The role of Khasi women among the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya’s Jatah Lakadong village

Abstract

The Khasi is an indigenous tribe of Meghalaya who lives in Northeast India. It is a tribe that follows a unique matriarchy. Bachofen (1967), suggested that the early social formation of the family gave more importance to the mother, and for which “government of the state was also entrusted to the women” (Bachofen, 1967, p. 156). In matrilineal societies where the women inherit the property and pass down the generation through the female line. It is important to examine and highlight the role and status of women in Meghalaya. The purpose of the study is to identify the role of the women in family and society as well as their participation in social, political, economic, and religious activities that highlight their importance in society. It’s important to examine the gender roles and responsibilities in the traditional matriarchy which bring the changes that have been set in the society and how these changes affect the social structure and the consequences which enhance the role of the women where they were involved according to their capabilities. Due to the prevalence and practice of their indigenous culture, it is perceived that the women experience more freedom and self-reliance. Khasi women witness women’s empowerment and raise women’s gender equality by their acts in the social, economic, and political realms, demonstrating the value of women in society.