Shillong to Host Play on Khasi Resistance and National Heritage

Shillong: Shillong hits the stage on July 15. The Jaiaw Shyiap Lumpyllon Hall will host a production titled Rikynti Ka Rilum Khasi: Virasat: The Eternal Hills. It tracks Khasi resistance to British rule and the roots of the national song Vande Mataram. The Sangeet Natak Akademi and Riti Academy of Visual Arts are behind the show.

Phrangsngi Wahlang directs the performance. Raphael Warjri wrote the script. The play uses the traditional Khasi Phawar, an oral poetic form, to map out the fight for ancestral land. It plays out through a conversation between a grandfather and his granddaughter. They bridge the gap between historical struggles and modern life.

The narrative hits the major milestones. It covers the Anglo-Khasi War led by Tirot Sing Syiem. It digs into the Federation of Khasi States and their fight for self-governance. The production recreates the attack at Nongkhlaw. Organisers note that the event, often labeled a massacre in colonial files, stands as an act of defiance in local memory. According to the organisers, the production aims to encourage younger audiences to engage with the region's history while recognising the contribution of the Khasi people to India's freedom movement and cultural heritage.

Expect plenty of drama. The crew uses traditional music, dance, and choreography to push the message. They want to spotlight the courage and resilience embedded in the culture.