Manipur with its rich flora and fauna boasts the existence of Asia’s largest all women market known as the Ima market or Mothers Market. The market has a legacy of 500 years.
During that time when Manipuri men went to war, women started running this market for supporting their families. Ima Keithel or Khwairamband Bazar as it is popularly known is run by 4000 women which exhorts the equality prevalent in that society.
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In Manipuri, Ima means mother and Keithel means market. Manipuris as a clan always maintained independently from their surrounding tribes, they staunchly opposed the British rule and fought against them until their defeat in 1891. But still, the legacy of Manipuri valour is carried forward by their women, equally valiant as their men counterparts, through this Ima Market.
As per the 2005 reports by the Centre for Organization Research and Education (CORE), Manipur this Keithel is not just hubs of commerce, but also of information exchange and socio-political processes.
A women’s uprising named Nupi Lan was organized in this very market against the British Raj in 1905. It is not a surprise to know that the five times world champion and Olympic medallist Mary Kom had been a part of this market.
The women’s group Meira Paibi or women torchbearers who worked against human rights violations, alcohol and drug addiction in the Manipuri society has its foundation in the Ima Keithel.
Times of India?s Social Impact Lifetime Contribution Award for the year 2012 was given to this organization.
On the remarkable occasion of this Mothers Day, it’s worthwhile to remember these valiant mothers of Manipur and celebrate their hard work and sacrifice for the land.
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