Meitei architecture

The ancient Meitei temple of Lord Pakhangba restored in 2007 inside the Kangla Palace, Manipur

Meitei architecture or Manipuri architecture is the architecture produced by the Meitei speaking people, whose culture flourished in the Kangleipak kingdom and its neighbouring kingdoms from the middle of the fifteenth century BC. The Meitei architecture is best known for its temples (Laishang, Kiyong, Thellon), found scattered in the Kangleipak (present day Manipur). Other architectural forms that are still in existence are the grand gates (Hojang), Traditional houses (Yumjao), Public houses (Sanglen), Official buildings (Loishang), etc.

Influence

The architecture of Kangleipak (present-day Manipur) was greatly influenced by the arrival of Hinduism in 16-17th century AD. Hundreds of Vaishnava temples were built in a style that combined traditional Meitei architectural elements and Mainland Indian architecture.

Styles

Meitei-style temples and other buildings are easily distinguished by the Holy Chirong (horns) at the top of the roof. Some significant examples include Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple and Sanamahi Kiyong Temple. There are also animal figures such as bulls and buffaloes carved on the walls.

Gallery

• 
  A Hindu temple at Kakching Khunou
• 
  A Hindu temple at Imphal
• An ancient temple at Kakching
  An ancient temple at Kakching
• 
  The ruins of a temple inside the Kangla Palace
• 
  A Hindu temple at Ningthoukhong
• 
  Grand gate of Shrine of Lord Khamlangba, with a holy horn in the top
• A Hindu temple in Meitei style at Kakching
  A Hindu temple in Meitei style at Kakching

See also

• Shree Govindajee Temple
• Ningthoukhong Gopinath Mandir
• Sacred Jackfruit Tree