Lets talk about Meghalaya refers to ‘the abode of clouds.’ This state in the northeast of India is renowned for the highly developed and dense vegetation, heavy rainfall, and rich cultural heritage. The place is a paradise for lovers of nature as well as culture. The capital city of Meghalaya is known as the ‘Scotland of the East.’
1. Geography
Location: Northeastern India.
Area: 22,429 km².
Capital: Shillong.
Borders: North and east by Assam, South and west by Bangladesh.
Topography: Hilly Plateau and valleys
Major Rivers: Umngot, Myntdu, Simsang, and Kupli
Climate: Subtropical with heavy rainfall in the Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, which holds two Guinness records for the wettest places on
Earth.
2. Districts of Meghalaya
Meghalaya is divided into three divisions with twelve districts.
Khasi Hills Division:
East Khasi Hills: Which hosts Shillong- the state capital. This is a seat of rich culture and learning.
West Khasi Hills: The district is home to Asia’s second-longest river island, Nongkhnum Island.
South West Khasi Hills: The district finds its fame in limestone caves and the natural beauty
Jaintia Hills Division:
East Jaintia Hills District: it is recognized for the existence of coal mining and scenic points, of which includes are the Umngot River, also called Dawki.
West Jaintia Hills District: It is stated that there are two great attractions: the Nartiang Monoliths and traditional pottery
Garo Hills Division:
East Garo Hills District: it houses Nokrek National Park and several waterfalls.
West Garo Hills: Includes Tura, which is the cultural and economic nerve of the Garo people.
South Garo Hills: Balpakram National Park and all its biodiversity, etc
North Garo Hills: Natural landscapes and wildlife, etc
South West Garo Hills: Emerging as a tourist destination with an environment going utterly calm.
New districts:
Ri-Bhoi: Famous for Umiam Lake and industrial development.
Eastern West Khasi Hills: Recently formed for administrative purposes.
3. Culture and Heritage
Ethnic Groups: The main communities are the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes.
Languages: Khasi, Garo, Jaintia, and English.
Traditional Music and Dance: Known for some very colorful dances such as Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, and Wangala Festival.
Festivals:
Nongkrem Dance Festival: This is the thanksgiving ceremony of the Khasi.
Wangala Festival: This is the harvest festival of the Garo tribe.
Behdienkhlam: This is the Jaintia festival to dispel evil spirits.
Cuisine: Includes Jadoh (meat with rice dish), Dohneiiong, and Tungrymbai (fermented soybean curry).
4. Economy
Agriculture: Main crop grown is rice, maize, potato, and areca nut.
Industries: Tourism, handloom, and handicrafts.
Natural Resources: Coal, lime stone, and uranium.
Tourism: Resource-based industries and the prime attraction to the economy are Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong (Cleanest Village in Asia), and living root bridges.
5. Natural Wonders
Living Root Bridges: Lying at Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong is a specific piece of bioengineering marvel.
Mawsynram: The wettest place in the world.
Caves:
Mawsmai Cave (limestone).
Siju Cave- a habitat for bats.
Liat Prah cave: Longest cave system of India.
Waterfalls:
Nohkalikai Falls: India’s tallest plunge waterfall
Elephant Falls: Most popular picnic spot near Shillong
Seven Sisters Falls: At Cherrapunji
Lakes: Umiam Lake, Barapani; major tourist destination.
6. Flora and Fauna
National Parks and Sanctuaries:
Nokrek National Park: Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Balpakram National Park: A unique plateau with rich wildlife
Rare Species: Red panda, clouded leopard, pitcher plant
Sacred Groves: Sacred Forests of Mawphlang, an important site preserved in consonance with Khasi traditions.
7. Historical Significance
Meghalaya was formed as a nation on 21 January 1972.
Shillong was the capital of Assam before Meghalaya became.
The Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes have a very long history of self-governance and a matrilineal pattern of social structure.
8. Some Interesting Facts
State Icons:
Animal: Clouded Leopard.
Bird: Hill Myna.
Flower: Lady’s Slipper Orchid.
Tree: Gamhar (Gmelina Arborea).
Nicknames: Land of Clouds, Scotland of the East (Shillong).
UNESCO Honors: Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meghalaya, land of breathtaking landscapes, unique traditions, and overall biodiversity, is a testimony to the natural and cultural richness of northeastern India. It is a land in harmony, now preserving heritage into this age of modernity.
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