The Meghalaya High Court recently admitted a PIL that could determine the fate of hundreds of tribal certificate applications from the Khasi community, following a government decision that has effectively halted the issuance of ST certificates to certain categories of applicants.
About Khasi People:
They are an indigenous tribe primarily living in the Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya.
The Indian state of Assam and neighboring country of Bangladesh also host small populations of this tribe.
They are known to be one of the earliest ethnic groups in the region and are believed to have migrated to the northeastern hills from Tibet or Burma around 500 B.C.
They have a number of clans such as Lyngdoh, Diengdoh, Marbaniang, Shiemliah, Lapang, and Songkali.
The Khasi are generally people of short stature.
Language:
The Khasi language, known as “Khasi,” is an integral part of their identity.
While English and Hindi are also spoken, Khasi remains the primary language for daily communication within the community.
One of the most striking aspects of the Khasi tribe is their matrilineal society.
In Khasi culture, lineage and inheritance are passed down through the mother’s side of the family.
Women play a crucial role in decision-making processes and the management of family affairs.
Religion: A vast majority of the Khasis are Christians, while there are some groups of Hindus and Muslims too among them.
Livelihood:
Cultivation has been their primary source of livelihood for ages.
In the present day, however, Khasi youth have entered into many other professional fields and are successful doctors, engineers, businessmen or women, teachers, and more.
They are officially recognized as a "Scheduled Tribe" in India and have certain privileges.
They are allowed to practice their customary laws and also enjoy tax benefits not available elsewhere in India.
They have land designated for their use and a quota system that reserves seats for them in education and jobs.
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council is the official body protecting the unique laws of these people.
Festivals and Celebrations:
Shad Suk Mynsiem: A spring festival celebrating nature, fertility, and gratitude. Men and women participate in a vibrant dance, wearing traditional attire.
Nongkrem Dance Festival: A five-day religious festival where the Khasi people offer prayers to the divine for a prosperous harvest.
Behdienkhlam Festival: Celebrated to drive away evil spirits and bring good health and fortune to the community.
Traditional Khasi music features instruments like Duitara (a stringed instrument) and Tangmuri (a bamboo flute).
Living Root Bridges:
Perhaps the most famous example of the Khasi tribe’s connection to nature is the living root bridges.
These extraordinary architectural marvels are formed by training the roots of the Ficus elastica tree to grow in a specific direction, creating sturdy, natural bridges.
These bridges can span up to 100 feet and are known to last for centuries.
The most famous of these bridges, the “Double-Decker Living Root Bridge,” is located in the village of Nongriat.
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