Meghalaya is one of the seven sister states of Northeast India. The land known for its stunning visual landscapes and beauty, is also the land of ethnic traditional cultures. One of the primary reasons that Meghalaya and all the northeastern states of India are still rooted largely in their unique respective cultures is because most of its population belongs to different ethnic tribes. The Khasi tribe of Meghalaya consists of 48% of the total population of the state with a significant presence in Assam, Mizoram, Tripura and Bangladesh. Also, under the Indian Constitution, the Khasi tribe has been granted Scheduled Tribe status.
The Khasi Tribe
The Khasi tribe is believed to be one of the first immigrant tribes that made their homes in northeast India. They are also the largest ethnic community in Meghalaya. Though Meghalaya has many other ethnic tribes, the Khasi people are not widely distributed and are concentrated in the eastern regions of the state. In fact, 78% of the Khasi population resides in the east or Khasi Hill areas. Most of the tribal population is engaged in agriculture, including shifting cultivation, home gardening, as well as rearing livestock.
History of Khasi Tribe
Most historians believe that the Khasi tribe’s origins date back to more than 60000 years. They probably branched off from the other Austro-Asiatic people and in India moved from Myanmar. Also, according to their mythology, the original home of the Khasi people is referred to as Ki Hynniewtrep or The Seven Huts.
Khasi Tribe Culture
The Khasi people are well known for their distinct culture which manifests itself in their attire, food, societal norms, as well as philosophies. Also, one of its most popular characteristics is that its society is matrilineal.
Also, it is important to note that Meghalaya is a land of mountains, hills, and forests and receives large amounts of rainfall too. Thus, the cultural nuances of the tribe are also influenced and dependent on the natural topography of the state. On that note, here is taking a look at some of the features of the culture of the Khasi tribe.
Suggested Read: Culture of Meghalaya – Into the House of Clouds
Khasi’s Matrilineal Society
The most striking feature of the Khasi tribe is the immense importance that it gives to its women. The society structure and household dynamics ensure that the lineage of the family runs from the mother to her daughter. This is drastically different from the culture of most parts of India, where the son or man is regarded as the bearer and head of the family.
The children in the family take the surname of their mother and the women of the Khasi tribe are the successors of property. The matriarchial set-up has been instrumental in bridging the gender gap in the state, where women are independent earning members of the family.
Language of Khasi Tribe
The language that the Khasi tribe speak comes from the Austroasiatic language family. It is believed that the Khasi people are related to the Mon-Khmer tribe of Southeast Asia. Thus, many of the words used in the Khasi language are similar to the Khmer and Palaung languages. However, influences of Sino-Tibetan, Himalayan and Burmese languages are also found in the Khasi language.
Interestingly, initially, the Khasi language had no script and was spoken only orally. It was later when the Welsh missionaries arrived that the language was first written in Bengali script before using Roman script.
Traditional Dress of Khasi Tribe
The traditional dress for men and women of the Khasi tribe is both beautiful and unique. The men wear the Jymphong which is a long sleeveless coat that has no collar. It is buttoned with thongs in the front. The men also wear the sarong along with a turban and an ornamental wristband during traditional ceremonies and occasions.
The female attire is called Dhara or Jainsem. The dresses are opulent and elaborate, cylindrical in shape and often accompanied by a golden or silver crown. The headgear has spikes or peaks in the case of women. Men usually add a feather to their head caps or turbans. The Jainsem has two pieces of clothing that are attached at the shoulder, whereas, the Dhara is only one piece that is tied at the shoulder. The traditional dresses are vibrant and colorful adorning different patterns and designs.
Suggested Read: Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya, Tribal Attire at its Best
Khasi Tribe Festivals and Traditions
The Khasi tribe enthusiastically celebrates its traditional festivals, with rituals, music and dance. The Ka Shud Suk Mynsiem festival is celebrated every year in April. This festival marks the respect and gratitude that the Khasi people have for Mother Earth. They thank for the harvest and pray for continued flourish in the growth of crops. A traditional dance performed by the unmarried men and women of the community is one of the main highlights of this festival.
The Ka Pom-Blang Nongkrem festival is celebrated in October – November. This is also a harvest festival where the tribe together pray for their prosperity and peace. This is a five-day festival, celebrated with much fun and fervor.
Besides, the Ka Shad Shyngwiang- Thangiap is a dance that is performed to express sadness and is usually performed when there is a death in the family.
Coming back to festivities, just before the New Year, the Ka Bam Khana Shnong is a wonderful festival that people of all ages enjoy. The celebrations mark thankfulness to the Almighty and seek blessings for the upcoming new year. Each home in the village contributes to this event which culminates into a grand feast and party for all. A parade of sorts takes place and delicious varieties of pork are prepared. The women and children are served the delicacies first while the men enjoy the rice beer.
Most of the festivities of the Khasi people are a celebration of their closeness and respect for nature. The surrounding environment and terrain of the region, as well as the natural beauty and fertile lands, play a role in the society and cultural integration of the people. Also, most of their songs and dances praise nature.
Suggested read: Festivals of Meghalaya You Must Experience to Celebrate Life
Traditional Food of Khasi Tribe
Rice, called Khaw is the staple food of the Khasi tribe. It is also the main crop that is grown in the valleys of the state. Rice beer made from rice is also a popular drink amongst the locals. However, the Khasi tribe enjoy fish and meat as well. Some of the traditional dishes of the tribe include Pumaloi, Pukhlein, Putharo, Pu-doh, Pu-sla and more.
Besides, pork is also consumed and added to dishes commonly. Some of these are Jadoh which is cooked rice with pork, Doh-Khlieh or pork salad, Dohneiiong is pork that is prepared in black seseme seed paste etc.
Also, Lal cha or red color tea is quite popular and the men and women of the tribe are often seen chewing on Kwai or paan.
Khasi Names
Another special characteristic of the Khasi tribe is their names. The names of the individual Khasi people are long, elaborate and original. In fact, parents invent the names of their children that are based on either traditional names or English or Christian words. However, the surname or family name remains in the traditional Khasi language.
Recently, the Khasi names have been in the news due to their uniqueness. For instance, children are named on markets, such as Ka siang or putting together different words, such as Help Me and I Love You Talang. However, each of these names has an intent and purpose to them and hence are understood better when read in context. For instance, I Love You Talang was named by his father so, to remind him that he is loved. Also, Help Me’s full name is Hamkhein Help Me Morhem, which might signify that he is there to help others. Besides, the naming is also sometimes co-related to the geographic location, recent events or colonial hangover.
Khasi Sub-tribes
The sub-division of the Khasi tribe is based on the area of their residence. For example, Khynriam live in the uplands of the East Khasi hills. Pnar occupy the uplands of the Jaintia hills, Bhoi live in the lower plains of the Khasi and Jaintia hills, whereas, War live on the southern slopes of the Khasi hills that head towards Bangladesh. Maram, Diko and Lyngngam are the subgroups of the Khasi tribe.
In Conclusion
The Khasi tribe in Meghalaya has a rich history and heritage of culture and traditions. Today, though modern influences have made a mark on their lifestyle and thinking, the community continues to be rooted in its ethnic culture. Besides, innovations such as the Living Roots Bridge in Meghalaya are a testimony of how the tribe has intertwined conservation and modern knowledge to maintain and respect its natural surroundings. To visit Meghalaya and to interact with the Khasi people must be on the bucket list for all culture and travel enthusiasts because there is so much one can learn and admire.
