LANG JINGKEIÑ 1 (Krem)

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

Both Langjikin Caves (Brooks 2001, 2002) are true tunnel caves, which drain a seasonal stream from approximately north-east to south-west. Krem Lang Jingkeiñ 1 is the upstream part of the two consecutive single cave passages which have been separated from each other when a ceiling collapse turned about a third of the cave passage into a daylight lit streambed. Krem Lang Jingkeiñ 2 represents the downstream section. ETYMOLOGY: Little doubt remains that the curious cave name Langjikin recorded by Brooks (2001.02.14 Mss, 2002.07.22 Mss) originates from a communication error as the Khasi adverb -lang- means together, in concert (SINGH, N 1906: 108) and indicates that there are two consecutive single passage caves, while the Khasi noun -ka jingkheiñ- translates into a reckoning, an estimation (SINGH, N 1906: 102). SITUATION: … the GPS point [note 1] is in middle of road that equates to mid way along cave passage below (Brooks 2002.07.22 Mss). APPROACH: The road from Khanjoy (Khonjoy, Khunjy) to Nonghyllam climbs up across sandstone and enters a picturesque karst area packed with jungle-clad limestone pinnacles before it runs into the grass-covered, rolling plains of Nongjri (N25°14'50”: E091°07'45” WGS84). When an inconspicuous bridge is crossed (note 2), from where one may peep 10 or 15 m down into an overgrown gap on the right-hand side, one is above the cave entrance to Langjikin Cave 2. The upstream section Langjikin Cave 1 lies a little ahead and to the left-hand side. CAVE DESCRIPTION: Cave 1 passes under the road (Brooks 2002.07.22 Mss).y) to Nonghyllam climbs up across sandstone and enters a picturesque karst area packed with jungle-clad limestone pinnacles before it runs into the grass-covered, rolling plains of Nongjri (N25°14'50”: E091°07'45” WGS84). When an inconspicuous bridge is crossed (note 2), from where one may peep 10 or 15 m down into an overgrown gap on the right-hand side, one is above the cave entrance to Langjikin Cave 2. The upstream section Langjikin Cave 1 lies a little ahead and to the left-hand side. CAVE DESCRIPTION: Cave 1 passes under the road (Brooks 2002.07.22 Mss).