Fisheries Related Traditional Knowledge of Meitei Community of Manipur, India

Traditional Knowledge (TK) possessed by different communities is often closely linked to their way of life. The present study tried to document the TK of Meitei community in Manipur state in North East India, especially with reference to fisheries, through the Participatory Rural Appraisal method. Results showed that women are a very prominent presence in the fishery related activities in Manipur. They carry out fishing using traditional, simple and easy to manoeuver gear. Women are also active in processing fish to meet household needs as well as for sale of dried, smoked and fermented fish in the markets. Marketing is almost entirely dominated by women, an example of which is the very unique exclusive women’s market Nupi Keithal. Community fishing practices is also a unique cultural heritage of Manipur where women also participate along with the men.