Ima Keithel Women Only Market Imphal Manipur

Ima Keithel (Mother Market) in Imphal, Manipur is one of the oldest and largest all-women markets in the world, operating continuously for over 500 years with an estimated 4,000-5,000 women stallholders known as imas. The market occupies three large interconnected halls near Khwairamband Bazar in the heart of Imphal and sells fresh produce, handloom textiles, spices, earthenware, and daily necessities. The tradition originated from the Lallup-Kaba system where Meitei men were required to perform state labour and military service, leaving women to manage all commercial activity. Ima Keithel cooperative stallholder associations negotiate stall allocation, manage common infrastructure, and collectively resist displacement by commercial developers. The market is an anchor institution of Meitei women economic independence and is recognised by Indian government as a model of women cooperative empowerment. Ima Keithel produces an estimated 150 crore rupees in annual trade turnover.