By Aristotle Lyngdoh
On March 26th 2013 while everyone in Meghalaya was busy and overwhelmed by the election outcome and government formation, one of the national dailies, ‘The Telegraph’ made some significant reporting about Khasi Hills concerning evidences pertaining to iron smelting that have been practiced and traded here 2000 years ago and may be more. The discovery was reported by two scientists, Pawel Prakov and Ireneusz Suliga from the Department of Geo-environmental Research, Polish Academy of Science and co-sponsored by Indian National Science Academy. The period of the research work was from 2007 to 2010, and the paper was published in 2012-2013. The sites where extractions of slag samples were taken were from Nongkrem and Raikteng. And for the benefit of all, Raikteng is a small hamlet after Sa-i-mi-ka Park on the way to Dainthlen Falls.
This land of ours that nature has carved with excellent features has many historical events and tragedies associated with it. But most of these historical facts are extremely difficult to authenticate because they are interpreted in varied versions by many people. But the fact remains that some substance of truth is stored and preserved somewhere in the form of stories being told from generation to generation. It is obvious that this is the only option available in those days to transfer legacy to the subsequent generation. And what will make tourism spots or location more significant and meaningful apart from beauty and wonder are the historical events associated with that particular place.
Coming back to the purpose of this writing, just seven kilometers away from proper Sohra on the western side, lies an extinct ancient settlement, a place rarely appearing in Khasi literature but which has many historical and mythological events associated with significance and direct references to various aspects of Khasi culture and society. Believed to be the ancient industrial centre for iron smelting, people also adopted orange cultivation as a major activity. Located exactly opposite to Dainthlen Falls, this ancient settlement is known as ‘Rangjyrteh’ an indigenous name which currently falls within the jurisdiction of Laitduh village under Sohra Syiemship. But before the formation of Hima Sohra, Rangjyrteh was very much part and parcel of the then Hima Khathynriew Shnong (a conglomerate of several villages on the slope where the Umiam Mawphlang river flows). And for the purpose of historical correctness and information, the name ‘Khathynriew’ (sixteen) was derived from the ‘Khathynriew Shyngiar’ (sixteen water springs or aquifers) located in various locations within these villages. Nine of them are at Thieddieng village, five are at Mawphu village, and two are at Umblai village alongside the Umiam Mawphlang River. Interestingly, the famous orange of Sohra comes from these villages. It was told that the production and yield in those years was enormous and all the production was transported to erstwhile East Bengal later (East Pakistan and now Bangladesh) by people through Shella.
But as far as the historical aspects of ‘Rangjyrteh’ are concerned, it can be construed as the centre for forging iron which lasted till the 17th century. From the remains it shows that there was a generation of industrialized community long time ago in these hills. But the reason for the collapse of this indigenous ancient industry as was narrated by older people was primarily the incapability to compete with the products coming from then East Bengal under the British. Iron smelting was the main trade and activity of this place. Besides, the famous Nohkalikai Falls too has derived its name from the person of this hamlet (Rangjyrteh). The other controversial and contentious issues plaguing our society such as U Thlen (mysterious serpent) or Menshohnoh (hired killer and kidnapper) has found its origin in this place. This place is seldom visited due to improper development except minor maintenance. Later the Block Development Office has helped to protect and preserve to some extent some of the ancient equipments carved from stone such as crucibles etc. Ranjyrteh is a very much part of the Khasi legacy. Its strategic location with fantastic viewpoints can be constructed here and many others to get a glimpse of the entire Ri War and the cloud that overshadows many villages. If this place were to have been located somewhere in China or other country of the world, it would have formed part of the adrenaline tourism of modern world.
The sad thing to see is the failure of everyone to preserve and protect the beauty and valuable gift that nature has bestowed on us. The very nook and corner surrounding this place and most part of Dainthlen Falls are being abused by both people from within the state and outside who ruthlessly spilled the ground and streams with waste and broken bottles after they have completed their picnic trip. This is the filthy scene in many of the places of interest which is not properly managed and regulated. If this trend continues, sooner or later our tourism spots will be dry places and visitors will dwindle because of bad manners and behavior. Therefore, it is high time for the tourism authority to come out openly with some guidelines or instruction that will prevent people from misusing their liberties while enjoying the beauty of a particular place.
Considering the plurality of history associated with ‘Rangjyrteh’, I wonder if it could ever be included in the list of heritage sites presented to UNESCO for possible funding. The factuality and merit of the place defines it and it deserves to be treated as a priority as far as preservation of evidence associated with our ancient socio-economic system is concerned. The present and future generation should become aware on all these things. Therefore, when we have something as clear evidence connected with our past generation, we should attempt to explore and unearth the mysteries associated with our own origin. This one piece of ancient heritage will one day disappear and be overtaken by other development activities unless serious efforts are taken to protect and improve its surrounding and landscape. As far as Rangjyrteh is concerned, including the culture and activities that existed there long time ago, we should be proud of it as a community and this particular spot on this region belongs not only to a particular Hima or Raid or Village but to the entire Khasi community.