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{{Short description|Indian historian, writer and film director}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
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| awards                  = [[Padma Shri]]<br>Meghalaya Day Award
| awards                  = [[Padma Shri]]<br>Meghalaya Day Award
}}
}}
'''Hamlet Bareh Ngapkynta''' (1931-2012) was an Indian writer, historian and film director from the Northeast Indian state of [[Meghalaya]].<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81">{{cite web | url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120725/jsp/northeast/story_15768045.jsp#.VkwQUvkrLIU | title=Hamlet Bareh dies at 81 | publisher=The Telegraph | date=25 July 2012 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> He is known as the first person from the [[Khasi people|Khasi tribe]], an indigenous ethic group of the state, to secure a doctoral degree (PhD)<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more">{{cite web | url=http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2012/07/25/dr-hamlet-bareh-no-more/ | title=Dr Hamlet Bareh no more | publisher=Shillong TImes | date=25 July 2012 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> and as the maker of the first feature film in [[Khasi language]], ''Ka Synjuk Ri ki Laiphew Syiem'' (The Alliance of Thirty Kings).<ref name="Film bouquet on birthday">{{cite web | url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130118/jsp/northeast/story_16455113.jsp#.VkwRbfkrLIU | title=Film bouquet on birthday | publisher=The Telegraph | date=18 January 2013 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> He was the chairman of the executive committee of the [[Rajiv Gandhi University]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]] and a recipient of the 2004 ''Meghalaya Day Award''.<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81" /> The Government of India awarded him the fourth highest civilian honour of the [[Padma Shri]] in 2004,<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web | url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | title=Padma Awards | publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India | date=2015 | access-date=21 July 2015}}</ref>
'''Hamlet Bareh Ngapkynta''' (1931–2012) was an Indian writer, historian and film director from the Northeast Indian state of [[Meghalaya]].<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81">{{cite web | url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120725/jsp/northeast/story_15768045.jsp | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119123113/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120725/jsp/northeast/story_15768045.jsp | url-status=dead | archive-date=19 November 2015 | title=Hamlet Bareh dies at 81 | publisher=The Telegraph | date=25 July 2012 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> He is known as the first person from the [[Khasi people|Khasi tribe]], an indigenous ethnic group of the state, to secure a doctoral degree (PhD)<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more">{{cite web | url=http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2012/07/25/dr-hamlet-bareh-no-more/ | title=Dr Hamlet Bareh no more | publisher=Shillong Times | date=25 July 2012 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> and as the maker of the first feature film in the [[Khasi language]], ''Ka Synjuk Ri ki Laiphew Syiem'' (The Alliance of Thirty Kings).<ref name="Film bouquet on birthday">{{cite web | url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130118/jsp/northeast/story_16455113.jsp | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122060055/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130118/jsp/northeast/story_16455113.jsp | url-status=dead | archive-date=22 January 2013 | title=Film bouquet on birthday | publisher=The Telegraph | date=18 January 2013 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> He was the chairman of the executive committee of the [[Rajiv Gandhi University]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], and a recipient of the 2004 ''Meghalaya Day Award''.<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81" /> The Government of India awarded him the fourth highest civilian honour of the [[Padma Shri]] in 2004.<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web | url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | title=Padma Awards | publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India | date=2015 | access-date=21 July 2015 | archive-date=15 October 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015193758/http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref>


== Biography ==
== Biography ==
Hamlet Bareh was born in Jaiaw Lumsyntiew, a village in the Northeast Indian state of [[Meghalaya]] on 3 May 1931 to Besina Dkhar and Mondon Bareh, an educationist, as the youngest of their ten children.<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE">{{cite web | url=http://dr-hamlet-bareh-ngapkynta.weebly.com/ | title=DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE | publisher=HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA - Commemorative Pages | date=2015 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> He was brought up by his mother as his father died before he turned one and he did his schooling at Jaiaw Practising School, Khasi Jaintia National School and Shillong Boys’ Government High School and did his graduate studies at [[St. Edmund's College, Shillong]].<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more" /> His master's studies were at [[Guwahati University]] from where he also secured his doctoral degree (PhD) in 1963 for his thesis, ''The origin and history of the Khasi people'', becoming the first [[Khasi people|Khasi]] person to receive a doctoral degree.<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81" /> The achievement is reported to have earned him a congratulatory letter from [[Indira Gandhi]], the then [[Prime Minister of India]].<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE" />
Hamlet Bareh was born in Jaiaw Lumsyntiew, a village in the Northeast Indian state of [[Meghalaya]] on 3 May 1931 to Besina Dkhar and Mondon Bareh, an educationist, as the youngest of their ten children.<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE">{{cite web | url=http://dr-hamlet-bareh-ngapkynta.weebly.com/ | title=DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE | publisher=HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA - Commemorative Pages | date=2015 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> He was brought up by his mother as his father died before he turned one and he did his schooling at Jaiaw Practising School, Khasi Jaintia National School and Shillong Boys' Government High School and did his graduate studies at [[St. Edmund's College, Shillong]].<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more" /> His master's studies were at [[Guwahati University]] from where he also secured his doctoral degree (PhD) in 1963 for his thesis, ''The origin and history of the Khasi people'', becoming the first [[Khasi people|Khasi]] person to receive a doctoral degree.<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81" /> The achievement is reported to have earned him a congratulatory letter from [[Indira Gandhi]], the then [[Prime Minister of India]].<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE" />


Bareh had started his career while doing his master's degree studies as a teacher at the local Government High School. Later, he would work as a publicity officer of Union Christian College, before joining his alma mater, [[St. Edmund's College, Shillong]], to teach History and [[Khasi language]].<ref name="MCTA condole death of Dr Hamlet Bareh">{{cite web | url=http://meghalayatimes.info/index.php/editorial/26-archive/front-page/july-2012/2067-mcta-condole-death-of-dr-hamlet-bareh | title=MCTA condole death of Dr Hamlet Bareh | publisher=Meghalaya Times | date=July 2012 | access-date=19 November 2015}}</ref> After completing his doctoral studies, he resigned from College and took up the post of the Editor of the ''District Gazetteers'' of the present day [[Arunachal Pradesh]], then known as [[North East Frontier Agency]] (NEFA).<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE" /> He also worked as a visiting fellow of the [[Indian Institute of Advanced Study]], [[Shimla]] during 1973–74.<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE" /> When [[North Eastern Hill University]] was established in 1974, Bareh was appointed as the Reader, with the responsibility of its [[continuing education]] as well as the [[adult education]] programmes. He stayed at the university till his retirement in 1996, before which he served the institution as the founder Head and professor of its ''Centre for Creative Arts''.<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81" />
Bareh had started his career while doing his master's degree studies as a teacher at the local Government High School. Later, he would work as a publicity officer of Union Christian College, before joining his alma mater, [[St. Edmund's College, Shillong]], to teach History and [[Khasi language]].<ref name="MCTA condole death of Dr Hamlet Bareh">{{cite web | url=http://meghalayatimes.info/index.php/editorial/26-archive/front-page/july-2012/2067-mcta-condole-death-of-dr-hamlet-bareh | title=MCTA condole death of Dr Hamlet Bareh | publisher=Meghalaya Times | date=July 2012 | access-date=19 November 2015}}</ref> After completing his doctoral studies, he resigned from College and took up the post of the Editor of the ''District Gazetteers'' of the present day [[Arunachal Pradesh]], then known as [[North East Frontier Agency]] (NEFA).<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE" /> He also worked as a visiting fellow of the [[Indian Institute of Advanced Study]], [[Shimla]] during 1973–74.<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE" /> When [[North Eastern Hill University]] was established in 1974, Bareh was appointed as the Reader, with the responsibility of its [[continuing education]] as well as the [[adult education]] programmes. He stayed at the university until his retirement in 1996, before which he served the institution as the founder Head and professor of its ''Centre for Creative Arts''.<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81" />


Towards the later stages of his life, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of [[Rajiv Gandhi University]], in [[Arunachal Pradesh]].<ref name="Noted Indian historian Hamlet passed away" /> He died at Shillong on 24 July 2012, at the age of 81.<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more" /> His wife, Merlicia Kharshiing, preceded him in death and he was survived by their four children.<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more" /> His body was laid to rest in the [[Church of North India]] Cemetery in [[Shillong]].<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81" />
Towards the later stages of his life, he was appointed as the Chairman of the executive committee of [[Rajiv Gandhi University]], in [[Arunachal Pradesh]].<ref name="Noted Indian historian Hamlet passed away" /> He died at Shillong on 24 July 2012, at the age of 81.<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more" /> His wife, Merlicia Kharshiing, preceded him in death and he was survived by their four children.<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more" /> His body was laid to rest in the [[Church of North India]] Cemetery in [[Shillong]].<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81" />


== Legacy and honours ==
== Legacy and honours ==
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Bareh was the president of the Khasi Cultural Society and Khasi Jaiñtia Welfare Association and when the Society produced a feature film, ''Ka Synjuk Ri Ki Laiphew Syiem'' (The Alliance of Thirty Kings), he was selected to direct the film.<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more" /> A 35-minute-long short feature film, it was the first ever feature film made in [[Khasi language]]<ref name="Film bouquet on birthday" /> and featured a couple of songs written by him.<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE" /> During 1998–2000, he was involved in writing two of his books, under the ''Emeritus fellowship'' of the [[University Grants Commission (India)|University Grants Commission]]; he had earlier received the National Fellowship of the UGC.<ref name="Noted Indian historian Hamlet passed away">{{cite web | url=http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20120724/2030460.html | title=Noted Indian historian Hamlet passed away | publisher=Web India | date=24 July 2012 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref>
Bareh was the president of the Khasi Cultural Society and Khasi Jaiñtia Welfare Association and when the Society produced a feature film, ''Ka Synjuk Ri Ki Laiphew Syiem'' (The Alliance of Thirty Kings), he was selected to direct the film.<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more" /> A 35-minute-long short feature film, it was the first ever feature film made in [[Khasi language]]<ref name="Film bouquet on birthday" /> and featured a couple of songs written by him.<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE" /> During 1998–2000, he was involved in writing two of his books, under the ''Emeritus fellowship'' of the [[University Grants Commission (India)|University Grants Commission]]; he had earlier received the National Fellowship of the UGC.<ref name="Noted Indian historian Hamlet passed away">{{cite web | url=http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20120724/2030460.html | title=Noted Indian historian Hamlet passed away | publisher=Web India | date=24 July 2012 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref>


Besides many articles,<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA  & MR AZRA SINGH KHONGPHAI ON  JAID DKHAR CLANS OF THE KHASI">{{cite web | url=http://dr-hamlet-bareh-ngapkynta.weebly.com/articles.html | title=DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA & MR AZRA SINGH KHONGPHAI ON JAID DKHAR CLANS OF THE KHASI | publisher=Articles | date=2015 | access-date=19 November 2015}}</ref> Bareh published several books,<ref name="au:Bareh, Hamlet.">{{cite web | url=http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=au%3ABareh%2C+Hamlet.&qt=hot_author | title=au:Bareh, Hamlet. | publisher=WorldCat | date=2015 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> reported to be over 50, which included ''The Art History of Meghalaya'',<ref name="The Art History of Meghalaya">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/?id=HckrAAAAMAAJ | title=The Art History of Meghalaya | publisher=Agam Kala Prakashan | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=1991 | pages=222}}</ref> ''William Carey in a new perspective'',<ref name="William Carey in a new perspective">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/?id=wu6lcjQksesC | title=William Carey in a new perspective | publisher=Spectrum Publications | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=2004 | pages=243 | isbn=9788187502418}}</ref> ''A Short History of Khasi Literature'',<ref name="A Short History of Khasi Literature">{{cite book | url=https://www.amazon.com/A-short-history-Khasi-literature/dp/B0006D2VQW | title=A Short History of Khasi Literature | publisher=Don Bosco Press | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=1969 | pages=108 | asin=B0006D2VQW}}</ref> ''The Language and Literature of Meghalaya'',<ref name="The Language and Literature of Meghalaya">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/?id=8CVkAAAAMAAJ | title=The Language and Literature of Meghalaya | publisher=Indian Institute of Advanced Study | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=1977 | pages=108 | asin=B0000E92ML}}</ref> ''The History and Culture of the Khasi People''<ref name="The History and Culture of the Khasi People">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/?id=OIpV9K6Je20C | title=The History and Culture of the Khasi People | publisher=Spectrum Publications | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=1997 | isbn=9788185319681}}</ref> and ''The Church of England''.<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more" /> He also wrote two books, ''Progress of Education in Meghalaya,''<ref name="Progress of Education in Meghalaya">{{cite book | title=Progress of Education in Meghalaya | publisher=Cosmo Publications | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=2003 | pages=330 | isbn=9788170206835}}</ref> and ''The Distinguished Educationalists of Meghalaya Past and Present'',<ref name="The Distinguished Educationalists of Meghalaya Past and Present">{{cite book | title=The Distinguished Educationalists of Meghalaya Past and Present | publisher=Khasi Cultural Society | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=1991 | pages=62|oclc = 27339824}}</ref> on the education in Meghalaya and an eight-volume encyclopedia, ''Encyclopaedia of North-east India''.<ref name="Encyclopaedia of North-east India">{{cite book | url=http://www.dkagencies.com/doc/from/1063/to/1123/bkId/DK375233407571258083011731371/details.html | title=Encyclopaedia of North-east India | publisher=Mittal Publications | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=2001 | isbn=8170997879}}</ref> ''Who’s who of Men and Women of Achievement'' (fourth edition-1989) and ''Learned Asia'' (volume 1-1992) have listed his name.<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81" /> The Government of Meghalaya honoured him with ''U Tirot Sing Award'' on Meghalaya Day on 21 January 2004.<ref name="Hamlet Bareh">{{cite web | url=https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL7984A/Hamlet_Bareh | title=Hamlet Bareh | publisher=Open Library | date=2015 | access-date=19 November 2015}}</ref> Five days later, the Government of India included him in the [[Indian honours system|Republic Day honours]] list for the civilian honour of the [[Padma Shri]].<ref name="Padma Awards" />
Besides many articles,<ref name="DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA  & MR AZRA SINGH KHONGPHAI ON  JAID DKHAR CLANS OF THE KHASI">{{cite web | url=http://dr-hamlet-bareh-ngapkynta.weebly.com/articles.html | title=DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA & MR AZRA SINGH KHONGPHAI ON JAID DKHAR CLANS OF THE KHASI | publisher=Articles | date=2015 | access-date=19 November 2015}}</ref> Bareh published several books,<ref name="au:Bareh, Hamlet.">{{cite web | url=http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=au%3ABareh%2C+Hamlet.&qt=hot_author | title=au:Bareh, Hamlet. | publisher=WorldCat | date=2015 | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> reported to be over 50, which included ''The Art History of Meghalaya'',<ref name="The Art History of Meghalaya">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HckrAAAAMAAJ | title=The Art History of Meghalaya | publisher=Agam Kala Prakashan | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=1991 | pages=222| isbn=9780836425963 }}</ref> ''William Carey in a new perspective'',<ref name="William Carey in a new perspective">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wu6lcjQksesC | title=William Carey in a new perspective | publisher=Spectrum Publications | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=2004 | pages=243 | isbn=9788187502418}}</ref> ''A Short History of Khasi Literature'',<ref name="A Short History of Khasi Literature">{{cite book | url=https://www.amazon.com/A-short-history-Khasi-literature/dp/B0006D2VQW | title=A Short History of Khasi Literature | publisher=Don Bosco Press | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=1969 | pages=108 | asin=B0006D2VQW}}</ref> ''The Language and Literature of Meghalaya'',<ref name="The Language and Literature of Meghalaya">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8CVkAAAAMAAJ | title=The Language and Literature of Meghalaya | publisher=Indian Institute of Advanced Study | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=1977 | pages=108 | asin=B0000E92ML}}</ref> ''The History and Culture of the Khasi People''<ref name="The History and Culture of the Khasi People">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OIpV9K6Je20C | title=The History and Culture of the Khasi People | publisher=Spectrum Publications | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=1997 | isbn=9788185319681}}</ref> and ''The Church of England''.<ref name="Dr Hamlet Bareh no more" /> He also wrote two books, ''Progress of Education in Meghalaya,''<ref name="Progress of Education in Meghalaya">{{cite book | title=Progress of Education in Meghalaya | publisher=Cosmo Publications | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=2003 | pages=330 | isbn=9788170206835}}</ref> and ''The Distinguished Educationalists of Meghalaya Past and Present'',<ref name="The Distinguished Educationalists of Meghalaya Past and Present">{{cite book | title=The Distinguished Educationalists of Meghalaya Past and Present | publisher=Khasi Cultural Society | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=1991 | pages=62|oclc = 27339824}}</ref> on the education in Meghalaya and an eight-volume encyclopedia, ''Encyclopaedia of North-east India''.<ref name="Encyclopaedia of North-east India">{{cite book | url=http://www.dkagencies.com/doc/from/1063/to/1123/bkId/DK375233407571258083011731371/details.html | title=Encyclopaedia of North-east India | publisher=Mittal Publications | author=Hamlet Bareh | year=2001 | isbn=8170997879}}</ref> ''Who's who of Men and Women of Achievement'' (fourth edition-1989) and ''Learned Asia'' (volume 1–1992) have listed his name.<ref name="Hamlet Bareh dies at 81" /> The Government of Meghalaya honoured him with ''U Tirot Sing Award'' on Meghalaya Day on 21 January 2004.<ref name="Hamlet Bareh">{{cite web | url=https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL7984A/Hamlet_Bareh | title=Hamlet Bareh | publisher=Open Library | date=2015 | access-date=19 November 2015}}</ref> Five days later, the Government of India included him in the [[Indian honours system|Republic Day honours]] list for the civilian honour of the [[Padma Shri]].<ref name="Padma Awards" />


==Selected bibliography ==
==Selected bibliography ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{cite web | url=http://www.indianautographs.com/productdetail-209204.html | title=Hamlet Bareh Ngapkynta, Prof. | publisher=Indian Autogrpahs | work=Autographs of Scholars and Scientists of India | date=2015 | access-date=19 November 2015}}
* {{cite web | url=http://www.indianautographs.com/productdetail-209204.html | title=Hamlet Bareh Ngapkynta, Prof. | publisher=Indian Autographs | work=Autographs of Scholars and Scientists of India | date=2015 | access-date=19 November 2015}}


{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Literature & Education}}
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Literature & Education}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bareh, Hamlet}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bareh, Hamlet}}
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in literature & education]]
[[Category:1931 births]]
[[Category:1931 births]]
[[Category:2012 deaths]]
[[Category:2012 deaths]]

Latest revision as of 02:57, 6 July 2024


Hamlet Bareh
Born3 May 1931
Jaiaw Lumsyntiew, Meghalaya, India
Died24 July 2012
Resting placeChurch of North India cemetery, Shillong, India
25°33′45″N 91°52′13″E / 25.56250°N 91.87028°E / 25.56250; 91.87028
OccupationHistorian
Writer
Filmmaker
Spouse(s)Merlicia Kharshiing
ChildrenFour children
Parent(s)Mondon Bareh
Besina Dkhar
AwardsPadma Shri
Meghalaya Day Award

Hamlet Bareh Ngapkynta (1931–2012) was an Indian writer, historian and film director from the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya.[1] He is known as the first person from the Khasi tribe, an indigenous ethnic group of the state, to secure a doctoral degree (PhD)[2] and as the maker of the first feature film in the Khasi language, Ka Synjuk Ri ki Laiphew Syiem (The Alliance of Thirty Kings).[3] He was the chairman of the executive committee of the Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, and a recipient of the 2004 Meghalaya Day Award.[1] The Government of India awarded him the fourth highest civilian honour of the Padma Shri in 2004.[4]

Biography[edit | edit source]

Hamlet Bareh was born in Jaiaw Lumsyntiew, a village in the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya on 3 May 1931 to Besina Dkhar and Mondon Bareh, an educationist, as the youngest of their ten children.[5] He was brought up by his mother as his father died before he turned one and he did his schooling at Jaiaw Practising School, Khasi Jaintia National School and Shillong Boys' Government High School and did his graduate studies at St. Edmund's College, Shillong.[2] His master's studies were at Guwahati University from where he also secured his doctoral degree (PhD) in 1963 for his thesis, The origin and history of the Khasi people, becoming the first Khasi person to receive a doctoral degree.[1] The achievement is reported to have earned him a congratulatory letter from Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India.[5]

Bareh had started his career while doing his master's degree studies as a teacher at the local Government High School. Later, he would work as a publicity officer of Union Christian College, before joining his alma mater, St. Edmund's College, Shillong, to teach History and Khasi language.[6] After completing his doctoral studies, he resigned from College and took up the post of the Editor of the District Gazetteers of the present day Arunachal Pradesh, then known as North East Frontier Agency (NEFA).[5] He also worked as a visiting fellow of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla during 1973–74.[5] When North Eastern Hill University was established in 1974, Bareh was appointed as the Reader, with the responsibility of its continuing education as well as the adult education programmes. He stayed at the university until his retirement in 1996, before which he served the institution as the founder Head and professor of its Centre for Creative Arts.[1]

Towards the later stages of his life, he was appointed as the Chairman of the executive committee of Rajiv Gandhi University, in Arunachal Pradesh.[7] He died at Shillong on 24 July 2012, at the age of 81.[2] His wife, Merlicia Kharshiing, preceded him in death and he was survived by their four children.[2] His body was laid to rest in the Church of North India Cemetery in Shillong.[1]

Legacy and honours[edit | edit source]

Bareh is reported to have been active in the educational, literary and cultural fronts of the state of Meghalaya. He served as the secretary of the North East India Christian Literature Board and was a member of the North East Council.[5] He was one of the founders of the Synod College, Shillong and was involved with spreading education in the remote areas of the state. He was a member of the Indian Council of Historical Research (1984–87), the Indian Institute of Public Administration, Delhi, Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti (Assam Research Society), North Eastern Economic Association and the Sardar Patel Society, Delhi. He was associated with the Sahitya Akademi (1981–87) and served as a member of its expert committee. He was also a member of the advisory boards of the State Council of Educational Research and Training, Delhi and the State department of Art and Culture.[5]

Bareh was the president of the Khasi Cultural Society and Khasi Jaiñtia Welfare Association and when the Society produced a feature film, Ka Synjuk Ri Ki Laiphew Syiem (The Alliance of Thirty Kings), he was selected to direct the film.[2] A 35-minute-long short feature film, it was the first ever feature film made in Khasi language[3] and featured a couple of songs written by him.[5] During 1998–2000, he was involved in writing two of his books, under the Emeritus fellowship of the University Grants Commission; he had earlier received the National Fellowship of the UGC.[7]

Besides many articles,[8] Bareh published several books,[9] reported to be over 50, which included The Art History of Meghalaya,[10] William Carey in a new perspective,[11] A Short History of Khasi Literature,[12] The Language and Literature of Meghalaya,[13] The History and Culture of the Khasi People[14] and The Church of England.[2] He also wrote two books, Progress of Education in Meghalaya,[15] and The Distinguished Educationalists of Meghalaya Past and Present,[16] on the education in Meghalaya and an eight-volume encyclopedia, Encyclopaedia of North-east India.[17] Who's who of Men and Women of Achievement (fourth edition-1989) and Learned Asia (volume 1–1992) have listed his name.[1] The Government of Meghalaya honoured him with U Tirot Sing Award on Meghalaya Day on 21 January 2004.[18] Five days later, the Government of India included him in the Republic Day honours list for the civilian honour of the Padma Shri.[4]

Selected bibliography[edit | edit source]

  • Hamlet Bareh (1969). A Short History of Khasi Literature. Don Bosco Press. p. 108. ASIN B0006D2VQW.
  • Hamlet Bareh (1977). The Language and Literature of Meghalaya. Indian Institute of Advanced Study. p. 108. ASIN B0000E92ML.
  • Hamlet Bareh (1991). The Art History of Meghalaya. Agam Kala Prakashan. p. 222.
  • Hamlet Bareh (1991). The Distinguished Educationalists of Meghalaya Past and Present. Khasi Cultural Society. p. 62.
  • Hamlet Bareh (1997). The History and Culture of the Khasi People. Spectrum Publications. ISBN 9788185319681.
  • Hamlet Bareh (2001). Encyclopaedia of North-east India. Mittal Publications. ISBN 8170997879.
  • Hamlet Bareh (2003). Progress of Education in Meghalaya. Cosmo Publications. p. 330. ISBN 9788170206835.
  • Hamlet Bareh (2004). William Carey in a new perspective. Spectrum Publications. p. 243. ISBN 9788187502418.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "Hamlet Bareh dies at 81". The Telegraph. 25 July 2012. Archived from the original on 19 November 2015. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Dr Hamlet Bareh no more". Shillong Times. 25 July 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Film bouquet on birthday". The Telegraph. 18 January 2013. Archived from the original on 22 January 2013. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Padma Awards" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 "DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA A TRIBUTE". HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA - Commemorative Pages. 2015. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  6. "MCTA condole death of Dr Hamlet Bareh". Meghalaya Times. July 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  7. 7.0 7.1 "Noted Indian historian Hamlet passed away". Web India. 24 July 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  8. "DR HAMLET BAREH NGAPKYNTA & MR AZRA SINGH KHONGPHAI ON JAID DKHAR CLANS OF THE KHASI". Articles. 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  9. "au:Bareh, Hamlet". WorldCat. 2015. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  10. Hamlet Bareh (1991). The Art History of Meghalaya. Agam Kala Prakashan. p. 222. ISBN 9780836425963.
  11. Hamlet Bareh (2004). William Carey in a new perspective. Spectrum Publications. p. 243. ISBN 9788187502418.
  12. Hamlet Bareh (1969). A Short History of Khasi Literature. Don Bosco Press. p. 108. ASIN B0006D2VQW.
  13. Hamlet Bareh (1977). The Language and Literature of Meghalaya. Indian Institute of Advanced Study. p. 108. ASIN B0000E92ML.
  14. Hamlet Bareh (1997). The History and Culture of the Khasi People. Spectrum Publications. ISBN 9788185319681.
  15. Hamlet Bareh (2003). Progress of Education in Meghalaya. Cosmo Publications. p. 330. ISBN 9788170206835.
  16. Hamlet Bareh (1991). The Distinguished Educationalists of Meghalaya Past and Present. Khasi Cultural Society. p. 62. OCLC 27339824.
  17. Hamlet Bareh (2001). Encyclopaedia of North-east India. Mittal Publications. ISBN 8170997879.
  18. "Hamlet Bareh". Open Library. 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2015.

External links[edit | edit source]