The International significance of Kangla is of great relevance in determining the position of Kangla in the cultural map of South Asia. This is one of the most unique forts in the entire country, the typology being unlike the other forts in India. Similarities can be drawn between South Asian forts and Kangla. Fort Dufferin in Mandalay is similar in planning and since it belongs to later period, it could be well theorized that Kangla influenced the planning of the fort. There is an even more startling resemblance with the Sigiriya fort in Sri Lanka, which has a similar plan form. Further research in this direction would definitely yield positive results. It is highly probable that there are some more forts in the South East Asian region, belonging to the same typology. All these aspects add to the significance of Kangla and render it unique and important cultural resource for the nation.
Kangla Fort is unique because it represents an Asian Regional Fort Type because Kangla fort belongs to the family of South Asian forts. This is primarily due to the cultural exchange between Manipur, Burma and the other South Asian countries of today that existed since historical times. Similarities can be drawn between Kangla and various forts in South Asia including Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand etc. This makes Kangla fort the most unique cultural resource in Indian subcontinent. The International significance is further bolstered again due to the role of Kangla Fort as Eastern Command Headquarters with the House of Field Marshall Slim during World War II. (Fig. 9)
The polo ground (Fig. 4) within the fort is unique as it probably the oldest polo ground in the country. For the people of Manipur it is of utmost importance as polo even today the most important sport.
The significance of Kangla also lies in its antiquity and continued occupancy and use for over two millennia. Kangla, the single representative of Manipuri culture has existed as the capital of the Ningthouja dynasty for nearly 2000 years.
Kangla is sacred and intimately related to the Meitei culture, cosmogony and the religious history since ancient historical times. During the ‘Pleistocene’ era the valley of Imphal, was filled with water, started draining towards the Lohtak Lake in the south. The first point, which emerged dry, was Kangla. According to “Thirel Layat”, Kangla is “Lasu Lare Kangsu Kangle Kangla Koue” meaning that it is the most prominently visible (being at the highest point in the valley) and completely dry. In the book “Wakoklol Thilel Salai Amailon Pukok” Kangla is mentioned as the place that is completely dry after the water had been drained out along with the other places in the valley of Manipur. These were probably the important amongst factors in Kangla being chosen as the capital of the Manipuri Kingdom. Consequently, it has been the center for administration, politics, trade and commerce, culture and religion and the economy of Manipur.
The people of Manipur associate the fort with a great deal of significance. It represents their history, culture and integrity. They want the fort to be reinstated to its former glory, and the use of it as a public park for the benefit of the citizens of Imphal. The location of Kangla fort and its spatial quality further justifies this need. Located in the heart of the city, it would provide the most needed ‘lung-space’ for the citizens of Imphal.
Today, the Kangla fort has a mixture of unique cultural resources, which include the Manipuri and the British layers. The cultural resources are diverse ranging from Archaeological, Architectural, Natural and Sacred (Fig. 5 – 8). The fort is filled with sacred ponds, trees and significant open spaces. The variety of natural and cultural resources in the fort makes it a significant green open space in the city. This diversity lends it its unique character, making Kangla one of the most important forts in the entire northeastern region. It is a potential World Heritage Site
Kangla fort has emerged as an unique and significant cultural resource for the country on the whole. The complex cultural entity of the fort needs to be perceived in a different light as an ‘Archaeological Park’ and not just as a heritage monument. The entire fort along with its varied cultural resources needs to be brought into an effective management process in order to preserve and protect the same for the progeny.
Note on Historical Significance of Kangla
In the time of the early Manipuri kings, foremost importance was given to the urban developmental works. The entire valley, once a marshy land had to be dry completely before it could be inhabited. Floods form the rivers were of prime concern and one of the initial tasks undertaken include the building of bunds along the important rivers. The prime concern was hygiene and health of the people. Preventing flooding helped in controlling epidemics and the like. To facilitate irrigation and improve the economic condition of the people, various canals were dug within the province. Roads were given due attention, as this helped in cross-cultural exchanges with the neighbouring provinces and kingdoms. The roads to Silchar (Assam), Tamu (Burma), Kohima (Nagaland) etc., were developed. Markets were established to promote commerce and economy.
The initial tasks undertaken by the Manipuri kings in the Kangla fort also primarily related to the development and security of the fort. This included tasks like shifting the course of River Imphal and building bunds along River Imphal. A series of moats were dug all round the fort and the citadel for security reasons. The earthen rampart wall which surrounded the fort was later replaced with brick pillared rampart. A series of enclosure walls were later added for security and defense. The fort was constantly upgraded with improvement in skills and knowledge related to building science. The construction techniques and material were sensitive to the quake prone region. The Kangla fort was completely developed by the end of the nineteenth century with the royal citadel, office buildings, temples, basti (residential areas) etc. Avenues of trees were planted within the fort complex along the prominent roads. At this time, the fort had five lines of defense with a number of prominent structures and gateways.
After the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891, the princely state came under the British military. A British residency was established, and a resident was posted in Imphal. The British residency was constructed to the west of Kangla fort in the present Raj Bhavan (Governor’s residence) campus. The Manipuri king and the royal family were shifted to the new palace complex south of Kangla at Konunglampak. This is known as palace grounds today. A temple for Shri Govindaji was built next to the palace.
Kangla fort was taken over by the British military in 1891. They occupied the fort until the merger of the state of Manipur with the republic of India in 1948. After the British military, the Assam rifles regiment of the Indian army has been occupying the fort till date. The period occupied by the British has contributed a rather significant layer to the fort in the form of military barracks, residences built for the officers etc. These buildings are very typical of the British cantonment style. Some of the buildings like the Quarter guard, Office of the commandant, Residence of General Slim etc., are excellent contributions of the British military. The Indian army has also contributed with the addition of the residential quarters.
The valley of Imphal, where Kangla was located was a secure location indeed, surrounded by nearly nine ranges of hills. The western ranges were difficult to scale, but the eastern ranges were accessible, the reason due to which there are stronger cultural ties between Manipur and the eastern countries of Burma, Cambodia, China etc Having been surrounded by rivers, moats and lakes, it presented a formidable front in case of an enemy attack.. The original boundary of Kangla was wider and bigger though there are no established facts on its size. There are innumerable sacred spots and spaces in Kangla, which are in worship till date. These include the shrines, temples, ponds, trees, spaces etc., The River Imphal flowed through the fort in historical times. Kangla’s location made it most suited for the seat of administration. Kangla’s location made it most suited for the seat of administration.