1844.] Notes on the Kasia Hills, and People. 625 



it occasionally ; he seems merely entertained to continue the family to 

 which his wife belongs. Separation is signified by the exchange of five 

 cowries, and the children abide with the mother. There are, however, 

 instances of more honourable and lasting unions. In consequence 

 of this loose system, we find that generally there is little or no attach- 

 ment between a grown-up son and his father, as probably the latter has 

 long left his first family, and perhaps others in the interval ; whilst the af- 

 fection between mother and son is very strong, and all the child's at- 

 tachment rests with his mother's kin. A Kasia if asked after his father 

 will often tell you that he is dead, meaning only that all connection be- 

 tween them has ceased. I remember once in walking with U-mung 

 above mentioned, he exchanged salutations with a comely lass, younger 

 than himself. On my asking, he said she was his * Chota ma,' his 

 father's present wife. 



Immediately connected with this system, and we may suppose origi- 

 nating in it, is their strange (though not unique) law of succession. 

 The son has no claim to succeed his father, whether it be in the chief- 

 ship or in private property. The sister's son has the inheritance. And 

 the Raja's neglected offspring may be a common peasant or labourer, 

 whilst he sees his cousin cherished, as the heir of his father's authority 

 and wealth. 



The greatest festivities of the people are funereal ; either at the burn- 

 ing of the dead, or when a Khasia collects the ashes of his family, and 

 erects a monument in their honor. On great occasions of this kind they 

 hold a public dance for several successive days. The numerous perform- 

 ers are recompensed by an ample feast of pork and whisky. The dance is 

 performed either with fans or swords. In the former, the men dance round 

 and round a circle in the market place, or other open space, somewhat 

 monotonously, attitudinizing and brandishing fans. They are all clad 

 in the most brilliant finery that they possess, or can hire ; richly 

 embroidered outer shirts of broadcloth, silken turbans and dhoties, large 

 bangles, heavy silver chains, and gold necklaces with plumes of down 

 or peacock's feathers, and ornamental quivers. In the centre are the 

 village maidens, they form in twos and threes, and set to one another 

 with a comical pas of exceeding simplicity, which seems to be per- 

 formed by raising the heels, and twisting from side to side, on the fore 

 part of both feet, which never leave the ground. Their eyes are 



