Imphal's history is deeply intertwined with the ancient Kingdom of Kangleipak. The Kangla Fort, located in the heart of the city, served as the royal seat of the Ningthouja dynasty from ancient times until 1891. According to local chronicles (Puyas), the kingdom's history dates back to 33 CE under the reign of King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.
The city witnessed a major turning point during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, which culminated in the British taking control of the Kangla Fort and Manipur becoming a princely state under British suzerainty. The event is remembered solemnly for the execution of Manipuri heroes like Tikendrajit Singh by the British.
In modern history, Imphal achieved global significance during World War II. In 1944, the Battle of Imphal, fought alongside the Battle of Kohima, saw the British and Indian armies successfully repel the Japanese invasion of India. This victory was later voted Britain's greatest-ever battle by the National Army Museum. Following India's independence, Manipur merged with the Indian Union in 1949, and Imphal was designated the capital when Manipur achieved full statehood in 1972.
