(Ebook) The Federation of Khasi States: History, Epistemology and Politics by Kharshiing, J & Bodhi S.R ISBN 9788194205913, 8194205913

(Ebook) The Federation of Khasi States: History, Epistemology and Politics by Kharshiing, J & Bodhi S.R ISBN 9788194205913, 8194205913

The Federation of Khasi states is a study of the traditional political system prevalent among the Khasis of Meghalaya. It provides an important site for interesting theoretical discussions on the nature of the state or political system in a traditional tribal society and its engagement with the larger world. Such studies have remained unexplored in the context of tribes in India. The monograph is a pioneering venture in this sense.
The conceptual distinction between state and society emerged in European thought in the 18th century. Before this period, the term state and society were in use but there was no distinction made between the two. Writing on the state was considered as writing on society and vice versa. Since the making of the distinction, the state has been a subject of much engagement in European thought and scholarship. The scholarly concern with the state has spread to other parts of the world as well. The prominent role the state has come to play in the lives of the people in modern times may be the reason for such attention on the state. Needless to say, much of the concern has been with the modern state.