NUPI LAN MEMORIAL COMPLEX

Subject: Arts & Culture

Context:  Manipur observed the 81st anniversary of the “women’s war” at an official function held at the “Women’s War Memorial Complex” in Imphal.

Concept:

• This memorial complex is dedicated to the memory of several Manipuri women, who lost their lives while fighting for justice against the British on December 12, 1939.
• The word NupiLan in Manipuri means women’s war. The memorial complex houses sculptures portraying Manipuri women fighting against the British officials and is worth a visit.
• As the story goes, what began as an agitation against the oppressive policies of the rulers of Manipur and the British government, later turned into a movement for Manipur’s constitutional and administrative reform.
• During NupiLan, agitations and protest rallies were held by the women traders in Manipur’s ImaKeithel Market. The historical movement paved the way for economic and political reforms in the state during the early 40s.