In majority of cultures of Northeastern states of India, indigenous women traditionally manage trade and commerce. Manipur, the Indian border State boasts of having one of the largest networks of women’s market not only in India but in the whole of Asia.

Markets are called Keithel in Manipur and exhibit a sophisticated system of trade. The term market seems inadequate to describe what a Keithel really is and the role it plays in the local economy, culture and society. Kei translates as storehouse while thel means display, loosely translating into display of store for exchange of goods either through barter or money.