KARMA (Krem)

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

A partly explored and forgotten but ongoing pothole cave above Krem Umthloo (Tongseng) is Krem Karma [note 1] … Long open rift [7 m wide, approximately 30 m long WSW-ENE], catchment for beck [seasonal stream] starting at N. 25-19-58.8 E. 092-30-34.4 (which was prospected along its full length (Hodgson 2002.02.14 Mss -Sutnga.wri- literally quoted). ETYMOLOGY: The only difference between this Krem Karma of Hodgson (2002.02.14 Mss) and the Krem Carma of Hodgson (2002.02.14 Mss -Sutnga.wri- entry 2002.02.14) is, that both names refer to one and the same cave while neither -carma- nor -karma- is a Khasi or Synteng word that makes any sense. The Khasi verb -kár- means to stir with, mix with (said of rice when mixed and cooked with some other grains) (SINGH, N 1906: 21) and the verba -kara- means to earth up (SINGH, N 1906: 22). SITUATION 1 (Hodgson 2002.02.14 Mss: Sutnga.wri), literally quoted: Krem Karma … East side of Tongseng Ridge [sic! for: Shnongrim Ridge]. Lone prominent boulder betwen two knolls N.25-19-51.6 (accuracy 7 m) E.092-30-45.7. Go due north approx. 30 m (into tree line) down hill to cave [GPS positioned near] 25-19-53.8 E. 092-30-45.5 sorry [for lack of precision], Dave Hodgson 14-2.2 E-trec (Etrex). SITUATION 2 (Hodgson 2002.02.14 Mss: Sutnga.wri): Lone prominent boulders between two knolls N.25-19-51.6 E.092-30-45.7. Go down due north approximately 30 m into tree line downhill to cave. CAVE DESCRIPTION (Hodgson 2002.02.14 Mss: Sutnga.wri): Krem Carma … Long rift with several features. Sink for a beck starting at N.25-19-51.8 E.092-30-34.4. Best lead is an approximately 10 m shaft but no obvious draft. This 'Slope' turned out to be a 30 m pitch. PROSPECTS: As Krem Carma / Karma lies vertically above the remote north-eastern front of Krem Umthloo (south of the Mawiap doline and due east of Krem Korlooheng) it well might be worth looking at it thoroughly. Hodgson (2002.02.14: Meghalaya Cave Record) suggests to take 40 m of rope for the first pitch ad wonders if there are more pitches? CAVE LIFE: Hodgson (2002.02.14 Mss: Sutnga.wri) had bats seen (Chiroptera).