Khasi

The Khasi are an indigenous ethnic group from Meghalaya in Northeast India. They form one of the region's major ethnolinguistic groups, with communities concentrated in the Khasi Hills and surrounding districts.

The Khasi language, part of the Austroasiatic family, is spoken by the Khasi people; it uses the Latin script and is one of Meghalaya's official languages.

Khasi society is traditionally matrilineal and matrilocal, with lineage and inheritance traced through the female line. In many families, property passes to daughters, and women play a central role in household decision making. The social structure is organized around clans and local community councils. The Khasi have a tradition of weaving and crafts and maintain communal village life with ceremonies and dances, reflecting a blend of traditional beliefs and modern practices.

Religion: Traditional Niam Khasi, a nature-focused belief system, coexists with a strong Christian presence; since the 19th and 20th centuries, many Khasi have adopted Christianity, particularly Protestant denominations; today a majority identify as Christians, while some follow traditional practices.

History and status: The Khasi are one of the principal groups of Meghalaya, a state formed in 1972 from Assam; Khasi culture and language have received official recognition in the state. Today the Khasi continue to influence Meghalaya's cultural heritage, education, and local governance.