#khasi

[folkfashion]

Khasi woman's dress, India, by Wann Majaw

[fantastic-forest]

[teaah-art]

Inktober Day 20 : Rivals

Medium : Digital Ink, G Pen

U Thlen, the giant serpentine creature and the one tasked to kill it, Law Suidnoh. Read their story here.

This Inktober, I'm planning on using the prompts to explore South Asia's folk traditions!

All Inktober 2025 posts

Like my work?

Support me on Ko-fi | Reblogs highly appreciated!

[eriong]

[nelsonmassar]

'Just as the famished that knows of food's value or arid lands of the rains that quench its deserts sand. One must experience the absence of love to appreciate and value its presence.'

[mecthology]

U Thlen from Khasi folklore.

The lore begins with the ancient village Langhiang Kongkhen now recognised as the modern day Cherrapunji. It is said that the village was known for its markets and people from all around the province would make their way there on the market days.

The route to the market also serves as the feeding ground of U Thlen. However, the Thlen would only attack one individual from a group that is in odd numbers. Often people travelling in twos or other even numbers would be unharmed. Those unfortunate to walk in three or any odd numbers becomes food for the giant snake.

After years of living in fear, the people of the village enlisted the services of 'U Suidnoh', who befriended the snake and regularly fed it goats and pigs. One particular day, U Suidnoh being aware of the snake's dependence, shoved a red hot piece of iron, while the latter's guard was down. This let to the ultimate capture, alleged killing and feasting on the snake's meat.

However, this was not meant to be the end. An elderly woman carried a piece of the snake's meat to her house to give it to her daughter. Being forgetful, she forgot all about it until one day the meat which is now in the guise of a tiny snake spoke, "If you let me live, I will make you rich." The woman being poor, was tempted and accepted the offer.

The snake continued and said, "I will bring you wealth and prosperity but I require blood in return." Blood was no longer of animals or humans at random. The demand was now of the Khasi's blood. It was the 'kput' or the ultimate revenge of the snake on the Khasis who almost tricked it to its death if it was not for the woman's forgetfulness and greed.

Even today certain people and families are said to be snake-keepers or 'Nongri Thlen' and they would be treated with great outrage in many parts of the State. Some still express firm believe in the Thlen's existence.

As time passed, The Thlen was relegated to a powerful house spirit, able to be captured and worshiped in return for untold riches.

Follow @mecthology for more lores and legends. DM for pic credit or removal. Source: thenortheasttoday.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CfpALJqPS97/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ynrimwar]

Till date, patriarchy still exists all over the nation even though there has been a call for gender equality and women empowerment. However, a small number of tribes that reside in the state of Meghalaya live differently. Also known as the ‘Abode of Clouds’, Meghalaya is known for its matrilineal society, many of which are not generally practiced in the country. The women of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes have a more active role in their societies. In a family household, the birth of a baby girl is always celebrated. They are allowed to avail the same opportunities as men such as education and having a career. They can own properties and lands as well. Traditionally, the daughter is considered the preserver of her clan, family and lineage. The youngest daughter is the primary caretaker of her parents and inherits the land and property of the family. She continues to stay with her parents whereas her husband leaves his home to stay at his wife’s. Children are given the surname of their mothers by default. In some cases, a woman is allowed to intermarry in the society. She is equally and financially inclined to contribute to household expenses and her choice in a potential marital partner is hers alone. The Khasi community never acknowledged dowry and never gives or takes dowry at all. Although the society is matrilineal, the state of Meghalaya is not matriarchal. The father continues to be the traditional head of the family. In the village councils, the Dorbar Shnong and the panchayats, the representation of women in politics was earlier prohibited. Nowadays, it is allowed though participation is minimal. It may not always be a walk in the park for women as one can often witness domestic violence done against them in any society. Still, for decades, Meghalaya continues to live by its principles, proving to the world that women are more or less as important as men are in the society and can uplift their tradition and culture to great lengths.

-Ynri War, intern at @just.lemmebe

#matrilineal #women #power #empowerment #privileges #culture #tribe #khasi #garo #jaintia #tradition #meghalaya #abode #of #clouds #northeast #india #society #acknowledge #lemmebe #daughter #hers https://www.instagram.com/p/CUaELCHpurl/?utm_medium=tumblr

[solitarytraveller37]

We all have some kind of skillsets, some of it comes naturally to us and some we acquire after hard work. . The people of Khasi and Jaintia tribes have a very special skillset, they make bridges from the living roots of the trees! . You heard it right, bridges made from the roots of trees. These bridges can support the weight of 50 people. . These bridges take 10 to 15 years to completely form and mold into the desired shapes. . The Living Root Bridges are an engineering marvel. A sight worth of all praise. . Visit our site to know more about these bridges. . Link in Bio. . #livingrootbridge #cherrapunji #meghalaya #khasi #jaintia #meghalayatourism #incredibleindia #solitarytraveller #northeast #sevensisterstate #travellers #solotraveller #backpackersoftheworld #blogger #bloggerlifestyle #bloggersofinstagram #instagram #instablogger #indianphotography #indiantravelblogger #photooftheday #instagramindia #photography #followforfollowback #likeforlike #engineering #naturelove #forest #lush #goodvibes (at Living Root Bridges, Mawlynnong) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCn4NeRp1W4/?igshid=1uq3obusdf2ys