In a nation where Patriarchy has ruled and thrived over centuries, there are women who have stood tall on their own.One of the leading example is the women in the state of Manipur.Though the people here has seen insurgency and violence which has resulted in its military presence. Yet in one part of the state Asia’s largest all women’s market is found ,Ima Keithel.

In Manipuri Ima means mother and Keithel means market. So it is known as the mother’s market. There are 4000 strong shopkeepers who are all women. This unit of women represents the strong foothold of women in the Manipuri society. They stand as glorying example of an equal society. Any women irrespective of her background, religion or community can set a store here. A world that is so intolerant should stand up and take a note from these Imas.

The Imas dressed in Phaneks which resembles a sarong and Innaphis which is like a scarf go about their everyday business each day with their forehead marked with sandalwood. Most of the items found in the market are locally made. But do not make a mistake, you can find everything you want or need. If at one corner you find vegetable or meat, may be on the opposite corner a lady knits a woolen muffler. From household utensils to jewellery, this market covers every essential product that is needed in day to day life. However, the main attraction always remains their handicrafts and the Manipuri dresses sold by the ladies.

It is very difficult to trace down its days of beginning. The Gazetteer of Manipur 1786, shows that the markets then at Manipur were run by women in open air spaces ,especially in the morning. But it was not easy, the Imas also had a bad time when in 1948-52, it was proposed that the existing shed should be demolished. It was done in accordance with some local business person who had vested interest in the market. But the women never gave up. And their legacy of courage stands as the thriving market today.

As, time passed by, the market also changed it face. Today the shops are no more in the open shed, they have been shifted to three newly constructed government buildings: Ima Market, Laxmi Bazar and the Linthoinganbi Bazar. Backed by the Imphal Municipality Corporation these newly housed shops have power back-up facilities, banks, food stalls and drinking water. The shift was celebrated with traditional rituals and a religious procession.

The Ima Keithel is proof of how significant and crucial a role women in this society play.After all, commerce is the backbone of any state. The market stands as a beacon of women’s empowerment in the face of untold hardship brought on by years of armed conflict.

(Compiled by Natasha Dkhar with inputs from the internet)