Mawkyrwat, Nov 22: Believe it or not, a revered rounded stone known as ‘Mawkhan’ that vanished from the ancestral lands of the Khardewsaw clan in Rangthong village almost 25 years ago has been found.
The stone, which measures about size 5 of a football, is believed to be the protector of the forest and the land of the clan. It is believed to have emerged from the sacred hills, embodying the spirit and strength of the forest that has nurtured their ancestors for generations. It is a symbol of spiritual connection and cultural identity.
Springton Khardewsaw, an elder of the clan said the stone went missing from an area called Mawkhan (named after the stone) in 2003, as efforts were made to search for it. He said as if it was destined to be in its true home, the clan chanced upon a news story aired by a Youtube channel 4Front Media about the Ever Living Museum in Mawshbuit.
Not dilly-dallying, the clan led by Springton went to a museum to seek custody of the stone and brought it back to the village on November 20. This marked not only the return of a physical object but the restoration of a vital element of their cultural essence, solidifying the bond between past and present.
According to the clan, Mawkhan fosters a profound spiritual connection between the Khardewsaw clan and their environment.
The Khasi people have always had a deep connection with their land and Mother Nature and therefore there existed a mutual and spiritual connection with all of creation on earth and its resources. Rocks and stones are not only central to their cultural identity but serve as memorials to ancestors and significant events.
The sacred stone is like a whimsical oracle for forecasting outcomes of local football matches.
Springton said Mawkhan is not only a protector but could foretell who will win a football match in the village. Though the clan is unsure of how much it weighs, what amazes a visitor is a person cannot lift it until it hears spoken words asking it for permission to lift it.
The day when the stone was brought to the residence of Springton, the Khardewsaw clan members were jubilant as each tried a hand to lift their cherished artefact. “We are grateful to the YouTube channel for featuring the stone and the owner of the museum for carefully preserving it,” he said.
Meghalaya is a land of myths, mysteries and legends. Like the monoliths, the rocks and the forests, the story of Mawkhan is shrouded in mystery that only the ancestors will know. It will remain an eternal witness to the history and traditions of the Khardewsaw clan.
