اقرأ عينة مجانية — Folk-Tales of the Khasis بقلم Rafy Mrs — اقرأ الكتاب الإلكتروني

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Folk-Tales of the Khasis

Macmillan and Co., Limited

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In the Neighbourhood of the Mountain of the Iei Tree.

Folk-Tales of the Khasis

By Mrs. Rafy

Illustrated
Macmillan and Co., Limited
St. Martin’s Street, London
1920

Copyright

Foreword

Without any apology I offer to the public this imperfect collection of the quaint and fascinating Folk-Tales of the Khasis, believing that the perusal of them cannot fail to cheer and to give pleasure to many.

Of some of the stories there are several versions current in the country,—sometimes conflicting versions,—but this in no way diminishes their charm. In such cases I have selected the version which appeared to me the most unique and graceful, and seemed to throw the truest light on the habits and the character of this genial and interesting Hill race.

Several of these tales have been published by me from time to time in The Statesman of Calcutta, by whose courtesy I am permitted to reproduce them in this volume.

I shall consider the book amply rewarded if it bears the fruit I anticipate, by rendering more cheerful an hour or two in the life of its readers during these busy and strenuous times.

K. U. R.

August 10, 1918.

1. What makes the Eclipse 1 2. The Legend of Mount Sophet Bneng 8 3. How the Peacock got his Beautiful Feathers 10 4. The Goddess who came to live with Mankind 18 5. The Formation of the Earth 24 6. U Raitong (The Khasi Orpheus) 26 7. The Tiger and the Monkeys 37 8. The Legend of the Iei Tree 43 9. Hunting the Stag Lapalang 49 10. The Goddesses Ka Ngot and Ka Iam 52 11. U Biskurom 55 12. U Thlen 58 13. How the Dog came to live with Man

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class="tocPageNum">68 14. The Origin of Betel and Tobacco 75 15. The Stag and the Snail 81 16. The Leap of Ka Likai 85 17. The Shadows on the Moon 89 18. U Ksuid Tynjang 92 19. What makes the Lightning 97 20. The Prohibited Food 100 21. The Cooing of the Doves 104 22. How the Colour of the Monkey became Grey 106 23. Ka Panshandi, the Lazy Tortoise 108 24. The Idiot and the Hyndet Bread 111 25. U Ramhah 116 26. How the Cat came to live with Man

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class="tocPageNum">120 27. How the Fox got his White Breast 123 28. How the Tiger got his Strength 128 29. How the Goat came to live with Man 131 30. How the Ox came to be the Servant of Man 134 31. The Lost Book 137 32. The Blessing of the Mendicant 140

Illustrations

In the Neighbourhood of the Mountain of the Iei Tree Frontispiece
Page
Khasi Peasants 3
At the Foot of Mount Shillong 19
At the Foot of the Mountain of the Iei Tree 44
A Khasi Waterfall in the Neighbourhood of the Mountain of the Iei Tree 45
The Haunt of Ka Kma Kharai 60
Sacred Grove and Monoliths 63
At the Foot of the

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Shillong Mountains 69

A View in the reputed Region where U Ramhah the Giant committed his Atrocities 76

The Leap of Ka Likai 86

The reputed Haunt of U Ksuid Tynjang 93

A Khasi Industry—Frying Fish in the Open Air 141

Foreword

Contents

Illustrations