Question

Kano na kine ki rukom bishar ba u Syiem u pan ban ïa noh ka syrwet umjer?

• A. Ka bishar ha ki mukotduma khyndew
• B. Ka bishar da ka Jingpynsmai
• C. Ka bishar u Syiem
• D. Ka bishar ngam um

Hint:

“Ka bishar ngam um” symbolizes divine justice — where truth is tested through water, reflecting Khasi faith in nature’s purity and fairness.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the concept of “Bishar.”
The term “bishar” means judgment or trial in Khasi traditional law.
In olden days, when modern legal systems did not exist, Khasi people practiced different types of judgment methods to determine guilt or innocence.
Each type of “bishar” reflected both spiritual and social elements of justice.
Step 2: What is “Syrwet umjer”?
“Syrwet umjer” refers to divine or supernatural punishment believed to follow after committing a wrongdoing or lying under oath.
It is said that if someone speaks falsely or performs wrongdoing, nature itself (through water, sickness, or misfortune) will punish them.
Hence, in certain cases, the Syiem (traditional ruler) would seek divine guidance by calling for a water-based trial.
Step 3: Explanation of “Ka bishar ngam um.”
“Ka bishar ngam um” literally means “trial by immersion in water.”
It was a traditional form of divine test where the accused was made to immerse in water to prove innocence.
If the person remained unharmed or emerged safely, they were considered innocent — as the water (symbol of purity) would not harm the truthful.
If harm befell them, it was taken as a sign of guilt.
The Syiem would then declare the result based on this divine evidence.
Step 4: Elimination of Incorrect Options.
- (1) Ka bishar ha ki mukotduma khyndew — Refers to land-related cases; no connection with divine punishment.
- (2) Ka bishar da ka Jingpynsmai — Refers to trials involving oath-taking or verbal testimony, not “syrwet umjer.”
- (3) Ka bishar u Syiem — Denotes a royal or administrative judgment but not a divine one.
- (4) Ka bishar ngam um — Correct; the trial by immersion in water used when seeking divine intervention or proof.
Step 5: Cultural Importance.
The “bishar ngam um” reflects Khasi belief in the divine balance of nature and justice.
It signifies that truth and purity will always prevail, as nature itself acts as the ultimate judge.
This system also served as a moral deterrent, ensuring people stayed truthful in community matters.
Step 6: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is (4) Ka bishar ngam um, the traditional form of water-based divine trial performed by the Syiem.