Which Indian Town is Known as the Land of Black Rice?

India is a land of diverse cultures, landscapes, and unique agricultural treasures. Among its many specialties, certain regions are known for producing rare and valuable crops that are deeply connected to local traditions and history. One such place has earned a special nickname because of a distinctive type of rice it grows, which is celebrated for its rich taste, cultural significance, and exceptional health benefits.

An Overview of India

India, officially called the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia known for its vast size, rich culture, and diversity. It is the world’s most populous country since 2023 and the seventh-largest by area. Bordered by the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal, it shares land boundaries with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, while being close to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Number of Districts in India

As of the latest data in 2025, India has a total of 787 districts. This number has gradually increased over the years due to the creation of new districts for better administration and governance.

Land of Black Rice

The town famous as the “Land of Black Rice” is located in Manipur, a state in northeastern India. It is known for cultivating Chak-Hao, a rare aromatic black rice grown for centuries. This glutinous rice holds cultural importance for the local Meitei community and has even received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its uniqueness.

Why is it Known as the Land of Black Rice?

The title comes from a rare variety of aromatic, glutinous black rice known locally as Chak-Hao. This rice has been grown in the region for centuries and is deeply connected to the Meitei community’s culture and cuisine.

• Chak-Hao is famous for its natural black-purple colour, which comes from high levels of anthocyanin, an antioxidant.
• It has a sweet aroma and sticky texture when cooked, making it perfect for traditional sweets and festive dishes.
• In 2020, it received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which means it is officially recognized as being unique to this region.

An Overview of Manipur

The “Land of Black Rice” is part of Manipur, a beautiful state in northeastern India often called the “Jeweled Land” for its natural beauty.

• Location: Surrounded by Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram, and sharing an international border with Myanmar.
• Geography: Features a central valley surrounded by lush green hills.
• Capital: Imphal.
• History: Once a princely state under British rule, Manipur merged with the Indian Union in 1949 and later became a full-fledged state.
• Culture: Known for its vibrant festivals, traditional dance forms like Ras Lila, and unique food heritage, including the famous black rice.