Meghalaya society is the only matrilineal society in the northeastern region of India. The other tribal states near by have patrilineal type of society. In the former type, women lead the society and has more status than the men whereas in the later one, it is completely the opposite scenario.
The society within Meghalaya also do not allow customs where bride has to pay the price for getting marriage which in other words is also referred to as dowry. Women are held high for they give birth to the new generation. But since they have to fulfill all their household duties, the men are responsible for regulating the family. Hence the men makes most of the decisions for the family though they might consult with the women in the household.
Laws of Inheritance in Meghalaya Society
The society around Meghalaya has some special rules regarding inheritance of property. Among the Khasis, the maternal property always goes to the youngest daughter, while the rest of her sisters would be provided with some portions from it during their parents lifetime. While among the Garos, the children from birth belong to the mothers family.
Even the law of inheritance in the Meghalaya society describes the status of men and women. When a tribal chief is to retire or he dies, he is to be followed by the eldest son of his eldest sister. But if she does not have any son, then the chief is followed by the eldest son of his next sister. Hence it shows that women are held very high in family but in social activities it is the men who takes over everything.
People
Meghalaya people can be classified into three main groups i.e., Garos, Khasis, and Jaintias. The Garos inhabit in the western side of the Meghalaya, Khasis reside in the central region while Jaintias can be traced down in the eastern part of Meghalaya. The Khasi and Jaintia tribes have the traits of Proto Austroloid Monkhmer race whereas the Garos have come from Bodo family of the Tibeto-Burmar race.
The Khasis along with the Pnars form a group named Khasi-Pnar. The Khasis can be traced down in the Khasi hills whereas Pnars are mainly located in Jaintia hills. Collectively, Jaintia, War, Khasi and Bhoi people are known as Hynniewtrep.
Other than those mentioned above, there are many other tribes in Meghalaya. Two of them being the Bhoi and the War who reside generally in the southern and northern part of the central highland. Another tribe is Lyngams in the west of the Khasi and Jaintia hills.
Demographics
Meghalaya demographics or population, as it commonly known, contains most of the tribal people housed within the territory of Meghalaya. Some of the important tribes that constitutes the demographics of Meghalaya are Garo, Khasi and Jaintia.
Talking about the demographics in Meghalaya, it can be said that the population of Meghalaya< is unevenly distributed throughout the length and breadth of the state. The variation in population in Meghalaya depends on the topographical factors and the accessibility of the place from the major destinations both in Meghalaya, as well as in India.
Some of the areas that hold the maximum population at Meghalaya are:
- Area around Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Places like Nongtoin, Tura, Baghmara, Williamnagar, Jowai, etc. rank high in terms of the density of population.
- Areas around the Garo hills, especially the places around the northern, southern and the western fringes.
Languages
Meghalaya language is a reflection of the rich culture of Meghalaya. Although the state language is English; but the principal languages of Meghalaya are Khasi, Garo and Jaintia.
To begin with the Meghalaya language, it can be said that Khasi is one of the chief languages of Meghalaya. Khasi, which is also spelled Khasia, Khassee, Cossyah and Kyi, is a branch of the Mon-Khmer family of the Austroasiatic stock; and is spoken by about 900,000 people residing in Meghalaya.
It is interesting to know that many words in the Khasi language have been borrowed from Indo-Aryan languages, the most important being Hindi and Bengali languages. Moreover, the Khasi language had no script of its own in its onset. But, it is said that William Carey was the first person to pen the language in Eastern Nagari script in the 18th century.
Religion
The Meghalaya religion is based on the fear and dread of the supernatural powers. Although, traditionally the religion of Meghalaya is not animistic; yet the religion in Meghalaya celebrates a presiding God, known as 'Dakgipa Rugipa Stugipa Pantugipa' or 'Tatora Rabuga Stura Pantura'.
The religion at Meghalaya is basically monotheistic, yet has many polytheistic stages. In fact, the genesis of the religion shows that it was purely monotheistic; gradually it became polytheistic.
Moreover, the Garos believe in the creation of the universe, earth, living beings, seas, heavenly bodies, rain, storm, thunder, wind- this constitute the essence of the religion in Meghalaya. Besides, the nature worship, the religion of Meghalaya also constitutes many lesser gods and many ceremonies and festivities are attached to it.
Music
The land of Meghalaya is dowered with a rich heritage of Meghalaya music, as its occupants just love to get drenched in its holy spirit that drives away all sorts of worries and vexations. In fact, all the major festivals in the state of Meghalaya pivot around the mesmerizing songs and dances that truly rejuvenates the soul and the mind.
The heavenly delectable valleys that spans across the terrain of Meghalaya reverberate with the soul-stirring tunes of the music emerging out from the hearts of the residents. Traditional songs, legendary instruments and a soothing tempo are all the necessary ingredients that has metamorphosed Meghalaya music into an absolute treat.
Dance
Meghalaya dance forms an integral part of the culture of Meghalaya. The festivities in Meghalaya seem to be incomplete without dancing and music.
Dance in Meghalaya forms an important part of the Meghalayan society: birth, marriage, annual festivals, etc. They seem to be incomplete without the dance performances. Moreover, the dance at Meghalaya is performed at every level of the society, be it Shnong, Raid or Hima.
Some of the important dance forms of Meghalaya are:
Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem - Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem is an annual spring dance that celebrates the harvesting and sowing seasons. This dance is performed to celebrate the agricultural cycles. The performers of the dance are girls and boys who wear colorful clothes and jewelry. However, only unmarried-virgin girls are allowed to perform this dance.
Meghalaya crafts constitute one of the major sources of cultural heritage of the tribal people of the state. The major crafts of Meghalaya are weaving, bamboo and cane crafts, carving, jewelery, engraving, wood works, Khasi locks, carpets and wall hangings.
Among the crafts in Meghalaya, weaving is a woman's domain. The various weaving products at Meghalaya include waist cloths, scarfs, bodice, shawls, lungis, wrappers, girdles, skirts and aprons. Weaving is a major traditional way of living for the Garos. Endi silk and cotton handloom are the important textiles of Meghalaya.
Bamboo and cane crafts are an important part of the crafts at Meghalaya. They are mainly of two types: medium quality items and good quality items. Many varied daily use items are made up of bamboo including baskets and mats.
The Garos who are not Christian make statues in memory of the dead. These statues are actually wooden engravings. Such statues resemble the dead. In the Khasi lock, one has to screw the key to lock or unlock.
Last Updated on 11 March 2013
