The enigma of life transcends the grasp of human understanding, casting the vast expanse of the cosmos in a light of infinite wonder. Though humanity strives for excellence and knowledge, our achievements pale in comparison to the boundless complexity of creation.
In this pursuit of enlightenment, spirituality beckons as a realm beyond mortal comprehension. The Khasi theology paints a picture of divinity as an immortal, omniscient entity, beyond the grasp of human description.
The divine sphere, an everlasting abode of the soul, pulses with the energy of the elements—sun, moon, air, water, and fire — ever active and inexhaustible. Yet, the mystery of this realm eludes the grasp of the human mind, its depths unfathomable.
Central to this cosmic dance is the sacred covenant of reproduction—a duty bestowed upon every human being. In embracing this responsibility with reverence and care, humanity can transcend jealousy, prejudice, and conceit, fostering a world of peace and harmony.
According to Khasi myth, the human race was crafted for immortality, shielded from the suffering and death that plagued other creatures. Yet, curiosity led the chieftain ‘U Syiem Nongklung’ to seek understanding, culminating in a fateful encounter with the divine sentinel.
Through a tragic deception involving the chieftain’s daughter and a dead dog, the protective barrier against suffering was breached. Thus, humanity was thrust into the realm of mortality, learning to mourn and wail amidst the melodies of the ‘Maryngod’—a poignant reminder of our mortality.
In this tapestry of existence, the eternal soul remains a mystery beyond comprehension, its essence woven into the fabric of the cosmos—a testament to the enduring wonder of life itself.
Legends of The ‘Maryngod’ and ‘Ka Phur’ Ceremony
In the annals of Khasi lore, the mournful strains of the ‘maryngod’ hold a sacred place, reserved solely for the solemn occasion of death. Among its melodies, the haunting tune known as ‘jamlu’ echoes with the grief of loss, its somber notes a tribute to departed souls.
Yet, even amidst the reverence for this music, temptation stirred among the demons, drawn to the melancholic melody of the ‘jamlu’. The queen of demons, ‘Thapbalong’, coveted the tune and dared a human to play while she danced.
Fearing the consequences, the human took refuge atop a tree, the ‘Maryngod’ echoing through the night as ‘Thapbalong’ danced below. Exhausted but undeterred, the human finally prevailed, piercing the creature’s chest with a sharpened implement.
Yet, ‘Thapbalong’ proved resilient, her life force enduring despite the human’s efforts. It was the timely intervention of a cuckoo that offered a solution—each strike with a bamboo spike, smeared with the creature’s blood, weakened her further.
With relentless determination, the human followed the cuckoo’s guidance until ‘Thapbalong’ succumbed. From that day forth, no creature dared misuse the sacred ‘jamlu’ tune, and the cuckoo’s tail bore the crimson stain of victory.
Another tale speaks of a young man, disturbed by a swine’s disruption of his ploughing. His arrow, intended for the swine, instead struck his mother, plunging him into a realm where life’s laws were reversed.
In this surreal realm, he reunited with his departed mother, who imparted to him the knowledge of mourning rites and the performance of the ‘Phur’ ceremony. Guided by her wisdom, he returned to the temporal world, perpetuating the ceremony in her memory.
At the heart of the ‘Phur’ ceremony lays the ossuary of the ancestral mother, a nexus of the living and the dead in the Khasi matrilineal tradition. Through generations, this ritual has honoured the departed, ensuring their eternal place within the fabric of Khasi society.
The matrilineal Core of Existence
Imagine a world devoid of jealousy, prejudice, and all manner of evil—the realm where gentleness, compassion, and peace reign supreme. Such a utopia is envisioned where malice and malevolence are banished, drowned in the depths of purity.
There would be no occurrence of ‘Ka lanot ka shipa’ or poverty, ‘Shemlanot shempap’ or tragedy, ‘Ka khlam ka ngoh’ or calamity, ‘ka bih ka lasam’ or venomous poison, ‘Aiksuid aikhrei’ or witchcraft, ‘Raibi’ or hereditary misfortune, ‘Ka tyrut ka smer’ or demonic violence, ‘U thlen’ or mammonish greed, ‘Ka taro ka shwar’ or demoniac and every bad omen in life. The satanic curse and malicious intent will vanish into the ‘Khyndai pateng ñiamra’ or the nine layered chambers in the subterranean and will drown in the ‘Mynkoi u Jom’ or the devil’s pool of impurity.
In this idyllic realm, the deities and spiritual sentinels find solace, adorned with the nine crowns of divinity ‘Khyndai spong khyndai pansngiat’. Here, safety, security, and hope flourish, nurtured by the legacy passed down through generations—the core of existence, the mother.
Matrilineal lineage, rooted in the umbilical cord as the source of life, celebrates the womb’s fertile embrace. It recognises the soul of the umbilical cord, a union of male and female energies, animating life within the mother’s sanctuary.
Contrastingly, patriarchal lineage fixates on the sperm as the sole progenitor, disregarding the vital role of the female in gestation and nourishment. It overlooks the ten lunar months of pregnancy and the years of breastfeeding—a testament to the mother’s enduring sacrifice. Biological sciences affirm that while patriarchal lineage bears nuclear DNA from both parents, matrilineal lineage carries mitochondrial DNA exclusively from the mother. This underscores the maternal role in conception and the child’s legitimate identity.
In essence, every embryo, nurtured by the mother’s womb, embodies the union of male and female energies — a testament to the maternal essence at the heart of human existence.
The entrenched patriarchal system, woven into the fabric of societies worldwide, stands as a formidable tradition, endorsed by cultures and religions spanning centuries. Religion, often regarded as sacrosanct, amplifies the reverence for patriarchal norms, leaving little room for dissent.
For many, patriarchal customs are ingrained, viewed as immutable traditions passed down through generations. Resistance to change is fierce, with reformist notions often met with disdain or outright rejection.
In this prevailing paradigm, men assume dominance across various spheres — familial, governmental, commercial, and religious. The patriarchal hierarchy places men at the pinnacle, perpetuating a system where male authority is the norm.
Yet, even within the Khasi matrilineal system, men hold positions of influence and authority, albeit in balance with women. This equilibrium underscores the importance of both genders in their respective realms, though men hold a numerical advantage.
Within this system, women’s contributions, particularly in domestic spheres, are undervalued, their economic investments often dismissed as mere obligations rather than worthy contributions. This perception persists despite the crucial role women play in sustaining familial bonds and social cohesion.
Khasi Matriliny: The Khasi Worldview of the Soul and Society
The endangered matrilineal system offers a compelling alternative—a blueprint for a more egalitarian society. Though imperfect, it presents an opportunity for introspection and improvement, challenging entrenched biases and fostering inclusivity.
By dismantling social hierarchies and addressing systemic discrimination, matrilinealism holds the potential to curb criminal tendencies, promote positive social attitudes, and foster a more harmonious coexistence.
In essence, embracing the principles of matrilinealism offers a pathway towards a more just, compassionate, and equitable society — one where the inherent worth and contributions of every individual, regardless of gender, are recognised and celebrated.
The fabric of Khasi society is intricately woven with the threads of matrilineal lineage, a tradition that has weathered the tides of time despite encounters with patriarchal cultures. Even as external influences exert pressure, the essence of maternal ancestry remains resilient.
Within this framework, cognate members of maternal descent maintain ties regardless of assimilation into patriarchal communities. Migration or adaptation does not sever their connection to the matrilineal tradition, serving as a steadfast anchor amidst shifting cultural landscapes.
Ironically, while the less privileged honour the tradition’s essence, some elite exploit it to suit personal agendas. Educated and affluent Khasi individuals often deride patriarchy elsewhere while opportunistically embracing matrilineal identity at home.
Notable examples include the Scott Lyngdoh legacy of Neil Nongkynrih, then the Richmonds, the Wests, the Woods, and a few other Anglo Khasi families and other Anglo-Khasi families. Yet, colonial influence distorted traditional power dynamics, usurping the avuncular authority integral to maternal family affairs.
In the true matrilineal system, the eldest uncle oversees family matters, while the youngest daughter assumes custodianship of ancestral property. Decision-making occurs democratically within the family council, extending to larger community and national councils.
Though convention often favours male representation, matrilineal tradition recognises all mature members, regardless of gender, in social, political, and economic spheres. This inclusive approach fosters equity and responsibility among all members of society, preserving a legacy of balance and democratic governance.
