CONTENTS

✓ INTRODUCTION
✓ HISTORY
✓ GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
✓ CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
✓ FLORA
✓ FAUNA
✓ FACTS ABOUT FLORA AND FAUNA
✓ RELIGIONS IN MEGHALAYA
✓ CULTURE AND TRADITION
✓ FESTIVALS
✓ CULTIVATION AND CROPS
✓ TRIBES
✓ CAPITAL – SHILLONG
✓ TOURIST SPOTS MEGHALAYA
 INTRODUCT ION
i. The actual meaning of “Meghalaya” translates to “Abode of
Clouds”. “Megha” meaning “Clouds” and “Alaya” meaning
“Abode” in Sanskrit.
ii. The capital of Meghalaya is “Shillong”. This state was
nicknamed “Scotland of the East” for its highlands, fog, and
scenery during British Rule.
iii. Meghalaya is the cleanest place in India. Only 13% of
Meghalaya’s population practice religions other than
Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
iv. Meghalaya is basically an agricultural state with about 80%
of its population depending entirely on agriculture for their
livelihood. Nearly 10% of the geographical area of Meghalaya
is under cultivation.

MEGHALAYA
 HISTORY
Meghalaya has been inhabited since the Neolithic
Times. The KHASI, GARO, AND JAINTIA
TRIBES had their own kingdoms until they came
under British Administration in the 19th century.
Later, the British incorporated Meghalaya into
Assam in 1835. The region enjoyed semi-
independent status by virtue of a treaty
relationship with the British Crown. When Bengal
was partitioned on 16th October 1905 by Lord
Curzon, Meghalaya became a part of the new
province of EASTERN BENGAL AND ASSAM.
However, when the partition was reversed in 1912,
Meghalaya became a part of the province of
Assam. On 3rd January 1921 in pursuance of
Section 52A of the Government of India Act 1919,
the Governor-General in Council declared the areas
that now constitute Meghalaya. It was formed by
carving out two districts from Assam: (i) The
United Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills (ii) The Garo
Hills. Previously, Meghalaya was part of the State
of Assam, but on 21st January 1972, the Districts
of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills became the new
state of MEGHALAYA.
MEGHALAYA
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Meghalaya covers an approximate area of 22,430 sq.km. This
state is bound by BANGLADESH TO THE SOUTH, BANGLADESHI
DIVISION OF RANGPUR TO THE WEST and the INDIAN STATE OF
ASSAM TO THE SOUTH AND EAST. Meghalaya is one of the Seven
Sister States of North-East India the others being; Arunachal Pradesh,
Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. The state of Meghalaya
is mountainous, with stretches of valley and highland plateaus, and it is
geologically rich. It consists mainly of Archean rock formations which
contain rich deposits of valuable minerals like Coal, Limestone, Uranium
and Sillimanite. ALMOST 70% OF THE STATE COMPRISES OF
FORESTS OUT OF WHICH 9496 sq.km. IS DENSE PRIMARY
SUBTROPICAL FORESTS. The highland plateaus are fed by
ABUNDANT RAINS WHICH PROVIDE SAFETY FROM FLOODS
AND A RICH AND FERTILE SOIL. Meghalaya lies at altitude of about
1520 METERS (4990 FEET) ABOVE SEA LEVEL.

MEGHALAYA
 CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Meghalaya is the WETTEST PLACE ON EARTH and experiences an
average annual rainfall of 12,000 mm (470 in) in some areas. Climatic
conditions in Meghalaya permit a large variety of horticulture crops
including fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, mushrooms, and medicinal
plants. The maximum temperature in this region rarely goes beyond 28° C
(82° F), whereas SUB-ZERO winter temperatures are common. The town
of SOHRA (CHERRAPUNJI) in the Khasi Hills south of the 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
CALENDAR YEAR. The climate of Meghalaya is generally very humid. It
is directly influenced by the South - West monsoon and the North- East
winter winds. The four main seasons of Meghalaya are Spring (March to
April), Monsoon (May to September), Autumn (October to November) and
Winter (December to February).The climate of Meghalaya varies with
altitude. The climate of Khasi and Jaintia Hills is uniquely pleasant and
bracing. It is neither too warm in summer nor too cold in winter, but over
the plains of Garo Hills, the climate is warm and humid, except in winter.
TRUE TO ITS NAME THE MEGHALAYA SKY SELDOM REMAINS
FREE OF CLOUDS.
MEGHALAYA
 FLORA
ABOUT 70% OF THE STATE IS
FORESTED, of which 9,496sq.km. (3,666 sq mi)
is dense primary subtropical forest. The
Meghalaya forests are among the RICHEST
BOTANICAL HABITATS OF ASIA. These
forests receive abundant rainfall and support a
vast variety of floral and faunal biodiversity. Due
to diverse climatic and topographic conditions,
Meghalaya forests support a vast floral diversity,
including a large variety of parasites, epiphytes,
succulent plants and shrubs. Two of the most
important tree varieties are Shorea Robusta (Sal
Tree) and Tectona Grandis (Teak). Meghalaya is
also the home to a large variety of fruits,
vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants.
Meghalaya is also famous for its large variety of
ORCHIDS — NEARLY 325 OF THEM. Of
these, the largest variety is found in the Mawsmai,
Mawmluh and Sohrarim forests in the Khasi hills.
Meghalaya harvests about 3,128 species of
flowering plants and contributes about 18% of the
total flora of the country, including 1,237 endemic
species. A wide variety of wild cultivable plants,
edible fruits, leafy vegetables and orchids are
found in the natural forests of Meghalaya.
MEGHALAYA
 FAUNA
Meghalaya also has a large variety of
mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. The important
mammal species include elephants, bear, red pandas,
small Indian civets, mongooses, weasels and several
primates. Meghalaya also has a large variety of
bats. The limestone caves in Meghalaya such as the
SIJU CAVE are home to some of the nation's rarest
bat species. The hoolock gibbon is found in all
districts of Meghalaya. Common reptiles in
Meghalaya are lizards, crocodiles and tortoises.
Meghalaya also has several snakes including the
python, copperhead, green tree racer, Indian cobra,
king cobra, coral snake and vipers. Meghalaya's
forests host 660 SPECIES OF BIRDS, many of
which are endemic to Himalayan foothills, Tibet
and Southeast Asia. The great Indian hornbill is the
largest bird in Meghalaya. Other regional birds
found include the grey peacock pheasant, the large
Indian parakeet and the common green pigeon.
Meghalaya is also home to over 250 SPECIES OF
BUTTERFLIES, nearly a quarter of all butterfly
species found in India. THE RARE AND HIGHLY
ENDANGERED CLOUDED LEOPARD IS THE
STATE ANIMAL.
MEGHALAYA
 FACTS ABOUT FLORA AND FAUNA
Meghalaya is also known for its “SACRED GROVES”. They are small or large areas of forests or natural vegetation
that are usually dedicated to LOCAL FOLK DEITIES OR TREE SPIRITS or some religious symbolism over many
generations, often since ancient times. These spaces are found all over India, are protected by local communities, and in
some cases, the locals would neither touch leaves or fruits or in other ways damage the forest, flora or fauna taking refuge
in them. This guardianship creates a sacred area where nature and wildlife thrive.
The forests of Meghalaya are also the home to the very rare insect-eating pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana which also
called “Me’mang Koksi” in the local language. The Mawphlang sacred forest, also known as “LAW LYNGDOH” is one of
the most famous sacred forests in Meghalaya. It's a scenic nature destination, and one can also find the sacred
RUDRAKSHA TREE here.
The NOKREK BIOSPHERE RESERVE in the West Garo Hills and the BALPHAKRAM NATIONAL PARK in the
South Garo Hills are the most biodiversity-rich sites in Meghalaya. At about 25 km from Shillong, there is a small village
named MAWPHLANG in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. This village is an important Khasi Heritage Site
which has one of the Khasi Hills sacred forest groves. Nobody is allowed to take anything from this forest, not even a dead
leaf or stone intentionally. The Nokrek National Park located in Cherrapunjee in the West Garo Hills District of
Meghalaya is the UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve. This national park is well-popular for the Red Pandas. Few of the last
remaining Red Pandas can be seen only in this region.

MEGHALAYA
RELIGIONS IN MEGHALAYA

RELIGIONS
Others
Tribal Religions

Islam

Christianity

Hinduism

MEGHALAYA
CULTURE AND TRADITION
Most of the 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. 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 the house and all other property they may own. Meghalaya has
one of the world's LARGEST SURVIVING MATRILINEAL
CULTURES. The Khasi and Jaintia tribesmen follow the traditional
matrilineal norm, wherein the youngest daughter inherits all the property
and responsibilities for the family. In case a family has no daughters, the
Khasi and Jaintia have a custom of the family ADOPTING A GIRL from
another family, performing religious ceremonies with the community, and
she becomes the head of the house. 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
for the house or home. If there are NO DAUGHTER(S), a chosen
DAUGHTER-IN-LAW or an ADOPTED CHILD comes to stay in the
house and inherit the property.

MEGHALAYA
CULTURE AND TRADITION
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. Tens of thousands of the Jaintia tribe members
participate over the Hindu festival of Mahashivratri (Night of Lord Shiva)
every year. The NARTIANG DURGA TEMPLE is a major Hindu temple
in Meghalaya, and it is one of the 51 SHAKTI PEETHAS on Earth.

Mawjymbuin Cave MEGHALAYA

 FESTIVALS
BEHDEINKHLAM is a four-day festival and is
celebrated by the Jaintia Clan. The Bhdeinkhlam
means “Chasing away the Plague” and is believed to
ward off evils. It is celebrated during the SOWING
SEASON when the people of the Niamtre religion
gather, praying for bountiful produce. This festival
is also celebrated by the Jaintia clan. This festival is
also celebrated prior to the sowing season; in MID-
APRIL OR MAY.
The WANGALA FESTIVAL is celebrated by the
Garo people, marking the END OF THE
AGRICULTURAL YEAR. This festival is now
popularly known as HUNDRED DRUMS
FESTIVAL. During this festival, a special drum
named Nagara is beaten for which men and women
dance gracefully.
The NONGKREM FESTIVAL is also celebrated
among the Khasis. It is celebrated every year in
Smit, with pomp and gaiety. It is a thanksgiving
festival that is celebrated for about 5 days in the
month of OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER, every
year.
MEGHALAYA
CULT IVATION AND CROPS
Local folks of Meghalaya mostly use two types of farming practices, the
shifting cultivation, and the terrace or bun cultivation. These traditional
farming methods are properly adapted to the environmental conditions of
Meghalaya. The locals are already acquainted with these methods of
farming, and they know the ecological balance it restores.
JHUM / SHIFTING CULTIVATION:
Shifting cultivation has been a popular farming method in Meghalaya.
Farmers also practice “SLASH AND BURN” method. Commonly called
the JHUM or the SWIDDEN CULTIVATION method, it is one of the
most ancient methods of cultivation. Shifting cultivation involves the
clearing of forest areas to grow agricultural crops for a short period of
time, ranging from OVER 1 TO 10 YEARS. After this period, the
cultivation is moved to another site. The farmers MAY OR MAY NOT
RETURN to the old site after the fertility of the soil has recovered.
Shifting cultivation is practiced widely in the hilly regions of Meghalaya.
The village council, known as “DORBAR SHNONG”, preserves the land
and allocates forestland for cultivation.

MEGHALAYA
CULT IVATION AND CROPS
BUN / TERRACE CULTIVATION:
Bun or terrace cultivation is practiced widely in slopes and valleys of
Meghalaya. This cultivation method has been prevalent for the LAST 3
DECADES. It provides an improved production system, helps conserve
soil moisture, and prevents land degradation and soil erosion.
In this system, BENCH TERRACES are built on the hill slopes. The gap
between each bun is levelled using the CUT-HILL METHOD. The vertical
break between each terrace is one meter. Thus, preventing erosion and
maintaining a balanced water holding capacity within the slopes. It also
helps to safely dispose-off the additional runoff from the slopes to the
lower areas.

MEGHALAYA
 TRIBES
Tribal people make up most of Meghalaya's
population. The KHASIS are the LARGEST
GROUP, followed by the Garos then the Jaintias.
These were among those known to the British as
“hill tribes”. Other groups include the Hajongs, the
Biates, the Koches and related Rajbongshis, the
Boros, Dimasa, Kuki, Lakhar, Tiwa (Lalung),
Karbi, Rabha and Nepali. Meghalaya recorded the
highest decennial population growth of 27.82%
among all the seven north-eastern states, as per the
provisional report of census 2011.
The KHASI PEOPLE are an ETHNIC GROUP of
Meghalaya in north-eastern India with a significant
population in the bordering state of Assam, and in
certain parts of Bangladesh. The KHASI PEOPLE
form most of the population of the EASTERN
PART of Meghalaya, and is the state's largest
community, with around 48% of the population of
Meghalaya. They are among the few Austroasiatic-
speaking peoples in South Asia. A cultural tradition
of the Khasi people is that they follow the
matrilineal system of descent and inheritance.
Under the Constitution of India, the Khasis have
been granted the status of Scheduled Tribe.
MEGHALAYA
 TRIBES
The GAROS are a TIBETO-BURMAN ethnic
group from the Indian subcontinent, notably
found in the Indian states of Meghalaya, Assam,
Tripura, Nagaland .Historically, Garo name was
used for wide range of people in southern bank of
Brahmaputra but today, Garo means Hill tribes
who call themselves A'chik Mande. They are the
SECOND-LARGEST TRIBE in Meghalaya after
the Khasi and comprise about A THIRD OF THE
LOCAL POPULATION. The Garos are one of the
few remaining matrilineal societies in the world.
The inhabitants of the JAINTIA HILLS are
primarily tribal JAINTIAS, who, like the Khasis
to the west, are thought to be descendants of the
first Mongolian migration to India. Until the 19th
century these people had a THREE-TIERED
SYSTEM OF ADMINISTRATION. Under British
rule, however, this system was broken down, and
after independence it was replaced by a district
council for tribal affairs and an Indian officer who
administered other matters.
MEGHALAYA
 CAPITAL - SHILLONG
SHILLONG first became prominent in 1864, when it succeeded
CHERRAPUNJI as the DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS. In 1874 it was
made the capital of the new province of Assam. Shillong, formerly called
Yeddo or Lewduh, is the capital of Meghalaya, north-eastern India. The
city’s location is the EAST-CENTRAL part of the state on the Shillong
Plateau, at an ELEVATION OF 4,990 FEET (1,520 METRES). Shillong, a
popular tourist destination, is at the core of one of the largest urban areas
in northeastern India. It is an important TRADE CENTER for
agricultural products and has research stations focusing on dairy farm,
fruit, and silk production. It also has the Pasteur Institute and Medical
Research Institute and is the home of North-Eastern Hill. Shillong is
subject to vagaries of the monsoon. The monsoons arrive in June, and it
rains almost until the end of August. The climate is hot and humid during
summers but quite cold during winters. October-November and March-
April are the best months to visit Shillong.

Ariel view of Shillong MEGHALAYA

 TOURIST SPOTS
Meghalaya is the perfect destination for people who
love mountains and seeking for some inner peace. If
you are looking for some peace among the snowy
mountains, you should consider holidaying in
Meghalaya. You won’t be disappointed.
➢ Cherrapunji
Speciality: Mesmerizing surroundings and plethora
of attractions.
➢ Balpakram National Park
Speciality: Rich biodiversity
➢ Shillong
Speciality: Natural beauty, popular landmarks, and
astounding views.
➢ Elephant Falls
Speciality: Surrounded by lush greenery and offers
spectacular views.

MEGHALAYA
 TOURIST SPOTS
➢ Double-decker Living Root Bridge
Speciality: Oldest natural bridge.
➢ Don Bosco Museum
Speciality: A perfect representation of the cultural
history of the state.
➢ Kyllang Rock
Speciality: One of the highest points in Meghalaya
➢ Mawlynnong Village
Speciality: Encompasses gorgeous landscapes and
scenic surroundings.
➢ Baghmara
Speciality: Houses exotic wildlife.
➢ Nohkalikai Waterfalls
Speciality: A paradise-like destination with
outstanding natural views.
➢ Mawsmai Cave
Speciality: A thrilling escapade
MEGHALAYA
 TOURIST SPOTS
➢ Umiam Lake
Speciality: Glistening man-made lake
➢ Mawsynram
Speciality: Pristine waterfalls
➢ Jowai
Speciality: Pristine waterfalls
➢ Nongpoh
Speciality: Picturesque environment
➢ William Nagar
Speciality: Adorned with immense flora and
magnificent mountain scapes.
➢ Dawki
Speciality: Gorgeous river with clear waters.
➢ Laitlum Canyon Elephant Falls

Speciality: Spectacular surroundings.

MEGHALAYA
THANK YOU
TEAM-3
KUNADARAJU RUTHVIKA
LAVANYASHREE S
MITHILESH RAJU
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NISHA DEEPAK
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