Daily News Analysis

Khasi People

stylish_lining

The Meghalaya High Court has admitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the tribal certificate issuance for the Khasi community.This PIL challenges a government decision that has halted the issuance of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to certain categories of Khasi applicants.The case could have far-reaching consequences for hundreds of Khasi individuals awaiting tribal certificates, which are essential for accessing various legal and social benefits.

About the Khasi People

  • Location: Mainly in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, with smaller populations in Assam and Bangladesh.

  • Origin: One of the earliest ethnic groups in the region, believed to have migrated from Tibet or Burma around 500 B.C.

  • Clans: Include Lyngdoh, Diengdoh, Marbaniang, Shiemliah, Lapang, Songkali, among others.

  • Physical traits: Generally of short stature.

Language and Culture

  • Language: Khasi is the primary language, deeply tied to their identity; English and Hindi are also spoken.

  • Matrilineal Society: Lineage and inheritance pass through the mother’s side; women hold significant roles in family decisions and management.

Religion

  • Majority are Christians, with minorities practicing Hinduism and Islam.

Festivals and Cultural Highlights

  • Shad Suk Mynsiem: Spring festival celebrating nature and fertility with traditional dances.

  • Nongkrem Dance Festival: Five-day religious festival praying for a good harvest.

  • Behdienkhlam Festival: Ritual to ward off evil spirits and bring health and fortune.

  • Traditional music includes instruments like the Duitara (stringed) and Tangmuri (bamboo flute)

Governance

  • The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council protects their customary laws and autonomy.

Livelihood and Socioeconomic Status

  • Traditionally agrarian, with cultivation as the primary livelihood.

  • Khasi youth increasingly successful in diverse professional fields such as medicine, engineering, business, and education.

  • Officially recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST), granting them:

    • The right to practice customary laws.

    • Tax benefits.

    • Land designated for their use.

    • Reserved quotas in education and employment.


 

Maharashtra Scraps Hindi as Compulsory Third Language

The Maharashtra government recently scrapped its Government Resolutions (GRs) that mandated Hindi as a compulsory third language from Grades 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. While the
Share It

River Pollution in India

The Delhi government's focus on cleaning up the Yamuna River is part of a larger national effort to rejuvenate the Ganga River and its tributaries, in alignment with the Namami Gange Programme
Share It

Infrastructure Failures

The recent collapse of the Mahisagar River Bridge in Vadodara, which tragically claimed the lives of 20 people, underscores the growing concern over India's infrastructure quality. Similar
Share It

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

The Supreme Court (SC) is currently reviewing the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) process for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, suggesting that Aadhaar,
Share It

GM Crop

In ongoing trade talks, the United States is advocating for India to open its agriculture market to genetically modified (GM) crops. However, India has firmly rejected this proposal, citing concer
Share It

India-Brazil Relations

India and Brazil share a growing and dynamic bilateral relationship that has evolved across various sectors since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1948. Their Strategic Partnership, formali
Share It

Legislative Productivity

The Lok Sabha Speaker’s remarks about the need to enhance legislative productivity reflect growing concerns about the diminishing effectiveness of India’s legislative bodies. The chall
Share It

Economic Growth

India's rapid urbanization is set to dramatically shape its future. The transformation of its cities holds immense potential for economic growth, but it also brings significant challenges. As
Share It

Global South

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Brazil from July 2-9, 2025, for the BRICS summit, was not only his longest international visit in 11 years but also marked a significant diplomatic outr
Share It

Maharashtra’s Special Public Security Bill, 2024

The Maharashtra Assembly has recently passed the Special Public Security Bill, 2024, aimed at combating “urban Maoism” and left-wing extremism in the state. The Bill criminalizes activ
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS