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Matrilineal Tradition of the Khasis
Meghalaya, cherished as the abode of clouds, cradles various immemorial living traditions. Surrounded by lush green mountains and scenic waterfalls, it remains as one of the few places in India where the matrilineal social system still exists. At the heart of this unique tradition is the recognition of the youngest daughter as the inheritor of property rights and familial authority. Unlike many other societies where lineage and inheritance flow through the male line, the Khasis upholds the matrilineal principle, tracing descent through the mother. Under this social framework, upon marriage, a man relocates to his wife's residence, residing there alongside her family. The Khasi culture reveres the notion that their clan or lineage originated from a woman, adding to the reverence accorded to the birth of a girl as a cherished event within their societal fabric.
The Khadduh, or the youngest daughter within a Khasi household is considered a respected institution in herself. Her residence serves as an open haven for all family members, offering boundless help and support to anyone facing challenges. Acting as the custodian of both the ancestral home and family assets, the Khadduh holds a pivotal role in preserving the family's heritage. While other siblings may receive portions of their mother's estate, the Khadduh is granted the largest share for taking care of familial responsibilities and rituals. The gatherings in the Khadduh's home during family ceremonies serve as a testament to her central role within the familial structure. This adherence to matrilineal descent principles lies at the core of the Khasi social order, anchoring the community's values and traditions. In cases where a woman does not have daughters, the custom of nongrap-ling ensures the continuation of the family's legacy by adopting a female clan member, known as ka nongrap ling.
Another aspect of this tradition is that while other daughters may leave their parental homes after marriage, the Khadduh remains tethered to her ancestral house, fulfilling her custodial duties even post-marriage. This unwavering commitment underscores the deep-rooted significance of the Khadduh's role in upholding familial ties and cultural heritage within Khasi society.
A Khasi woman seen on the streets of Shillong, Meghalaya. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Depiction of a Khasi lady in a kitchen using just lamp lights and wood for cooking. Image source: Wikimedia Commons
In the past, women would often seek new partners and remarry after their husbands died in conflicts. This practice posed challenges in tracing the patrilineal lineage of children, leading them to adopt their mother's surnames instead. Married women retained their family names, passing them down to subsequent generations as a means of preserving the clan's legacy. This tradition ensured that women played a crucial role in maintaining the lineage of the clan. Many Khasi clans trace their ancestry back to female figures known as Kiaw, denoting grandmothers, who are deeply venerated in Khasi society.
Within Khasi society, women hold a significant role as the guardians of religious practices, with the belief that the youngest daughter is entrusted with maintaining the religious traditions of the family. Ancestor veneration forms a crucial aspect of their religious observances. The Khasi people foster close familial bonds, teaching love and respect for both male and female siblings. The Khadduh assumes the role of custodian of the clan, responsible for caring for elderly parents and grandparents, as well as overseeing funeral ceremonies for family members.
Traditionally, it is recorded that apart from Northeast India, several communities in South India also practiced matrilineality, especially the Tiyyas and Nair communities of Kerala. It is important to note that matrilineality differs from matriarchy. While Khasi women hold authority in matters of property inheritance (matrilineality), the social structure maintains a patriarchal framework where men are the heads of the family and have prominent roles in the community (patriarchy). This dual structure characterizes the Khasi society as matrilineal yet patriarchal, reflecting a unique blend of social organization. Meghalaya, celebrated for its rich natural and cultural heritage, continues to uphold and nurture this distinctive aspect of social life within the northeastern region of India.
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