Meghalaya GK || Meghalaya GK pdf with answers
Know About Your State Meghalaya:
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.
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.
