Indigenous means of communication amongst social dignitaries of Hill Karbis of Assam

Abstract

<span style="mso-bidi-language:HI">Communication is the lifeline of modern civilization. There exist an indigenous means of communication amongst social dignitaries of the Hill Karbis, Assam, India using a symbol called Lam Kido - made out of bamboo splits. In this study an attempt has been made to trace the origin of Kido and its significance in the social life of the Karbis. The study area covers the western part of (Karbi Anglong district, where Lam kido had its origin and its uses still practiced. Lam Kido, often referred as only Kido, is the official means of communication between a Karbi traditional chief Lindokpo, and his subordinate Habe, who looks after the customs and traditions of a designated area called Longri. Only the Lindokpos enjoy the privilege of sanctioning the making of Kido which of course is preceded by a discussion in the traditional council. The Kido or Royal letter is carried by lower level dignitaries Borsinot and Bormiji. The content of the letter is coded in the form of knots in the tail part of the letter i.e. Kido. The study further revealed that though the message for the Habe is verbally passed through the messenger, the message will be considered authentic only if it is accompanied by the Kido from the sender, Lin-dokpo.

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