Changing Context of Bangladesh’s Matrilineal Khasi Ethnic Group: A Critical Evaluation from a Sociocultural Perspective

Abstract

This research examines the reality of women experiencing changes in their traditional matrilineal social order, namely the women of Magur Chara Khasi Punjee in Bangladesh’s Moulvibazar district. This research focuses on the Khasi ethnic group, with an emphasis on the analysis of the reality of women in a shifting traditional matrilineal social structure and the comprehension of the deviating role of women in their sociocultural transformation. In other words, it will attempt to comprehend the shift that occurs and the alterations to their way of life, culture, norms, traditions, value systems, and beliefs. The study examines the changing trait of the Khasi women of Bangladesh. The vibrant lives of Bangladesh’s many ethnic groups have greatly enhanced the country’s overall culture. Different ethnic groups have resided in Bangladesh for ages. Due to their distinctive social and cultural practices, languages, and customs, these people are referred to as “Adivasis” by themselves. They are officially referred to as the state’s minor ethnic community. The Khasi community is one of the most marginalized and at-risk ethnic communities in Bangladesh, who reside in the districts of Sylhet and Moulvibazar, identified as the Khasi Mongoloid race. They moved from Assam to Bangladesh some 500 years ago, most likely from Tibet, and now they make up one of the largest matrilineal tribes in the country.