Khalasars

Khalasars are a fictional species featured in the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Within the narrative, they are a sentient, insectoid species that evolved from spiders. The term "khalasar" is used by the novel's human characters to refer to these intelligent arachnids. These beings have developed a complex society and culture, including the use of tools, rudimentary technology, and a form of written communication. Their biological structure and societal organization are central to their unique evolutionary path. The khalasaars are depicted as having a communal and instinct-driven nature, which influences their interactions with each other and with other species. Their development is contrasted with the biological and societal trajectory of humanity in the novel. The khalasaars represent a significant element in the novel's exploration of non-human intelligence and the potential for divergent evolutionary outcomes. Their existence challenges conventional notions of sentience and civilization.