The President of India recently visited Manipur to pay tribute to the brave women warriors of the ‘Nupi Lan’ at the Nupi Lan Memorial Complex in Imphal and attended the official Nupi Lan Numit, 2025 celebration.

About Nupi Lan Day

• Nupi Lan ( translates to ‘Women’s War’ in Meitei language) refers to two major women-led mass uprisings against the oppressive policies of the colonial British administration and the Maharaja’s rule in the Manipur State.
• Nupi Lan Day is observed across Manipur on December 12th to commemorate the Women’s War of 1904 and 1939, which symbolised collective resistance by Manipuri women against colonial injustice.

First Nupi Lan (1904)

• Cause: The immediate trigger was the attempt by the British Political Agent, Colonel Maxwell, to reintroduce the ‘Lallup’ system (a form of forced labour wherein men had to provide free labour for 10 days out of every 40 days) to rebuild British bungalows burnt in a fire.
• Outcome: The united protest by thousands of women, who forcefully stopped the men from working, led to the withdrawal of the forced labour order by the British authorities.

Second Nupi Lan (1939)

• Cause: This was a mass movement primarily against the oppressive economic policies of the administration, particularly the large-scale, unchecked export of rice by British-backed Marwari monopolists despite a poor harvest and famine-like conditions.
• Action: On December 12, 1939, thousands of women, mainly from the market, surrounded the state Darbar office, demanding an immediate ban on rice exports and the closure of rice mills. 
  • They even detained the President of the Manipur State Darbar until their demand was addressed.
• Impact: The movement successfully forced a ban on rice export and later evolved into a movement for constitutional and administrative reforms in Manipur, laying the foundation for modern political consciousness in the state.

Legacy

• These movements stand out in India’s freedom struggle as powerful examples of grassroots, women-led mobilisation rooted in social justice and economic rights.
• The legacy of Nupi Lan continues through institutions such as the Ima Markets, known as Asia’s largest all-women-run markets, reflecting the economic leadership of Manipuri women.
• Cultural programmes, including traditional performances and a stage play on Nupi Lan, highlighted the continued relevance of the movement in Manipur’s social life.

Nupi Lan Day Celebration 2025

• During the occasion, the President emphasised peace, reconciliation, and inclusive development, particularly for hill and valley regions of Manipur.
• Initiatives under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan were highlighted for improving health, education, livelihood, and infrastructure in tribal and remote areas.
• Nupi Lan Day serves not only as a remembrance of past sacrifices but also as a reminder of the enduring role of women in shaping Manipur’s social, economic, and political identity.

Exam Hook:
Nupi Lan, known as the Women’s War, is associated with Manipur and arose as resistance to colonial policies?

MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Nupi Lan Day:

1. Nupi Lan refers to two women-led movements that took place in Manipur in 1904 and 1939.
2. The second Nupi Lan was organised against forced labour imposed by colonial authorities.
3. The Ima Markets of Manipur reflect the legacy of women’s leadership symbolised by Nupi Lan.

How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (b) Only two
(Statements 1 and 3 are correct; Statement 2 is incorrect.)

Source