Sociology Internship on the culture of the Khasi Tribe in North-East India.

About Internship

Co-Guide Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Department of Ethnomusicology/Performing Arts, from MIT , PUNE, is accepting interns interested in the field of Sociology, in the research area of Ethnomusicology.

In the realm of preserving cultural heritage, it is imperative to delve into unique traditions that serve as threads, weaving together the identity of a community. One such captivating practice can be found in the musical whistling names of the Khasi subtribe, who are living in Kongthong village, Meghalaya. Nestled in the far east of India, the invaluable practice of mothers in this village is creating unique whistling calls to communicate with their children, navigate through jungles, and send messages. This lesser-known aspect of Khasi sub-tribe culture holds tremendous significance and deserves scholarly attention. Passed down through generations, they are more than mere sounds; they are living testaments to the rich tapestry of tradition, creativity, and legacy. Kongthong village was recognised by the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013 and 2017 respectively for this oral tradition. The selected intern shall work towards a project on the same. Preference would be for students from East India who know geographically the land and specifically the culture of the Khasi tribe. Through a mixed research methodology, the author as an ethnomusicologist will uncover the enduring essence of village traditions through orally transmitted information, preserving musical names that reflect nature's inspiration. The interdisciplinary new research will be focused on how the unique whistle scale and notes are distinct from human voices? Why this unique way of communication developed and how? What are the intricate relationships between new technologies and external influences on this age-old practice? and how the younger generation is championing efforts to conserve and revive this endangered heritage. Selected interns will assist in collecting oral histories from Kongthong village, focusing on the unique whistling communication of the Khasi subtribe, documenting personal stories, and understanding how this practice has evolved over generations.