LET'S GO AMIGA: Khasi-hills

Showing posts with label Khasi-hills. Show all posts

Monday, September 25, 2023

A Walk On The Bridge That Breathes In Riwai

This small village 90 km south of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya came into prominence when a travel channel voted it as the cleanest village in India. However, our main interest was the living root bridge connecting Riwai and Nohwet villages, very close to Mawlynnong. Root bridges are unique to the state of Meghalaya and not seen in any other part of the country perhaps not even the world.

It took us about 3 hours to reach Mawlynnong from Shillong. The drive usually takes about 2hrs but we couldn't resist taking photo breaks in between. It was a beautiful March morning, with perfect weather, and an absolutely picturesque route. Many shades of green flanked both sides of the road for miles and miles till we arrived at a streamlet.

Inspired by John Keats .... lingering along streams of rushing waters...in the heart of pristine nature, the blue skies, virescent trees, and cool breeze.....echoed our hearty laughter....:) :P (Okay that was a terrible effort and I hope Keats didn't turn in his grave - I owe an apology) :P

The loveliness of the tranquil ambiance can't be captured in photos for sure! It must be experienced, smelt, and felt. A painter's paradise, a poet's muse, a writer's haven, a singer's mood.

Had we brought camping equipment, this would have been the perfect place to pitch the tent for the night. Not sure if it's safe at night but if allowed I would surely try the next time.

The multi-purpose cane basket. Here is an eco-friendly innovative trash cone. Isn't it cute? Mawlynnong and Riwai are eco-tourism community ventures and they have used only natural, biodegradable materials for the trash cans everywhere.

Off we went on the trail to the Living Root Bridge. As the name clearly implies, a living root bridge is an actual 'living' 'root' bridge :) A bridge made of the roots of a living tree of the class Ficus Elastica - Banyan fig in this case.

In order to make the tree's roots grow in the right direction, betel nut trunks are used. The trunks are sliced down the middle and hollowed out, to create root guidance systems. The thin, tender roots of the ficus tree are led through the hollowed portion thus, preventing them from fanning out and allowing them to grow just straight. When they reach the other side of the river, they're rooted back into the soil. In time layers of roots form a strong sturdy bridge that can carry a good amount of weight. Once very strong, stone slabs are placed to make a smoother walkway.

It is said the bridges last for hundreds of years, depending on the health of the mother tree. Since new roots keep growing, the bridge literally regenerates every time the old roots or old trees die and over the years, its strength increases with more layers. Of course, villagers do maintain them well and are prompt about all repair work, since it's their only way to commute.

These bridges are the only means to connect to the small interior villages of Meghalaya which do not have road access. The trail to the Riwai Bridge is not too steep, slimy, or narrow as compared to many others.

Khasi men and women washing clothes along the beautiful stream. The same cane basket is used to carry the clothes.

A precarious little stretch of rocky trail.

A typical bamboo and cane hut. Mawlynngong has homestays and guest houses for visitors. I think one must stay overnight to experience the place better since there are a couple of waterfalls and other nature treks, which can be enjoyed well if visited in leisure rather than a hurried and tiring day trip. Definitely a treat for those who like a little rustic, non-city atmosphere.

A tall bamboo tower leads to a sky-view shelter. The structure is at least 10-12 meters tall and made entirely out of bamboo, even the ties, and joints. Initially, I was a bit scared but once I began to trust the strength of the construction I eased up. The view from the top was spectacular. The feeling of being on a really high tree house can't be anything less than amazing.

There are even tree houses for visitors to stay in. Not sure how brave I will be to perch up that high for a night but shall give it a shot next time.

There are no restaurants in the village. The only options are homemade food and fruits offered by the villagers. We tried some new types of berries. Above: Shophie and below Shohsang. These berries looked quite tempting but ....but.... one bite and I literally jumped. It was extremely sour. I must have mimicked one of Jim Carry's favorite antics after an uncontrollable tickle ran through my entire body :P That's the best I can describe the degree of sourness.

We didn't stay back for the night, as we had plans to go to Sohra for the waterfalls. But a promise I made to myself, next time I am going to carry a good fat book and stay there till I finish reading it. Fresh air and a good book should be quite relaxing. I think I should take 'Roots' :)

Friday, October 31, 2014

Shillong And The Khasi Hills

Shillong is the capital of the Indian State of Meghalaya and the headquarters of its East Khasi Hills district. Nongstoin is the headquarters of the West Khasi Hills district. Shyllong, a local native deity, gives this City its name. Its old name was Yeddo and Lewduh. It was a favorite destination of the British when the East India Company occupied India. They found a climate similar to Scotland and called it the Scotland of the East. In 1874 after the formation of the state of Assam, Shillong was made its Capital. In 1972 after the division of Assam, Shillong was made a part of Meghalaya, and Dispur became the state Capital.

Hills of Meghalaya

Mary Help of Christians Cathedral

My mom grew up in Shillong and has very fond memories of the city. In my childhood, we spent many a summer in this beautiful city. Honestly, Shillong has changed a lot now. It was prettier when we were kids. Now it has grown and looks like any other City. The beautiful mountains are now covered with concrete and buildings. However, outside Shillong, much of Meghalaya is still untouched, unexplored, and free from urbanization which is in one way a blessing. Urbanization often ruins the natural ecosystem.

History of the Khasis

Legend of Origin

The Khasis are an indigenous tribe who probably migrated from southeast Asia (most likely from the great plains of the Mekong River in Cambodia) through Myanmar and Bangladesh and are of Mon-Khmer origin. The Khasis are said to be one of the first tribes to migrate to India.

The origin of the Austroasiatic people is probably the great plains of the Mekong Basin including Laos and Cambodia. Khasic, Munda, and Nicobarese are the only three surviving Southern Austroasiatic languages spoken

Legend has it that the Khasis are a direct descendent of Hynniew Trep (meaning 'seven huts' in Khasi) who was the equivalent of Adam in the Bible (the first human created by God). Hynniew Trep and his seven sons belonged to 7 of the 16 clans of Heaven (Khadhynniew Trep - Heavenly huts). They descended to Earth from Heaven through a sacred vine, located at U Lum Sohpetbneng called Khynriam Ka Brew Ka Bneng which meant the 'Golden vine bridge of heaven', a kind of living root-ladder-like bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. The 7 clans were called Ki HynniewTrep (people of seven huts) and their land was called Ri HiniewTrep (The land of the seven huts). The seven sons were Khynriam, Pnar, Bhoi, War, Maram, Lyngngam, and Diko (extinct now) who founded the seven Khasi tribes. However, many sociologists believe, that Khasis do not have sub-tribes but are classified by their place of habitat.

Ramew, Mother Earth, and Basa her husband were created by God (U Blei Trai Kynrad) as a part of the Universe. Over time Ramew felt lonely and requested God for company. God blessed them with 5 children in the form of Moon (son), Sun, Water, Wind, and Fire (daughters). Ramew and Basa were happy, yet there was emptiness since the beautiful garden of Earth nurtured by Ramew, Basa and their Children did not have anyone who could avail and enjoy this nature's trove. Realizing, the need, God then sent 7 of his clans to Earth. The remaining 9 clans remained in Heaven. However, God gave the condition that as long as the seven clans lived a righteous life, they could visit Heaven through the bridge but the day they chose the dark paths, the living bridge would wither and die and so it did when the clans began to fight among themselves and cut down a sacred tree at Lum Diengiei.

The places formed by legends

The location of the seven huts

The Khasis like the Jaintias are matrilineal and matrilocal. The youngest daughter inherits the property and takes the responsibility of the family. In the absence of a daughter, the mother's youngest sister inherits the property and family responsibility. The surname is passed down by the mother and the groom moves to the bride's family.

The Khasis originally were nature worshippers and their religion was called Niam Tre or Niam Khasi. Later many converted to Christianity and Islam or adopted the Hindu way of life.

Khasi Kingdom

The Khasi kingdom comprised 25 sovereign states (Hima) under 25 powerful Chiefs (Syiem). Later, many of these states were annexed by the Jaintia Kingdom. By the 19th century, the entire Khasi kingdom came under British rule and became a part of the Assam Province. In 1830, the Khasis led by Tirot Singh, the Chief of Nongkhalaw, revolted against the British but were eventually defeated after a four-year-long uprising.