Khangabok is a large village located approximately 25 km south of Imphal, in the Thoubal District of Manipur, India. It is one of the largest villages in Manipur by both area and population.
Geography
Khangabok covers an area of 20.47 km² (7.90 sq mi) and lies at an elevation of 781 m (2,562 ft). It is divided into three zones comprising 19 leikais (local divisions). The village is bounded to the north-west by Athokpam village, to the north-east by Charangpat, to the east by Hayel-Labuk, to the south by Wangjing and Tentha, and to the west by Ikop Pat (Ikop Lake). Four rivers flow through the area: the Karak, Arong, Shagonkong (Hogaibi), and Nongdambi. National Highway 102 (formerly NH 39), part of the Asian Highway Network (AH1), runs through the village.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Khangabok had a total population of 16,344 living in approximately 3,522 households. The population was 49.83% male (8,144) and 50.17% female (8,200), with a sex ratio of 1,007 females per 1,000 males. The child population (ages 0–6) was 2,184, comprising 13.36% of the total. The overall literacy rate was 72.00% (82.50% male, 61.71% female). The primary ethnic group is the Meitei (Meetei), and the official language is Meiteilon (Manipuri). Most residents practice a combination of Sanamahism and Hinduism.
History
The name Khangabok is believed to derive from Khangrapokpi, meaning "where the Khangra tree grows," referring to the Dipterocarpus turbinatus tree that once covered the area. Archaeological excavations conducted by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Manipur, at the Khangabok Maisnam Leikai Boys' Primary School site uncovered secondary pot burials containing skull and bone fragments, beads, bronze rings and plates, and potsherds. Two square metal coins from the reign of Maharaj Garibniwaz (1709–1748 AD) were also found.
Economy
The local economy is primarily agricultural, producing rice, maize, vegetables, and fruits. Khangabok is known for handicrafts, including bamboo baskets (thumuk), harvesting mats (yenna phak) made from giant cane (Arundo donax), and crafts made from kouna (Schoenoplectus acutus), such as seating mats, stools, chairs, and mattresses. Manipur's only sugar factory was located in Khangabok but is no longer operational; the site now houses an outpost of the 3rd Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB). Fishing, trade, and handloom products also contribute to the economy.
Government and Politics
Khangabok is also the name of a Legislative Assembly constituency in Manipur, established in 1967. It is part of the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency. As of the 2022 Manipur Legislative Assembly election, the sitting MLA is Surjakumar Okram of the Indian National Congress.
Education
Khangabok has become a notable educational hub for pre-college education. Schools include The K.M. Blooming Higher Secondary School, The New Public Higher Secondary School, The Eastern Star Higher Secondary School, Khangabok Higher Secondary School, and several high schools and primary schools.
Notable Places
- Ikop Pat (Ikop Lake): A large lake on the western side of Khangabok, significant in local legend as the site where Khamba caught the wild ox in the Khamba-Thoibi folklore.
- Shri Shri Bangsibudon Temple: A temple whose idol, according to tradition, was carved from a jackfruit tree in 1798 under the direction of King Bhagyachandra of Manipur.
- Lamlong Keithel (Bazar): A local market at the junction of several village roads.
- MMRC & Unity Park: A multi-purpose research centre and recreation park established in 2010.
