Pre-historic Megaliths study indicate Khasis lived Meghalaya since 1200 BCE

A new study of Pre-historic megaliths and tools indicate that Meghalaya’s Khasi tribe has been residing in the state since around 1200 BCE. The study was conducted on the megaliths and tools discovered in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district.

A megalith is a large stone that forms part of a prehistoric monument.

The study was performed by archaeologist Marco Mitri and a team of academicians from the North Eastern Hills University. They excavated site near Lummawbuh village in the northern slopes of Sohpetbneng (Heaven’s Naval) peak near the NH-40.

The excavation at Lummawbuh is the first one of a Neolithic site in Meghalaya.

The megalithic structures and iron implements dating back to the prehistoric period were found the ridge spreading over 1.5 km.

The age (that dates back to 12th century BCE) was confirmed by using more than 20 tools and implements including grains to Beta Analytic, a Miami-based lab for radiocarbon dating to confirm their age.

Khasi people

• The Khasi people are an indigenous tribe, the majority of who live in Meghalaya, a north-eastern state of India

• They share a significant population in the border areas of the neighbouring state of Assam, and in certain parts of Bangladesh.

• They call themselves Ki Khun U Hynñiewtrep, which means "The Children of The Seven Huts" in their language.

• Their language, also called Khasi, is categorized as the northernmost language under the Austroasiatic family stock.

• The Khasi language was essentially oral until the arrival of Christian missionaries.

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