DHAKA, Eitkoh (Krem)

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 27/03/2016

A cave called »Krem Dhka« or »Krem Dhoka« (note 1) is not only renowned for lots of water and fish but also said to need boats or rafts (Larsing Sukhlain 1999.04.03 personal communication). ETYMOLOGY: The Synteng or the khasified English cave name »Krem Dhka« or »Krem Dhoka« (Jarratt 2001.02.21 Mss: Meghalaya Cave Log: 12/2/1) translated Jarratt (2001.02.12 Mss) as »Fish Cave« while both SINGH, N (1920: 181) and BLAH (1966 edited 2007: 104) translate the English "the fish" into the Khasi »ka dohkha.«SITUATION: In an unspecified spatial relation to the other two entrances or caves called Krem Dhaka / Krem Dhoka / Krem Dkha and at an unknown spot somewhere below the impressive pinnacle karst in the Eitkoh area bordering the Litang River or the valley at the foot of (the hill) Lum Iakorsing on the western flank of the Nongkhlieh Ridge, the westernmost eaves of the North Cachar Hills. CAVE DESCRIPTION: Altogether three cave entrances, which are commonly called »Krem Dhaka« (sic!), were shown to Anthony 'Tony' R Jarratt (Jarratt 2001.02.21 Mss: Meghalaya Cave Log: 12/2/1). The first entrance to Krem Dhaka / Krem Dhoka / Krem Dkha was a dry rift leading to a flooded cross rift. CULTURAL HISTORY - human use: Fish hunting ground: Larsing Sukhlain (1999.04.03 personal communication) explained that this cave (more likely: the three cave entrances) contain not only lots of water but also are renowed for fish and need »boats or rafts« (read: Underwater diving equipment to negotiate subaerial stream cave passages). PROSPECTS: Not entered but declared »uninspiring.«