Khasi Poetry

This work deals with the questions that are central to the origin and development of written Khasi poetry. It is the result of the first systematic study ever underaken in Khasi literature. Here he (1) traces hte origin and follows the develiopmen tof written Khasi poetry in the first 100 years of its history beginning 1841, (2) finds the Khasi poetry originated in folk tales, fables, folk songs, translation, religious and socio-political thoughts, (3) shows with the examples that some poets were influenced by the art and themes of English poets, and examines the cuases of the influences, (4) examines the naturem theme, style, and meaning of the poems in the major section of the work, (5) interprets the poems he examines in alucid and simple way. Now that advances have been made in the study and teaching of Khasi poetry , teaches and students will find in this book background information as well as reliable interpretation of the poems during the period covered by the work. The treatment is intended to provide an insights of the Khasi milieu, including the change of life style along with the progress of eduction in the pre-independence days. Therefore, the chapters are arranged in a systematic ofrder which will enable readers of varied disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, education and religious pholosophy with a view to find the book exactly what they wish to know. 

Dr. H. W. Sten (b. 1938) passed M. A. (English) in 1975 and was awarded Ph. D. in 1983 by the North Eastern Hill University on Khasi Poetry : Its Origin and Development. He added to his academic qualification while serving. Prior to his appointment as lecturer in Sankardev College in 1986, he had been the Editor of three prestigious journals from 1971 to 1976. Since 1982, he is serving as Reader of Khasi in NEHU, teaching literature and linguistics.