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Folk-Tales of the Khasis

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In the Neighbourhood of the Mountain of the Iei Tree.

Original Title Page.

Folk-Tales of the Khasis

By Mrs. Rafy

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

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.

		Page
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	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	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 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

I What Makes The Eclipse
→

Foreword

Contents

Illustrations