MANIPUR: The Birthplace of Modern Polo

TODAY, AS IT WAS THE PRECEDENCE CENTURIES BACK, PEOPLE OF MANIPUR HAVE THE BELIEF THAT THE MANIPURI POLO RULES WERE CRAFTED BY NONE OTHER THAN “MARJING - THE GOD OF POLO”

- SUBHASISH CHAKRABORTY

Having been born and brought up in India’s North Eastern state of Assam, from my childhood I heard stories from my uncle and aunts on the game of Polo and how it originated in India’s remote the North Eastern state of Manipur. I never gave much importance then. But today on the hindsight, how Polo has evolved as a sport of the rich and the famous, I feel fortunate enough to belong to that region from where Polo originated and to be able to offer a glimpse of this exciting game to the discerning global Polo aficionados.

Far removed from mainland India, Manipur is located in northeast India and is bordered by Nagaland to the north, Assam to the west and Mizoram to the southwest. On the south and east, Manipur is surrounded by Myanmar. The capital of Manipur is Imphal, a city with a rich virile past and a vibrant cultural melting pot. Manipur is often referred to as “The Jewel of India” because of being encircled by nine hills with an oval-shaped valley right at the centre.

The Guinness Book of Records in its 1991 edition on page 288 writes Polo: Origins: Origins of Polo can be traced to origins in Manipur State c. 3100 B.C. when it was played as Sagol Kangjei. In fact, the Manipuri Pony is one of five rare equine breeds in India and equestrian experts are of the opinion that the Manipuri Pony is a descendant of the renowned Mongolian Pony - a combat horse that is steeped in legends, mythologies and folklore.