Let’s just quickly dive into the details of markets.
It is referred by multiple names The Ima Market (Meitei: Ima Keithel; literally, Mothers’ Market), also known as the Nupi Keithel (English: Women’s Market). It is a world only women market located in the middle of Imphal in the Indian state of Manipur. Inside the market, male shopkeepers and vendors are not allowed to sell anything. One more interesting thing is that it is approximately 500 years old. Products such as vegetables, fruits, textiles, toys, fish, spices and utensils are available in the market. The origin of the market is also very interesting. It originated from forced labour system lallup-kaba in which 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. It was also the primary permanent market in Manipur until the 20th century.Sadly Britishers try to impose some economic reforms in the market which led to continues distraction to the smooth functioning of the market but the tussle between Britishers and vendors stop when seized with the Japanese invasion of India.But the market got its old position after independence and now become so much popular. Do you know that state government has come up with a law that the male shopkeepers and vendors will be punished if their shops and vendors are found inside the market. So it is truly a male free market and shows how women can be the reason for creating a whole market on their own if situation ask to do so.Comment your thoughts below.
