Soso Tham (1873–1940), the acknowledged poet laureate of the Khasis of northeastern India, was one of the first writers to give written poetic form to the rich oral tradition of his people. Poet of landscape, myth and memory, Soso Tham paid rich and poignant tribute to his tribe in his masterpiece The Old Days of the Khasis. Janet Hujon’s vibrant new translation presents the English reader with Tham’s long poem, which keeps a rich cultural tradition of the Khasi people alive through its retelling of old narratives and acts as a cultural signpost for their literary identity. This book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in Indian literature and culture and in the interplay between oral traditions and written literary forms. This edition includes: • English translation • Critical apparatus • Embedded audio recordings of the original text

Study based on the tribal communities of Meghalaya, India.

On the Khasi people of Northeastern India.

Traditional institutions in the Khasi-Jaintia society are “living organisms” which have existed for centuries and internally evolved from one phase to another. Despite having come into contact with newer and more modern forms of administration, they continue to exist, backed by local public opinion that has called for their continuity amidst diminishing responsibility and utility. This collection of papers explores the landscapes of traditional institutions that exist in the present Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, India. The chapters blend oral tradition with historical records and available sources from secondary literature. They examine the interplay of power and functions between the constitutional authorities, such as the state government, and the Autonomous District Councils and traditional authorities represented by the traditional institutions.

The book is an essential resource for those interested in investigating the lives, histories, and futures of indigenous peoples around the world. Perfect for readers looking to learn more about cultural groups around the world, this four-volume work examines approximately 400 indigenous groups globally. The encyclopedia investigates the history, social structure, and culture of peoples from all corners of the world, including their role in the world, their politics, and their customs and traditions. Alphabetically arranged entries focus on groups living in all world regions, some of which are well-known with large populations, and others that are lesser-known with only a handful of surviving members. Each entry includes sections on the group's geography and environment; history and politics; society, culture, and tradition; access to health care and education; and threats to survival. Each entry concludes with See Also cross-references and a list of Further Reading resources to guide readers in their research. Also included in the encyclopedia are Native Voices inset boxes, allowing readers a glimpse into the daily lives of members of these indigenous groups, as well as an appendix featuring the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Ethnology survey of the Khasi people of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.