"The Khasis" is a comprehensive anthropological study of the Khasi people, an indigenous tribe living in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in northeast India. Written by P. R. T. Gurdon, who conducted extensive fieldwork among the Khasis, the book delves into the tribe's history, culture, religion, economy, social structure, and political organization. The book begins by tracing the Khasis' origin myths and their migration to the hills and goes on to describe their traditional way of life, including their matrilineal family system, agricultural practices, and religious beliefs. Gurdon also examines the impact of British colonialism on the Khasis, and how it led to changes in their economy and political organization. Throughout the book, Gurdon provides a detailed and nuanced portrayal of the Khasis, drawing on his firsthand observations as well as historical and ethnographic sources. "The Khasis" remains an important work on the tribe and continues to be a valuable resource for scholars and anyone interested in the anthropology and history of northeast India.
P. R. T. Gurdon was a British anthropologist and scholar of India, who is best known for his work on the Khasi tribe of northeast India. He was born in 1890 and educated at Cambridge University, where he studied Classics and Sanskrit. After completing his studies, Gurdon served as an administrative officer in India for several years before turning to anthropology. He conducted extensive fieldwork among the Khasis in the 1930s, living among them for extended periods and immersing himself in their way of life. This led to the publication of his seminal work, "The Khasis", which is considered one of the most detailed and comprehensive studies of the tribe. Gurdon's other works include "The Khasis and Their Customs" (1937), "A Handbook of the Khasi Language" (1948), and "The Khasi Highlands: With a Note on the Customs of the People" (1960). In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Gurdon was also a keen photographer and took many photographs of the Khasis and their way of life. Gurdon passed away in 1972, but his work on the Khasis continues to be an important resource for scholars and anyone interested in the anthropology and history of northeast India.
