Editor,
The word dorbar is commonly used by the Khasis and Jaintias for their traditional institutions for running their village administration. But the concept is not followed by all. In Jowai, only recently we switched to Dorbar and in a hasty manner. Formerly, the local clubs of the different localities run the administration of their localities. There are conflicting views about the origin of the word ‘Dorbar.’ Some say the concept is perhaps borrowed while others are of the opinion that it is an indigenous word inherited from the ancestors. The origin of the word Dorbar is from the Persian (Iran) word ‘durbar.’ The court council of the King of Persia (Iran) is known as durbar. It was brought to India by the Muslims.
Yours etc.,
Stelin G. Laloo
Jowai
A prophetic sermon!
Editor,
This refers to the write-up on “Traditional customs…”by WL Lyngdoh(Sep, 29, 2015) where he quoted Soso Tham “…Ngin sa long nong Gibeon ban thohdieng…”(we shall become woodcutters like the Gibeonites). I have heard many speakers, writers, politicians, KSUites who often quote this particular phrase but I wonder whether any have tried to understand what the venerable poet really meant because they all are trained to look only from the secular prism.
If I am not mistaken, Soso Tham belonged to a well known Christian family of his times and he knew his Bible. The Gibeonite story is found in Joshua 9.These people deceived Joshua by telling him that they came from a distant land though they lived just a few kilometers away. So Joshua made a peace treaty with them (without consulting his God).But just three days later he found out that they lied to him. He did not break the oath he made to them as it was sacred. But he cursed them, “Why do you lie to us…May you be cursed. From now on you will always be servants who cut wood and carry water for the house of my God”.
Historical records show that the Nagas claim to be independent. They told the British that they had never been ruled by Indians and they want to be free. The Mizos knew that they came to these hills only 700 years ago. But the Khasis tried to prove to the world that they are much older than others. Most of their words have Sanskrit roots. Late JJM Nichols Roy had a brother by the name of Krishna. They claimed to have their own religion(no proof) and own script (no record) which they lost while crossing the sea or river with a Bengali who preserved his own.(trying to prove they are as ancient as the Bengalis).Please note that this contradicts the heavenly umbilical cord theory (sohpetbneng) which means they are from this place only.
The British records show that Khasi-Pnar people were first called ‘mountaineers’ .Later we became ‘highlanders’ or riewlum (mark the old paper, Pyrta U Riewlum).But today we are mere tribals(primitive).The Gibeonites were woodcutters for the house of the living God. The Khasi-Pnars are woodcutters for the 3 crore Bharatia gods and goddesses. It was in the land of the Gibeonites that God made the sun stand still so that Joshua can finish off his enemies. Is this too a reflection on this NE Indian group that once seemed to worship the sun and sent its advocate to the sun? Today all this is reflected in our confusion and our not being able to count our days correctly. The Church’s stamp is clear when Sunday is called Sngi U Blei or U Trai and Wednesday became Sngi Balang (church day).But old animistic influences continue perhaps so we call Monday Sngi Nyngkong (First day).If Saturday is the 7thday, then Sunday according to this calendar has to be the 8th day (Bible calls it the first day). But the most explosive impact is what made our ancestors call Friday – Sngi Thohdieng (woodcutter’s day) and Saturday – Sngi Saitjain (clothes washing day).Is it the realization that we are cursed to be slaves forever?
Soso Tham gave us a prophetic sermon which we need to deeply ponder. Forget 666.We have already been stamped.
Yours etc.,
Rasputin Bismark Manners
Kolkatta.
Is God deaf?
Editor,
What some call a religious right or a spiritual awakening can be utter nuisance to others! Of late many religious groups have sprung up out of nowhere and proclaim to behold the manifestation of the Lord. But if they had some common sense they would know that this so called self-proclamation can also be a complete annoyance to the ones whose ear drums are being bombarded by the “Shout to the Lord” call. This message is intended for Potter-net whose presence in Mawkhar National Dorbar hall has caused the entire neighbourhood to shake their heads in dismay! Many of the inhabitants including the elderly, the sick and babies living within the periphery of the hall are finding it difficult to bear the high decibel sound emanating from the services sometimes for as many as three times a week. We humbly urge the Dorbar Shnong to look into this matter seriously and dialogue with the group for the convenience of all. We also urge Potter-net to respect people’s spaces and rights to avoid any unwanted exchange. We praise and shout to the Lord, but surely the Lord also hears a quiet whisper of a genuine heart.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
(Concerned resident of Mawkhar)