Manipur

Called the "jewel of India," or "a flower on the lofty heights," the beautiful state of Manipur in Northeast India is encircled by nine hill ranges that are rich in jungle terrain. Graced with scenic valleys, lakes and marshes, this land is also known for its orchids.

In this state of more than 2 million people, the Meitei people (60%) form the dominant community, both culturally and economically. Mainly Hindu, they ruled the area as a kingdom from before the time of Christ until 1955. The Meitei, who share the region with around two dozen other tribes, are said to have invented the game of polo.

Economically, Manipur depends on forestry, agriculture, and handloom weaving, in addition to many other small-scale industries. Farmers grow rice, sugar cane, potatoes and cauliflower. On the slopes, they also grow tea, pineapples and oranges. Compared to other Asian nations, Manipur's literacy rate of almost 69 percent is quite high.

Since the 1990s, the state has been shaken by ethnic conflict. Prolonged tension between the Naga and Kuki tribespeople, for example, has resulted in hundreds of deaths. Drug addiction, especially among young people, is another serious problem that is fueling the spread of AIDS. Sadly, Manipur has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in India.

Through the influence of Baptist missionaries, many tribals came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ after World War I. Today 34 percent of the state is Christian, and the Bible is available in Meitei (also known as Manipuri). The Muslim community, comprising 7 percent of the population, is not yet evangelized.