Jaintia

The Jaintia, also known as Pnar, are an indigenous ethnic group of northeastern India, primarily inhabiting the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya. They form one of the major tribal communities in the state and are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe. The Jaintia live mainly in the districts of East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills, with communities also found in adjacent areas.

They speak the Jaintia language, also called Pnar, a Khasian language closely related to Khasi; many Jaintia people are bilingual, using Khasi or English as well as their native tongue. The Jaintia have rich oral traditions, music, and dances that accompany agricultural and ceremonial occasions.

Historically, the Jaintia Kingdom flourished in the Jaintia Hills and was ruled by hereditary Syiems (chiefs). The capital shifted between Jaintiapur and Nartiang, and the kingdom maintained a distinctive social and political structure for centuries before being absorbed into British India in the 19th century. The region preserves historic sites such as the Nartiang Monoliths.

Culture and religion: traditional social organization includes the Dorbar (village council) and the Syiem as ceremonial head. Today, many Jaintias are Christian, reflecting missionary influence, while others maintain Hindu or indigenous ancestral practices. Behdienkhlam, a major harvest festival celebrated in Jowai and surrounding areas, is a hallmark of Jaintia culture, featuring processions, dances, and water rites.

Economy: agriculture remains the mainstay, with rice cultivation and shifting cultivation; some Jaintia engage in horticulture, weaving, and small-scale trade.