Meghalaya, a Sanskrit word meaning "the abode of cloud", was created as an autonomous State on 2nd April 1970. The full-fledged State of Meghlaya came into existence on 2nd January 1972. Meghalaya has precise historic, geographic and strategic significance for India. It is bound on north and east by the state of Assam, and on south and west by Bangladesh. The three physical division in the state are Garo (Western), Khasi (Central) and Jaintia (Eastern) hill divisions.
Meghalaya is endowed with a rich variety of flora and fauna. Of about 17,000 species of orchids in the world, around 3000 varieties are found in
Meghalaya. A botanical wonder, the pitcher plant, an insect eating plant is found in the district of Jaintia hills, West Khasi hills and South Garo hills of the state. Animals and birds that are found in the state are elephants, tigers, bear, jackal, leopard, golden langurs etc .
The interesting birds found in the state include Hornbills, King Vulture,
Crested Serpent, Eagle, Partridges, Teals, Snipes, Quails etc.
Meghalaya occupies a total area of 22,429 sq kms with a total population of 2,306,069 persons as reported in the census of 2001. The sex-ratio in Meghalaya was 974 females per 1000 males; as against 923 females for the country as a whole. The fairly high sex ratio in Meghalaya may be attributed to the existing tradition of matrilineal society. The Khasi and Jaintia tribes are matrilineal in character in which, the immovable property of the deceased, is inherited by females, especially the youngest daughter. As a matter of fact, the female babies and daughters get adequate attention of the parents with respect to education and health care.
Meghalaya is mainly a Christianity dominated state. Before the arrival of Christian missonaries in the late 19th century and later, most natives followed tribal religions.
The popular handicrafts of the Garo hills district are artistic weaving, cane and bamboo work including poker work( in which designs are burnt into the bamboo with a red-hot pointed rod),wood carving, jewellery and making of clay toys and dolls and musical instruments.
The ancient kingdoms of Khasis were confined to the plain mostly in the Kamrup and Nagaon Districts, Assam and eastwards. The kingdoms evidently were Kamakhya(after Ka meika) the ancient mother, Kolong or Kapli, Mahadem and others. The Ka, Meika kingdom later on was known as Nongwah,or Rani which survived till the middle of the last century. According to Allan Wilson in the ancient times the Khasis were a much more powerful people.
The early history of Garos is shrouded in mystery. Most traditions locate that Tibet was their home from where their forefathers spread to different places. During their sojourn they were connected to Kameikha, Kamakha and Kamakhya. Garo tradition centres on one of their great king, Nokma Abong Chirepu, who is supposed to have united and wielded the differnet tribes in the land under one kingom as one people.
The Jaintias tribe belongs to the Hynniewtrep of the Austric race. The people who inhabit the Jaintia hills are called Syntengs by the people who reside in the Garo hills. It is believed by the scholars that they had migrated from Tibet-China from Mohkhmer groups in search of food and shelter. The Jaintia Kingdom was the old kingdom spread largley in the hill areas. During the British rule their territories were annexed. The struggle between the British and the Jaintias went on. In the year 1935, when political reforms were carried out, and greater autonomy was given to Indian states and territories, the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills continued to be administered through the British resident administrator. In 1950 Garo hills,United Khasi and Jaintia hills were brought under the purview of sixth schedule of Indian constitution. District council had administrative control. The creation of Meghalaya in 1972 resulted in formation of three autonomous district councils for the development of the hills. The three council were -
- The Khasi autonomous district council
- The Jaintia autonomous district council
- The Garo autonomous district council
The district council is entrusted with the responsibilities of education, judicial legislature and administrative function.
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Meghalaya is basically an agricultural state in which about 80 percent of its total population are dependent primarily on agriculture for livlihood. The state has a vast potential for developing horticulture due to agro-climatic variations, which offer much scope for the cultivation of temprate, sub-tropical and tropical fruits and vegetables. Besides the major food crops of rice and maize, Meghalaya is known for its oranges (Khasi Mandarian), pineapple, banana, jackfruits, temperate fruits like plums, peaches and pears etc. The popular cash crops, which are traditionally cultivated, include turmeric, ginger, blackpepper, arecanut, Betelvina, tapioca, short staple cotton, jute and mesta, mustard and rapeseed. Special emphasis is presently laid on non-traditional crops like oil seeds, cashewnut, tea and coffee, orchids and commercial flowers.
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A five day long religious festival of the Khasis, Ka Pemblang Nongrem dance is popularly known as Nongrem dance is held annually at village, Smit,11km from Shillong
Behdiengkhlam, the most important and colourful festival of the Jaintias is celebrated annually at Jowai in Jaintia hills in July.
Wangla festival is observed for a week to honour Saljong(Sun-god) of the Garos during October-November.
Christmas is celebrated in the month of December by the large Christian population of the state.
Wei tdem(sweet falls) -It is a beautiful fall on the Umkhen stream.
Entomological Museum (Butterfly museum) - is privately owned museum of M/S Wankhar,Riatsamthiah,Shillong.
Nartiang - is a cluster of giant monoliths is about 65km from Shillong and 24kms from Jowai.
Syndai-or Syndai Caves were used as hide-outs during war times between the Jaintia king and foreign intruders is located at Jowai.
