Jaintia Tribe

Jaintia Tribe resides in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. They are a sub-tribal group of Khasi Tribe in Meghalaya. They speak the Pnar Language which belongs to Austro-Asiatic language family. The Jaintia Hills district was established in 1972, in the region after the establishment of the Meghalaya state in Independent India.

The word "Jaintia" is derived from the name of the Jaintia Kingdom. Since they have been residing in Jaintia hills, they have been named "Jaintia". They are also known as "Pnar".

Like all the other sub-tribes of the Khasi tribe, the Pnar people also descended from Ki "Hynniew Trep" (7 mothers or 7 families). The rulers of the medieval Jaintia Kingdom belonged to the Synteng community. The Kingdom was occupied by the British East India Company in 1835, and later merged it into the Assam Province.

Jaintia, like Khasis, belong to the Proto-Austroloid Monkhmer race. They are known by different names such as Syntengs, Jaintias and Pnars given to them by different anthropological authorities. The Jaintias are matrilineal family system and the children of Jaintia tribe take up their mother"s surname. Jaintia cannot marry within the same tribe.

Jaintia tribe are rich in their cultural heritage. Their culture reflects the traditions, music, dances, art and crafts of Jaintia tribe. This tribe is famous for artistic weaving, wood-carving, cane and bamboo work, making of musical instruments, tribal jewellery and pineapple fibre articles.

Traditional festivals which are observed by the Jaintia Tribe include Behdienkhlam, Shad Shukra, Chad Pastieh, Shad Ramynthei, etc. Behdienkhlam is the most celebrated religious festival among the Jaintia tribe.

The original religion of the Jaintia tribe is known as "Niamtre". The Jaintia tribals believe that their religion is God-given and not founded by man. Majority of the inhabitants of this area had converted to Christianity.

Traditional clothing is very popular amongst Jaintia Tribe. They are the experienced and talented weavers in this region. Most of the families in the Jaintia Hills district earn their livelihood from weaving. The men and women belonging to the Jaintia tribe dress up in splendid costumes during festivals. The traditional dress of Jaintia Tribe is similar to the traditional dress Khasi Tribe. Women belonging to this tribe have a traditional style of clothes in comparison to other tribes. Most of the Jaintia women adorn earrings, necklace and other beautiful ornaments of silver and gold.

Traditional Dresses for Men of Jaintia Tribe
The traditional dress for men of Jaintia tribe consists of "Dhoti", sleeveless coat called "Jymphong and Piran" and Pagri (turban). In bye gone days the common male used loincloths only. The wearing of a turban by a "Daloi" is a must since the wearing of Pagri signifies social status.

Traditional Dresses for Women of Jaintia Tribe
The Jaintia women put on home woven sarees. They also wear another piece of cloth called "Jainkup". It is tied around the neck and the lower part of this piece of cloth covers up to the ankles like a gown. This is mostly worn by elder women along with a headdress known as "Kyrshah". The traditional clothing for women is called "Jainsen" which is not stitched costume. It needs to be covered around the body to wear it. It is designed and woven from the mulberry silk which is cultivated in this area. The women accessorise their costumes with silver and gold ornaments. "Kynjri Ksiar" is a unique gold pendant which is adorned by the women belonging to the Jaintia tribe.