Khasi Tribe of Khasi Hills

Travel to India > Khasi Hills > Khasi Tribe of Khasi Hills

Khasi tribe forms the majority of population in the region of Khasi Hills. People of this tribe address themselves as 'Ki Hynniew trep' which implies 'the seven huts'. The Khasis belong to mongoloid stock. There are some sub-groups of Khasi tribe. Khasi tribe in Khasi Hills is known as Khynriam. To know more about the tribe, have a glance at the article written below.

Physical Features and language of the Khasis

People of Khasi tribe have light yellow to brown skin complexion, aquiline noises and high nasal bridge. People of Khasi tribe speak a language which is known by the tribal name i.e. Khasi. Khasi language was initially oral in form. The credit goes to European missionaries who transcribed the Khasi language into Roman script. An important role was played by Welsh Missionary-Thomas Jones in this sphere.

History of Khasi Tribe

Khasis are believed to be immigrants of Myanmar who settled in the plains of eastern Assam. Before being overpowered by the British, these tribal people had their own kingdom. Khasis are also mentioned in Bhagvat Purana-which is an Indo-Aryan literature work.

Houses of Khasi Tribe

The typical structure of a Khasi house has a shell-shaped building having three rooms. For storage, there is a porch by the name of Shynghup while for cooking and sitting there is a center room called 'Nengpei' and for sleeping, there is an inner room called 'Rumpei'. In Khasi, the houses are generally made of thatches. Homes of rich Khasi people follow the modern trends and consist of chimneys, iron roofs, glass windows and doors. Some among the affluent class have houses and furniture of European style.

Dressing Style of The Khasis

Jymphong is the traditional Khasi dress which worn by men of Khasi tribe. It is a long, sleeveless coat without collar, fastened by thongs in front. With evident modernization, most of the Khasi men wear western dresses. Occasionally, they wear Jymphong and dhoti with an ornamental waist-band which is usually accompanied by a turban.

'Jainsem' or dhara is the traditional Khasi dress worn by women. It is a cylindrical shaped cloth. Occasionally, they wear gold/silver crown.

Both Khasi men and women wear earrings and gold/silver chains around their waists.

Food of Khasi Tribe

The staple diet of the Khasis composes of a major portion of rice. Meat and fish as well makes a part of their diet. Rice beer is served on special occasion.

Festivals and Entertainment in Khasi Region

Nongkrem/Ka Pomblang Nongkrem and Shad Suk Mynsiem are the major festivals of Khasis. Flutes, drums, wooden pipes, cymbals, guitar are played by them. Dancing is a major event of most of their festivals and the people of the region are actually passionate about dancing.

Occupation of People in Khasi region

Shifting/Jhoom cultivation is main occupation of the Khasis. Blacksmiths, carpenters, honey-sellers, labors, coolies are other occupations adopted by them. Khasi women prepare beer or wine and selling it is their major occupation.

Social Structure of Khasi Tribe

The Khasi society is matrilineal and matrilocal in nature. Father plays an important role in the household. Descent is traced through mother. A woman can not be forced to marry. Children and property are owned by her. Youngest daughter also inherits the property as a guardian for her lineage. Woman can end her marriage at her sweet will with no protest from her husband. Intra-clan marriage is strictly prohibited in Khasi tribe.

Political Structure in Khasi Tribe

Siem is the head of every political organization. He carries out all important errands with discussion with council ministers. Currently, the organization has lost its importance but for sure it enjoyed a glorious past.

The above account about Khasi tribe in Khasi hills harmonizes about their livelihood, culture, dresses and the like. The facts about this tribe are interesting. There is plenty to know and learn about the Khasis. They are simple people who have affluence in everything they do.