Meitei Culture/Economy



Economy in Meitei civilisation heavily relies on the agricultural farm lands, established in the fertile plains of the Imphal river and her tributaries, in the Imphal Valley of Kangleipak.

Another important source of economy is the Loktak lake, located in the southwestern part of the Imphal valley, which provides thousands of Meitei fishermen, their livelihoods, as fish is one of the two major staple food items of Meitei people, with the another one being rice (paddy).

The Ima Keithel (literally meaning "Mothers' Market" in Meitei), located in the heart of Imphal city, is a commercial hub for the Meitei women. No man is allowed to use the market place as a shopkeeper. It is said to be the "world's only women run market". This centuries-old market is still working today, giving Meitei womenfolk the opportunity to hold a lion's share in the income generating commercial activities in Meitei society.