The Ningthouja dynasty ruled over which region of north-east India?

The Ningthouja dynasty ruled the Meitei kingdom of Manipur for many centuries, until the kingdom joined India in 1949.

About the Ningthouja dynasty:

• It is traditionally believed to have been founded by Nongda Lairen Pakhangba in 33 CE, according to the royal chronicle "Cheitharol Kumbaba".
• It was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the world.
• The Ningthoujas were one of the seven clans (salais) of the Meitei people, who gradually united the other clans under their rule.
• The capital was at Kangla, in present-day Imphal.

Important rulers:

• Pakhangba: the legendary founder.
• Khagemba (17th century): defeated Chinese (Shan) invaders; introduced new techniques.
• Garib Niwaz (Pamheiba) (18th century): made Vaishnavism (Hinduism) the state religion of Manipur.
• Bhagyachandra (Ching-Thang Khomba) (18th century): developed the "Ras Lila" and the Manipuri style of dance; built the Shri Govindajee temple.
• Gambhir Singh: regained Manipur from the Burmese (1820s).
• Bodhachandra Singh: the last king, who signed the Instrument of Accession and the Merger Agreement with India in 1949.

Manipur's history:

• Manipur was occupied by Burma during the "Seven Years' Devastation" (Chahi Taret Khuntakpa, 1819-1826).
• The Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 led to British control; Tikendrajit Singh and others were executed.
• Manipur merged with India on 15 October 1949, and became a full state in 1972.

About Kangla:

The Kangla Fort was the seat of the Meitei kings and is a sacred site for the Meitei people.

Culture of Manipur:

• Manipuri classical dance (Ras Lila).
• Polo (Sagol Kangjei) is believed to have originated in Manipur.
• The "Cheitharol Kumbaba" is the royal chronicle of Manipur.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Tripura was ruled by the Manikya dynasty.
• ✗Assam was ruled by the Ahom dynasty (and earlier dynasties).
• ✗Nagaland was not ruled by a single dynasty.