Khangabok is a village located about 25 km south of Imphal, in the state of Manipur, India. Its jurisdiction falls under the Thoubal District Division. Khangabok is one of the largest villages in Manipur in terms of area and population.
The Meeteis are the primary ethnic group populating the village. The language spoken is Meetei (also known as Manipuri), which was included in Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution in 1992.
History
The name Khangabok is believed to have derived from the tree Khangra (scientific name Dipterocarpus turbinatus) which covered the present-day village area. As people started settling in the area, the trees were cut down, and the place got the name Khangrapokpi meaning where Khangra is grown. The modern derivation of Khangrapokpi is Khangabok.
The Department of Archaeology, Government of Manipur, carried out excavation at Khangabok with an objective of ascertaining the cultural sequence and study of the ethno-archaeological aspects of the site in the campus of Khangabok Maisnam Leikai Boys’ Primary School. Many goods comprising beads, bronze rings and plates, bones, potsherds were recovered from burial graves. The excavation revealed only the secondary pot burials with fragments of skull and bone with one to three pots from each burial. In addition, pot of medium size covered with ring-footed bowls were also unearthed. At least four to six thin bronze plates were found with each burial, perhaps used in ceremonial offerings. Two square metal coins were also found which belonged to the reign of Maharaj Garibniwaz (1709–48 AD).
Demography
Population
Khangabok village is home to around 3520 families. As of 2011 India census, the total population of Khangabok is 16344. 49.83% of the population (8144) is male. The population of children (0-6 years) is 2184 which makes up 13.36% of total population of the village. Average Sex Ratio of Khangabok village is 1007 which is higher than Manipur state average of 985. Child Sex Ratio of the village 919, lower than state average of 930.
Literacy
The literacy rate of Khangabok village is 72.00% (compared to 76.94% of Manipur). The Male literacy stands at 82.50% while female literacy rate is 61.71%.
Religion
Most of the people practice dual religion, namely Sanamahism and Hinduism. Lainingthou Ikop Ningthou is the Umanglai (village deity) of Khangabok for which the Lai Haraoba (pleasing of the village deity) is performed annually with traditional fervour in the month of Kalen (equivalent to May in English calendar).
Geography
Size and composition
Total area of Khangabok is 20.47 square kilometer, making it as the largest village in Thoubal District. Khangabok lies between 24-55 North latitudes and 94-98 East longitudes. Khangabok, because of its large area, is divided into three zones (with 18 Leikais)
Part 1: (6 Leikais namely Shanirou, Sorok Wangma, Awang Leikai, Maning Leikai and part of Khullakpam Leikai, Awang Khunou),
Part 2: (5 Leikais namely Part of Khullakpam Leikai, Moirang Palli, Mayai Leikai, Loishang, and Maisnam Leikai) and
Part 3: (7 Leikais namely Tangkha Leikai, Lamlong, Makha Leikai, Khunou, Leipat Leikai, Lamdaibung Leikai (Kha Khundon) and Cherapur).
Khangabok is bounded in the north-west by Athokpam village, in the north-east by Charangpat village, in the east by Hayel-Labuk village, in the south by Wangjing village and Tentha village, and in the west by Ikop Pat (Lake).
Arong River, Khangabok
Climate
The climate of Khangabok is largely influenced by the topography of the hilly region which defines the geography of Manipur. Like other places in Manipur, the village is blessed with a generally amiable climate though the winters can be a little chilly. In winter the mercury often falls near zero degree Celsius. The coldest month is January and July experience maximum temperature. The weather remains bright and sunny without the scorch of the sun during the period from October to March. The village is also drenched in rains from the month of May and continues till the middle of October. The downpour ranges from light drizzles to heavy showers. The normal rainfall enriches the soil and helps in agricultural activities and irrigation.
Vegetation
Khangabok represents the features of flat plain topography. The soil is of the type alluvium and contains small rock fragments, sand and sandy clay. The vegetation consists of a large variety of plants ranging from short and tall grasses, reeds and bamboos to trees of various species. Arundo Donax (yengtou), Leihao, Bamboo, Cane, Eucalyptus etc. are some of the important floras growing in plenty.
Drainage system
There are four rivers that run through Khangabok and they are named as Karak River, Arong River, Shagonkong (also known as Hogaibi) River and Nongdambi River. The Ikop Pat, which is situated in the western side of Khangabok, is one of the largest lakes in Manipur.
