State of India - Meghalaya

Area: 22,429 sq km

Population: 17,74,778

Capital Of City: Shillong

Languages: Khasi, Garo and English

Crops:

How You Know: Archery is a very popular game in Meghalaya. Even the government allows a form of betting called 'Teer' which involves archery.

History: Meghalaya is one of the 'Seven sisters' of the northeast. The word Meghalaya means 'Abode of the clouds', which is true for this hilly state, one of the wettest places in the world. Almost 70% of Meghalaya is covered with forests. Hence the state is rich in forest product like bamboo, orchids etc. Meghalaya is also home to rare wildlife which includes the bengal tiger, the clouded leopard, wildcat, Binturong and Hoolock (the only true ape found in India). Meghalaya also has the largest number of elephants in India, nearly 3000. The capital city Shillong is the second largest hill station in the world (Brasilia, the capital of Brazil is the first). The Britishers used to call it the 'Scotland of the East'. Most of the people of Meghalaya are tribals who have been living in this remote region since ancient times. The main tribes are Khasi, Jantia and Garo. Most of them are now Christians but continue to observe their tribal practices. Meghalaya is one of the few places in the country where the matrilineal system is practiced - this means that women are the head of the family and property and family name inherited through them. The most common occupation of the state is agriculture. Many people practice 'jhum' a type of shifting agriculture. About 56 km from Shillong is Cherrapunjee, one of the wettest places in the world. Rainfall often continues for weeks here and there are many rain fed waterfalls including the famous Nohsngithiang Falls. On a foggy day, you can hear the waterfall and yet not see it! Most tribes have their own festival. The Ka Pamblang Nongkrem, popularly known as Nongkrem dance is one of the most important festivals of the Khasis. The festival is held as a thanks-giving ceremony to God for the harvest. Nartiang, the ex-summer capital of the Jaintia kings has a place called the 'Playground of giants'. Here huge stone slabs (some erect, others flat) can be seen. The tallest is 8 meters high and 2 meters wide. These are said to have been placed by a giant called U Mar Phalyngki. This amazing site is similar to Stonehenge in England.