KONGTHONG VILLAGE
1. Context
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rakesh Sinha on Thursday presented his development report on Kongthong village in Meghalaya, India’s only whistling village, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence
2. Kongthong Village
- Kongthong is a remote village located in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya. It is known for its unique and fascinating tradition of using musical tunes instead of names for identification.
- In Kongthong village, each person has a personalized tune that serves as their name.
- These musical names are often created by mothers for their newborn children and are unique to each individual.
- The tunes are typically simple, melodic, and can resemble various sounds found in nature, such as bird calls or natural sounds.
3. Customs and Traditions
The practice of using musical names is a customary tradition that has been passed down through generations in the indigenous Khasi community. It is an integral part of their cultural identity
Musical names are used in everyday communication, and they play a vital role in identifying and calling individuals within the community. Instead of calling someone by a spoken name, a person would sing or hum the corresponding musical tune.
They reflect the deep connection between language, culture, and identity.
4. Khasi Hills
The Khasi Hills are a prominent mountain range in the northeastern region of India, specifically in the state of Meghalaya. They are known for their lush green landscapes, scenic beauty, and unique cultural heritage
The Khasi Hills are located in the northeastern part of India, primarily within the state of Meghalaya. They extend across the eastern part of the state, bordering Assam and Bangladesh.
The Khasi Hills are part of the larger Shillong Plateau and are characterized by rolling hills, deep valleys, and dense forests. The region's topography includes high plateaus, steep cliffs, and numerous rivers and streams
- Flora and Fauna: The Khasi Hills are known for their rich biodiversity. The forests in the region are home to a variety of plant and animal species, including numerous endemic and endangered ones. The hills are known for their lush vegetation, which includes various types of orchids, ferns, and other flora. The region is also home to diverse bird species and wildlife, such as gibbons, clouded leopards, and various species of deer.
- Khasi Culture: The Khasi Hills are named after the indigenous Khasi people who inhabit the region. The Khasi people have a unique culture and heritage, with their own languages, traditions, and customs. The Khasi Hills are known for their matrilineal society, where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother's side. Traditional Khasi architecture, including distinctive thatched huts, can be seen in the region
Source: indianexpress
