Wikipedia

Hinduism in Meghalaya

Hinduism is a minority religion in the Meghalaya state of India constituting 12% of the state's population.[1] The Nartiang Durga Temple in Meghalaya is one of the 51 Shakti peethas on Earth and is considered by Hindus of Meghalaya as the permanent abode of Goddess Durga.[2] Hinduism is a popular religion practice by Rabhas, Hajongs, Kochs, Rajbongshis, Mikirs, Bengalis, Nepalis, Biharis etc.[1]

Meghalayan Hindus
Nartiang Durga Temple
Total population
342,078
(11.53% of the Meghalaya's population) Decrease
Regions with significant populations
East Khasi Hills144,949 (17.55%)
West Garo Hills90,294 (19.11%)
Ri Bhoi30,957 (11.96%)
Languages
Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, Koch, Hajong, Rabha,
Pnar

History

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During medieval period of 17th century, Meghalaya's Khasi, Jaintia and neighbouring tribes hill areas came under the Jaintia kingdom. The Jaintia king Jaso Manik (1606–1641 A.D.) had married Lakshmi Narayana, the daughter of the Hindu Koch king Nara Narayan of neighbouring Kamata Kingdom. It is believed that it was his wife Lakshmi Narayana who have influenced the Jaintia Royalty King Jaso Manik and his tribe to embrace Shakti sect of Hinduism as she herself was an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga. Jaintia King Dhan Manik had made Nartiang the summer capital of the Khasi-Jaintia Kingdom about 6 centuries ago. One night, the goddess appeared in his dream and informed him of the significance of this place and told him to build a temple in her honour. Following this, the Jainteshwari temple in Nartiang was established.[3][4] The temple's strategic location and presence of weapons like cannons suggests that it must have been a fort of the Jaintia Kings in the past. According to legends, Devi's left thigh is believed to have fallen at Nartiang in the Jaintia Hills. It is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shaktism sect of Hinduism across the world. The Goddess came to be known as "Jainteshwari devi" in native Pnar language.[4]

 
Naturally made Shivalinga in Mawjymbuin Cave, Mawsynram, Meghalaya

Before 20th Century, the majority of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo hills of Meghalaya were primarily the followers of their native tribal religions which bears some similarities with that of Hindu religion specially the ethnic religion of Austro-Asiatic Khasi-Pnar people, known by the name (Ka Niamtre).[5] In Khasi festival Behdeinkhlam, Lukhmi have strong links with larger Vedic Civilization.[6] The Khasi tribal goddess Lukhmi/Lukhimai is believed to be “tribalised” form of Hindu goddess Lakshmi. Also during that festival, the rot (which was basically made up of Bamboo and wood and are tall tower like structures) cast away after the religious festivities are over which bears some similarities with the worship of the Hindu deity Jagannath which also involves similar structures which are called rath (chariot).[7][8] In Syndai, a large Ganesha sculpture have been found carved out on a large rock, the local Khasi-Jaintia villagers call it “U Khmi” and revered it.[9] The Mawjymbuin Cave of Mawsynram resembles the 'Shivalinga' similar to that of Amarnath cave. It is one of the holiest site in Shaivism. The Local villagers have preserved the Shivalinga for years.[10] During the time of Kanwar Yatra (An annual pilgrimage of devotees of Lord Shiva), utmost spiritual fervour is seen among the people.[11][12][13]

Tradition

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A traditional Hajong Granary has no doors in order to prevent the goddess of wealth and fortune, Lokkhi Dyoi (Lakshmi Devi), from leaving.

Festivals

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Hinduism is practiced by different groups of Meghalaya. Hindus celebrate many festivals in Meghalya.[14] Diwali, Behdienkhlam, Navaratri, etc. are celebrated by people. Navaratri and other Goddess Pujas are celebrated mainly by Bengali people. Diwali is celebrated by almost all Hindus.[15]

 
Behdienkhlam is festival celebrated by the pnars in Jowai, Meghalaya

In Jowai, Behdienkhlam is a harvest festival celebrate by the Niamtre believers. This festival is popular among non-Christian Pnar people.

Many other Hindu festivals celebrate Hindus like Makar Sankranti, Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, etc.

Important Temples and Shrines

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In Meghalaya, there is Shaktipeeth at Jaintia hills in Nartiang. Here, Shakti is worshipped as Jayanti and Bhairava is worshipped as Kamadishwar. There many native Brahmins who caretakes temple and organises ritual programs. According to people, this Shakti peetha is only one on Earth which is abode of Durga

Hajong Tradition

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Hajong people practice Hinduism from long time. They worship specific Avatars(equivalent to Hindu deities). Ex.-

  • Lakshmi-Lukkhi Dyao
  • Vishnu-Bishnu Dyao
  • Shiv-Shib Dyao
  • Kartikeya-Katka Dyao

Dyao is derived from Sanskrit word- (देव Deva, modern Indian languages- Dev/Deo).

Rabha people

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Rabha people's religious world is pervaded with various spirits and natural objects. The main deity of the Rabhas is called Rishi. Rishi, for the forest Rabhas as well as village Rabhas, is a male deity. He is also known as Mahakal. Forest Rabhas worship him in all important social and religious ceremonies.[16]

Demographics

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Hindu Population in Meghalaya
YearPop.±%
1971 187,140—    
1981 240,831+28.7%
1991 260,306+8.1%
2001 207,822−20.2%
2011 342,078+64.6%
Source: census of India[17][18][19]

Hinduism constituted 13.27 percent of Meghalaya's population in 2001 and it decreased to 11.53 percent in 2011. Hindus are mainly found in West Garo Hills district with 19%, East Khasi Hills District with 17.50% and the Ri-Bhoi District with 12%.[20] Hinduism is followed by 42% of the population of Shillong.[21]

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Percentage of Hindus in Meghalaya by Decades[22]

Year Percent Decrease
2011 11.53% -4.07%
2001 15.60%

-3.23%

1991 18.83%

-4.17%

1981 23.71%

+6.52%

1971 17.19%

-15.48%

1961 32.67%

-8.54%

1951 41.21% -9.77%
1941 50.98% -7.64%
1931 58.62% -9.96%
1921 68.58% -7.67%
1911 76.25% -8.34%
1901 84.59%

+1.03%

Percentage in Groups

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According to 2011 census there are 342,078 Hindus living in Meghalaya accounting constituting 11.53% of the state population after Christianity.[1] Meghalaya Scheduled Tribe Population is 2,555,861 (86% of the state population), out of which 122,141 people among them follow Hinduism, while Non-ST population is 411,028, out of which 219,937 of them follow Hindu faith.[23]

Hinduism is practiced by these following groups:-

Persecution

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Percentage of Hindus in Meghalaya by decades[24][25][26][27]
Year Percent Increase
1971
18.49%
1981
18.03%
   -0.46%
1991
14.67%
   -3.36%
2001
13.27%
   -1.4%
2011
11.53%
   -1.74%

Hindu percentage in Meghalaya have declined from 18.49% in 1971 to 11.53% in 2011 census (A decline of -6.96% in four decades).

The Non-ST Hindu minority are being targeted, attacked and murdered by Christian tribals since from the time of the creation of Meghalaya in 1972. The Hindu minority of the state do not enjoy equal rights and there is widespread hatred, discrimination and intolerance against them which were perpetrated by local Khasi Students Union. The Bengali Hindus in Meghalaya are often treated as Bangladeshis or outsiders (Dkhar). They have been running away, leaving the state in large numbers since from 1972.[28][29][30]

Three ethnic-religious riots between the indigenous Christian tribes and the non- tribals mostly Hindus have taken place in the year 1979, 1987 and 1992 respectively. In 1979 almost 20 thousands Hindu Bengalis were displaced from Meghalaya following attacks by local Khasis.[31] In 1987, almost 2.7 thousand Nepalis and Biharis were displaced from Meghalaya following land disputes with Christian tribals. Again in 1992, around 3 thousand Nepalis quit Meghalaya following clashes between Khasis and non-tribals during Dusherra.[32][33] In 2018, there were repeatedly violence against Mazhabi Sikh which were perpetrated by local Khasis and Khasi Students Union members in around Shillong city.[34][35][36] In 2020, The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has issued an ultimatum to all the Hindu-Bengalis to leave Ichamati and Majai areas at Shella in East Khasi Hills within one month which have ultimately lead to clashes between Hindu Bengalis and Khasi Christian tribals resulting in one death and several injuries.[37]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Population by religion community – 2011". Census of India, 2011. The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived from the original on 25 August 2015.
  2. ^ Das, Manosh (15 October 2010). "Lofty Himalayas notwithstanding, the tribal people of Nartiang in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya truly believe that their scenic little hamlet is the "permanent abode" of Goddess Durga. Perched atop a hillock is the more than 600-year old and ancient Durgabari - a simple house made of stones and wood complete with tin roofing. Revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the temple has been drawing a large number of pilgrims from all over the country on occasion of Durga Puja. - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  3. ^ "History lessons from Nartiang". The Shillong Times. 2020-09-12. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  4. ^ a b "Hindu Jaintias of Meghalaya & Worship of Ma Jayanteswári - The Verandah Club". theverandahclub.com. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  5. ^ "Khasi leader stated that, "We are not Hindus though some of our practices are similar."". ThePrint.
  6. ^ "Behdienkhlam Festival". Meghalaya Government Portal. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  7. ^ https://www.epw.in/journal/2016/9/web-exclusives/khasis-hindus.html
  8. ^ "Niamtre, Hinduism and Ram Temple in Ayodhya". The Shillong Times. 2020-08-03. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  9. ^ "Historical Syndai hamlet in ruins - Archaeological remains of buildings of Jaintia kings suffer from government neglect". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  10. ^ Karmakar, Rahul (2019-11-10). "In Meghalaya, Christians care for Shivalingams". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  11. ^ "Pilgrims throng Mawjymbuin Cave in Meghalaya". The Times of India. 2019-08-12. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  12. ^ https://www.aninews.in/news/lifestyle/travel/mawjymbuin-caves-emerge-as-tourist-hotspot-in-meghalaya20190811020632/
  13. ^ "The Walk of the Faithful". The Meghalayan. 2023-09-02. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  14. ^ "Cultural festival of Meghalaya | Vedic Culture". Hindu Scriptures | Vedic lifestyle, Scriptures, Vedas, Upanishads, Itihaas, Smrutis, Sanskrit. 2018-02-18. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  15. ^ "Behdienkhlam festival | Culture in Meghalaya | Times of India Travel". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  16. ^ B. G. Karlsson (2000). Contested Belonging: An Indigenous People's Struggle for Forest and Identity in Sub-Himalayan Bengal. Psychology Press. ISBN 978-0-7007-1179-6.
  17. ^ "Districts Religious Population-2001, Meghalaya".
  18. ^ http://lsi.gov.in › bitstreamPDF Religion, Part IV-B (ii), Series-16, Meghalaya
  19. ^ http://megplanning.gov.in › ...PDF s C - Planning Department, Government of Meghalaya
  20. ^ "Hindu population comes down in Meghalaya". Times of India. Archived from the original on 31 August 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  21. ^ "Shillong Metropolitan Urban Region Population 2011 Census". www.census2011.com.
  22. ^ http://www.cpsindia.org Archived 18 May 2021 at the Wayback Machine › BlogsPDF Web results The Christianisation of the Northeast - Centre for Policy Studies
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h "Religion Data of Census 2011: XXX ST Meghalaya".
  24. ^ censusindia.gov.in https://censusindia.gov.in › 4...PDF 1991 Census religion
  25. ^ censusindia.gov.in https://censusindia.gov.in › catalog C-01: Population by religious community, Meghalaya - 2001
  26. ^ censusindia.gov.in https://censusindia.gov.in › catalog C-01: Population by religious community, Meghalaya - 2011
  27. ^ "Muslim population up; Hindus dip". 18 September 2015.
  28. ^ "Oppression of non-tribals by the Tribals". 20 November 2020.
  29. ^ "Meghalaya extremists ask non-tribal group to leave". The Hindu. 2 March 2020.
  30. ^ "Explained: Behind Meghalaya violence". 6 March 2020.
  31. ^ "A riot that changed a city: 40 years of 79'er gondogul - the 1979 Shillong anti-Bengali riots". 22 October 2019.
  32. ^ "'Nepalis living in terror in Meghalaya'". 29 May 2010.
  33. ^ Karmakar, Rahul (9 June 2018). "Why did riots erupt in Shillong?". The Hindu.
  34. ^ "Now, Christians attack Dalit Sikhs in Shillong. Pray tell, where is the outrage?".
  35. ^ "Khasi-Punjabi clashes: Why there is unrest in Meghalaya capital". 3 June 2018.
  36. ^ "How Shillong got a separate Punjabi colony and why it's a problem now".
  37. ^ "Meghalaya: HNLC issues 'leave Ichamati, Majai' notice to Hindu-Bengalis". March 2020.
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