Meghalaya is dominated by three major tribes namely the Garo who reside
in the Garo hills, the Khasi who reside in the East and West Khasi hills and the
Jaintia who predominantly reside in the Jaintia hills. The unique feature of all
these tribes is that they have a matrilineal society where descent is traced
through the mother.
In ancient times the Jaintia kingdom was a powerful kingdom of Assam. The
central region of Jaintia Hills are inhabited by a tribe called “Pnars” while the
southern and northern regions and inhabited by “Wars” and “Bhois”
respectively. Over a period of time all three tribes have been collectively
labelled by the generic name Jaintias. Despite some similarities with the
Khasi they have their own unique customs and traditions. Even today many
people still maintain their unique religion called Niamtre. The capital was
Jaintiapur. The Treaty of Yandaboo was signed between British Government
and the Burmese on 26 February 1826 and under the treaty on 15 March
1835 the Jaintia kingdom was annexed by the British Government. The
reason was human sacrifice and the last king was Raja Rajendra Singh. Now
the Jaintias are found in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, N C Hills and Karbi
Anglong districts of Assam. They found in Karimganj, Hailakandi also.
They are follower of matriarchy. The family property goes to the daughters.
The youngest daughter is considering having the main custody of the family
property and she is expected to perform all the rites and rituals. Marriage
within the clan is strictly prohibited. After the marriage the husband stays in
the wife’s house.
The Jaintias mainly celebrate agricultural festivals. They offer prayers to rivers,
mountains, and peaks. Kopili river is the most sacred river and in ancient
times human sacrifices also was offered. In the summer weeding festival is
celebrated. A fertility rite is perfomed and the Longhai Dance is danced by
the youths. In November Raliang Daloiship is observed by sacrificing a He-
goat. Human was sacrificed in this festival in old days. This festival ends with
a grand feast of animal meat and beer.
Another adventurous festival for young boys and men is the ‘Siat khnam` or
the archery competition. This is very popular festival among young crowd.
A popular Jaintia dance is Laho dance which similar to the Bihu dance of
Assam. ‘Shad Pliang` or plate dance was performed in the Royal palaces to
please royal guests. This dance is performed in fields also.
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