Indigenous Cultural Relocation in Desmond Kharmawphlang’s Poems

Abstract

Desmond Kharmawphlang, a well-known Khasi poet and folklorist, expresses deep concern over the preservation of traditional Khasi culture. In his poetry collections Touchstone (1988) and Here (1993), he reflects on the cultural disruptions brought about by British colonization, which he views as a significant threat to the continuity of Khasi traditions. As the community undergoes rapid modernization, Kharmawphlang explores key elements of Khasi life—its history, traditional institutions, and relationship with the natural world. His engagement with these themes is rooted in the politics of cultural heritage, identifying the values and practices that contribute to a shared cultural identity. His poems reflect how ideas and narratives from the past are actively reshaped and preserved. This article examines how Kharmawphlang’s poetry positions every member of the Khasi community as a participant in the construction of a sustainable and culturally grounded future.