Attempts to regulate such natural human behavior through laws often prove futile, as human instincts cannot be easily suppressed. The imposition of stringent penalties may even exacerbate the occurrence of extramarital affairs, prostitution, and rape, as society grapples with the unintended consequences of social interference in human behaviour.
In essence, time remains a precious commodity in human relationships, essential for nurturing trust, fostering genuine connections, and upholding the sanctity of interpersonal bonds. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is imperative to prioritise meaningful relationships over fleeting distractions, recognising the profound impact of genuine human connection on our collective well-being.
The Khasi matrilineal system, rooted in demarcated clan settlements, has been a cornerstone of social cohesion since time immemorial. Within these settlements, a deep sense of attachment, affection, and affinity among family members naturally deters indecent behaviour, fostering a communal defense mechanism against external intrusion.
Unlike in cosmopolitan societies where criminal offenses are prevalent despite claims of progress, communal settlements offer a different dynamic. Here, the culture of familiarity among inhabitants within a cluster of settlements acts as a protective shield. Familiarity breeds trust, and within such close-knit communities, the likelihood of transgressions is reduced.
In cases where offences do occur, such as incest, the social fabric of the community is swift to respond. Without relying on taboo or stigma, transgressions are shunned, and social excommunication may occur, allowing for the natural forces of communal justice to take necessary action.
Indeed, in comparison to cosmopolitan societies where anonymity often prevails, the Khasi tradition of communal settlement fosters a sense of security and accountability. A familiar offender, known within the community, is perceived as safer than an unknown stranger. Suspicion is less likely to arise within the confines of close-knit settlements where interpersonal connections are deeply ingrained.
In essence, the strength of communal bonds within the Khasi matrilineal system serves as a bulwark against indecent behaviour, ensuring the well-being and security of all members within the clan.
THE CULTURE OF SOLIDARITY AND CLAN AFFINITY IN KHASI SOCIETY
Congeniality is a defining trait of personal conduct and social behavior within Khasi society. When encountering a stranger in their territory or gathering, individuals are expected to extend a warm welcome, often accompanied by a smile and inquiries about their identity and clan affiliation. This practice fosters a sense of familiarity and strengthens communal bonds.
In Khasi culture, oral communication is not just a personal habit but a communal custom deeply ingrained in societal norms. Even individuals who may be stern or reserved are encouraged to engage with the community, fostering solidarity and unity among its members. This cultural norm extends to interactions with strangers from different communities, where eye contact, greeting gestures, and communication are customary, even in public spaces and remote rural areas.
This tradition of openness and hospitality has flourished with the emergence of trade and interaction with neighboring communities, further enhancing solidarity across the region. Oral narratives suggest that Khasi people have traveled and settled in various regions, from the Himalayas to the plains of Bengal, contributing to a broader sense of connection and kinship.
Khasi folklore contains intriguing references to distant lands and civilisations, such as “Shi Lyngka” (interpreted as Sri Lanka) and “Makashang” (related to the Himalayas), although their exact meanings remain speculative. Similarly, the tradition of erecting monoliths, a significant cultural heritage of the Khasi community, may have connections to migration patterns observed in neighboring regions and even global stone culture phenomena like Stonehenge in England or the Callanish stones in Scotland.
In exploring the origins of mankind, scientific excavations near the Sohpetbneng peak in Khasi territory have revealed evidence of ancient civilisations, hinting at a rich history waiting to be further explored. Additionally, local oral traditions offer intriguing insights into the historical roots of cities like Guwahati where “Guwa” means ‘Kwai’ or betel-nut and “Hati” is ‘Hat’ or market in Khasi; and Sylhet where “Shella” is the old Khasi village and Hat is market, hence ‘Shyllahat’ became Sylhet over time, underscoring the interconnectedness of Khasi culture with broader regional history.
Overall, the culture of community and solidarity within Khasi society is a testament to the enduring bonds forged through hospitality, communication, and shared heritage across diverse landscapes and distant territories.
The stone culture of the Khasi community is deeply intertwined with the matrilineal system, reflecting the clan’s identity and lineage. Ceremonial stone megaliths, consisting of standing stones representing male lineage and flat slab stones representing female lineage, symbolise the connection between uncle and nephews or male stones, and the mother or female stone, respectively. Ossuaries, which house the bones of maternal descendants, further underscore the exclusivity of matrilineal lineage within the Khasi community. Each ossuary is associated with a specific clan, maintaining solidarity even in death.
In ancient Khasi matrilineal customs, married couples were expected to uphold truthfulness in their relationships. If a man was attracted to or involved with another woman from a different village, he was obligated to inform his wife. Depending on her feelings, she might allow him to continue the relationship or protest, leading to either a cleansing process to avoid contamination or a formal divorce. Similarly, if the wife was involved with another man during her husband’s absence, she was required to inform him, and they would decide whether to continue or end the relationship, following the appropriate formalities.
Instances of such incidents were more likely to involve men due to their frequent travels, earning them the moniker “man of twelve flags.” Transparency in relationships minimised the chances of cheating or deception, fostering social congeniality. In cases where one spouse was sterile, arrangements could be made for reproduction through a trusted substitute, ensuring adherence to matrilineal lineage. If the man was sterile, he might arrange for his wife to conceive with another trusted individual, or they could choose to separate, with the man marrying another woman if desired. Regardless of the situation, social congeniality and solidarity remained paramount within Khasi society.
THE REALITY OF THE MODERN SOCIETY
The contemporary social landscape is marked by a lack of truthfulness, where the current reality may not align with the temperament of modern people. Despite the enforcement of constitutional law to address offenses, the legal system, governed by legal experts susceptible to nepotism and corruption, often favors the rich and influential. However, within this system, there are individuals committed to universal justice, albeit under constant surveillance by malicious actors.
Human nature tends toward self-interest and the desire for unlimited possessions, constrained only by societal forces and personal conscience, which are often overridden by selfish motives. The present mindset of society necessitates the intervention of law and an effective justice delivery system, devoid of romanticising the past but acknowledging its virtues in effecting positive societal changes.
Khasi customs and practices, dynamic in nature, are capable of adapting to contemporary societal dynamics, facilitating the convergence of ancient wisdom with modern development for effective civil management. However, the prevailing family composition, where married couples with children form the nucleus, differs from traditional Khasi societal structures, where men typically remained within the maternal family.
In the present setup, parents hold authority over their children, stressing responsibility in upbringing and anticipating dependence in old age. However, busy with their occupations, many parents lack time for their children and elderly parents, leading to a closer relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. Disparities in transitional growth among individuals emerge due to varied parenting approaches, ranging from nurturing to exploitation.
Additionally, the proliferation of digital technology gadgets has shifted communication from personal interaction to social media platforms, leaving the young generation adrift without meaningful discussions or debates to aid in their understanding of life during their transitional growth in society.
The influx of British imperial influence and subsequent colonial culture, coupled with the spread of Christianity and advancements in technology, has significantly altered the cultural landscape of the Khasi community. This rapid modernisation has led to a decline in traditional knowledge and practices, reshaping the mindset of the people across various spheres of life.
In education, there is a focus on career-oriented fields such as science, technology, law, economics, arts, and entertainment, but often at the expense of integrity, compassion, and spiritualism. Similarly, the healthcare system prioritises pharmaceutical and technological advancements over patient care and dedication to treatment.
Corporate establishments now dominate various aspects of human development, emphasising capitalism over communal values. The pursuit of economic stability often overshadows considerations of individual merit and subject matter quality, leading to a commercialisation of education, healthcare, and social services.
