International Journal of Research in Social Sciences

This paper highlights the historical perspective of economic system in Manipur during the Medieval period. Manipur is known for its unique mosaic of ethnic diversity and geographical features. It is also stated that the history of mankind, primitive or civilized dealt with their battle for existence. The changing processes and evolution from the barbaric way of dwelling to civilization were the possessions of their consecutive and nonstop efforts and struggles of living. The main theme of the paper revolved around various economic activities like agricultural production and nature of land use; Industry and Manufactures; Pottery; Salt Manufacturing; Yu or Rice beer; Boat Manufacture and Trade and commerce and its associated problems and prospects. This paper concludes by highlighting the economic changes inaugurated by Khagemba (1597–1652) such as the large scale introduction of the wetland, agricultural and trade goods, like tobacco, metal, brick making transformed the economic structure of Manipur. It resulted in improving the resource based and therefore increased the available surplus in bulk and the diversity of crops and goods also brought in craft specialization and social stratification, this period also witnessed the maturation of a grocery store. During the reign of Khagemba a marked shift in the economy took place; from use economy to an exchange economy. It was the broad economic base of Manipur, along with the shift of the economic system that leveraged a shift in the other areas as well.