A STUDY OF TRADITIONAL MORTUARY PRACTICES OF THE JAINTIAS OF MEGHALAYA, INDIA

Abstract

The uses of megaliths have been mentioned as many since the Neolithic period. Some of its uses are still in practice in some living communities today. The use of such stones in burial practices is one of its most identifiable continual traits. This paper discusses the traditional mortuary practices of the tribal Jaintias of Meghalaya, India. It compares the mortuary practices prevalent among the Jaintias living in two different geographical locations within the Jaintia Hills District, but at a distance of 36 kms from each other.Jaintias are one of the tribes of northeast India who practice the megalithic traditions in various ways like commemorative, burial, ceremonial etc. Stones like menhir, dolmen, cist, capstones etc. are found in different locations in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India. Among these stones, deposition of the deceased’s bones in cist burials is one of the main practices which continue till today. In this paper we will discuss the different practices connected to these cist burials, the reasons thereof, and the changes that have taken place. While comparing the practices prevalent in two locations (inhabited by the same people) we conclude that spatial distance within the same group also aids in an intra-group difference. Keywords: megalith, mortuary practices, Jaintias, Niamtre, Christianity.