Question

Haba thung ïa uno na kine ki jait mawbyrna ba ki trai ki ju khawai ïa kiba wan ïa rap da ka ja-khwanwei?

• A. Mawlum
• B. Mawnïam
• C. Maw-lynti
• D. Maw-umkoi

Hint:

In Khasi rituals, each “maw” (stone) has a symbolic purpose — remember, {Mawlum} = ancestral offerings, {Mawnïam} = worship, {Maw-lynti} = path, and {Maw-umkoi} = water.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Khasi Cultural Context.
In Khasi tradition, different types of stones, known as mawbyrna, are believed to hold spiritual and cultural significance.
Each stone type has a distinct use in rituals, traditions, and ceremonies related to ancestral worship.
These stones are often placed or “thung” (planted) in sacred spots to mark spiritual or ancestral events.
Step 2: Meaning of “Ja-Khwanwei.”
The term “ja-khwanwei” refers to ritual food offered to the ancestors during ceremonies.
It is a symbolic act of feeding the spirits or souls of the departed, showing respect and maintaining the connection between the living and the dead.
The stone associated with this offering represents stability, continuity, and sacred remembrance in Khasi culture.
Step 3: Role of Mawlum Stone.
Among all the listed stones, the Mawlum stone is most closely connected with ancestral offerings and ceremonies involving food.
It is traditionally believed that when the Mawlum stone is placed, it invites the spirits of ancestors to partake symbolically in the “ja-khwanwei.”
This stone therefore symbolizes reverence for ancestors and acts as a medium between the spiritual and the physical world.
Step 4: Elimination of Incorrect Options.
- (2) Mawnïam — associated with religious rituals but not with food offerings.
- (3) Maw-lynti — symbolizes the path or journey; not used in ancestral offerings.
- (4) Maw-umkoi — connected with water sources or sacred springs, not food rituals.
Hence, these options can be eliminated.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is (1) Mawlum, as it is the stone most directly related to ancestral food offerings (ja-khwanwei).