The correct answer is (a) West Khasi Hills.
A matrilineal society is a society in which property, family name, and authority are passed down through the female line. In the West Khasi Hills, women own all property, including land, houses, and livestock. They also have the right to choose their own husbands and divorce them at will. Men are responsible for providing for their wives and children, but they have no authority over them.
The other options are incorrect because they are not matrilineal societies. In the East Jaintia Hills, property is passed down through the male line. In the South West Khasi Hills, both men and women have equal rights to property. In the North Garo Hills, property is passed down through the male line, and women are not allowed to own land.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- (a) West Khasi Hills: A matrilineal society in which property, family name, and authority are passed down through the female line.
- (b) East Jaintia Hills: A society in which property is passed down through the male line.
- (c) South West Khasi Hills: A society in which both men and women have equal rights to property.
- (d) North Garo Hills: A society in which property is passed down through the male line, and women are not allowed to own land.