The History of Manipur dates back to the Mahabharat.
Mahabharat
editIn the Mahabharat, Arjuna came to Manipur to marry the daughter of the Ningthou, named Chitrangada. The Ningthou rejected the original plea because he did not want his daughter of their inevitable offspring to leave Manipur. Arjuna and Chitrangada had a son Babruvahana who became King of Manipur.
Medieval times
editAdvent of Hinduism
editIn the early 18th century, Hindu missionaires from Sylhet led by Shantidas Adhikari and Guru Gopal Das came to Manipur. By 1717 C.E. King Pamheiba had been converted to Hinduism and Manipur was officially declared a Hindu state.
The advent of Gaudiya-style Hinduism had other implications for Manipur. The Meitei Mayek was abolished, and the Kings began encouraging the use of Bengali over Meitei.