Kangla Sha (Dragon)

Kangla Sha, also known as the Dragon Lion God, is a significant figure in Meitei mythology and the indigenous religion of Manipur, Sanamahism. This sacred guardian beast has a lion's body and a two-horned dragon's head, symbolizing defense, guardianship, and protection.

It is a royal symbol of the Meitei royalties, particularly the Ningthouja dynasty. The most remarkable statues of Kangla Sha are located inside the Kangla Fort in Imphal, Manipur.

These statues were originally constructed in 1804 by Meitei King Chourjit Singh but were demolished by Burmese forces during the Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (Seven Years Devastation) from 1819 to 18261. They were later reconstructed in 1844 by King Raja Nara Singh but were again destroyed by the British forces during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.

The statues were finally rebuilt in 2006 by the Government of Manipur, standing at 19.30 feet in height, 15.30 feet in length, and 6 feet in breadth, each weighing 36.50 metric tonnes.

Kangla Sha is not only a symbol of protection but also plays a role in Meitei traditional race competitions, where winners are declared only after symbolically touching the statue of Kangla Sha. This practice highlights the cultural and spiritual importance of the dragon lion god in Manipur.