P R T Gurdon

This book is an attempt to give a systematic account of the Khasi people, their manners and customs, their ethnological affinities, their laws and institutions, their religious beliefs, their folk lore, their theories as to their origin, and their language. Contents Section I-General: Habitat, Appearance, Physical and General Characteristics, Geographical Distribution, Origin, Affinities, Dress, Tattooing, Jewellery, Weapons. Section II-Domestic Life: Occupation, Apiculture, Houses, Villages, Furniture and Household Utensils, Musical Instruments, Agriculture, Crops, Hunting, Fishing, Food, Drunk, Games, Manufactures, Manufacture of Eri Silk Cloths and Cotton Cloths in the Jaintia Hills, Cotton Cloths, Pottery. Section III-Laws and Customs: Tribal Organisation, State Organistation, Marriage, Divorce, Inheritance, Adoption, Tenure of Land and Laws regarding Land, Hali Lands or Irrigated Paddy Lands, laws regarding other Property, Decision of Disputes, Decision of Cases by Ordeal, War, Human Sacrifices.

"The Khasis" is a comprehensive anthropological study of the Khasi people, an indigenous tribe living in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in northeast India. Written by P. R. T. Gurdon, who conducted extensive fieldwork among the Khasis, the book delves into the tribe's history, culture, religion, economy, social structure, and political organization. The book begins by tracing the Khasis' origin myths and their migration to the hills and goes on to describe their traditional way of life, including their matrilineal family system, agricultural practices, and religious beliefs. Gurdon also examines the impact of British colonialism on the Khasis, and how it led to changes in their economy and political organization. Throughout the book, Gurdon provides a detailed and nuanced portrayal of the Khasis, drawing on his firsthand observations as well as historical and ethnographic sources. "The Khasis" remains an important work on the tribe and continues to be a valuable resource for scholars and anyone interested in the anthropology and history of northeast India.

Reproduction of the original: The Khasis by P.R.T. Gurdon