In Imphal, the capital of Manipur state in India, there is a unique market called Ima Keithel, also known as the 'Mothers' Market' or 'Women's Market'. This trading venue is distinguished by the fact that all responsibility for running the business, from opening a stall to managing trade, lies exclusively with women; men are not allowed to work as sellers here.
Thousands of women work at the Ima Keithel market, who not only run their stalls but also provide economic well-being for their families. The word 'Ima' in the Manipuri language means 'mother', and 'Keithel' means 'market', which together form the meaning 'mothers' market'. According to some data, the number of female sellers exceeds 3000, while other reports reach 4000.
The origins of this market date back to the distant past. It is assumed that it began to form around the 16th century. At that time, a system called 'Lallup-Kaba' existed in Manipur, according to which the men of the state had to work for the king for a certain number of days each year, whether in the army or performing other state duties that required their absence from home.
As a result of this system, the burden of caring for the home and family fell on the shoulders of women. They engaged in agriculture, managed the household, and began selling goods at the market to meet their needs. Gradually, this women's business grew and turned into a large market, becoming a symbol of the diligence and self-sufficiency of the women of Manipur.
At Ima Keithel, one can find almost all daily necessities. Women manage various types of stalls, offering a wide range of products:
- Vegetables and fruits: fresh local produce and drinks.
- Fish and spices: various types of fish and spices used in Manipuri local cuisine.
- Clothing: traditional Manipuri attire, shawls, and handmade items.
- Crafts: bamboo baskets, decorative items, and other handmade goods.
- Household goods: kitchenware and other daily necessities.
Separate sections are provided at the market for different categories of goods. In addition to trading, the female sellers are responsible for the financial support of their families, making this market a primary source of income for many. Some women start trading early in the morning and work until evening, engaging in sales, accounting, and providing for their family's needs with their earnings.
Trade in this place is often passed down from generation to generation; many women inherit the stall and business from their mothers or mothers-in-law. Thus, the connection of these women to the market goes beyond mere earning and becomes part of their family heritage.
The significance of Ima Keithel is not limited to commercial activity. Women of Manipur played an important role in social and political movements in the state's history. In 1904 and 1939, Manipuri women participated in large-scale protests against British policies and local population issues. These movements are known as 'Nupi Lal', which translates to 'women's war'.
In 1904, women protested against the forced labor system, and in 1939, they protested against the mass export of rice and the resulting food crisis in the state. Women associated with the market took significant part in these movements, indicating that the women of Ima Keithel were not only conducting trade but also uniting to defend the interests of their society and region.
The Ima Keithel market is located in the Khawairamband area of Imphal, the capital of Manipur. It is one of the oldest and most significant markets in the city. Not only local residents but also tourists from different countries gather here. The stalls in the market are built specifically for women. By visiting Ima Keithel, visitors can not only shop but also get closer to the culture of Manipur, its traditional clothing, and daily life. The main feature of this market is that the women here are not just traders, but continuers of a centuries-old tradition that serves as an example of their hard work, unity, and self-reliance.