The Museums of Manipur possess a very rich assortment of artifacts, which is a striking evidence of the rich and glorious history of India in general and the north eastern region of India in particular. There are various museums in Manipur which have tried their best to preserve the ancient tradition and culture of the state.
Manipur State Museum
Manipur State Museum is one of the prominent Museums of Manipur which is situated very close to the Imphal polo ground. This place was very significant both politically and socially during the British rule in India. This museum contains a large number of historical artifacts which are put on display for the public. These artifacts depict the cultural heritage of Manipur. More specifically, a number of magnificent portraits of the former rulers of Manipur are displayed in the Manipur State Museum from the late eighteenth century. Some of the striking items present in this museum are the aboriginal weapons (both ranged and melee), robes and armor of the ancient period.
Sekta Archaeological Living Museum
Sekta Archaeological Living Museum is another milestone in the list of museums of Manipur as well as in India. It is also a protected archaeological site. This museum is situated in the Sekta village, on the Imphal Ukhrul Road. This place is about 16 kilometers away from Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. It is of great historical importance since some of the evidences of the practice of secondary burial were revealed in this place and the work of excavation was undertaken by the State Archaeologists and the Archaeological Survey of India. Some of the exceptional collections exhibited in this museum provide evidence of the agitations staged in this state, from the Meitei and Naga rulers and the progress of the Indian National Army in order to free the Indians from British rule. This museum is regarded as one of the must-visit destinations of Manipur. A number of segments in the museum possess the Indian National Army memorabilia.
Police Museum
Among the museums of Manipur, the Police Museum at Imphal, founded in the year 1991, is very renowned. This museum preserves a majority of the articles related to the Police Department. More specifically, it displays a rich assortment of photographs, arms, weapons, armor and the full-scale statues of Nongthoujan Gulap. The exact location of this museum is inside the 1st Manipur Rifle Campus.
Other Museums of Manipur
There are several other museums of Manipur like the Agriculture Museum, Children`s Museum Cum Doll House, Mutua Museum and Biological Museum, Imphal; Medical Museums, Lamphel; Orient Museum, Tamenglong; Anthropological Museum and Manipur University Museum, Canchipur; and Peoples` museum, Kackching Bazar.
Manipur museums are the mirror of the past where one can view the rich tradition and culture of the hilly state of India and various primitive equipments. Some of the museums also showcase the political and social past of the state and the country as well.