1. Introduction

(i) Location

The Khwairamband Keithel or market is located in the confluence of the Naka turel (Naga River) and the Nambul River in the region of Kangleipak. The location of the bazaar is in the western direction of Kangla, at a distance of a kilometer.

Kangla, which is the heart of Imphal, has been the capital of Manipur ( Kangleipak) from olden times. As per Cheithrol Kumpaba ( Royal Chronicla), the Nupi Keithel has been in existence from the time of Nongda lai Pakhangba (33 A.D.). This market is supposed to be the biggest women’s market in Asia.

(ii) Origin of the Market

It is believed that the Lallup system caused women to come out into market. Because of the Lallup system, a man was asked to serve the state for a period of two months annually.

Hence, male members in a family tend to stay away from the family for long period of time. This led to the formation of women markets in the whole country.

In such markets, a woman can make her earning from the crops that are grown in her homestead. In the story of “Khamba and Thoibi” of Moirang Kangleirol (the history of Moirang principality of olden Manipur), poems are written in which Khamnu, the elder sister of Khamba, resort to selling firewood and Keng-ngoi ( A edible wild grass) in Moirang Keithel.

(iii) Present Construction of the Market

The present construction of the market was done during the time of Maharaja Churachand in the beginning of 20th century. The present structure is made of GI sheets and iron bars.

During the field study many of the aged women pointed out that the area was once developed in the form of a socio-economic recreational centre.

In the centre even the royal princes used to come and make their daily transaction, keeping in view of the socioeconomic aspect of the people, especially the Meitei women. Traditions and history apart, Khwairamband Keithel is the main market in which women trade from articles of daily uses to costly items.

2. Objectives Of The Study

The primary objective of the study is to:

• Explore the possibility of credit opportunities for banks and financial institutions.

• Understand the origin and growth of women market;
• Role of money lender in the operation of the market;
• Problems of the women traders/entrepreneurs;
• Future of women traders/entrepreneurs.

Thingbaijam Michael Khumancha

* Thingbaijam Michael Khumancha (Meiraba) prepared this report and was approved by Dr D. D. Mali, Former Director, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati , India.
You can contact Meiraba at khumancham(at)rediffmail(dot)com .
This article was webcasted on March 13th, 2007.