kangchao

The "Uttra"

The "Uttra" is the ancestral coronation hall of the Manipur kings. The installation ceremonies took place here. The building housing the coronation ha...
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The "Uttra" is the ancestral coronation hall of the Manipur kings. The installation ceremonies took place here. The building housing the coronation hall was destroyed in air raids during the Second World War The flight of the steps and the ruins of the foundation are the only remains of the "Uttra".
Two huge 'Kangla Sha' made of brick used to stand in front of the "Uttra" but just beyond the flight of steps leading to the "Uttra" - on either side of the path leading to the "Uttra". Mr. T.C. Hudson wrote in his book-The Meitheis', this was the National Emblem of the Meiteis. According to Sir James Johnstone, Kangla sha were originally erected by the Chinese war captives. But it is wrong. It is said that it existed even before the reign of Nongda lairen Pakhangba (33 AD). According to archaic belief the Kangla Sha is the Protector of the King and repelled the Omen. Whenever the King is in distress, the King used to worship -perform a sacred ritual, eating or drinking nothing, then if the kangla-Sha bless him HE shall protect the King.'Kangla Sha' were blown to pieces by the British after their occupation of 'Kangla' Fort in 1891.
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