Ima Keithel: A Marketplace Empowered by Women

In a world where the economy and the market are largely dominated by men, there is one place where roles reverse. The Ima Keithel in Manipur is the only known place that is run entirely by women.

The Ima Keithel in Manipur is the world's largest market exclusively managed by women I Source: India Today NE

A market dominated by women surely sounds like a utopia. But in Manipur, it is a living reality. The Ima Keithel is the only market in the entire world where men are a no-go. In other words, it only belongs to women. But how did the Manipuri women manage to carve out this commercial space for themselves? This requires us to look at the history of Ima Keithel.

The inception of the Ima Keithel was an absolute necessity. This all-women market came into existence due to an age-old Manipuri system known as the Lallup Kaba. Initiated under the rule of the early Meitei kings, the Lallup Kaba enforced forced labour, obligating every male member of the Meitei community aged between seventeen and sixty to work for a specified number of days. Often, this meant that the men had to journey to distant regions, whether for military service or to collect revenue in faraway places. As a result, the responsibility of tending to the economic needs of households fell upon the women. Thus, the Meitei women began setting up stalls to vend various items, ranging from handicrafts and textiles to meet their daily necessities.

Over time, these stalls evolved into a bustling market, with 3000 to 5000 women independently conducting business. This market now takes centre stage in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, and has significantly contributed to the state's economy since its inception.

The word Ima directly translates to mother, while Keithel signifies market. At times, the market is also referred to as Nupi Keithel, where Nupi means women. Even today, after nearly 500 years, men are prohibited from engaging in any commercial activities within the market.

The entire complex is divided into three sections. The first is Leimarel Shidabi Ima, also known as Purana Bazaar. As the name implies, this is the oldest structure within the complex and serves as the entrance to Ima Keithel. This structure also houses a small shrine dedicated to Keithel Leirembi, a crucial goddess in Meitei mythology. The women involved in the market hold her in high reverence, considering her the protector of Ima Keithel.

The second section of the market is Emoinu Ima Keithel, also called Laxmi Bazaar, while the third section is known as Phouibee Ima Keithel or the New Market.

A typical day at the market sees Meitei women traders dressed in their traditional attire - phanek and innaphi - engaging in various transactions. From authentic food items to handicrafts and textiles, one can find nearly everything in this market. The market buzzes with the laughter and chatter of these women. This shows that the women in the market share a strong bond and treat each other like family. The profound trust and familial connection among them are evident from the well-functioning credit system, allowing traders to borrow money in times of need and repay later.

The significance of this place among Meitei women cannot be overstated. Apart from economic reasons, this place has been a focal point for numerous political and historical events. For instance, during the colonial period, the women of Ima Keithel held intense political meetings and demonstrations against British authorities, protesting against oppressive measures like forced labour and large-scale exports of locally grown rice. These protests occurred in two phases, one in 1904 and the other in 1939, famously known as the Nupi Lan movements. Throughout its existence, Ima Keithel has demonstrated its utmost importance to the Meitei women of Manipur. This market remains the only one in the world entirely managed by women. In many ways, this mothers' market in Manipur vividly portrays a remarkable example of feminism in action.