ABSTRACT

The state of Meghalaya, formed on 21 January 1972, is a state of fascinating socio-cultural significance. Its heritage can be traced from the prehistoric times of Stone Age up to the present. Though comprising mainly of the matrilineal Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes – the state also houses many other lesser known communities such as the Hajong,Sakachep, Biate, Koch, Dalu, Margnar and the Nepali. All these communities find voice in this volume.
This book looks at the state of Meghalaya exhaustively from the perspective of heritage documentation and maintenance. The 38 chapters written by anthropologists and independent researchers, present the rich traditions found in the region. This volume will be of great help to academicians, researchers, students, and laymen interested in a comprehensive study of the region.
Please note: This title is co-published with Manohar Publishers, New Delhi. Taylor & Francis does not sell or distribute the Hardback in South Asia.

part I|82 pages

ARCHAIC PEOPLE AND POSSESSIONS

chapter CHAPTER 3|22 pages

History Etched in Stone

A Study of the Khasi-Jaintia Megalithic Tradition

chapter CHAPTER 5|16 pages

Peopling of Shillong Plateau

A Molecular Anthropological Insight

part II|100 pages

People and Society

chapter CHAPTER 6|24 pages

Revisiting the Oral

Controlling Mechanisms in a Non-Monetized and Non-Hierarchical Society

chapter CHAPTER 8|16 pages

Nepalis of Meghalaya

Settlement, Social Institutions and Festivals

chapter CHAPTER 10|14 pages

Touching the Intangibles

Revisiting Kinship among the Sakachep

part III|124 pages

Language and Culture

part IV|96 pages

Rites, Rituals and Celebrations

chapter CHAPTER 15|22 pages

Rites of Inheritance

Assessing Gifts, Mothers, and Marriages

chapter CHAPTER 16|16 pages

Beyond Rituals

Looking at Traditional Customs of the Gorkhas of Shillong

part V|94 pages

Culture and Materiality

chapter CHAPTER 21|18 pages

Sacred Sites and Society

A Preliminary Inquiry

chapter CHAPTER 22|14 pages

Women and Clay

A Study of the Craft of Pot Making among the Garos

part VI|118 pages

Land-Man Relationships

chapter CHAPTER 27|18 pages

Office of the Nokma

Studying Traditional Village Administration of the Garos

chapter CHAPTER 32|18 pages

Shella

A Frontier Village in Southern Meghalaya

part VII|92 pages

Change and Continuity