Revisiting Khasi Archery A study

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The author of this book "Revisiting Khasi Archery: A study. Dr. Roplyneda Lyngdoh has contributed and added academic value in the field of cultural studies, and from the point of sociology this work has very interesting insights. When we look around for publications on such subject-matter majority of the published materials on archery of Khasi community are in Khasi language. This publication has provided an opportunity for others to read and understand archery in the context of Khasi community Dr. Lyngdoh has brought out various aspects related with archery. I will not delve on all those aspects because readers should have their own delights reading such wholesome accounts.

However, there are some dimensions from this interesting work that we can draw. Firstly we need to be very clear that archery of Khasi community is not about betting and probability calculation of numbers on the basis of one's own dreams. This irrational practice of interpretation of dreams and converting dreams into numbers-cum-betting archery we see today is legal betting legitimised by the Government of Meghalaya. In the Khasi world view archery is related with Khasi men, and it should be noted that traditional archery of the community continues in many parts of Khasi and Jaintia hills.

This book entitled "Revisiting Khasi Archery A Study" is an attempt to give a systematic account of the game of archery in the Khasi society, its significance, functions and importance as a traditional sport as well as the changes that brought about the new evolving form of the modern game Tim. Archery is considered as the chief as well as the most interesting game amongst the Khasis. As is well known, this game is traditionally an outcome of war and other types of combats among the Khasis and hence occupies the pride of place amongst the people. It also plays a significant role in helping them maintain their distinctive identity. In recent years, with the advancement of development and modern education, and most of all the influence of Christianity, has brought about a sea-change in the life of the Khasis. Their folklore, customs and practices, in a word, their culture has undergone major changes; people's life is faced with threats and dangers of continuity of lifestyle brought about by the modernism. Hence, a quest for one's own identity arises at this juncture, not how to adopt and live a new life style but how to go back in search of the roots of origin where one comes from and retain these roots partially if not wholly or to even create new ones that will fit in the present day amidst the influence and changes of the modern world. **Contents and Sample Pages**