The Khasi speak a Mon-Khmer Language. Khasi is believed to form a link between related languages in central India and the Mon-Khmer languages of Southeast Asia. While dialectal variation may be noted within different Villages, the major Khasi dialects are Khasi, Jaintia, Lyngngam, and War.
There is a distinct similarity between the Khasi language and the Mon Khmer-Palaung dialects prevailing in Burma and Indo-China. The earliest written literary reference to the Khasis is to be found in Sankardeva's Assamese paraphrase of Bhagavata Purana composed around A.D. 1500. However, in various Sanskrit sources notably the chronicle of Kashmir i.e. Rajatarangini, reference is made to a hill people called .he Khasis. Those people dwelt chiefly in the mountains of Southern Kashmir where the descendants are to be found to this day.
(Last Updated on : 12-12-2008)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recently Updated Articles in Indian Tribals
|
|
|
• | Mizo Tribe Mizo Tribes are a distinct community of Mizoram. Mizo is a generic term to indicate several major and minor tribal communities of the state.
| | • | Lambani The Lambani Tribe is an Indian tribe belonging to the state of Rajasthan. They are also popularly known as "Gypsies" or "Banjaras" all over the world. They are found in every sector of the country.
| | • | Mizo Tribe Mizo Tribes are a distinct community of Mizoram. Mizo is a generic term to indicate several major and minor tribal communities of the state.
| | • | Traditional Dress of Mizo Tribe Traditional Dress of Mizo Tribe reflects the culture and heritage of Mizo Tribe. They comprise ethnic heritage of the habitants.
| | • | Traditional Dress of Nyishi Tribe Traditional Dress of Nyishi Tribe is worn during festivals and social gathering. Men wear a cane helmet surmounted with the beak of the great Indian Hornbill. It is a striking feature of the Nyishi tribe.
| | |
|
|
|
|