MEGHALAYA
1.HISTORICAL
BACKGROUND OF MEGHALAYA .
Garos.The Khasis reside in the centre
of the state , the Jaintias in the east and the Garos in the West.Khasis ,
Jaintias, Bhois, Wars, collectively known as the Hynniewtrep people, are of
AustroMonkhmer race and Garos who prefer to call themselves as Achiks are of
the Tibeto-Burmanrace. According to scholars, the Hynniewtrep (Seven huts) people
are known to be the earliestsettlers in the undivided state of Assam and one of
the earliest ethnic group of settlers in theIndian sub-continent.The origin of
Khasis is controversial. Though the Khasi have been living in their presentabode
for many centuries , there exists a general belief that they are migrants. Some
scholars
say that as Khasis were politically
connected to the Burmans, they were migrants from there.Others say they have
migrated from the north and some say they came from syllet (a pushfactor
compelling them Meghalaya is inhabited by three tribal group namely the Khasis
, the Jaintias and the to migrate due to the floods) . There is also a saying
that Khasis havelost all written records during the floods. Khasis had no
written recordsbefore the advent ofthe Welsh Missionaries.There is a hypothesis
that Khasis were the first Mongolite overflow to India who established themselves
at the present habitat at a very early period of global migration and
maintained their independence through their isolation .There was a tendency
amongst the Khasis to divide themselves into smaller communities under one head
. They would conquer smaller communities and absorb them and again disintegrate
themselves. There were no records of Khasis owing allegiance to a single
prince; they split up into separate and smaller units. Jaintias a term for Pnar or Syntengs, belong to the
land of 12 dolois .The early history of the people of Jaintia are obscure and
reference is made in the cronicles of Ahom rule by inscription in coins, copper
plates and buildings.5 There is hardly any difference between the inhabitants
of Khasi and Jaintia as they look alikeand speak a common language. The dialiet
was said to have been spoken by the earliest Mongolic invaders of India.The
Jaintias preserved their list of kings. Dhan Manik being the 7th king reigned
in the 16th centuary. Each king ruled for a period of sixteen years.
It is well established that theinhabitants of Jaintia hills had already formed
a state by 1500 AD. All the kings bear Hindu names. Their reference is there in
the inscriptions from the Ahom rule.
The
first reference to the inhabitants of Khasis and Jaintias in the record of
other states weremade in the middle of 16th century during the reign of
Nor-Narayan when the Kochesdefeated the Jaintias. History records Jaintias
being defeated by the Kacharies in the 17th century. The Jaintia king married a
Kotch princess . A war broke out with the Ahoms in 1618 AD. The Ahoms invaded the
Jaintias during the reign of Rudra Singha .
The kingdom was returned to Jay Narayan
Borgohain (1708-29) who ruled for 40 years. He was succeeded by Chatra Singh
who came into collision with the British in 1770 & 1734. The kingdom was
said to have been conquered by the British force under Major Henniker but was
restored on payment of fine.Chatra Singh was succeeded by Jatra Narayan in
1781, who was succeeded by Bijay Narayan in 1786. Ram Singh II succeeded the
latter in 1786. In 1824 , Burmese tried to invade Jaintia Kingdom, but they
preferred to compromise when David Scot tried to Negotiate forbiddingBurmese to
enter Jaintia territory. Ram Singh II was succeeded by Rajendra Singh in 1832.
In
1835
British annexed Jaintia Kingdom . The British started annexing the hills one
after
another.
The
Garos belonging to the Bodo-Tebeto- Burman stock is said to here migrated to
Meghalaya
400 years back from the Cooch territory of Cooch-Bihar .
6
Coming
of British led to many political and administrative changes in the state.
Cherrapunji
was
made the headquarter and a political agent was stationed there.
In
Jaintia hills , each of the twelve Dolois was allowed.to rule over an Eleka.
The chief was
permitted
to use the title of a Raja. Khasi hills were devided into sixteen territories
(Hima)
ruled
by a chief. The Garo hills were controlled socially by Nokma and his .council
of elders.
The
Garo hills were subdivided into 60 villages and were under a Laskar. His duty
was
collection
of taxes, settlement of disputes according to the customary laws of Garos.
All
the three hill districts resisted the British entry into their states but were
suppressed. The
sepoys
recruited by the British belonged to the plain areas and they treated the hill
people as
aliens.
The chiefs failed to unite the already segmented groups . The British took
advantage of
the
situation and punished the chiefs.
The
humid climate of Cherrapunji did not suit the British who later shifted their
headquarters
to
Shillong. In 1874 Shillong was made the capital of Assam province and in 1905
Shillong
was
made the summer headquarter of United Province of East Bengal and Assam.
In
1910 Municipal act was introduced and the office of the Deputy Commissioner was
created.
His role included collection of taxes, selection of chiefs and ownership of
mines.
The
Khasi National Darbar become the most important political party in 1923. This
was
constituted
by all chiefs of the state. The major aim was codification of customary laws,
in
which
they failed.
Rev
J. J. M. Nicholas, the founder became a member of the Governor’s council. There
was a
rift
in the Khasi National Darbar which led to the formation of Khasi Jaintia youngman’s
association
which challanged the Zamindary system of the Syiems (chiefs) . Memorandum
was
submitted to Simon Commission seeking representation in future legislation.
7
In
1937 , Congress Khasi Hills committee came into being alongwith Federation of
Khasi
states
which sought recognition at the chamber of Princess.
In
1946, Khasi-Jaintia political Association approached the Cabinet Mission
demanding the
Federation
of Khasi states within Assam with cultural and political autonomy. This was
opposed
by the Hill Union demanding a separate hill state. The Khasi-Jaintia Federation
advocated
for a District Council. The Garo National Conference also demanded an
autonomous
district.
The
Governor of Assam, Akbar Hydari got the Khasi states to sign an agreement with
the
centre.
by 9th Aug 1947 for formal accession.
Sardar
Patel visited Shillong in 1948. Nicholas Roy asked the Darbar to accept the 6th
Schedule
to
the Indian constitution drafted by Bordoloi committee. This provided local
autonomy under
District
Council for former “ Excluded area” including Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
An
ammendment was made to constituent assembly to unite two hill district outside
Assam.
On
Jan 26,1950 United Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills became a part of Assam
Province and
Indian
Union.
Meghalaya
was declared as an autonomous state within Assam in 1970. With the 3 districts
governed
under 6th schedule, Meghalaya became a full fledged state in 1972.
GEOGRAPHICAL
‘Meghalaya’
derived from Sanskrit, means the ‘Abode of the Clouds’was declared as a full
fledged 21st
state of the Indian union on January 21st, 1972. Having an area of 22,429 sq.
Km. and a
population of 23.06 lakhs (2001 census), the higher ridges of the state lie in
the
coniferous belt,
gradually sloping down to sub-tropical and tropical zones. Tucked away in the
North -Eastern
Region of India, it lies between the 250 10/ to 260 50/ North
latitude and 89045/
to 92047/ east
longitude. It is bounded on the North by Goalpara, Kamrup, Nagaon and Karbi
Anglong
districts of Assam state, and on the east by the districts of Cachar and North
Cachar
Hills , also of
the state of Assam. On the south and west lies Bangladesh.
Meghalaya has a
predominant Christian population with the Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists
living together
in perfect harmony. The state is now divided into seven administrative
districts. They
are - 1) Jaintia Hills district created on February 22, 1972, 2) East Garo
Hills
district and 3)
West Garo Hills district created on October,22, 1976, 4) East Khasi Hills
District and 5)
West Khasi Hills Distritc created on October 28, 1976, 6) Ribhoi District
created on June
4, 1992 and 7) South Garo Hills District created on June 18, 1992.
The physical
feature of Meghalaya is well defined in three different regions - the Khasi
Hills
in the Central
part of Meghalaya, Jaintia Hills in the eastern part of Meghalaya and Garo
Hills
which form the
western part of Meghalaya . The Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills which form the
central and
eastern part of Meghalaya is an imposing plateau with rolling grassland , hills
and
river valleys.
The southern face of the plateau is marked by deep gorges and abrupt slopes.
Water - falls
rush down steep slopes and curve deep valleys through which swift- flowing
rivers descend
to the plains. At the foot of these slopes , a narrow strip of plain land runs
along the
international border with Bangladesh.
The northern
section of the plateau has an undulating topography with a series of hills
rising
to almost the
same height, extending Northwards to slope gradually, merging with the plains
1
of Assam. The
accordant summit of these hills vary from 170m to 820m. Nongpoh village
lying half way
on the Guwahati - Shillong road stands on a flat top of 70m height on this hill
section.
The height of
the central plateau of the Khasi Hills hovers around 1500 m with the Shillong
peak (1965m),
the highest point in the plateau, overlooking Shillong Town. Khasi hills is
popularly known
as the ‘Scotland of the East’ with the pine trees, rolling hills and a numerous
waterfalls.
The Garo Hills
which form the western part of Meghalaya are lower in elevation . The greater
parts of the
Garo Hills range in height from 450m to 600m and drop steeply to the
Brahmaputra
valley on the north and to the plains of Bangladesh on the south. Nokrek
(1412m) east of
Tura town is the highest peak in western Meghalaya.
Meghalaya is
endowed with a rich variety of flora and fauna . Of the 17,000 species of
orchids
in the world,
about 1250 exist in India of which nearly 300 are found in Meghalaya. The blue
Vanda, Lady’s
slipper ( Paphiopedilum insigne)and other rare varieties of orchids are
found
in Meghalaya. A botanical
wonder, the pitcher plant, ( an insect eating plant) is found in the
districts of
Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills of the state.
The state has a
forest cover of 8,510 sq Kms with only 993 sq.Kms. under the control of the
State Government
and the rest under the District Councils and private managements. The
principal forest
products include timber, bamboo, reed, broomstick, cane, medicinal herb’s &
plants, Cinnamon
and thatch grass. The Khasi Hills specially boasts of the age-old sacred
forests many of
which are preserved to this day by traditional religious sanction. The
Mawphlang sacred
forest 20kms from Shillong, represents the pristine glory and wisdom of
the elders of
yore in preserving the ecological system.
Meghalaya is also
rich in wildlife. It is the home of a variety of animals and birds, the best
known of them
being elephants, tigers, golden cats, binturongs, slow Loris, monkeys of
different types
and interesting birds including hornbills, partridges, teals, snipes and quails.
2
The state has
two National parks, the Nokrek National Park and the Balpakram National Park
and two wildlife
sanctuaries, the Nongkhyllem wildlife sanctuary and Siju wildlife sanctuary.
Species like
golden cat, golden langur and Hoolock gibbon are endemic to Meghalaya.
The state falls
within the Agro-climatic zone II. Based upon the agro-climatic characteristics
the state has
been sub-divided into major subzones namely
I) Sub-Alpine
& Sub temperate Zone;
ii) Sub-tropical
Zone;
iii)
Sub-tropical plain Zone (Valley areas );
iv) Mild
tropical hill Zone ; &
v) Mild tropical
plain Zone .
Description of
agro-climatic sub-zones along with the characteristic features and areas
located
may be found in
Annexure -II (A )
The state of
Meghalaya is directly influenced by the South-West monsoon and the North-East
winter winds.
During March and April, the atmosphere gradually warms up with the advent of
spring . From
the middle of April, the temperature starts rising to the maximum in the month
of June and then
decreases gradually . The maximum temperature recorded is 340 celsius
at
Tura in West
Garo Hills district and 280 celsius at
Shillong. During the period in between
November and
February, the temperature comes down to as low as 20 celsius
in the Khasi
Hills. Rainfall
starts by the third week of May and continues right upto the end of September
and sometime
well into middle of October. The maximum rainfall occurs over the southern
slopes of the
Khasi hills which record the heaviest rainfall in the world at Mawsynram . The
average annual
rainfall in Mawsynram being 1300 c.m.
A number of
rivers drain this mountainous state. In Garo hills, the Manda, the Damring and
the Janjiram
flow towards the North while the Ringge and Ganol flow in the westerward
direction . Those
that flow to the south are Bhogai and Simsang . Simsang is the biggest river
in Garo hills In
the Khasi & Jaintia hills, the rivers that flow towards the north include
the
3
Khri, the
Umtrew, the Umiam , the Umkhon beside the Kupil on the border between the
Jaintia hills
& North Cachar hills. The Kyushi, the Umiam Mawphlang and the Umngot flow
to the south
into Bangladesh. Non of these rivers are navigable.
POLITICS
All the three
major ethnic tribal groups, namely, the Khasis, Jaintias and the Garos also
have their own traditional political institutions that have existed for
hundreds of years. These political institutions were fairly well developed and
functioned at various tiers, such as the village level, clan level and state
level.[49]
In the traditional
political system of the Khasis, each clan had its own council known as the
Dorbar Kur which was presided over by the clan headman. The council or the
Dorbar managed the internal affairs of the clan. Similarly, every village had a
local assembly known as the Dorbar Shnong, i.e. village Durbar or council,
which was presided over by the village headman. The inter-village issues were
dealt with through a political unit comprising adjacent Khasi Villages. The
local political units were known as the raids, under by the supreme political
authority known as the Syiemship. The Syiemship was the congregation of several
raids and was headed an elected chief known as the Syiem or Siem (the
king).[49] The Siem ruled the Khasi state through an elected State Assembly,
known as the Durbar Hima. The Siem also had his mantris (ministers) whose
counsel he would use in exercising executive responsibilities. Taxes were
called pynsuk, and tolls were called khrong, the latter being the primary
source of state income. In early 20th century, Raja Dakhor Singh was the Siem
of Khymir.The Jaintias
also had a three tier political system somewhat similar to the Khasis,
including the Raids and the Syiem.[51] The raids were headed by Dolois, who
were responsible for performing the executive and ceremonial functions at the
Raid level. At the lowest level were the village headmen. Each administrative
tier had its own elected councils or durbars.
In the
traditional political system of the Garos a group of Garo villages comprised
the A•king. The A•king functioned under the supervision of the Nokmas, which
was perhaps the only political and administrative authority in the political
institution of the Garos. The Nokma performed both judicial and legislative
functions. The Nokmas also congregated to address inter-A•king issues. There
were no well-organized councils or durbars among the Garos.[citation needed]
CLIMATE
With average
annual rainfall as high as 12,000 mm (470 in) in some areas,
Meghalaya is the wettest place on earth.[14] The
western part of the plateau, comprising the Garo Hills region with lower
elevations, experiences high temperatures for most of the year. The Shillong
area, with the highest elevations, experiences generally low temperatures. The
maximum temperature in this region rarely goes beyond 28 °C (82 °F),whereas
sub-zero winter temperatures are common.A sign board in
Cherrapunji .The town of
Sohra (Cherrapunji) in
the Khasi Hills south of capital Shillong holds the world record for most rain
in a calendar month, while the village of Mawsynram,
near Sohra (Cherrapunji), holds the record for the most rain in a year.
ECONOMY
Meghalaya is
predominantly an agrarian economy. Agriculture and allied activities engage
nearly two-thirds of the total work force in Meghalaya. However, the
contribution of this sector to the State's NSDP is only about one-third.
Agriculture in the state is characterised by low productivity and unsustainable
farm practices. Despite the large percentage of population engaged in
agriculture, the state imports food from other Indian states.[citation needed]
Infrastructural constraints have also prevented the economy of the state from
creating high income jobs at a pace commensurate with that of the rest of
India.
Meghalaya's
gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at ₹16,173 crore (US$2.5
billion) in current prices.[10] As of 2012, according to the Reserve Bank of
India, about 12% of total state population is below poverty line, with 12.5% of
the rural Meghalaya population is below the poverty line; while in urban areas,
9.3% are below the poverty line.[38]
CULTURE
The main tribes
in Meghalaya are the Khasis, the Garos, and the Jaintias. Each tribe has its
own culture, traditions, dress and language.
Social
institutions[edit]
Khasi girls
The majority of
population and the major tribal groups in Meghalaya follow a matrilineal system
where lineage and inheritance are traced through women. The youngest daughter inherits
all the property and she is the caretaker of aged parents and any unmarried
siblings.[7] In some cases, such as when there is no daughter in the family or
other reasons, the parents may nominate another girl such as a daughter in law
as the heir of house and all other property they may own.
The Khasi and
Jaintia tribesmen follow the traditional matrilineal norm, wherein the Khun
Khatduh (or the youngest daughter) inherits all the property and
responsibilities for the family. However, the male line, particularly the
mother's brother, may indirectly control the ancestral property since he may be
involved in important decisions relating to property including its sale and
disposal. In case a family has no daughters, the Khasi and Jaintia (also called
Syntengs) have the custom of ia rap iing, where the family adopts a girl from
another family, perform religious ceremonies with the community, and she then
becomes ka trai iing (head of the house).[48]
In the Garo
lineage system, the youngest daughter inherits the family property by default,
unless another daughter is so named by the parents. She then becomes designated
as nokna meaning 'for the house or home'. If there are no daughters, a chosen
daughter-in-law (bohari) or an adopted child (deragata) comes to stay in the
house and inherit the property.
Meghalaya has
one of the world's largest surviving matrilineal cultures.
Khasis
Dance is central
to the culture of Khasi life, and a part of the rites of passage. Dances are
performed in Shnong (village), a Raid (group of villages), and a
Hima(conglomeration of Raids). Some festivals includes Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Ka
Pom-Blang Nongkrem, Ka-Shad Shyngwiang-Thangiap, Ka-Shad-Kynjoh Khaskain, Ka
Bam Khana Shnong, Umsan Nongkharai, Shad Beh Sier.
Jaintias
Festivals of the
Jaintia Hills, like others, is integral to the culture of people of Jaintia
Hills. It celebrates nature, balance and solidarity among its people. Festivals
of Jaintias includes Behdienkhlam, Laho Dance, Sowing Ritual Ceremony.
Garos
For Garos,
festivals sustain their cultural heritage. They were often dedicated to
religious events, nature and seasons as well as community events such as stages
of jhum cultivation. The main festivals of Garos are Den Bilsia, Wangala,
Rongchu gala, Mi Amua, Mangona, Grengdik BaA, Jamang Sia, Ja Megapa, Sa Sat Ra
Chaka, Ajeaor Ahaoea, Dore Rata Dance, Chambil Mesara, Do'KruSua, Saram Cha'A,
A Se Mania or Tata which celebrated .
Hajongs
Hajongs follow
Hindu rites and customs. Every Hajong family has a temple for worship called
'Deo Ghor' and they offer prayers in the morning and evening. Hajongs live in
groups and the area of a group is called a 'Para' or 'Gaon'. A Hajong village
is like an autonomous Kingdom. Every Hajong man compulsory to takes membership
of a 'Gaon.' Hajong men wear bhiza gamsa and women wear Ranga Pathin and Phula
Aargon, a standard size piece of cloth, with broad and medium borders with a
typical color combination(with red is the main colour). Hajong Folk Dance/Folk
Music: Liwa-Tana | Chorkhila | Thubâ-Maga | Gupini Gahen | Kâtkâ Gahen | Puilâ
Gusa/Ruwa-Laga Gahen | Gitlu Gahen
Spirituality
In southern
Meghalaya, located in Mawsynram, is the Mawjymbuin cave. Here a massive
stalagmite has been shaped by nature into a Shivalinga. According to legend,
from the 13th century, this Shivalinga (called Hatakeswarat) has existed in the
Jaintia Hills under the reign of Ranee Singa.[52] Tens of thousands of the
Jaintia tribe members participate over the Hindu festival of Shivratri (Night
of Lord Shiva) every year.
ARCHITECTURE
The Government
of Meghalaya has recently agreed to allow buildings to be raised to higher
heights in urban areas. The conditions laid down with regard to safety measures
have been specifically laid down, one of it being provision for parking of
vehicles, especially in case of shopping complexes. Everything has to be
properly designed and planned with the help of qualified architects.
The decision of
the Government has drawn wide criticism for many quarters. Shillong city, or
for that matter the whole state itself, lies in a seismic zone with the
probability of an earthquake of high intensity occurring at any time. The
recent tragic incident at Somdei, Tokyo in Japan were tens of thousands of its
citizens have perished with many more missing. Fortunately, however the
incident occurred at day time. The intensity was one of the most severe, at 8.9
Richter scale. The matter was further compounded by tsunami which carried away
buildings, ships, trains, bridges, etc. to oblivion. Nuclear reactors have
leaked which may cause impending disaster. Lives of countless people,
especially officers, scientists, and staff of these reactors are in great
danger, who try to prevent from explosion and hence more deadly consequences.
Japan used to
experience frequent earthquakes and tremors. So houses are well planned and
generally made of wood or bamboos with tiled roofs. However, in cities and
towns, the mode of living has changed drastically. To accommodate the
increasing population, as well as the booming industries, apartment houses have
replaced the small homes, due to shortage of land and space. Bamboo furniture
and accessories have given way to modern appliances made of steel and other
materials. The people are very courteous, polite and friendly. When they bid
the guests farewell, they usually make formal bows, saying “Sayonara”, which
means “Good-by”. At the same time, members of the family will tell the guests
repeatedly, ‘Mata dozo”, which means “Come again”.
In brief, these
hospitable and hard-working people have always been prepared for earthquake.
This time, however, the magnitude was unforeseen and the tsunami that
accompanied it was beyond expectation. During the Second World War, the country
which allied itself with the Axis Powers of Germany and Italy was greatly
devastated. To break the pride and valour of the Japanese people and to
expedite ending of the war, the United States bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in
which hundreds of thousands of people perished and many suffered from the
after-effects of radiation. But their indomitable spirit and dogged
determination, together with generous American aid, put Japan on the World map
of the more developed nations. This time too they will once again rise from the
ashes.
The questions that
may he asked after all the rabbles and confusion will be cleared are many and
varied. But the one thing that has saved much more lives and properties was
that since the nation was prepared for any eventual disaster, was because the
cities and towns were planned. Buildings and infrastructures have been
constructed as per the latest and the best architecture. Therefore, taking this
view into consideration, hopefully and thankfully the rest of the world ought
to learn the lesson. On our State, complacency is usually the rule.
In 1897, severe
earthquake hit the southern slopes of east Meghalaya, especially Shella region,
as well as Shillong. At that time, houses in rural areas were simple structures
made of wood with thatched roof. In Shillong nearly all the houses, residential
as well as office complexes, were made of wood and covered with CGI sheets.
These were the Assam-type houses. So damage to lives was minimal, though
properties were destroyed; hills and slopes were washed away down the gorges
along with horticulture crops and standing trees. The pertinent question,
nevertheless, at the moment is how prepared is Meghalaya for the predicted
earthquake; or for that matter how many of its citizens take serious note of
it?s.
FOOD
Meghalayan cuisine is the local cuisine
of the Indian state of Meghalaya. Meghalaya is home to three Mongoloid tribes;
it has a unique cuisine, different from the other Seven Sister States of
northeast India. The staple food of the people is rice with spicy meat and fish
preparations. They rear goats, pigs, fowl, ducks and cows and relish their
meat.
The popular
dishes of Khasis and Jaintia are Jadoh, Ki Kpu, Tung-rymbai, and pickled bamboo
shoots; bamboo shoots are also a favorite dish of the Garos. Garos eat most
non-domesticated animals, though their everyday staples are simple foods such
as rice with kapa, cooked with a special ingredient called karchi which is made
up of filtered ash water. Kapa can be of different kinds, such as with various
kind of meats, vegetables, etc. Besides these, for Garos eat minil (sticky rice
prepared by steaming), sakkin gata, and other dishes. These steamed foods are
prepared like dumplings (momo). Garos also eat dried fish (nakam) and other
dried smoked meats (gran). Like the other tribes in the northeast, they also
ferment rice in order to prepare rice beer, a traditional drink which is coEconomy[edit]
INDUSTRY
View of MCL Cement plant, Thangskai, P.O. Lumshnong,
Jaintia Hills
Meghalaya has a rich base of natural resources. These
include minerals such as coal, limestone, sillimanite, Kaolin and granite among
others. Meghalaya has a large forest cover, rich biodiversity and numerous
water bodies. The low level of industrialisation and the relatively poor
infrastructure base acts as an impediment to the exploitation of these natural
resources in the interest of the state's economy. In recent years two large
cement manufacturing plants with production capacity more than 900 MTD have
come up in Jaintia Hills district and several more are in pipeline to use the
rich deposit of very high quality limestone available in this district.
AGRICULTURE
Meghalaya is basically an agricultural state with about
80 per cent of its population depending entirely on agriculture for their
livelihood. The hilly terrain and land conditions of the state do not offer
much scope in bringing additional area under wet cultivation, but the state has
vast potential for developing horticulture . The agro-climatic variations
within the state offers
much scope for cultivation of temperate as well as
tropical fruits & vegetables. The state is
known for its horticultural fruits like orange ( Khasi
Mandarin variety - gets the name from
the place of origin ), lemon, pineapple, guava, banana,
jack fruit, arecanut, betelvine and
temperate fruits such as plum, pear, peach etc. potato,
ginger, turmeric, cauliflower, cabbage,
radish, carrot are the important vegetables grown in the
state.
TRANSPOT
The partition of
the country in 1947 created severe infrastructural constraints for the
Northeastern region, with merely 2% of the perimeter of the region adjoining
the rest of the country. A narrow strip of land, often called the Siliguri
Corridor or the Chicken's Neck, connects the region with the state of West
Bengal. Meghalaya is a landlocked state with a large number of small
settlements in remote areas. Road is the only means of transport. While the
capital Shillong is relatively well connected, road connectivity in most other
parts is relatively poor. A significant portion of the roads in the state are
still unpaved. Most of the arrivals into the Meghalaya take place through Guwahati
in neighbouring Assam, which is nearly 103 km away. Assam has a major railhead
as well as an airport with regular train and air services to the rest of the
country.
When Meghalaya
was carved out of Assam as an autonomous state in 1972, it inherited a total
road length of 2786.68 km including 174 km of National Highways with road
density of 12.42 km per 100 square kilometre. By 2004, total road length has
reached up to 9,350 km out of which 5,857 km were surfaced. The road density
had increased to 41.69 km per 100 square kilometre by March 2011. However,
Meghalaya is still far below the national average of 75 km per 100 km2. In
order to provide better services to the people of the state, the Meghalaya
Public Works Department is taking steps for improvement and up-gradation of the
existing roads and bridges in phased manner
Road network
Meghalaya has a
road network of around 7,633 km, out of which 3,691 km is black-topped and the
remaining 3942 km is gravelled. Meghalaya is also connected to Silchar in Assam,
Aizawl in Mizoram, and Agartala in Tripura through national highways. Many
private buses and taxi operators carry passengers from Guwahati to Shillong.
The journey takes from 3 to 4 hours. Day and night bus services are available
from Shillong to all major towns of Meghalaya and also other capitals and
important towns of Assam and the northeastern states.
Railway
Meghalaya has a
railhead at Mendipathar and regular train service connecting Mendipathar in
Meghalaya and Guwahati in Assam, has started on November 30, 2014.[59] The
Cherra Companyganj State Railways was a former mountain railway through the
state.[60] Guwahati (103 kilometres (64 mi) from Shillong) is the nearest major
railway station connecting the north-east region with the rest of the country
through a broad gauge track network. There is a plan for extending the rail
link from Guwahati to Byrnihat (20 kilometres (12 mi) from Guwahati) within
Meghalaya and further extending it up to state capital Shillong.
Aviation
State capital
Shillong has an airport at Umroi 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Shillong on the
Guwahati-Shillong highway. A new terminal building was built at a cost of ₹30
crore (US$4.7 million) and inaugurated in June 2011.[61] Air India
Regionaloperates flights to Kolkata from this airport. There is also a
helicopter service connecting Shillong to Guwahati and Tura. Baljek Airport
near Tura became operational in 2008.[62] The Airports Authority of India (AAI)
is developing the airport for operation of ATR 42/ATR 72 type of aircraft.[63]
Other nearby airports are in Assam, with Borjhar, Guwahati airport (IATA: GAU),
about 124 kilometres (77 mi) from Shillong.
THE MAJOR TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF MEGHALAYA
Shillong has
been a major tourist destination of the region ever since the British days .
The
tourist
destinations were limited to Shillong and its neighbouring areas including
Cherrapunji.
The development
of Borapani ( Umiam ) and other destinations like Garo Hills areas are
relatively
recent . The tourist destinations of Meghalaya are well defined. The traffic
being
extremely low ,
other than for Shillong , the returns are inadequate and grossly
disproportionate
to the
investments and hence cannot sustain operation and maintenance. Therefore , it
is
recommended to
revitalise , extend and optimise the existing destinations to achive the
threshhold break
even level before promoting any new destinations . The destinations which are
commercially
viable or have the potential to be viable and which have already been
identified
are as under :
Shillong –
Shillong termed
as “Scotland of the East", the capital of Meghalaya and also the district
head quarter of
East Khasi Hills is the best known hill resort in North-East India and is
considered as
one of the best in the country.
60
Shillong has always
been the meeting point of traditional cultures and cosmopolitian
styles and has
its very own charms and attractions and its own following of regular
seasonal
visitors.
Located at an
altitude of 1600 mtrs above the sea level, Shillong is easily motorable
throughout the
year and serves as a base from which the rest of the region can be
conveniently
accessed . It is connected with Guwahati , the nearest railhead at a
distance of 103
KM with national highway 39.
According to the
legends, Shillong derived its name from a deity named SHYLLONG
whose dwelling
is also known as Shyllong peak from whose nice . the Syiem (Chief)
clan of Khyrim ,
Mylliem ,Maharram , Malaisahmat , Bhowal and Langrin sprang up .
Shillong has its
own charm distinct from other hill stations . Shillong has been the centre
of excellence
for education during the pre and post independence period . Shillong is set
amidst a
landscape of slopes covered with weather . orchids and forests of pine with
their typical
fragrance and pure air , quick flowing streams and majestic waterfalls .
There are a
number of beautiful sights to see and places to visit in and around Shillong
.
These are -
• Meghalaya
State Museum-This museum exhibits the anthropological and
cultural
life of the
people of Meghalaya .
• All
Saints Cathedral One of the oldest Churches in Shillong .
• Lady
Hydari Park and Mini Zoo-Lady Hydari Park, extends for over a
kilometer
in length, is
replete with roses and flowers of the most exquisite hue and fragrance
and has an
excellent mini Zoo-cum-deer park attached to it.
• Golf
course-Nestled
within tall and elegant whispering pines , the eighteen-hole
Shillong Golf
course is one of the finest golf course in the world .
• Botanical
Garden- A
secluded but captivating spot with plethora of indigenous and
exotic plants is
located just below the Ward’s lake.
• Spread
eagle falls-Located on the outskrits of the city, lies a
sprakling waterfall
which looks like
an eagle with wings spread out. Hence, the name Spread Eagle
falls .The
falls has fairly steep cliffs on three sides with a very deep pool beneath - a
soothing setting
amidst calm nature.
61
• Crinoline
falls and swimming pool - Close to the Hydari park is Crinoline
falls
over looping the
Crinoline swimming pool.
• Sweet
falls :
It is a beautiful fall east of happy valley on the Umkhen stream. The
area around the
falls is most suitable for a day’s outing.
• Shillong
Peak :
An ideal picnic spot, 10 kms from the city, 1,965 metres above sea
level, offers a
panoramic view of the scenic countryside and is also the highest point
in the state.
Homage is paid to U Shyllong at the sanctum sanctorum at the peak’s
summit every
spring time, by the religious priest of Mylliem state. In the evening,
the city lights
below appear like a star-studded abyss.
• Elephant
Falls :
This exquisitely beautiful waterfall is located at about 10 km from
Shillong off the
Shillong - Mawphlang Road. It is one of the most frequented of the
several
waterfalls and tourist spots in and around Shillong.
The surroundings
of the Elephant Falls and its subsidiary falls are lush green and
the rivulet has
thick moss and ferns covering its stony banks. Beautiful
Rhododendrons
and myriad species of ever chirping birds make the place an
enchanting one.
• Bishop
and Beadon Falls : Both cascade down the same escarpment
into a deep
valley, the mass
of water dissolving into misty sparks
• Sohpetbneng
Peak :
1,343 metre, 20 kms from Shillong, regarded as sacred by the
Hynniewtrep
people, is set amidst a beautiful Scenic view against the backdrop of
Sacred Forest.
This ‘Navel-of-Heaven’ as per Khasi mythology, is a heavenly peak
which offers to
fill the spiritual void and emptiness, to those who seek and desire
solace and peace
of mind.
• Kyllang
Rock:
On the road from Mairang to Nongkhlaw lies a massive single
granite stone at
great height known as Kyllang Rock. It presents an appearance of a
circular dome
with a diameter of about 1,000 ft.
• Rengthiam
Falls :
At a distance of 15 kms from Shillong on the Shillong - Jowai
highway is the awe
inspiring Rengthiam Falls. Located in the Mawlyngad village, 2
kms. away at
Pepdah, this spectacular waterfall untouched in its natural beauty and
surroundings
will give any visitor the excitement of visiting the unknown in this
unique corner
waiting to be discovered.
62
• Lum
Nehru Park : Adjacent to the Orchid Lake Resort in one of the
surrounding
spurs, there is
a charming park. Besides beautiful lawns and flowers, there is also
an orchid-house
and an aviary. Plans are afoot to construct an Aquarium and set-up
Musical-Fountains
nearby.
• Ward’s
lake- Located
in the heart of
Shillong, stands
a beautiful man made
lake known as
Ward’s lake . The lake
and its
gradually undulating grounds are
hemmed in by
lush green slopes. It has a
most pleasant,
winding walk-way all
around its
parameter set in cobbled sand
stone. The lake
has striking arched bridge over it providing an exhilarating view of
the pisicultural
wealth .
• Umiam
lake :
By the side of the
Guwahati-Shillong
road ,16 kms from
Shillong Umiam
lake is at present the
biggest
arificial lake in Meghalaya . It is
a beautiful
picnic spot and a favourite
place for
anglers and water sports .
Orchid Lake
Resort , a property of
Meghalaya
Tourism provides
accomodation and
water sports .
Adjacent to the
resort, there is an aviary and orchid house .
• Archery
Stakes :
Evolves from an ancient tribal sport, the archery stakes run
everyday at
Saw-furlong , polo ground. Archers from clubs belonging to the khasi
Archery
Association fire 1500 arrows within four minutes at a cylindrical bamboo
target. The
arrow which stick in the target are then remove and counted and
recounted in the
presence of betters and spectators.
There is ample
scope to glamourise the sport by including it as a part of casino
event to become
a major tourist attraction of Shillong .
63
Cherrapunjee :
Exposure of Shillong to the world started from Cherrapunjee located 56km
from Shillong at
an altitude of 1300 metres above sea level. Cherrapunjee was the first British
out post in the
NE part of the country before being shifted to Shillong. Cherrapunjee, is
famous
for being the
heaviest rainfall area in the world. With deep gorges it is the habitat for an
innumerable
varieties of ferns, mosses and orchids. It was here that the Welsh Missionaries
and
the Ram Krishna
Mission started their services in the khasi hills. Khasi literature with Roman
script was born
here. It is a pleasant drive to see roaring waterfall leaping into deep gorges
,
including the
famed Nohsngthiang falls. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone
caves,
orange and
honey.
• Noh
Kalikai Falls : A few kilometres to the
west of
Cherrapunjee, a clear bubbling
stream emerges
from its steep mountain bed
to be hurled
down a rocky precipice into a
deep gorge,
creating a captivating view of
breathtaking
beauty.
• David
Scott Memorial : On the way to Mausami falls lies an obelisk in
memory of
David Scott an
agent to the Governor General on the North Eastern Frontier of Bengal
and Commissioner
of Revenue and circuit in the district of Assam, North Cachar, Part
of Rangpur ,
Sharpore and Sylhet.
• Mawsami
falls ;
The Mawsami falls is 1 km south of Mawsami villages . A panoramic
view of
Bangladesh’s rolling plains can be seen from the Mawsami falls
• Kynrem
falls :
Falling from a height of 1000 ft with a width of 50 ft ,it is situated by
the side of the
Shillong -Shella road about 10 km beyond Mawsami .
• Mawlong
Syiem Peak: The Mawlang Syiem Peak is meant for those tourists
seeking
adventure and
mystery . The Mawsami caves are close to this peak. the rocky
subterranean
caves can be explored during the dry season . It is an ideal picnic spot and
paradise for
orchid lovers .
• Dainthlen
Falls :
Located near Cherrapunjee, there exists another gentle but beautiful
waterfalls known
as Dainthlen Falls or the falls where Thlen (Python) was butchered .
64
Legend has it
that once upon a time , the people in order to rid themselves of evil
hunted down the
Thlen and butchered it on the wide flat rocks overlooking a gentle
waterfall . Ever
since the waterfall at this place has been known as Dainthlen Falls.
Mawsynram: 55
km from Shillong, it closely rivals Cherrapunjee in annual rainfall, Its major
attraction is a
picturesque cave of vast and unexplored depth , featuring a giant
stalagmite in
the shape of a natural “Shivalinga” . A place of piligrimage for the
Hindus and a
natural wonder for sightseers .
Dawki : 96
km from Shillong is a border town , where one can have a glimpse of the
neighbouring
country of Bangladesh . The colourful annual boat race during
spring at the
Umgot river is an added attraction . An eye catching motorable
suspension
bridge spans the Dawki river connecting Khasi and Jaintia Hills .
Mawphlang :
This countryside 24 km away from Shillong is a famous picnic spot . It is also
known for its
distillary founded by Capt. Hunt.
Jakrem: 64
km from Shillong, is a popular health resort having hot spring of
sulphur water,
believed to have curative medicinal properties.
Symer Peak : 45 km
South west of Shillong lies the Symer peak . This Peak has a unique
feature which
projects like a big monument in the middle of a table land .
According to
Khasi legend, it is said that in the remote past the Symer Peak
had a big fight
with the Kyland rock. In the fight the Symer peak was
defeated . The
few caves that are found in the peak today is believed to be the
injury caused
during the fight.
Ranikor : 140
km from Shillong, located on the bank of the river Jadukata , Ranikor
stands on the
beautiful sunny -sands of the river , A ferry service carries one
across . Ranikor
is an excellent fishing ground and Jadukata has no shortage
of huge golden
mahseers. The deeply forested environs of the place produce a
65
scenic
background of unique beauty . Its abundance of wildlife transforms the
place into a
wildlife lovers’ paradise.
Mairang : 40
kms from Shillong on the Shillong -Nongstoin road , Mairang is the head
quarters of
Nongkhlaw Syiemship as well as of the Mairang Sub-Division . In
the centre of
the town stands the memorial of late U.Tirot Sing Syiem , Syiem
of Nongkhlaw (
Raja of Nongkhlaw ) who fought against the British . He
raised the
battle cry on April,1829 but was finally captured and died in
captivity at
Dhaka on July 17 , 1855 .
Nongstoin : About
96 kms from Shillong , it is the HQ of the West Khasi hills.
Nongkhnum island
,which recently created history in Meghalaya as the
second largest
island in Asia is located only a few kilometer away from
Nongstoin .
Jowai : Jowai
, the head quarters of the Jaintia hill district is situated 64 kms away from
Shillong at 1380
metres MSL along the Shillong -Silchar highway . A
picturesque town
circled by the majestic Myntdu river .
• Thadlaskein
Lake :
56 kms from
Shillong ,the
lake according to legend
was dug with the
end of bows by
members of 290
clans of U Sajjar
Niangli a rebel
general of Jaintia Raja to
commemorate the
great exodus of the
clans , now
mainly settled in the Ri-Bhoi
and West Khasi
Hills District .
66
• Kiang
Nangbah Monument : Located on the banks of Syntu Ksiar
alongside the
river Myntdu
there is a vast field known as Madadiah Kmal Blai . At the centre of
this field
stands the elegant Kiang Nangbah Monument erected by the Jaintia people
in honour of U
Kiang Nangbah , the Jaintia patriot who died a martyr to the cause of
Jaintia freedom
. The monument is a grateful people’s tribute to their immortal
martyr.
• Nartiang
: 65
kms from Shillong was the summer capital of the Jaintia kings of
Sutnga state .
Huge monoliths form the striking landmarks of the village , said to be
erected by Mar
Phalyngki ,a Goliath of yore . The Nartiang menhir measure 27 feet
in height above
the ground , 6 ft in breadth and 2 feet 6 inches in thickness . The
monoliths
represent the megalithic culture of the Hynniewtrep people . A 500 year
old temples of
Goddess Durga is another attraction at Nartiang.
• Monument
of U Kiang Nongbah : This monument was erected in the honour
of U.
Kiang Nongbah
who fought against the British . He used to hold meeting at this
place. He was
eventually betrayed by one of his subjects and was hung on this very
same spot.
• Stone
Bridge at Thiumuwi : Located sixteen kms on the
Jowai-Muktapur-Dawki
road at a place
called Thiumuwi a stone bridge was built . The bridge was made of
immense slabs of
stone supported upon huge tall stone pillars. The banks of the
Thiumuwi stream
with the cascading Thiumuwi Waterfalls which overlooks the
stone bridge
presents a memorable scenic-panorama to every visitor.
• Syndai
:
An important village located in the Jowai -Dawki road dotted with a
number of caves
and caverns . Till date eleven independent caves have been
discovered near
Syndai. Collectively these are known as Syndai caves. Caves are
used as hide out
during war times between the Jaintia kings and foreign intruders.
The eleven caves
are the Amsohmahattang cave , the Rupasor cave, the Kriah cave,
67
the Amkoi cave,
the Amkhloo cave, the Amlashriah cave, the Amthymme cave, the
Amkari cave, the
Lyngngohmah cave, the Kynda cave and the Chair cave. The
caves have
always been tourist attraction. There are also some relics of the past,
such as the old
brick temple, ruins of stone bridge , a pool of water which was fed
through the
trunk of curved stone elephant -standing still to this day and a rock with
‘carving of
Ganesh ’.
• Syntu
Ksiar : a
vast pool of calm water the flow of the meandering river Myntdu
which almost
encircles the Jowai town ,appears to come to a sudden halt is known
as Syntu Ksiar
which means Golden flower .
Tura :
Tura , the district head quarter of West Garo hills is situated 323 km from
Shillong via
Guwahati at an
altitude of 657 metres . Its original name was DURA the part name of
DURAMA IMBAMA
believed to be the youngest of the three most powerful
goddesses who
lived there in the past . The highest point being NOKREK PEAK at
1412 metres
which provides an interesting range of orchids including wild life like
wild elephant ,
rare varieties of birds etc. Tura provides some of the finest views of the
hills against a
backdrop of the low -lying plains and the sweeping curve of the mighty
Brahmaputra . A
sunset view can be best seen from Tura peak at 1400 metres and its
summit can be
reached by a 5 km trek which is a part hiking and part rock
climbing.
• Nokrek
Biosphere reserve : 2 km away from the Nokrek peak is the
Nokrek
Biosphere
reserve. This first Biosphere reserve in the North -Eastern region was
declared as the
National Gene Citrus sanctuary in 1985. The park covers a vast
area of 47 Sq.
Km of dense forests . The park and Biosphere is famous for
having abundance
of traditional herbs and medicines . Mysterious and large
gorilla like
animal has been sighted inside the National park time and again .
• Bhaitbari
:
Located on the western frontier of the state ,Bhaitbari is a small
village of west
Garo Hills District . The site is famous for the archaeological
finds having
been uncovered after protected ‘excavations’ on the area . The finds
are of artefacts
which reveals the existence of planned places of worship .
Siju Bird Sanctuary : Just across the Siju cave on the other side of Simsang river in
the South -Garo Hills is the bird sanctuary where one can spot many rare and
protected wild birds . During winters, some migrating birds have been visiting
this place. The area is a heaven for orinthologists.
• Siju caves : Located on the cliff
overhanging the right bank of the Simsang River in South Garo Hills district
,the cave is locally known as Dobakhol or the cave of Bats . The caves consists
of innumerable intenal chambers and labyrinths which have not yet been
fully explored . The depth of the cave is yet to be fathomed. The cave
is totally dark with a perennial stream flowing out of it , which abounds with
different forms of aquatic life . The formation of stalagmites and stalactites
in these caves resemble those of Blue Grotto in the Isle of Capri .
• Chibrage : A confluence of two
rivers is just about 25 minutes drive from Tura . An ideal picnic spot with its
lush green surrounding and breath taking beauty. The traditional hanging bamboo
cane bridge suspended over the Ganoi river from bank to bank lures many tourists .
• Balpakram National Park : 167
km away from Tura town , Balpakram valley
is known for the sanctuary of the typical fauna of the region . The
Balpakram Wild Life Sanctuary has gained
the status of a National Park. The
Balpakram plateau is created by an awe
inspiring mini grand canyon which separates the
Garo hills from the Khasi hills across the Sib-bari rivulets. The
plateau commands an enchanting view of
the beautiful plains of Bangladesh. The literal
meaning of Balpakram is the land of perpetual wind .
• Milchang Dare : It is a waterfall of
immense beauty . The deep green
surroundings with large ferns, tall creepers and elegant climbers make Milchang
Dare a nature’s beauty. The deep, wide pool at the bottom of the falls with its
wide and expansive surrrounding make it an exciting natural swimming pool full
of fish of varied size and colour .
• Sisobibra : 12 km away from William Nagar, Sisobibra is a historical
place where the Garo warriors fought
the last battle against the British under the
command of Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma .
• William Nagar : The head quarter of East
Garo Hills district has all the amenities of a modern town and is the largest
growth centre in Garo Hills next to Tura. This township has been named to
honour first Chief Minister of Meghalaya Capt Williamson A. Sangma .
•
Rongbang Dare : This sprightly fall , though perennial , is at its best during
the monsoon months . It presents a romantic visual of lasting satisfaction to
the motorists driving from Asanangre towards William Nagar. Clustered on either
side by vast evergreen bamboo bushes, the falls itself appears to be on the
sway, leaving the viewer with memories of ecstatic joy.
•
Baghmara : Baghmara is the growing head quarter of South Garo Hills
district . It is situated on the banks of the Simsang river and is famous for
its tasty fish . The rare carnivorous pitchers plants locally called Memang
Koksi grow abundantly in and around Baghmara.
“Monoliths”
- Strange and awe inspiring ancient stone structures - are scattered abundantly
through the Khasi & Jaintia Hills. They speak of ancient, may be even
pre-historical links with races that extended to far away places. No one knows
how many monoliths, ossuaries, funerary mounds (kped), cenotaphs, ‘menhirs’
have been destroyed by natural calamities or by man - but it was the
handiworks of the original settlers of
the land, the ancestors of the
Meghalayans today. Many more may
probably be hidden in shrubbery. Whatever they are, they are part of the “
mystic” origins of the tribes who lived
here. Like “stone henge” in the British isles, they are a part of Meghalaya’s
legacy , frozen forever in stone relics
from a timeless past.
Considering the strengths and Tourism assets of Meghalaya ,
tourism icons need to be identified which are :
•
Orchids ●
Pitcher plant ● Hornbill • Butterfly ● Golden cats ● Slow Loris
• Waterfalls ● Caves ● Lakes • Clouds & Rains ● Creeper bridges ● Dances and Music
• Festivals
● Monoliths
● Bamboo suspension bridge
CLASSIFICATION OF TOURISM
ASSETS / DESTINATIONS
A)
Pilgrimage Tourism
• Religious –
i) All Saints Cathedral ii) Bhaitbari
• Sentimental Tourism -
i) Ka Kpep Syiem Sohra ii) David Scott Memorial
iii) Mairang iv) Monument of U .Kiang Nonghah
v) Sisobibra
B) Eco Tourism
-
• National Park-
i) Balpakram National Park ii)
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
C) Recreation Tourism
• Lakes
i) Ward lake ii) Thadlaskein lake
iii) Umiam lake iv) Tasek lake
• Park
i) Lady Hydari park ii) Ward’s lake park
• Water falls
i)
Crinoline waterfalls
ii) Sweet waterfalls iii) Bidon & Bishop waterfalls iv) Elephant waterfalls v)
Nohkalikai falls
vi) Mawsami falls vii)
Kynrem falls
viii) Dainthlen falls ix) Imilchang Dare
●
Peak
i)
Shillong peak ii) Mawlong Syiem peak
iii) Symer peak I v
) Nokrek peak
● Caves
i)
Syndai caves ii)
Siju caves iii) Mawsami Cave
● Highest rainfall
i)
Mawsynram , ii)
Cherrapunjee
• Rock-
i)
Khoh Rambah ii) Kyllang rock
• Hot spring
i) Jakram hot spring
D) Adventure Tourism
i)
Umiam lake ii)
Ranikor iii) Cherrapunjee
E) Business Tourism
i) Shillong
ii) Jowai iii) William Nagar iv)
Baghmara
v) Tura vi) Noongphoo
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