ABSTRACT
The market plays a very important role in the socio-political, economic and cultural development of a particular society. In Manipur, the concept of the market runs parallel to that of Manipuri word ‘Keithel’. The origin of the term ‘Keithel’ is the combination of two Manipur words ‘Kei’ and Thel’ or Thelba’. ‘Kei’ means store house and lid’ means display the goods or articles for exchange either through barter system or money circulation. The importance of the market comes from oral tradition. It is reflected in a number of myths, legends and folklores. According to Kam nung Engal Lishaba, a text which deals with the mythical account of keithen or market, seven lairembis’ or goddesses started introducing ‘Lai Keithel Kaba’ for selling articles. Right from early times in Manipur, market were laid out in methodical and mystical way. Laishram Nityai in his book Manipur spelt out that there was a sacred site in old marketplaces which was meant for Ima Emoinu.
