Kangla Fort, Royal fort in Imphal, India
Kangla Fort is a stone fortification in Imphal, India, extending over 170 hectares along the Imphal River. The site includes gateways, watchtowers, temples, and remains of traditional wooden buildings connected by walls and open courtyards.
The site served as the seat of Manipur kings from the early centuries of the Common Era and was expanded several times. The British army took over the grounds in the late 19th century and used them as a military base afterward.
The name comes from the term *Kangla*, meaning dry land in the local language, referring to the elevated site beside the river. Visitors today can enter ceremonial grounds and shrines still used by locals for religious occasions.
Access is available daily from early morning to late afternoon without entrance fees, with multiple gates around the grounds. Guided tours are offered and help visitors understand the different areas and their function.
Several museums on the grounds display weapons, clothing, and everyday objects from the monarchy period, including rare examples of local craftsmanship. The combination of defense structures and royal living areas shows a particular form of power architecture in the region.
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