Revitalizing Ima Keithal, a 500-Year-Old historic all women Market and Their Community upliftment.
Ima market is a market wholly operated by women and is perhaps the only one of its kind in the world. The market dates back to the 16th century when Manipuri women controlled local production and trade. It has existed as the center of trading and commerce in the heart of the capital city of Imphal ever since. While the men were away at war, the women controlled the local production and trade. Thus, it is a perfect example of how a market became a Centre of information exchange, a hub of social-political ideas, and a symbol of gender justice.
Hypothesis:
“In a patriarchal society, ima kiethel is a unique market of Imphal, functioned and owned by women which hav dilapidated over time due to various social, political and environmental issues; an architectural intervention with a platform for uplifting the women community would encourage public interaction, thus making the market a glory for Imphal and the whole
