VI Demography

A. Number of Speakers

The number of Khasi speakers in India according to 2001 census is 1,128,575.

The following table shows the mothertongue grouped under Khasi language.

1. Main Habitat:

Number of Khasi speakers in the States and Union Territories of India according to 2001 census.

a. Male/Female

b. Rural/Urban

Number of Khasi speakers (areawise) in India according to 2001 census.

2.Decennial Growth:

The following table shows the decennial growth of Khasi Speakers.

B. Settlement pattern

Khasi, a tribe reside in the Khasi and Jaintia Hill district of Meghalaya. The Khasis inhabit the Khasi Hills proper, the Syntengs or Pnars inhabit the Jaintia Hills, the Lynngams inhabit the western portion of the Khasi Hills proper while the Bhois live in the low hills to the north and north-east of the district. The Wars inhabit the precipitous slopes and deep valleys to the south of the district. Khasi speakers are also found in neighboring state of Assam (Karbi Anglong District) and across the international border in Bangladesh. (Some Khasi villages are also found in Bangladesh and the Khasis who live there speak a variety of Khasi similar to War Jaintia dialect). Khasi speakers (few in number) are also found in other states of the north-eastern region as well as in other parts of the country. Most Khasi are Presbyterian, Anglican, Roman Catholic, or followers of the original Khasi religion (Ka Niam Tynrai), although there is a tiny Unitarian presence, as well.

The following table gives the settlement pattern of the Khasi community in Meghalaya.

C. Literacy and Education

1. Literacy

a.Rate

The literacy rate of Khasi community in Meghalaya, according to 2001 census, is given below.