Meghalaya

Meghalaya means “abode of the clouds” in Sanskrit, which is an appropriate name for one of the wettest regions on Earth. Cherrapunji, 56 km (35 mi) from Shillong, has the world's second highest rainfall average of 11,430 mm (450 in); the town has been known to receive more than 20,000 mm (787 in) of rain in one year. The state occupies a mountainous plateau where the average elevation is just under 2,000 m (6,500 ft). Severe earthquakes are not uncommon. About one third of Meghalaya is covered in dense forests which are home to an abundance of wildlife, including tiger, elephant, leopard, wild pig, wolves, deer, snakes, peacocks, hornbills, and mynahs. The state has two national parks. None of the rivers flowing through Meghalaya is navigable.

Meghalaya has a population of 2,306,069 (2000). Shillong, a popular hill station, has a population of about 132,000 (1991). The Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia hill tribes constitute the majority of the population. Animism, Hinduism, and Christianity are the main religions. Traditional customs are maintained and religious festivals include varied forms of dance, an important element in the local culture. Khasi and Garo are the principal languages; together with Jaintia and English they are also official languages.

More than 80 per cent of the population depends on agriculture. Shifting cultivation is commonly practiced. Oranges and potatoes are grown as cash crops; rice, maize, and vegetables are the main food crops. Temperate and tropical fruits are grown. Meghalaya has rich mineral deposits, including mica, coal, and gypsum, which have only been minimally exploited. The state produces 95 per cent of India's output of sillimanite. Forest products include timber, bamboo, reed, cane, and medicinal herbs and plants.

Meghalaya has a single chamber Legislative Assembly of 60 seats, and sends three members to the Indian national parliament—one to the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and two to the Lok Sabha (lower house). There are seven local government administrative districts. The governor of Meghalaya is Shri M. M. Jacob. He has held the position since 1995.

The Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes each had their own kingdoms until the British annexed them in the 19th century to build a road through the region. The British controlled the region despite some resistance until 1947, the year of India's independence, when the area became part of Assam. During the late 1960s instability in Assam increased as several tribes demanded greater political influence or independence. Partly as a result, Meghalaya broke off from Assam and became a state in 1972.


Taken from Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia. © 1993-2001.