Ima Market

Last updated

Ima Keithel
(English: Mothers' Market)
Ima Market, imphal.jpeg
Imphal, Manipur (84).jpeg
Imphal, Manipur (62).jpeg
Manipuri woman selling glutinous rice at Eema Bazaar, Imphal, Manipur.JPG
Ema Market.jpg
Different scenes of the Ima Keithel (Mothers' Market) of Imphal
Nickname(s): 
Nupi Keithel (English: Women's Market)
Khwairamband Keithel (English: Khwairamband Market)
India Manipur location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Ima Keithel
(English: Mothers' Market)
Location in Manipur, India
India location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Ima Keithel
(English: Mothers' Market)
Ima Keithel
(English: Mothers' Market) (India)
Coordinates: 24°48′29″N93°56′06″E / 24.808°N 93.935°E / 24.808; 93.935
CountryFlag of India.svg  India
State Manipur
District Imphal West
Named for Meitei women
Languages
 • Colloquial Meitei
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
795001
Management Ima Keithel Union

The Ima Market (Meitei : Ima Keithel; literally, Mothers' Market), also known as the Nupi Keithel (English: Women's Market) or the Khwairamband Keithel (English: Khwairamband Market [1] ), is a women-only market in the middle of Imphal in the Indian state of Manipur. [2] [3] It is the only market in the world run entirely by women. [4] Inside the market, male shopkeepers and vendors are not allowed to sell anything. [5] The Government of Manipur has announced that the male shopkeepers and vendors will be punished if their shops and vendors are found inside the market. [5] [6] [7] It is a commercial center and a popular tourist attraction in the state of Manipur. [8] [9] It was established in the 16th century and hosts around 5,000–6,000 women vendors who sell a variety of products. [8] [10] Products such as vegetables, fruits, textiles, toys, fish, spices and utensils are available in the market. [11] It is the largest all–women market in Asia. [12]

Contents

History

The market was established in the 16th century following the imposition of the labour system, lallup-kaba in 1533 CE. The lallup-kaba was a forced labour system in Manipur Kingdom which required male members of the Meitei ethnicity to work in distant lands or to serve in the army. As a consequence of the system, women had to support their households by cultivating their fields or weaving textiles and then selling the products on improvised markets. The improvised markets led to the formation of the organized Ima Keithel. [11] The Ima Keithel was the primary permanent market in Manipur until the 20th century.

In 1891, the British colonial administration attempted to impose economic and political reform in Manipur Kingdom, which disrupted the functioning of the market. [11] The reforms involved large scale seizure and export of food corps from Manipur without consideration for local requirements which caused starvation at times of Mautam. [13] It led to agitations by the women of the Ima Keithel and in response, the British attempted to sell off the assets and properties of Ima Keithel to foreigners and external buyers. This, among other causes, resulted in the Nupi Lan or the women's war, which eventually seized with the Japanese invasion of India. [14]

Following independence, the market regained prominence as a commercial center and a hub of socio-political discussions. [11] [14] In 2010, the market was moved into the Khawairamband Bazaar complex constructed by the Municipal Corporation of Imphal. [15] The complex had sustained damaged in the 2016 Imphal earthquake, which effected the livelihood of around 800 vendors. [16]

Market

The Ima Keithel is located in the Khawairamband Bazaar Complex reconstructed on the site of Purana Bazaar in central Imphal. It is located west of Kangla Fort and on the Bir Tikendrajit Road in the Thangal Bazar locality. [17] The complex consists of three large buildings with pagoda styled roofs. [18] The market is split into two sections on either side of the road. [19] Two buildings are located to the north of the main road and one to the south. Leimarel Shidabi Ima, [20] or Purana Bazar, is the oldest and largest structure in the complex and Emoinu Ima Keithel, or Laxmi Bazar is the smallest structure in the complex, both are located to the north of main road. Phouoibi Ima Keithel, or the New Market, mainly sells handloom items, especially Meitei traditional clothes, that includes various phaneks, sarees, and inaphi, is located to the south of the road. The buildings are segregated into textile housing sections and household groceries sections. There is also a section of stalls under a large tin and tarp arrangement market to the east of the main buildings. [18] In order to set up stalls in the main buildings of the market, an annual municipal fees is levied. The fee of a 16 square feet (1.5 m2) stall was ₹140,000 per annum at the time of construction in 2010. [21] [22] There is a licensing system in place for vendors with stalls. [23] The market houses around 5000–6000 women vendors at any given day. [10] As of 2017, the vendors at the market make an annual profit between ₹73,000 and ₹200,000. The annual turnover of the market was estimated to be between ₹40–50  Crore. [24] [25]

Management

The market is managed by a union of all the vendors of the market. It maintains a custom of only allowing women who have been married at least once to set up stalls. The women vendors include those who are divorced or have been widowed in the insurgency in Manipur. [14] [7] To be able to sell in the market, a new woman vendor needs to be referred by a retiring vendor. [26] The vendors are primarily in the age of 45–70 years. [22] The union also runs a credit system for lending to women traders. [27]

Currently, Ima Mema Laishram and Ima Y Ibeyaima are the convenors of Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee for Peace. Asem Nirmala is the General Secretary of Khwairamband Ima Keithel Lukmai Sellup. [28]

Compliments

Minister of External Affairs of India, S Jaishankar called Ima market a "great example of nari shakti (women's power) powering economic growth." [29]

In February 2023, delegates of B20 from the G20 forum visited the Ima Market. One of the delegates said, "I will tell the world that there is a beautiful market run by women that sells authentic handicrafts, clothes and others." [30] [31]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manipur</span> State in northeastern India

Manipur is a state in northeast India, with the city of Imphal as its capital. It is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west. It also borders two regions of Myanmar, Sagaing Region to the east and Chin State to the south. The state covers an area of 22,327 km2 (8,621 sq mi). The official and most widely spoken language is the Meitei language. Native to the Meitei people, it is also used as a lingua franca by smaller communities, who speak a variety of other Tibeto-Burman languages. Manipur has been at the crossroads of Asian economic and cultural exchange for more than 2,500 years. This exchange connects the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia to Southeast Asia, East Asia, Siberia, regions in the Arctic, Micronesia and Polynesia enabling migration of people, cultures and religions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Imphal</span> Capital city of the Indian state Manipur

Imphal is the capital city of the Indian state of Manipur. The metropolitan centre of the city contains the ruins of Kangla Palace, the royal seat of the former Kingdom of Manipur, surrounded by a moat. Spread over parts of the districts of Imphal West and Imphal East, the former contains the majority of the city's area and population. Imphal is part of the Smart Cities Mission under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Being a mega commercial hub, Imphal is known for its weaving, brass-ware, bronze-ware, and other cottage industries. Meitei language is the most widely spoken language in the city.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meitei people</span> Ethnic group of South Asia

The Meitei people, also known as Meetei, Manipuri people, are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group native to Manipur. They form the largest and dominant ethnic group of Manipur in Northeast India. They speak the Meitei language, one of the 22 official languages of the Republic of India and the sole official language of Government of Manipur. The Meiteis primarily settled in the Imphal Valley region in modern-day Manipur, though a sizeable population has settled in the other Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. There is also a notable presence of Meitei people in the neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Meitei ethnic group represents about 53% of Manipur's population.

Nambol is a Town of Manipur, India. It Stretches across one of the major heartline of Highway Known as Tiddim Road.The General functionalities are under administration of Nambol municipal council Most part of Nambol comes under Bishnupur district, While some parts of Nambol belongs to Imphal west District. Nambol as a whole is known to be a Sub- Division. Nambol is one of the educational hubs of Bishnupur district as well as of Manipur. Its market, known as Nambol Bazaar is the second most busiest market, after Khwairamband Bazaar( also known as 'IMA market' ) in Manipur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thoubal</span> Town in Manipur, India

Thoubal is a town and municipal council with 18 wards, serving as the district headquarters in Thoubal district, in the Indian state of Manipur. The name 'Thoubal' derives from 'Athouba,' meaning brave people, symbolizing the courageous residents of the district. It is one of the larger towns in Manipur, known for its idyllic setting, featuring numerous lakes, rivers, paddy fields, and gardens. Thoubal is also a gateway to Southeast Asia, with the Trans-Asian Highway (AH1) passing through it, and is well-connected to Imphal, Kakching, Moreh, and Yairipok.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meira Paibi</span> Indian womens social movement

Meira Paibi is a women's social movement in the Indian state of Manipur. Referred to as the "guardians of civil society", Meira Paibi dates to 1977 in present Kakching district. It derives its name from the flaming torches which the women carry while marching through city streets, often at night. They do so both as a patrol, and in protest, seeking redress against human rights violations committed by paramilitary and armed forces units against the innocent. Contextualized, Meira Paibi was founded at a time when the people of Manipur were fighting for self-determination, political autonomy, and independence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Imoinu</span> Meitei Goddess

Imoinu or Emoinu is a goddess associated with household, hearth, family, fireplace, kitchen, wealth, peace and prosperity in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak. She is frequently associated with Leimarel Sidabi. She is regarded as one of the incarnations or representations of goddess Leimarel Sidabi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leimarel Sidabi</span> Meitei earth Goddess

Leimarel Sidabi or Leimalel Sitapi is a goddess in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is the highest female divinity in the Meitei pantheon. She is the goddess of earth, of nature and the household. She is revered as the mother of every living being in the universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phouoibi</span>

Phouoibi or Phouleima is the goddess and the female personification of the agriculture, crops, fertility, grains, harvest, paddy, rice and wealth in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak . She is the lover of Akongjamba, a hero in ancient legends. But fate does not permit the lovers to unite. So, Phouoibi and Akongjamba reincarnated in the legends. She was sent by Thangching to Moirang) kingdom to make the human world prosperous. The legends of her love with Akongjamba were believed to be enacted by Thangching as a part of the Moirang Saiyon legends.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yumjao Leima</span>

Yumjao Leima or Yumjao Lairembi or Yumjao Lairemma is the mother goddess of house, household, royalty, rule and power in Meitei mythology and religion. She is designated as the all time ruling Queen Mother. Legend says she assumes a human form in white clothes and blesses kings. She is one of the divine incarnations of Leimarel Sidabi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kangla Nongpok Torban</span> Indian recreation area

Kangla Nongpok Torban or Eastern Bank of the Kangla is a riverside recreation area, on the eastern bank of the Imphal River in Imphal, Manipur, India. It was developed under the aegis of Imphal Smart City Limited. With the length of approximately 700 metres (2,300 ft), it covers its area from the Sanjenthong Bridge in the South to the Nongpok Thong of Kangla Fort in the North.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kanglā shā</span> Meitei dragon lion

In Meitei mythology and Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur, Kanglā shā is a sacred guardian beast with a lion's body and a two-horned dragon's head. It is a royal symbol of the Meitei royalties . The most remarkable statues dedicated to "Kangla Sa" stand inside the Kangla.

Femina Miss India 2023 was the 59th edition of the Femina Miss India beauty pageant. After a two-year hiatus, it was held on 15 April 2023 at Imphal, Manipur, with contestants from 29 states and a collective representative for all Union Territories adding up to 30 participants competed for the title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in Meitei culture</span> Accounts on women in Meitei culture

Women have significant roles in different elements of Meitei culture, including Meitei dances, Meitei festivals, Meitei folklore, Meitei folktales, Meitei literature, Meitei mythology, Meitei religion, etc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kumcha Lempi</span> Character in Meitei folklore

Kumcha Lempi, also known as Kumja Lembi, is a woman in Meitei mythology and folklore of ancient Kangleipak. She is known for being a victim of an attack by a tiger in Khoirentak. Her tragedy is frequently mentioned, narrated and retold in the Moirang Kangleirol legends, usually by the Pena playing balladeers till present times.

Yairipok Thambalnu, originally known as Sanoujam Chanu Thambalnu or simply as Thambalnu, was a Meitei lady native to Yairipok region of Kangleipak. She was a victim of intrigues and was forced to meet a tragic death in drowning in a flooding river.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sagol kāngjei</span> Traditional form of polo in Manipur

Sagol Kangjei is a traditional Meitei ball sport played on horseback with a long-handled stick. The sport, also known as Manipuri polo, is a predecessor of modern international polo.

References

  1. ↑ Singh, Amita; Punia, Milap; Haran, Nivedita P.; Singh, Thiyam Bharat (15 June 2018). Development and Disaster Management: A Study of the Northeastern States of India. Springer. ISBN   978-981-10-8485-0.
  2. ↑ "India's Mother's Market run by women". BBC News. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  3. ↑ "Manipur's historic women's only market damaged in earthquake". The News Minute. 4 January 2016. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  4. ↑ – "India's Mother's Market run by women". BBC News.
    –Gupta, Om (2006). Encyclopaedia of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN   978-81-8205-389-2. 'Ima Keithel' at Khwairamband Bazar is the only market in the world where, as the name suggests, all the stalls are run by women.
    –Shivhare, Vishal (17 August 2016). Vyapar Shastra. Jaico Publishing House. ISBN   978-81-8495-898-0. Ima Keithel Market, Imphal, Manipur Ima market or Nupi Keithel, in Imphal, Manipur, is the only all-women marketplace in the world.
    –Singh, Dr Th Suresh (2 June 2014). The Endless Kabaw Valley: British Created Visious Cycle of Manipur, Burma and India. Quills Ink. ISBN   978-93-84318-00-0. The world famous Ima Keithel, the only unique women ́s market in the world, situated at the heart of the capital : It was established in 1636 AD by king Khagemba as a part of his ...
    – "Manipur's historic women's only market damaged in earthquake". The News Minute. 4 January 2016.
    –Sahu (IAS), Barun Kumar (1 January 2020). AN INQUIRY INTO VIGILANCE AND CORRUPTION. Prabhat Prakashan. ISBN   978-93-5322-856-9.
    –Patra, Jayanta Kumar; Das, Gitishree; Kumar, Sanjeet; Thatoi, Hrudayanath (5 August 2019). Ethnopharmacology and Biodiversity of Medicinal Plants. CRC Press. ISBN   978-0-429-67537-9. The Ima market or Ima keithel is a unique marketplace exclusively run by women.
    –Deshpande, Abhijeet (19 December 2017). Backpacking North East India: A Curious Journey. Notion Press. ISBN   978-1-946556-80-6.
  5. 1 2 Rastogi, Priyanka (13 May 2019). Early Sunrise, Early Sunset: Tales of a Solo Woman Traveler Across North East and East India. Partridge Publishing. ISBN   978-1-5437-0523-2.
  6. ↑ "India's Mother's Market run by women". BBC News . 19 May 2015. Archived from the original on 21 January 2018.
  7. 1 2 "Manipur's historic women's only market damaged in earthquake". The News Minute . 4 January 2016. Archived from the original on 8 March 2021.
  8. 1 2 "Incredible India | Ima Keithel/ Ima Market/ Khwairamband Bazar". Incredible India . Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  9. ↑ Vinayak, Akshatha (14 May 2018). "Ima Keithal : World's Only Women's Market". Native Planet. Archived from the original on 21 July 2016.
  10. 1 2 Chakravarty, Ipsita (6 January 2016). "The earthquake has damaged a nerve centre of life in Manipur: the Ima Keithel or Mother's Market". Scroll.in .
  11. 1 2 3 4 Binayak, Poonam (5 January 2018). "Ima Keithel: Asia's Largest All Women's Market". Culture Trip.
  12. ↑ "3-storey market building coming up at Pureiromba Keithel in Imphal". Northeast Now. 30 December 2019.
  13. ↑ "Mautam phenomenon in NE States". e-pao.net. Archived from the original on 10 August 2019.
  14. 1 2 3 Pal, Sanchari (3 November 2016). "Exploring Ima Keithal, a 500-Year-Old Market with over 5000 Traders - All Women!". The Better India . Archived from the original on 31 July 2017.
  15. ↑ Begum, Anjuman Ara (12 November 2010). "Khwairamband Bazaar: a symbol of women empowerment". Two Circles .
  16. ↑ "Women vendors in Manipur's Ima market are angry after the earthquake. Here's why | Oxfam India". Oxfam India . 6 January 2016.
  17. ↑ Singh, Oinam Nabakishore. "Construction of Ima Keithel at Khwairamband By Oinam Nabakishore". e-pao.net. Archived from the original on 9 August 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  18. 1 2 "Ima Keithel | Imphal, India Attractions". Lonely Planet . Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  19. ↑ "Ima Keithel". imphalwest.nic.in.
  20. ↑ "Ima Keithel". INDIAN CULTURE. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  21. ↑ Bag, Shamik (25 June 2010). "In the name of the mother". Livemint .
  22. 1 2 Lisam, Khomdan Singh (2011). Encyclopaedia Of Manipur. Vol. 3. India: Kalpaz Publications. pp. 583–584. ISBN   978-81-7835-864-2.
  23. ↑ Das, Bijoyeta (7 March 2014). "India's 'market of mothers'". Al Jazeera .
  24. ↑ "Ima Keithel - Asia's Largest Women Run Market in Manipur". NorthEast Guide. 8 March 2017. Archived from the original on 2 February 2020.
  25. ↑ "Ima Keithel: Know About Imphal's 500 YO World's Largest All-Women Market". IndiaTimes. 11 November 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  26. ↑ Story (24 April 2023). "Ima Keithel: The world's largest women-run market". CNN. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  27. ↑ Dey, Panchali (26 July 2018). "Wonder women of India running the show in a 500-year-old market". Times of India .
  28. ↑ "Damp squib of a session : Womenfolk". www.thesangaiexpress.com. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  29. ↑ "What is Imphal's Ima market, which minister Jaishankar called 'a great example of Nari Shakti'". The Indian Express. 28 November 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  30. ↑ "Ima Keithel - a symbol of women empowerment in India: B20 delegates". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  31. ↑ "Three-day Imphal event of B20 conference of the G20 dialogue forum concludes". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.