A Sketch of Assam: With some account of the Hill TribesButler, John, Major
History
A Sketch of Assam: With some account of the Hill Tribes
Butler, John, Major
Assam (India) -- Description and travel; Assam (India) -- Social life and customs; Ethnology -- India -- Assam
No hospitality is shown to a stranger visiting the Naga country, unless
he visits the Khonbao in the first instance: he is unable, even under
the greatest distress, to obtain shelter or provision elsewhere. On the
arrival of an embassy it is conducted to the residence of the Khonbao,
who gives audience immediately, and returns a reply by the messengers
on his own responsibility, if the object of the visit is of no great
importance. But, on the other hand, should the embassy be for the
purpose of obtaining redress of wrongs committed by the clan of the
Khonbao, the embassy is retained and entertained hospitably till the
Sundekae, Khonsae, and principal elders of the people can be assembled
in the moorung; when the grievance is stated and inquiries made,
each member stating openly and candidly his opinion on the matter
at issue. The Khonbao propounds what is, in his opinion, expedient
and best for the public good; but if there appears any irregularity,
the people express their disapprobation to the Khonbao, and he is
constrained to abide by the will of the community, to give orders to
the embassy, and allow its departure to the place whence it came. In
this manner all affairs and discussions are regulated amongst the
Nagas. Any attempt to travel through their country, unaccompanied
by a person acquainted with the roads, villages, and Naga language,
would be the height of folly; as the traveller would not be supplied
with water, food, or fire, neither would any shelter be afforded him,
and his life would be in imminent danger.
Omens.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account