Scores of scholars, journalists and curious film makers throng this last bastion of matriliny to look at how the specimens conduct their lives. Everyone who comes here has had only a cursory look at the tomes of literature already available on Khasi matriliny. Each person uses his/her lens to portray the women of this state to the world. While some of these curious visitors (normally foreign scholars and film makers) actually spend quality time to learn the cultural milieu of the Khasi-Jaintia people before attempting to sketch their cultural practices for a world audience, Indian journalists are notorious for parachuting in here, spending at best one day and then venturing to write a thesis on the matrilineal practice. They of course, unfailingly also carry quotes from members of the Syngkhong Rympei Thymmai, a group of urban-centric male and some women, that believes the Khasi-Jaintia society would do better if it were patriarchal. This group believes that women as custodians of culture and family have failed the society. They also demand equitable distribution of parental property.
Many writers come with pre-conceived ideas about this society, calling it a paradise for women. Some even believe that Meghalaya could be a seminar destination for ideas on women’s liberation to be disseminated to the world. Those who propound such absurd ideas obviously have not understood the intrinsic nature of Khasi matriliny. The same society does not allow space for women in local grass-roots politics. Women cannot contest to hold office in these traditional institutions no matter how efficient and effective they might be. This single diktat actually negates all the gains that are purportedly enjoyed by women in this society. There are several other handicaps that women suffer as a result of living in a matrilineal set-up. Those who live this culture know its impediments. Sadly all the write-ups, no matter how badly they portray the society are never discussed and refuted convincingly. It’s time for Khasi-Jaintia society to be more critical of what is written about them.