Meghalaya State GK
Meghalaya is a Sanskrit word, which means the ‘abode of clouds’. The state with its capital Shillong, located at an elevated range of 4,908 ft. (1,496 metres) above the sea level is famed for its beauty. During the Colonial period, Shillong was described as ‘Scotland of the East’ and selected as the provincial capital of Assam for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Even today, the state continues to mesmerise visitors as they come across picturesque surroundings, lush green hills, beautiful waterfalls and a visit to Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and Mawsynram, the wettest places on earth.
The state of Meghalaya, formed on 21 January 1972, was carved out of the state of Assam. Meghalaya comprises the United Khasi Hills, Jaiñtia Hills and Garo Hills. The total geographical area of the state is 22,429 sq. km with a population of 29.64 lakh (Census 2011). It is home to three major tribes — Khasis, Pnars (Jaiñtias) and Achik (Garos). ‘Khasi’ is a generic term that includes Khynriam,Pnar, Bhoi, War, Lyngngam and Diko people. ‘Achik’ is used for Garo people. Among the north- eastern states of India, Meghalaya is the only state which practises matrilineal system, where thelineage is traced through the mother. Women have a privileged status and the youngest daughter is the custodian of the ancestral property. However, the maternal uncle is the counsellor, who gives the final decision in all matters.
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History of Meghalaya
Historical records reveal that a rich cultural interaction and a thriving trade existed between the people of the hills of Meghalaya and Sylhet (Bangladesh). In 1500 A.D., Parbat Ray a Jaiñtia ruler, shifted his capital from Sutnga to Jaiñtiapur a place in Sylhet. In Jaiñtiapur, the Syiems (rulers) adopted the Bengali script and Hindu officials were appointed for carrying out the administrative work. Many of the coins collected by Edward Gait and A.W. Botham bore Hindu symbols. Nartiang (Jaiñtia Hills) was the summer capital of the Jaiñtia kings and a Durga temple was built about 500 years ago, which still exists.Overview:
In the 19th century, Meghalaya became an equivalent part of the British Empire in India. During the British Raj, Meghalaya was added under the British Empire. After in 1935, Meghalaya became a part of Assam. Meghalaya was created by cutting out two districts from the state of Assam (the United Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills) and the Garo Hills on 21 January 1972.
| DESCRIPTION | SUMMARY |
|---|---|
| Founded on/Statehood | 21 January 1972 |
| Capital Formation | 21 January 1972 (Shillong) |
| Largest city | Shillong |
| Ruled By | British rule |
| Districts | 12 (check recent update, if any) |
| Also Known as | The Abode of Clouds |
Geographical Structure of Meghalaya:
The capital city of Meghalaya is Shillong. During the British rule in India, the British imperial authorities named it the "Scotland of the East"," The Land of Seven huts", and Land of Honey and Bee". Meghalaya was earlier part of Assam, but on 21 January 1972, the districts of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills became the new state of Meghalaya.| DESCRIPTION | SUMMARY |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 22,429 km2 (8,660 sq. mi) |
| Population | 29,64,007 |
| The rank of the state | Population-wise: 23rd Area-wise: 23rd |
| Population Density | 132/km2 |
| State Bounded By |
• The state is bounded on the north by Assam and by Bangladesh on the south. • Meghalaya is a hilly strip in the eastern part of the country about 300 km long (east-west) and 100 km wide |
| Time Zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
Administrative Structure of Meghalaya
Meghalaya is one of the Seven Sister States of northeast India. 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. These rock formations contain rich deposits of valuable minerals like coal, limestone, uranium and sillimanite.
| DESCRIPTION | SUMMARY |
|---|---|
| Capital | Shillong |
| Administrative HQ | Shillong |
| Chief Minister | Conrad Sangma (NPP) |
| State Animal | Clouded leopard |
| State Bird | Common hill myna |
| State Flower | Lady Sleeper Orchid |
| State Tree | Gamari |
| Largest District | West Khasi Hills |
National Parks of Meghalaya:
| Parks | Area |
|---|---|
| Nokrek National Park | 47.48 km2 |
| Balphakram National Park | 215 km2 |
Meghalaya Job Updates
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Meghalaya State Oneliner
The people of Meghalaya have a glorious past, rich cultural heritage and amazing landscapes. The state has carved its name for prestigious educational institutions in the country from the British period. Being one of the most beautiful states of India, Meghalaya is a favoured tourist destination. Earlier Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and now Mawsynram are known to be places with highest rainfall on earth.
Facts About Meghalaya| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Williamnagar is the district headquarter of which place? | East Garo Hills |
| What is the official language of Meghalaya? | English |
| What is the highest average rainfall in some areas of Meghalaya? | 12,000 mm |
| Which is the State recognized tree of Meghalaya? | Gamhar |
| Which is the smallest district of Meghalaya? | South West Garo Hills |
| When was North Eastern Space Application Centre established? | 2000 |
| In which year, UNESCO added Nokrek National Park to its list of Biosphere Reserves? | 2009 |
| When did Meghalaya receive the status of a full-fledged State by the North-Eastern Areas? | 1972 |
| Who was the first Inspector General of Police Meghalaya? | R.C. Dutt |
| What was the former name of Williamnagar? | Simsanggre |
| Where is the North-Eastern Hill University located in Tura? | Chandmari |
| Who is the first Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court? | T. Meena Kumari |
| Which Bangladeshi division borders Meghalaya to the western side? | Rangpur Division |
| What is the length-to-breadth ratio of Meghalaya? | 3:1 |
| How many Municipalities are in Meghalaya? | Three (Shillong, Tura, Jowai) |
| Which is the largest district of Meghalaya? | East Khasi Hills |
| Where is ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region located? | Umiam |
| How many campuses does NEHU have? | Two (Shillong and Tura) |
| Which is the only Indian state that borders Meghalaya? | Assam |
| Which is the wettest region in Meghalaya? | Mawsynram |
| Who is the Education Minister of Meghalaya? | Lahkmen Rymbui |
| How many wildlife sanctuaries are in Meghalaya? | Three |
| How many seats does Meghalaya have in the Lok Sabha? | 2 Seats |
| Where is “Nartiang Durga Temple” located in Meghalaya? | West Jaintia Hills |
| Which famous river is present in Baghmara? | Someshwari River |
| What is the State Bird of Meghalaya? | Hill Myna |
| Which is the largest group in Meghalaya? | Khasis |
| Which River divides Garo Hills into two parts? | Simsang River |
| What is the total area of Meghalaya? | 22,429 sq km |
| What is the Khasi name for “Elephant Falls”? | Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew |
| Who is the 19th Governor of Meghalaya? | Satya Pal Malik |
| Where does Meghalaya have its Railhead? | Mendipathar |
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