searchhws=yes |access-date=28 July 2022 |website=dsal.uchicago.edu |archive-date=28 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728135428/https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%8F%EA%AF%9D%EA%AF%90%EA%AF%A5%EA%AF%9C&searchhws=yes |url-status=live }}</ref> {{IPAc-en|lang|UK|'|I|m|f|@l}},<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.lexico.com/definition/Imphal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516231351/https://www.lexico.com/definition/Imphal |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2021 |title=Imphal |dictionary=[[Lexico]] UK English Dictionary |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref> {{IPAc-en|US|'|ɪ|m|p|ˌ|h|ʌ|l}})<ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of IMPHAL |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Imphal |access-date=31 May 2023 |website=www.merriam-webster.com |language=en}}</ref> is the [[capital city]] of the Indian state of [[Manipur]]. The metropolitan centre of the city contains the ruins of [[Kangla Palace]] (officially known as [[Kangla Fort]]), the royal seat of the former [[Kingdom of Manipur]], surrounded by a [[moat]]. Spread over parts of the districts of [[Imphal West district|Imphal West]] and [[Imphal East district|Imphal East]], the former contains the majority of the city's area and population.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=20 December 2016|title=Simply put: Seven new districts that set Manipur ablaze|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/manipur-violence-new-districts-okram-ibobi-united-naga-council-4436039/|access-date=15 October 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=15 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015191306/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/manipur-violence-new-districts-okram-ibobi-united-naga-council-4436039/|url-status=live}}</ref> Imphal is part of the [[Smart Cities Mission]] under the [[Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Imphal Smart City Limited|url=http://imphalsmartcitylimited.com/|access-date=16 October 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301160831/http://imphalsmartcitylimited.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> Being a mega commercial hub, Imphal is known for its weaving, brass-ware, bronze-ware, and other cottage industries. [[Meitei language]] (officially known as [[Manipuri language]]) is the most widely spoken language in the city.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 November 2023 |title=Imphal {{!}} Manipur, Battle of Imphal, WWII {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Imphal |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

''[[INS Imphal]]'', the third ship of the [[Visakhapatnam-class destroyer|''Visakhapatnam''-class]] [[Stealth ship|stealth]] [[guided missile destroyer]] of the [[Indian Navy]], was named in recognition of the Indian soldiers who fought in [[Battle of Imphal]] during [[World War II]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/east-and-northeast/navy-s-gesture-to-the-battle-of-imphal-elates-northeast-729926.html |title=Navy's gesture to the Battle of Imphal elates Northeast |date=21 April 2019 |website=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref> and is the first [[List of ships of the Indian Navy|Indian Navy Ship]] (INS) named after a city in [[Northeast India]].<ref>{{cite web |title=In a First, Indian Navy Names Warship After Northeast City |url=https://thewire.in/government/indian-navy-warship-ins-imphal |website=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]]}}</ref>

==Etymology==
Imphal is derived from two words: ''"Yum"'' meaning house and ''"Phal"'' meaning "plenty" or "beautiful".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Imphal is derived from 2 words |url=https://imphaleast.nic.in/history/}}</ref> In old Manipuri language, ''"yum"'' is also spelt as ''"im".'' Even today, Imphal is occasionally pronounced as ''"yum-phal."''<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Imphal East District {{!}} IMPHAL EAST DISTRICT, GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR {{!}} India |url=https://imphaleast.nic.in/history/ |access-date=3 October 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Soldiers of the two wings of the 14th Army link-up at Milestone 109 during the Battle of Imphal-Kohima.jpg|thumb|left|Soldiers of the two wings of the 14th Army link-up at Milestone 109 during the Battle of Imphal-Kohima]]
{{see also|History of Manipur}}
Previously ruled by the kings of the [[Kha-Nganpa|Khaba]] clan, the [[Ningthouja dynasty]] started to rule the kingdom after the ascension of King [[Nongda Lairen Pakhangba]]. The Ningthouja clan quickly expanded and dominated the region in politics and war. [[Kangla Palace]] was built by King Khagemba and his son Khunjaoba. The palace was later destroyed by the British during the [[Anglo-Manipur War]]. During the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra, there were a number of [[Myanmar|Burmese]] invasions. However, the kingdom survived with the help of Maharaj [[Gambhir Singh]].

Imphal remained peaceful until 1891, when there were internal differences in the royal family. The British sent J.W. Quinton to help but the situation only grew worse and Senapati [[Tikendrajit Singh|Tikendrajit]] was hanged. The autocratic British behaviour made people angry. This resulted in the 1891 [[Anglo-Manipur War]], which the British won.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iloveindia.com/travel/imphal/history-of-imphal.html|title=History of Imphal - Imphal History|website=iloveindia.com|access-date=22 February 2020|archive-date=22 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222111052/https://www.iloveindia.com/travel/imphal/history-of-imphal.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Battle of Imphal]] took place between March and July 1944, during [[World War II]]. The Japanese had invaded Imphal to destroy Allied forces and then invade India, but they were defeated and forced to retreat. The attack made the British realise the militarily strategic position of Imphal.<ref>{{cite web |title=Imphal and Kohima |url=http://www.nam.ac.uk/exhibitions/online-exhibitions/britains-greatest-battles/imphal-kohima |work=Britain's Greatest Battles |publisher=[[National Army Museum]] |access-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207003427/http://www.nam.ac.uk/exhibitions/online-exhibitions/britains-greatest-battles/imphal-kohima|archive-date=7 February 2015}}</ref>
{{clear right}}
== Geography and climate ==
{{climate chart
|Imphal
|4.3 |21.7|11.7
|7.2 |23.4|30.8
|11.6|26.9|91.6
|15.7|28.4|132.7
|18.4|28.9|158.6
|21.2|29.4|224.9
|21.5|29.0|222.8
|21.3|29.2|194.8
|20.1|29.0|147.3
|16.6|28.4|111.5
|11.0|25.4|46.0
|5.3 |22.4|15.1

|source= ''IMD''<ref name="IMD">{{Cite web 
| url = http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/extreme/imphal2.htm 
| title = Imphal, India 
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]] 
| access-date = 16 May 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181215122728/http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/extreme/imphal2.htm 
| archive-date = 15 December 2018 | url-status = dead 
}}</ref>

|float=right
|clear=right
}}

Imphal lies on the [[Imphal Valley]] surrounded by nine ranges of hills at {{Coord|24.8074|N|93.9384|E}} in extreme eastern India,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/17/Imphal.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Imphal, India|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-date=5 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405133341/http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/17/Imphal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> with an average elevation of {{convert|786|m|abbr=out}}.

It has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen-Geiger climate classification system|Köppen]]: ''Cwa'')<ref name="Climate-Data.org">{{Cite web |url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/47589/ |title=Climate: Imphal - Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table |publisher=Climate-Data.org |access-date=31 October 2013 |archive-date=10 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210031729/https://en.climate-data.org/location/47589/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with cool, dry winters and a slightly hot [[monsoon]] season. Imphal enjoys a moderate climate tempered by its moderately high altitude and the surrounding hills.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Imphal climate: weather by month, temperature, precipitation, when to go |url=https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/india/imphal |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=www.climatestotravel.com |archive-date=14 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114172727/https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/india/imphal |url-status=live }}</ref> Maximum temperatures in the hottest months average about {{convert|29|°C}}; January is the coldest month, with average lows near {{convert|4|°C}}, often drops to around 1&nbsp;°C in the coldest nights and in some clear nights drops below freezing point. Frost is observable in the winter mornings few days of the year. The city receives about {{convert|1381|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain, with June and July being the wettest months. Imphal observes 42.2 days with [[thunder]] and 46.1 days with [[fog]], annually. Thunder is common in the pre monsoon and rainy season, whereas fog mostly occurs in the dry winter mornings which clears out in the noon.<ref name=NCEI>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/India/XLS/IMPHAL_42623.xlsx |title=World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020: Imphal-42623 |website=ncei.noaa.gov |publisher=[[NOAA|National Oceanic and Atmosoheric Administration]] |access-date=22 March 2024|no-pp=y |type=Excel |format=XLSX }}</ref>

The highest recorded temperature was {{convert|36.1|C}}, on 29 April 1999, and the lowest temperature was {{convert|-2.7|C}} on 10 January 1970.<ref name=NCEI/><ref name="IMD"/><ref name=IMD2>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.imdpune.gov.in/Temp_Extremes/histext2010.pdf
 |title=Ever Recorded Maximum Temperature, Minimum Temperature and 24 Hours Heaviest Rainfall upto 2010 
 |publisher=India Meteorological Department 
 |access-date=16 May 2014 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316064314/http://www.imdpune.gov.in/Temp_Extremes/histext2010.pdf
 |archive-date=16 March 2014}} 
</ref>

{{Weather box
| location = Imphal (1991–2020, extremes 1953–present)
| collapsed = 
| metric first = Y
| single line = Y
| Jan record high C = 29.1
| Feb record high C = 32.0
| Mar record high C = 35.0
| Apr record high C = 36.1
| May record high C = 35.6
| Jun record high C = 35.9
| Jul record high C = 35.7
| Aug record high C = 35.2
| Sep record high C = 34.6
| Oct record high C = 34.2
| Nov record high C = 31.4
| Dec record high C = 28.9
|year record high C = 36.1
| Jan avg record high C  = 25.7
| Feb avg record high C  = 28.4
| Mar avg record high C  = 31.9
| Apr avg record high C  = 33.0
| May avg record high C  = 33.4
| Jun avg record high C  = 33.0
| Jul avg record high C  = 32.7
| Aug avg record high C  = 33.0
| Sep avg record high C  = 32.9
| Oct avg record high C  = 32.2
| Nov avg record high C  = 29.5
| Dec avg record high C  = 25.9
| year avg record high C = 34.2
| Jan high C = 22.9
| Feb high C = 25.0
| Mar high C = 27.9
| Apr high C = 29.0
| May high C = 29.3
| Jun high C = 29.9
| Jul high C = 29.7
| Aug high C = 30.0
| Sep high C = 30.0
| Oct high C = 29.1
| Nov high C = 26.4
| Dec high C = 23.2
|year high C = 27.7
| Jan low C = 5.2
| Feb low C = 8.2
| Mar low C = 12.6
| Apr low C = 16.2
| May low C = 19.2
| Jun low C = 21.8
| Jul low C = 22.5
| Aug low C = 22.2
| Sep low C = 21.2
| Oct low C = 17.9
| Nov low C = 11.5
| Dec low C = 6.7
|year low C = 
| Jan avg record low C  = 1.6
| Feb avg record low C  = 3.8
| Mar avg record low C  = 7.6
| Apr avg record low C  = 12.1
| May avg record low C  = 15.4
| Jun avg record low C  = 19.3
| Jul avg record low C  = 20.9
| Aug avg record low C  = 20.6
| Sep avg record low C  = 18.8
| Oct avg record low C  = 13.3
| Nov avg record low C  = 6.4
| Dec avg record low C  = 2.8
| year avg record low C = 1.7
| Jan record low C = -2.7
| Feb record low C = -1.4
| Mar record low C = 2.4
| Apr record low C = 6.2
| May record low C = 11.1
| Jun record low C = 14.7
| Jul record low C = 14.7
| Aug record low C = 14.6
| Sep record low C = 14.3
| Oct record low C = 7.8
| Nov record low C = 1.5
| Dec record low C = -1.7
|year record low C = -2.7
| rain colour  =  green
| Jan rain mm  = 10.5
| Feb rain mm  = 21.6
| Mar rain mm  = 70.8
| Apr rain mm  = 124.1
| May rain mm  = 191.6
| Jun rain mm  = 218.1
| Jul rain mm  = 229.9
| Aug rain mm  = 194.8
| Sep rain mm  = 163.3
| Oct rain mm  = 112.5
| Nov rain mm  = 26.2
| Dec rain mm  = 17.7
| year rain mm = 1381.0
| unit rain days = 2.5 mm
| Jan rain days = 1.0
| Feb rain days = 2.7
| Mar rain days = 5.0
| Apr rain days = 9.2
| May rain days = 12.4
| Jun rain days = 14.7
| Jul rain days = 16.1
| Aug rain days = 13.0
| Sep rain days = 9.7
| Oct rain days = 7.2
| Nov rain days = 1.8
| Dec rain days = 0.9
| year rain days = 93.8
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 61
| Feb humidity = 54
| Mar humidity = 52
| Apr humidity = 62
| May humidity = 70
| Jun humidity = 77
| Jul humidity = 80
| Aug humidity = 80
| Sep humidity = 80
| Oct humidity = 79
| Nov humidity = 74
| Dec humidity = 71
|year humidity = 
|source= [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240408025145/https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| archive-date = 8 April 2024
| url = https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991–2020
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| access-date = 7 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="IMD"/>
}}

== Demographics ==
{{Pie chart
| thumb  = 
| radius = 75
| caption=  Religion in Imphal 
| footer = 
| label1 = [[Hinduism in Manipur|Hinduism]]
| value1 = 69.66
| color1 = orange
| label2 = [[Sanamahism]]
| value2 = 14.41
| color2 = chartreuse
| label3 = [[Christianity in Manipur|Christianity]]
| value3 = 10.33
| color3 = lightblue
| label4 = [[Pangal people|Islam]]
| value4 = 3.59
| color4 = green
| label5 = [[Buddhism]]
| value5 = 0.54
| color5 = yellow
| label6 = [[Jainism]]
| value6 = 0.45
| color6 = brown
| other  = 
| other-color = 
}}
At the time of the 2011 census, Imphal Municipal Council had a population of 277,196, of which 135,059 were males and 142,137 females. Imphal had a sex ratio of 1052 females per 1000 males and a literacy rate of 90.8%: 95.1% for males and 86.77% for females. 29,216 (10.54%) were under 6 years of age, 14,997 being males and 14,219 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 1,274 (0.46%) and 29,778 (10.74%) of the population respectively.<ref name="Census2011">{{cite web |title=District Census Hand Book – Imphal West |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/850/download/36268/DH_2011_1406_PART_A_DCHB_IMPHAL_WEST.pdf |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]] |access-date=9 February 2023 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209085722/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/850/download/36268/DH_2011_1406_PART_A_DCHB_IMPHAL_WEST.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=District Census Hand Book – Imphal East |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/848/download/36260/DH_2011_1407_PART_A_DCHB_IMPHAL_EAST.pdf |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]] |access-date=9 February 2023 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209082718/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/848/download/36260/DH_2011_1407_PART_A_DCHB_IMPHAL_EAST.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Hinduism is the majority religion in Imphal. Sanamahi followers are the second-largest group, and Imphal in particular contains a famous [[Pakhangba Temple, Kangla|Pakhangba temple]] in [[Kangla fort|Kangla Fort]]. Christianity is the third-largest religion, practised mainly by the hill tribes in Imphal. Islam is a minority religion practised by the [[Meitei Pangals|Pangals]], while Buddhism is practised by the Gorkhas and Jainism by migrants from the mainland.

At the time of the 2011 census, 82.80% of the population spoke [[Meitei language|Manipuri]], 3.65% [[Rongmei language|Kabui]], 2.20% [[Hindi]], 1.39% [[Thadou language|Thadou]], 1.31% [[Tangkhul language|Tangkhul]], 1.18% [[Nepali language|Nepali]], 1.11% [[Bengali language|Bengali]], 1.10% [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]] and 1.00% [[Kuki-Chin languages|Kuki]] as their first language.<ref name="language">{{cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Manipur (Urban) |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10240/download/13352/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-1400.XLSX |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]] |access-date=9 February 2023 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209082752/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10240/download/13352/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-1400.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Government and politics ==
[[File:Imphal view.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|Imphal city nightview]]
Imphal is the state capital as well as the headquarters of the Imphal district. The civic administration of the city is under Imphal Municipal Corporation.

=== Civic administration ===
{{See also|Imphal Municipal Corporation}}
According to Census 2011, Imphal constitutes 42.13% of the total urban population in Manipur. Hence, the history of urban local governance is longer in Imphal than in other parts of the state. The British established the Town Fund Board in Imphal in 1915, which was headed by the then [[Agencies of British India|Political Agent]] Lt. Col. H.W.G. Cole and other nominated members.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Lairenlakpam|first=Bino Devi|date=22 April 2015|title=Development and working of the Imphal Municipal Board from 1956 to 1980|url=http://hdl.handle.net/10603/39465|access-date=9 September 2020|website=Shodhganga|hdl=10603/39465|archive-date=28 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328225021/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/39465|url-status=live}}</ref> The Town Fund Board continued after Independence and merger with India in 1949 and it was not headed by the Chief Secretary of Manipur Administration. In 1956, the Assam Municipal Act, 1923 was extended to Manipur and the Imphal Municipal Board was formed with 12 elected members. The strength of the elected members of this Board was increased to 24 in 1961 and to 28 in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chapter VIII, City Utility Services|url=http://14.139.13.47:8080/jspui/bitstream/10603/67587/16/16_chapter%208.pdf|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Shodhganga}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Initially, the Municipal Board was established only to administer the areas in Imphal under the British Reserve, covering {{cvt|3.10|km2}} and 2,862 inhabitants. This was extended to {{cvt|17.48|km2}} in 1960,  {{cvt|18.25|km2}} in 1970, and {{cvt|76.58|km2}} in 1972.<ref name=":0" />

In 1992, the Municipal Board was upgraded to a Municipal Council under the Manipur Municipality Act, 1994.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) for Imphal, Manipur, FY 2015-16|url=http://amrut.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/8%20SAAPMANIPUR.pdf|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation|archive-date=16 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016092720/http://amrut.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/8%20SAAPMANIPUR.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, the council was upgraded to the status of Municipal Corporation. There are 27 wards under the Municipal Corporation, each with its own elected councillor. There are eight committees and five sections at the corporation to govern the administration of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Organisational Structure|url=http://imc.mn.gov.in/Organisational%20Structure.pdf|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Imphal Municipal Corporation|archive-date=15 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215091344/http://imc.mn.gov.in/Organisational%20Structure.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

There are Ward Development Committees in each ward to look after developmental activities at the ward level. The local ward councillor is the chairperson of the committee, which includes two elected and two nominated members as well.<ref name=":1" /> The last election to the corporation was in 2016, with INC winning 12 seats, BJP winning 10 seats, and independent candidates winning 5 seats.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Indo-Asian News Service|date=7 June 2016|title=Congress wins 12 seats in 27-member Manipur local body|work=Business Standard|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/congress-wins-12-seats-in-27-member-manipur-local-body-116060701192_1.html|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315182200/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/congress-wins-12-seats-in-27-member-manipur-local-body-116060701192_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the Manipur Municipality Act, 1994, the mayor is indirectly elected by the elected councillors from among themselves.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Manipur Municipalities Act, 1994|url=http://imc.mn.gov.in/MMAct009converted.pdf|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Imphal Municipal Corporation|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719212649/http://imc.mn.gov.in/MMAct009converted.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first mayor of the corporation was Soram Sunil and was elected in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|agency=TNN|date=18 June 2016|title=Soram Sunil sworn in as first mayor of Imphal {{!}} Imphal News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/imphal/Soram-Sunil-sworn-in-as-first-mayor-of-Imphal/articleshow/52804065.cms|access-date=15 September 2020|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=22 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922050155/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/imphal/Soram-Sunil-sworn-in-as-first-mayor-of-Imphal/articleshow/52804065.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=IMC Mayor : 10th jun17 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=Snipp3..100617.jun17|access-date=15 September 2020|website=e-pao.net|archive-date=28 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328225009/http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=Snipp3..100617.jun17|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Representation in parliament ====
Manipur is divided into two constituencies for the purpose of Lok Sabha - [[Outer Manipur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency]] and [[Inner Manipur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency]]. Imphal city is part of the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Parliamentary Constituencies {{!}} Imphal West District, Government of Manipur {{!}} India|url=https://imphalwest.nic.in/parliamentary-constituencies/|access-date=15 October 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020063927/https://imphalwest.nic.in/parliamentary-constituencies/|url-status=live}}</ref> The last elections took place during the [[2024 Indian general election]]s. [[Bimol Akoijam|Angomcha Bimol Akoijam]] from the [[Indian National Congress]] won the election with 374,017	votes.

== Civic amenities ==
[[File:City convention center.jpg|thumb|alt=Rectangular pink building with glass front|City Convention Centre]]
Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited is responsible for electricity supply in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home |url=https://www.mspdcl.com/irj/go/km/docs/internet/MANIPUR/webpage/pages/Home.html|access-date=15 October 2020 |website=Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited |archive-date=18 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018235908/https://www.mspdcl.com/irj/go/km/docs/internet/MANIPUR/webpage/pages/Home.html}}</ref> Public Health and Engineering Department of the [[Government of Manipur|Manipur Government]] looks after both water supply, and sewage and drainage in Imphal.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=http://www.phedmanipur.gov.in/|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Public Health and Engineering Department|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029091256/https://www.phedmanipur.gov.in/|url-status=live}}</ref> Roads in the city are developed and maintained by the state Public Works Department.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home |url=http://pwdmanipur.nic.in/|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Public Works Department, Government of Manipur|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225140232/http://pwdmanipur.nic.in/|url-status=live}}</ref> Imphal Municipal Corporation is responsible for Solid Waste Management.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imc.mn.gov.in/eNewsletter2.pdf |title=Model Action Plan of Municipal solid waste management for the State of Manipur |access-date=29 October 2021 |archive-date=26 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926120029/https://imc.mn.gov.in/eNewsletter2.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The state Department of Fire Services provides fire safety services in the city with one fire station, which is also the department headquarters.<ref>{{Cite web|title=FIRE STATION LIST « Official Website Manipur Fire Service |url=http://www.manipurfireservice.gov.in/fire-station-list/|website=manipurfireservice.gov.in|access-date=15 October 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419183821/http://www.manipurfireservice.gov.in/fire-station-list/}}</ref>

==Tourist attractions==
{{Main|Tourist attractions in Manipur}}Imphal offers sites of religious and historical importance within and around the city. [[Kangla Palace]] (also known as Kangla Fort) is on the banks of the [[Imphal River]]. ''Kangla'' means "dry land" in the [[Meitei language]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pioneer |first=The |title=Kangla Gate of Manipur being built at IGRMS |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2017/state-editions/kangla-gate-of-manipur-being-built-at-igrms.html |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=The Pioneer |language=en}}</ref> It was the palace of King [[Pakhangba]], and has religious significance with multiple temples present within the complex.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who's who 1891 of Manipur state archives |url=http://archivesmanipur.nic.in/whoswho.htm|access-date=19 October 2020|website=archivesmanipur.nic.in|url-status=live|archive-date=19 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119094649/http://archivesmanipur.nic.in/whoswho.htm}}</ref> It is also significant in Manipur's history with the British.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who's who 1891 of Manipur state archives |url=http://archivesmanipur.nic.in/whoswho.htm|access-date=19 October 2020|website=archivesmanipur.nic.in|archive-date=19 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119094649/http://archivesmanipur.nic.in/whoswho.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Bihu Loukon]] is an ancient star-shaped fort made of mud situated in Maklang, [[Imphal West District]]. It was discovered in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Press|first=Imphal Free|title=Ancient star shaped mud fort discovered at Maklang, Manipur – KanglaOnline|date=3 March 2013 |url=http://kanglaonline.com/2013/03/ancient-star-shaped-mud-fort-discovered-at-maklang/|access-date=19 October 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=25 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925055356/http://kanglaonline.com/2013/03/ancient-star-shaped-mud-fort-discovered-at-maklang/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple]] is religious site important to both the local religion, [[Sanamahism]], and to Hinduism. The temple is noted for its annual Durga Puja festival.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Jitendra |title=Thousands of devotees throng Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple on the day of Bor on second day of Durga Puja Festival - Impact TV - The Official Website|url=https://impacttv.in/breaking-news/item/821-thousands-of-devotees-throng-hiyangthang-lairembi-temple-on-the-day-of-bor-on-second-day-of-durga-puja-festival|access-date=19 October 2020|website=impacttv.in|language=en-gb|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024033749/https://impacttv.in/breaking-news/item/821-thousands-of-devotees-throng-hiyangthang-lairembi-temple-on-the-day-of-bor-on-second-day-of-durga-puja-festival|url-status=live}}</ref>

India Peace Memorial at the Red Hills is located {{cvt|12|km}} south of Imphal. The place was the scene of action and the theatre of the battle that took place between the British Army and the Japanese Forces<ref>{{Cite web|author=William|title=May 10, 1942: first bomb hit Imphal in World War 2|date=10 May 2017 |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/it-articles/item/8456-may-10-1942-first-bomb-hit-imphal-in-world-war-2|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=17 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517015011/http://www.imphaltimes.com/it-articles/item/8456-may-10-1942-first-bomb-hit-imphal-in-world-war-2|url-status=live}}</ref> fighting alongside the [[Indian National Army]] in [[World War II]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Milaap|date=27 August 2019|title=Footprints of the Past: A Visit To India Peace Memorial |url=https://www.shethepeople.tv/blog/india-peace-memorial-imphal-manipur/|access-date=19 October 2020|publisher=SheThePeople TV |language=en-US|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023170139/https://www.shethepeople.tv/blog/india-peace-memorial-imphal-manipur/|url-status=live}}</ref> Red Hill has now become a tourist attraction since the Japanese war veterans constructed a monument at the foot of this hill.<ref>{{Cite web|last=bureau|first=Odisha Diary|date=26 January 2018|title=The India Peace Memorial at Lokpaching, Imphal|url=https://orissadiary.com/india-peace-memorial-lokpaching-imphal/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=Odisha Breaking News {{!}} Odisha News {{!}} Latest Odisha News{{!}} Odisha Diary|language=en-US|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020121641/https://orissadiary.com/india-peace-memorial-lokpaching-imphal/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Imphal War Cemetery]] remembers Indian and British soldiers who fought and died in 1944 during World War II and is managed by the [[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cemetery Details {{!}} CWGC |url=https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/2064600/imphal-war-cemetery/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=www.cwgc.org |url-status=live|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021132518/https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/2064600/imphal-war-cemetery/}}</ref>

Imphal is also home to the largest all women run market in Asia, called the [[Ima Market|Ima Keithel]] (Mothers' Market).<ref>{{Cite web|title=3-storey market building coming up at Pureiromba Keithel in Imphal|url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/3-storey-market-building-coming-up-at-pureiromba-keithel-in-imphal.html|access-date=19 October 2020|website=NORTHEAST NOW|date=30 December 2019 |language=en-US|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020112911/https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/3-storey-market-building-coming-up-at-pureiromba-keithel-in-imphal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was established in the 16th century and hosts around 5,000–6,000 women [[vendor]]s who sell a variety of products.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Incredible India {{!}} Ima Keithel/ Ima Market/ Khwairamband Bazar|url=https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/imphal/ima-keithel--ima-market--khwairamband-bazar.html|access-date=19 October 2020|website=www.incredibleindia.org|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802205300/https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/imphal/ima-keithel--ima-market--khwairamband-bazar.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chakravarty|first=Ipsita|title=The earthquake has damaged a nerve centre of life in Manipur: the Ima Keithel or Mother's Market|url=http://scroll.in/article/801410/the-earthquake-has-damaged-a-nerve-centre-of-life-in-manipur-the-ima-keithel-or-mothers-market|access-date=19 October 2020|website=Scroll.in|date=6 January 2016 |language=en-US|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023005813/https://scroll.in/article/801410/the-earthquake-has-damaged-a-nerve-centre-of-life-in-manipur-the-ima-keithel-or-mothers-market|url-status=live}}</ref>

[https://manipurtourism.gov.in/imphal-city-surrounding-areas/ Nupi Lal Memorial Complex] is a tribute to the courageous Manipuri women, who sacrificed their lives fighting for justice against the British on 12 December 1939.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nupi Lal Memorial Complex - tribute to the courageous Manipuri women, who sacrificed their lives fighting for justice against the British on 12 December 1939 |url=https://imphalwest.nic.in/tourist-place/nupi-lal-memorial-complex/}}</ref> The Nupi Lal is considered to be one of the most important events in Manipuri history, and it is a symbol of the strength and courage of Manipuri women.

<gallery mode="packed" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; border-bottom:1px #aaa solid;" heights="180">
File:Uttra sanglen.jpg|A pair of [[Kangla Sha]] dragons at [[Kangla Fort]]
File:Kangla Fort Complex, Imphal (135).jpeg|Bamboo huts in [[Kangla Fort]] complex
File:Kangla Fort Complex, Imphal (18).jpeg|Ruins of Kangla Fort
File:Kangla Fort Complex, Imphal (216).jpeg|Kangla Museum houses
File:Kangla 3.jpg|Kangla Fort Complex
File:Bihu_Loukon_-_Starfort.jpg|[[Bihu Loukon]] aerial view
File:Imphal War cemetery.jpg|alt=Cemetery with trees and monuments at ground level|Imphal War Cemetery
File:Imphal, Manipur (84).jpeg|alt=Market, seen from above, with colourful textiles|Women's Market (''Ima Keithel'')
</gallery>

==Transport==
===Air===
[[File:Imphal airport.jpg|thumb|alt=Green buildings with pyramid-shaped roofs| Bir Tikendrajit International Airport]]
[[Tulihal International Airport]] is {{convert|8|km}} south of the city and has direct flights to major Indian cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/imphal_gen.jsp|title=Imphal|publisher=Airports Authority of India|access-date=25 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009062805/http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/imphal_gen.jsp|archive-date=9 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Road===
[[File:Imphal, Manipur (55).jpeg|alt=Dark highway, with oncoming headlights|thumb|National Highway 150 in Imphal]]
Imphal is connected by the [[National Highway (India)|National Highway]] to major cities like   [[Guwahati]], [[Kohima]], [[Agartala]], [[Shillong]], [[Dimapur]], [[Aizawl]], and [[Silchar]].

==={{anchor|Railways}}Railway===
In October 2012, India's [[Cabinet of India|Cabinet]] Committee on Infrastructure approved an extension of the [[Jiribam]]–Silchar railway to Imphal. The extension was expected to reach the city by 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/govt-approves-rail-link-to-imphal/1022103|title=Govt approves rail link to Imphal|date=26 October 2012|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=25 November 2012|archive-date=15 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515015530/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/govt-approves-rail-link-to-imphal/1022103/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NFR – Jiribam-Imphal Rail Line – Manipur|url=https://www.construction-ic.com/HomePage/Projects?ReturnUrl=%2FProjects%2FOverview%2F151721|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235238/https://www.construction-ic.com/HomePage/Projects?ReturnUrl=%2FProjects%2FOverview%2F151721|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 January 2018|publisher=Construction Intelligence Centre|access-date=7 November 2017}}</ref> The total length of the railway line is 110.62&nbsp;km. The revised estimated cost of construction for the railway line sits at Rs 9658 crore, with Rs 4927.54 crore being spent as of 2019.

==Sports==
{{Main|Sports in Manipur}}
[[Khuman Lampak Main Stadium]] is a multi-purpose stadium in Imphal. It is used mostly for [[association football|football]] and athletics. The stadium holds 30,000 people and was built in 1999. This stadium lies inside the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. Imphal based professional football clubs [[NEROCA FC]] and [[TRAU FC]] of [[I-League]] play their home matches at this stadium.

[[Polo]] has its origins in [[Manipur]], India, where a traditional version called [[Sagol Kangjei]] was played centuries ago. British colonial officers in the 19th century adapted and popularised the game, leading to the modern version of polo that is played worldwide today.

==Education==
===Universities===
[[File:Manipur University main gate.jpg|thumb|alt=Yellow-and-green buildings forming a narrow archway|Manipur University main gate]]
* [[Manipur University|Manipur Central University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.manipuruniv.ac.in/|title=Manipur University|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601080759/http://en.manipuruniv.ac.in/|archive-date=1 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Manipur Technical University]]
* [[Central Agricultural University]]
* [[National Sports University, Manipur|National Sports University]]
* [[Manipur University of Culture]]

==={{anchor|Technical Colleges}}Technical colleges===
*[[Indian Institute of Information Technology, Manipur]]
* [[Manipur Institute of Technology]]
* [[National Institute of Technology, Manipur]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nitmanipur.ac.in/|title=Welcome To NIT Manipur|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-date=8 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208102810/http://www.nitmanipur.ac.in/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Manipur Technical University]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mtu.ac.in/|title=MTU|website=mtu.ac.in|language=en-US|access-date=25 February 2017|archive-date=16 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116154908/http://mtu.ac.in/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Medical colleges===
* [[Regional Institute of Medical Sciences]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rims.edu.in/|title=Regional Institute of Medical Sciences|access-date=28 January 2014|archive-date=7 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207233155/http://rims.edu.in/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences|Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jnims.edu.in/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122013632/http://jnims.edu.in/|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 November 2010|title=JNIMS|access-date=28 January 2014}}</ref>
* [[Shija Academy of Health Sciences]]

===Schools===
There are many schools in Imphal affiliated with the [[Central Board of Secondary Education]] and [[Indian Certificate of Secondary Education]] Board, as well as state government schools.
*Human Resource Development Academy(HRD), Ghari 
*Areca School, Ragailong
*Catholic School, Canchipur
*Comet School, Changangei
*Dav Public School, Chingmeirong
*[[Don Bosco High School (Imphal)|Don Bosco School Imphal, Chingmeirong]]
*Guru Nanak Public School
*Herbert School
*[[Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Khumbong]] (Imphal west), Imphal east, Bishnupur, CCpur, Ukhrul, Thoubal, Tamenglong and Senapati
*Johnstone Higher Secondary Public School
*Kids' Foundation School, Ghari
*Maria International Montessori School, Koirengei
*Meci Explorer Academy Changangei 
*Kendriya Vidyalaya No 1 Imphal, Lamphelpat
*Kendriya Vidyalaya No 2 Imphal, Langjing
*Nirmalabas High School, Imphal
*Little Flower School
*Lodestar Public School
*Manipur Public School
*Sainik International School & College Imphal
*Savio English Higher Secondary Public School, Thangmeiband
*St. Anthony's English School & College Imphal
*St. John English High School, Nambol, Bishnupur District
*St. Joseph School
*St. Paul's English School
*Sanfort International School & College Imphal
*Sangai Higher Secondary Public School

==Healthcare==
Imphal has many private and government hospitals that are open 24 hours.
*[[Regional Institute of Medical Sciences]]
*Shija Hospitals & Research Institutes 
*City Hospital 
*Imphal Hospital
*Raj Medicity
*Sky Hospital and Research Institute
*Mother's Care Hospital and Research Centre
*Apex Hospital
*[[Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences]]
*Horizon Hospital and Research Institute
*Advanced Hospital
*Catholic Medical Centre
*Maipakpi Maternity and Child Hospital
*Iboyaima Hospital
*Asian Hospital
*Lamjingba Hospital
*Babina multi-speciality
*Babina oncology 
*Rajamoni hospital
*Saina multi-speciality(SIMS)
*Rajmedicity multi-speciality(Underconstruction)

==Notable people==
{{Further|Category:People from Imphal}}

==See also==
* [[Churachandpur]]
* [[Dzüko Valley]]
* [[Keibul Lamjao National Park]]
* [[Loktak Lake]]
* [[Moirang]], [[Manipur]].
* [[Moreh, India|Moreh]]
* [[Ukhrul]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Imphal}}
*{{Wikivoyage inline|Imphal}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110927230217/http://imphalwest.nic.in/iwfront.html Imphal West] (archived 27 September 2011)
* [http://imphaleast.nic.in/ Imphal East]

{{North East India}}
{{State and Union Territory capitals of India}}
{{Manipur}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Imphal| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Imphal East district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Imphal West district]]
[[Category:Tourism in Northeast India]]
[[Category:1957 establishments in Manipur]]