THE SALT HISTORY OF MANIPUR : ITS CHANGE OFTRADITION AND IMPACT ON SALT-PRODUCINGVILLAGES AND THEIR INHABITANTS

Salt has had a great affinity with the people of Manipur since ancient times. The culture of Manipur has been intertwined with the use of salt, locally known as Thumpak, in its various religious, ceremonial, and cultural practices. The diaspora of salt generally covers all parts of Manipur, but at times the main impact falls heavily on salt-producing villages and their inhabitants. The main salt-producing villages of the past ceased to be salt-producing villages, except Ningel village, a salt-producing village in the Thoubal district of Manipur. In the past, the royals of Manipur jealously guarded the salt monopoly. With the arrival of British rule in Manipur, traditional salt lost its significance as a culinary item, and the royals also lost their monopoly, despite its continued use in some cultural contexts. However, conventional salt is essential in Manipur's political, socio-economic, and cultural fabric. However, due to globalisation, the importance of traditional salt has now been significantly reduced.