Ima Keithel, the iconic women’s market in Imphal (Manipur), India, stands as a living testament to the strength, resilience, and empowerment of Manipuri women. Established and managed by women of Manipur, it transcends being merely a marketplace—it is a symbol of identity, independence, and a rich cultural heritage.
About Ima Keithel
In Meiti language, ‘Keithel’ means marketplace. The Ima Keithel or Ima Market (literally, Mothers’ Market), also known as the Nupi Keithel (Women’s Market) or the Khwairamband Keithel (Khwairamband Market), is a women-only market in the middle of Imphal in the Indian state of Manipur.
Why is it famous and what is special about Ima Market?
It is the only market in the world run entirely by women.Inside the market, male shopkeepers and vendors are not allowed to sell anything. The market is truly a paradise for shopping-lovers. From fresh fruits, vegetables and spices to textiles, handicrafts and wicker products, the shops in the bustling market cater to all the needs of locals and tourists. It is the largest all–women market in Asia.
History of Ima Market
Ima Keithel, the renowned women’s market in Imphal, India, traces its roots back to the 16th century, specifically to the year 1533 CE. Its establishment was closely linked to the enforcement of the labor system known as lallup-kaba. With the enforcement of lallup-kaba, a transformative shift occurred in Manipuri society. The labor system compelled men to engage in arduous tasks such as cultivating distant agricultural lands and participating in wars. This left a void in the local community. In response to this societal reconfiguration, women took on the responsibility of establishing and managing the market. Ima Keithel, born out of necessity, became a vibrant center where women played a pivotal role in commerce, trade, and community sustenance.
Special Significance of Ima Keithel
The Ima market in Manipur is also the site of the two women’s war or Nupi Lan (Nupi=Women, Lan=War) where the women of Manipur defeated the British.
Ima Keithel, the renowned women’s market in Imphal, has etched its place in history through the Nupi Lan, a valiant women’s war fought against British colonial rule. The inaugural Nupi Lan in 1904 marked a rebellion by Manipuri women against the British administration’s imposition of Lallup (forced labor) on local men. Women, driven by their commitment to justice, protested vehemently, culminating in the storming and destruction of the state bungalow of the British agent. The flames of resistance also engulfed the market stalls in Khwairamband Bazaar, symbolizing the women’s rejection of economic exploitation.
Ima Keithel’s association with resistance persisted into the Second World War in 1939. During this time of famine, Manipuri women staged another impactful protest, this time opposing the export of rice from the state. The market, serving as a focal point for these acts of defiance, encapsulates the spirit of women asserting their rights and challenging oppressive forces throughout critical junctures in history.
Navigating Ima Keithel at Imphal
The Ima Keithel complex comprises three spacious buildings distinguished by pagoda-styled roofs . The market is organized into two distinct sections, each situated on opposite sides of the Bir Tikendrajit Road. To the north of the main road, two structures stand tall, with Leimarel Shidabi Ima, also known as Purana Bazar, being the oldest and largest, and Emoinu Ima Keithel, or Laxmi Bazar, being the smallest within the complex. Meanwhile, to the south of the road lies Phouoibi Ima Keithel, referred to as the New Market, specializing primarily in the sale of handloom items, especially Meitei traditional clothes such as various phaneks, sarees, and inaphi.
Within the complex, the buildings are further organized into sections catering to specific needs. There are distinct sections dedicated to textiles, housing a variety of handloom products, and separate sections for household groceries, ensuring a well-organized and efficient shopping experience for visitors.
Management of Ima Market
Normal timing of the market is from 9:30 Am to 9:30 PM. The market operates under the management of a union comprising all its vendors, maintaining a tradition of permitting only women who have been married at least once to establish stalls. This inclusive approach extends to women vendors who have experienced divorce or widowhood during the insurgency in Manipur. Prospective women vendors looking to participate in the market must be referred by a retiring vendor .
The vendor demographic typically ranges from 45 to 70 years of age. Additionally, the union facilitates a credit system to provide financial assistance to women traders. A licensing system is enforced for stall vendors within the market. On any given day, the market accommodates approximately 5000–6000 women vendors . Notably, as of 2017, these vendors yield an annual profit ranging from ₹73,000 to ₹200,000, contributing to the market’s estimated annual turnover falling within the range of ₹40–50 Crore.
How to Reach Ima Keithel:
To reach Ima Keithel in Imphal, India, you can consider the following transportation options:
By Air: The nearest airport is Tulihal International Imphal Airport, situated approximately 8.1 kilometers from Kangla. Once you arrive at the airport, you can avail of local transportation to reach Ima Keithel.
By Train: The closest railway station is Dimapur railway station. From Dimapur, you may need to rely on local transportation options, such as buses or taxis, to cover the remaining distance to Imphal and Ima Keithel.
By Road: Imphal is well-connected by road, and several national highways lead to the city. Notable routes include NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam highway), NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway), and NH-102 (Imphal-Moreh highway). There are many private buses available that operate on these highways, providing convenient road travel options to reach Imphal and subsequently Ima Keithel. Local transportation within Imphal is accessible to take you from various points in the city to the market
Inside View of the Market
