| Kangla Eastern Gate | |
|---|---|
Kangla Nongpok Thong | |
| Alternative names | Nongpok Thong |
| Etymology | Eastern Entrance Gate of the Kangla[1][2] |
| General information | |
| Status | open |
| Type | Gate Bridge |
| Architectural style | Meitei architecture |
| Classification | Gate Bridge |
| Location | Imphal River[3][4] |
| Address | frontier between Imphal East district and Imphal West district |
| Town or city | Imphal |
| Country |
|
| Named for | Kangla Nongpok Torban |
| Renovated | 2022-23 |
| Demolished | 1891 Anglo Manipur War[5][6] |
| Client | Kangla Fort Board (KFB) |
| Owner | Government of Manipur |
| Affiliation | Meitei architecture |
| Height | |
| Architectural | Meitei architecture |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited (MPHC Ltd) |
| Developer |
|
| Main contractor | Imphal Smart City Limited (ISCL) |
The Kangla Nongpok Thong (Meitei for 'Kangla Eastern Gate'), shortly known as the Nongpok Thong (Meitei for 'Eastern Gate'), is the Eastern Gate Bridge[a] of the Kangla Fort of Imphal, Kangleipak (Meitei for 'Manipur').[9][10][11] With the re-opening of the modern Eastern Gate of the Kangla, the Kangla Western Gate (Meitei: Kangla Nongchup Thong) was closed forever, under the leadership of Nongthombam Biren, the then Chief Minister of Manipur, due to the traditional Meitei belief that the western gate is regarded as the gate of the dead and it is ominous to enter the Kangla through the western doorway.[12][13]
- ^ "Biren Singh hands over historic Kangla Nongpok Thong to people of Manipur - Eastern Mirror". easternmirrornagaland.com. 10 January 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
- ^ Correspondent (10 January 2023). "Manipur CM hands over eastern gate of historic Kangla Fort in Imphal". assamtribune.com. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Biren Singh hands over historic Kangla Nongpok Thong to people of Manipur - Eastern Mirror". easternmirrornagaland.com. 10 January 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
- ^ Correspondent (10 January 2023). "Manipur CM hands over eastern gate of historic Kangla Fort in Imphal". assamtribune.com. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Editorial, Signpost (11 January 2023). "After Nongpok Thong of Kangla, next Eastern Gate of Kangla". Signpost News. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
- ^ "Nongpok Thong and Nongpokthong". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
The references with regard to reopening of 'Nongpokthong' in our ancient chronicles has been interpreted in many ways in modern times among which opening of trade relations with Myanmar and Southeast Asia is one.
- ^ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("thong" - door)". dsal.uchicago.edu. University of Chicago. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
- ^ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("thong" - bridge)". dsal.uchicago.edu. University of Chicago. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
- ^ "Kangla Nongpok Thong opens to public". Pothashang News. 10 January 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
- ^ "Manipur's Kangla Nongpok Thong reopens to public, Western gate to remain closed". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
- ^ S, Vangamla Salle K. (10 January 2023). "Manipur: Kangla Nongpok Thong in Imphal opens to public". EastMojo. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
- ^ "CM dedicates Kangla Nongpok Thong to public: 11th jan23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
While dedicating the Kangla Nongpok Thong to the public, the chief minister also informed that the Kangla Nongchup Thong (western gate) will be closed henceforth. He explained that according to Meetei's beliefs, the western gate is regarded as the gate of the dead and it is an omen to enter through the western gate or door. Considering the welfare of the Manipuri society, the state government in consultation with various experts and scholars of Manipur initiated the construction of the Kangla eastern gate and to close the Kangla Western gate forever. "Therefore, from today onwards, since the eastern gate has been opened for the public, the Western Gate will remain closed for all time".
- ^ "CM dedicates Kangla Nongpok Thong to public: 11th jan23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
Speaking at the inaugural function which was organised by the State Archeology Department, the Chief Minister stated that the back door or western door is generally associated with death and misery as per Meitei worldview and beliefs. As such, many senior citizens and experts are of the opinion that it would not bode well for the public if the western gate of Kangla is used as the entrance and exit gate.
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