Meghalaya is a young state in India. It is in the North-East region of India. During the early British rule, the districts of Khasi hills, Jaintia hills and Garo hills were independent Kingdoms. Later on, British annexed them annexed them into Assam. Meghalaya continued to be a part of Assam even after the Independence of India. The major facts are:
Meghalaya became an autonomous state by virtue of Assam Reorganization (Meghalaya) Act, 1969 and North East Areas (Reorganization) Act, 1971. On January 21, 1972, the new state of Meghalaya was formed. The districts included were Khasi hills, Jaintia hills and Garo hills.
Meghalaya is one of the seven sister states of India. Meghalaya, also known as Meghalaya Plateau, has rich deposits of limestone, coal, uranium, etc.
The brief facts of Meghalaya are given below:
1. Literal Meaning: The literal meaning of the term “Meghalaya” is “Abode of Clouds”.
2. Demography: The majority of the people in Meghalaya are Tribal people. The largest tribal community in Meghalaya are the Khasi people.
3. Population: It has a population of over 2.9 million. According to Census 2011, Meghalaya is the 23rd most populous Indian state.
4. Religion: Around 70 percent of the people in Meghalaya practice Christianity as their religion. Around 13 percent practice Hinduism while 4 % practice Islam.
5. Language: English is the official language of Meghalaya. Khasi and Garo are additional languages.
6. Rainfall: The Cherrapunji town in Khasi hill holds the world record of most rainfall in a calendar month.
7. Surrounding: Meghalaya is surrounded by Assam and Bangladesh in the North and South and south respectively.
8. Capital: The capital city of Meghalaya is Shillong. Shillong is one of the most popular as Hill Station in India. The place is heavenly beautiful.
9. Natural resources: The Mehgalaya Plateau region
10. Best Time: The best time to visit Meghalaya is the months between March and July.
11. Major Festivals: Nongkrem Dance, Wangala and Behdienkhlam are the major festivals in Meghalaya.