Question

Ka mut aiû khap ïasuk ?

• A. Ki nongaïakajia ki dei ban siew tyngka sbai katba ki pynshong ki tymmen ki san
• B. Ki nongaïakajia ki dei ban siew tyngka sbai katba pynshong u Syiem
• C. Ki nongaïakajia ki dei ban siew tyngka sbai katba pynshong u Basan
• D. Ki nongaïakajia ki ïasuk ïaibha khlem donkam siew tyngka sbai

Hint:

In Khasi customary law, “ïasuk” means peaceful settlement. True reconciliation values forgiveness and mutual respect over material compensation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the phrase “Aiû khap ïasuk.”
The phrase “aiû khap ïasuk” is deeply rooted in Khasi customary law and tradition.
It refers to the process of reconciliation between two conflicting parties.
The word “ïasuk” means to make peace, while “aiû khap” signifies the act of reconciliation or settlement of disputes.
Step 2: The cultural essence of reconciliation.
In Khasi culture, disputes between families, clans, or individuals are often resolved through mutual discussion and moral understanding.
Traditionally, such reconciliations were not driven by monetary compensation but by restoring respect and harmony between the parties involved.
Thus, “aiû khap ïasuk” focuses more on emotional and social healing than financial penalties.
Step 3: Role of elders and social harmony.
Usually, elders (ki tymmen ki san) or community leaders facilitate these reconciliations.
However, when reconciliation is achieved peacefully without payment of any penalty (tyngka sbai), it represents true understanding and forgiveness.
This aligns with the Khasi philosophy that emphasizes peace, respect, and coexistence over material compensation.
Step 4: Elimination of incorrect options.
- (1) Incorrect: It involves paying tyngka sbai (compensation), which contradicts the meaning of peaceful reconciliation.
- (2) Incorrect: The mention of “u Syiem” indicates royal judgment, not mutual settlement.
- (3) Incorrect: “u Basan” refers to religious or ceremonial authority, not the concept of reconciliation.
- (4) Correct: It precisely defines that both parties agree peacefully (ïasuk ïaibha) without any payment or external intervention.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct meaning of “aiû khap ïasuk” is the mutual peaceful settlement between parties without any monetary penalty, represented by option (4).