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The
three main tribes of Meghalaya are the Khasis, Jaintias and the
Garos. These Indigenous peoples are among the earliest settlers
in the Indian subcontinent. One of the unique features of these
tribes is that they follow a matrilineal system where lineage and
inheritance are traced through women and children take the mother's
clan title. The Youngest daughter inherits the ancestral property
and is the caretaker of aged parents and unmarried siblings. The
tribal people of Meghalaya are the world's largest continuous matrilineal
culture.
The ancient culture of Meghalaya
is rich in folklore, dance and music. The musicians use handcrafted
traditional instruments and the dharas of the women dancer's costumes
are woven from native silk yam. Folk tales are still told around
the fireplace and phawars, witty word games, are popular at social
occasions. The people are close to nature and practice conservation
through the prehistoric sacred forests and agricultural practices.
A culture in transition is worth experiencing their culture in transition,
with the people themselves whose hospitability & etiquette is
par excellence. |
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