Meghalaya

Meghalaya

History of Meghalaya

People started living in Meghalaya since Neolithic era. Neolithic sites are located in high elevated areas such as Khasi Hills, Garo Hills and neighboring states. Meghalaya plays an important role in history through domestication of rice. British incorporated Meghalaya into Assam in the year 1835 and the state enjoyed semi-independent status by virtue of a treaty relationship with the British Crown. Separate hill state moment started in the year 1960. An autonomous state of Meghalaya was carved out of Assam on 2nd April 1970. Finally on 21st January 1972, Meghalaya attained statehood.

Geography of Meghalaya

Meghalaya is situated on the north east of India. Meghalaya shares national border with Assam and international border with Bangladesh. It is spread in an area of 22429 sq kms making it the seventh smallest state in the country. Meghalaya has many rivers which are mainly rain fed and seasonal. Meghalaya is the wettest place on earth with average annual rainfall 12,000 mm. The town of Cherrapunji in the Khasi Hills holds the world record for most rain in a calendar month and the village of Mawsynram, holds the record for the most rain in a year.

Government and Administration of Meghalaya

For administration purpose Meghalaya is divided into three divisions and eleven districts. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the United Democratic Party are the major political parties in the state. Meghalaya legislative assembly consists of 60 seats. Meghalaya contributes two members to the Indian Assembly. Shillong High Court takes care of Jurisdiction, which was formed in March 2013. Earlier Jurisdiction was taken care by Guwahati High Court which had its bench in Shillong.

Language and Culture of Meghalaya

The Khasis, the Garos, and the Jaintias are the main tribes in the state and they have their own culture, traditions, dress and language. Women is the head of the family, children get their family name from their mother. Property is inherited to the youngest daughter who takes care of parents. State is ruled by women power and most of the jobs are done by women. Most of the Meghalaya music got its inspiration from natural beauties. 'Phawar' is one of the famous music forms in the state. Instruments like 'Tangmuri', 'Shaw Shaw', 'Nakra', 'Kising Padiah, flutes and drums make Meghalaya music more interesting. Weaving, bamboo and cane crafts, wood works, Khasi locks, carving, jewelry, engraving, carpets and wall hangings are some of the famous crafts in the state. Khasi is the major language in the state followed by Garo, Nepali, Sylheti, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Maram, Hajong, Rabha, Koch and English.

Educational Status of Meghalaya

Literacy rate of Meghalaya is approximately 75%. University of Science and Technology, the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University, University of Technology and Management, William Carey University, are some of the universities in the state. State has some prominent institutions like IIM, NIFT, NIT, Indian Institute of Professional Studies etc.

Economy of Meghalaya

Meghalaya's GSDP was approximately 16173 crore in the year 2012. 12% of state population is below poverty line as per Reserve Bank of India, in the year 2012. Meghalaya’s economy is mainly dependent on agriculture, but still agriculture products are imported from other states. Rice is the main food grain crop accounting nearly 80% of the food grain production in the state. Potato, ginger, turmeric, areca nut, tezpatta, betelvine, short-staple cotton, jute, Mesta, black pepper, mustard and rapeseed etc. are some of the important cash crops in the state. Meghalaya has a rich base of natural resources but doesn’t have many industries.

Tourism of Meghalaya

Meghalaya is compared to Scotland for its highlands, fog and scenery. Meghalaya offers adventure tourism like rock climbing, trekking and hiking, mountaineering, caving and water sports. Nohkalikai Falls, Elephant Falls, Shadthum Falls, Weinia falls, Bishop Falls are some of the popular waterfalls in the state. Nongkhnum Island located in the West Khasi Hills district is the second biggest river island in Asia. State has many natural and manmade lakes. Meghalaya has approximately 500 natural limestone and sandstone caves across the state. Krem Liat Prah is the longest cave and Synrang Pamiang is the deepest cave in India.

Festivals Celebrated in Meghalaya

Wangala is celebrated for two days in the month of November, which marks the auspicious onset of the harvest season. Shad Suk Mynsiem means 'The Dance of Joyful Heart' is celebrated in the month of April to bid farewell to harvest season. Behdienkhlam is celebrated in the month of July to get blessing from God for good harvest season. Apart from these they are many festivals celebrated in the state.