Monoliths of East Khasi Hills

Tripoto
Photo of Monoliths of East Khasi Hills by Devlina Talapatra

Monolith is a symbol of remembrance in Khasi Heritage. While the largest cluster of monoliths is in Nartiang village, Jaintia Hills, numerous Monoliths are strewn in the nook and corners of the cloudy valleys, tiny villages or the secret forests of Meghalaya.

Photo of Khasi Hills, Meghalaya by Devlina Talapatra

There are two parts to a monolith: the upright part is known as 'Mehris' or 'Ki Moo Shynrang,' represents male and the flat table stone represents female and is known as 'Ki Moo Kynthai' .

Photo of Monoliths of East Khasi Hills by Devlina Talapatra
Photo of Monoliths of East Khasi Hills by Devlina Talapatra
Photo of Monoliths of East Khasi Hills by Devlina Talapatra

There are a few Monolithic structures at the entrance of The Sacred Grove. And even quite a few inside. The moss covered Monolith served as sacrificial sites by local villagers said our guide. Roosters and other small animals are mostly sacrificed in today's time. An interesting information about the sacrifice ritual was that even the meat of the animal could not be brought out of the woods. The priest and the wise have to finish it or leave it there. If the deity was pleased, He would appear as a Leopard and if angry, as a Snake.

Hearing to such tales amidst the eerie damp silence was weirdly bone chilling.

Photo of Monoliths of East Khasi Hills by Devlina Talapatra

Devlina

Photo of Monoliths of East Khasi Hills by Devlina Talapatra

Published by Devlina Talapatra, who is just another Bengali woman proud of her Rabindrasangeet and Rosogolla roots ..... the typical mother still searching for the perfect balance, a struggling psychiatrist still figuring out why she is called a shrink 

View all posts by Devlina Talapatra on Blongshong

@blongshong