View source for Meghalaya

{{Short description|State in northeastern India}}
{{for|the geological stage|Meghalayan}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox Indian state or territory
| name = Meghalaya
| type = State
| image_seal = Emblem of Meghalaya.svg
| etymology = Abode of the clouds
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Noakalikai falls 1480244029215.jpg
| photo2a = Khrangsuri waterfall, Meghalaya 01.jpg
| photo2b =Tawny-Breasted Wren-Babbler (Spelaeornis longicaudatus).jpg
| photo3a =Dawki River, Meghalaya, India.jpg
| size                            = 280
| spacing                         = 1
| position                        = centre
| border                          = 0
| color                           = black
}}
| image_caption = Clockwise from top: [[Nohkalikai Falls]], Tawny Breasted Wren, [[Umngot River]], Khrangsuri waterfalls
| motto = Satyameva Jayate (Truth alone triumphs)
| image_map = IN-ML.svg
| coordinates = {{coord|25.57|91.88|region:IN-AS|display=inline,title}}
| region = Northeast India
| before_was = Part of [[Assam]]
| formation_date2 = formation1
| formation_date4 = 21 January 1972
| capital = Shillong
| largestcity = capital
| districts = [[List of districts of Meghalaya|12]]
| Governor = [[C. H. Vijayashankar]]<ref name="Governor_2024"/>
| Chief_Minister = [[Conrad Sangma]]
| party = [[National People's Party (India)|NPP]]
| judiciary = [[Meghalaya High Court]]
| legislature_type = Unicameral
| assembly = [[Meghalaya Legislative Assembly]]
| assembly_seats = 60 seats
| rajya_sabha_seats = 1 seat
| lok_sabha_seats = 2 seats
| area_total_km2 = 22429
| area_rank = 24th
| length_km = 300
| width_km = 100
| elevation_m = 900
| elevation_max_m = 1,965
| elevation_max_point = [[Lushai Hills]] section
| elevation_min_m = 150
| population_footnotes = <ref name="census2011Abstract">{{cite web |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/pca/DDW_PCA0000_2011_Indiastatedist.xlsx |title=Primary Census Abstract Data Tables (India & States/UTs - District Level) |publisher=Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India |access-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408052329/https://censusindia.gov.in/pca/DDW_PCA0000_2011_Indiastatedist.xlsx |archive-date=8 April 2022 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="CensusIndia2011PCA12018">{{cite report|chapter-url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-1.pdf|chapter=Population, Size and Decadal Change|date=2018|title=Primary Census Abstract Data Highlights, Census of India, 2011|access-date=16 June 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019035341/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-1.pdf|archive-date=19 October 2019|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>
| population_total = {{Increase}} 2,966,889
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = 22nd
| population_urban = 20.07%
| population_rural = 79.93%
| population_density = 130
| population_demonym = Meghalayans
| 0fficial_Langs = [[English language|English]]<ref name=langoff>{{cite web |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM47thReport.pdf |title=Report of the Commissioner for linguistic minorities: 47th report (July 2008 to June 2010) |pages=84–89 |publisher=Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India |access-date=16 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513161847/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM47thReport.pdf |archive-date=13 May 2012 }}</ref>
| official_script = [[Latin script]]
| GDP_total = {{Increase}}{{INRConvert|0.466|lc|lk=r}}
| GDP_year = 2023-24
| GDP_rank = 27th
| GDP_per_capita = {{IncreaseNeutral}}{{INRConvert|112736|lk=r}}
| GDP_per_capita_rank = 29th
| HDI = {{IncreaseNeutral}}0.704 {{color|#0c0|High}}<ref name="snhdi-gdl">{{cite web |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database |url=https://ceda.ashoka.edu.in/hdi-how-states-fare-in-human-development/ |website=Global Data Lab |publisher=Institute for Management Research, Radboud University |access-date=25 September 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| HDI_year = 2022
| HDI_rank = 17th
| literacy = {{Increase}} 74.43%
| literacy_year = 2011
| literacy_rank = 24th
| sex_ratio = 989[[female|♀]]/1000 [[male|♂]]
| sexratio_year = 2011
| sexratio_rank = 3rd
| iso_code = IN-ML
| registration_plate = ML
| website = meghalaya.gov.in
| mammal = [[Clouded leopard]]
| bird = [[Hill myna]]
| flower = [[Paphiopedilum insigne|Lady's Slipper Orchid]]
| tree = [[Gmelina arborea|Gamhar]]
| image_highway = SH IN-ML.png
}}

'''Meghalaya''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|m|eɪ|g|ə|ˈ|l|eɪ|ə|,_|m|eɪ|ˈ|g|ɑː|l|ə|j|ə}};<ref>{{MW|Meghalaya}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/Meghalaya|title=Definition of Meghalaya in English from the Oxford Dictionaries|work=[[Oxford Dictionaries (website)|Oxford Dictionaries]]|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402101655/http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/Meghalaya|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> {{lit.}} "the abode of clouds"<ref name="Etymology"/>) is a [[states and union territories of India|state]] in [[northeast India]]. Meghalaya was formed on 21 January 1972 by carving out two districts from the state of [[Assam]]: (a) the United [[Khasi Hills]] and [[Jaintia Hills]] and (b) the [[Garo Hills]].<ref name="meghis">[http://megassembly.gov.in/origin_and_growth.htm History of Meghalaya State] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130924232301/http://megassembly.gov.in/origin_and_growth.htm|date=24 September 2013}} Government of India</ref> The estimated population of Meghalaya in 2014 was 3,211,474.<ref>{{cite web|date=10 March 2014|title=Fact sheet on meghalaya|url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2014/mar/d2014031002.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304024544/http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2014/mar/d2014031002.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=12 September 2014}}</ref> Meghalaya covers an area of approximately 22,429 square kilometres, with a length-to-breadth ratio of about 3:1.<ref name="ibef">[http://www.ibef.org/download/Meghalaya-110313.pdf Meghalaya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903215532/http://www.ibef.org/download/Meghalaya-110313.pdf|date=3 September 2013}} IBEF, India (2013)</ref>

The state is bound to the south by the [[Bangladesh]]i divisions of [[Mymensingh Division|Mymensingh]] and [[Sylhet Division|Sylhet]], to the west by the Bangladeshi division of [[Rangpur Division|Rangpur]], and to the north and east by India's [[State of Assam]]. The capital of Meghalaya is [[Shillong]]. During the [[British Raj|British rule of India]], the British authorities nicknamed it the "Scotland of the East".<ref name=akrl>Arnold P. Kaminsky and Roger D. Long (2011), ''India Today: An Encyclopedia of Life in the Republic'', {{ISBN|978-0313374623}}, pp. 455–459</ref> English is the official language of Meghalaya. Unlike many Indian states, Meghalaya has historically [[Matrilineal society of Meghalaya|followed a matrilineal system]] where the lineage and inheritance are traced through women; the youngest daughter inherits all wealth and she also takes care of her parents.<ref name=akrl/>

The state is the wettest region of India, with the wettest areas in the southern Khasi Hills recording an average of {{convert|12000|mm|abbr=on}} of rain a year.<ref name="ibef"/> About 70 per cent of the state is forested.<ref name="Meghalaya and Its Forests">[http://www.megforest.gov.in/megfor_extent_forest.htm Meghalaya and Its Forests] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822010308/http://www.megforest.gov.in/megfor_extent_forest.htm |date=22 August 2014 }} Government of Meghalaya (2012); Quote – total forest area is 69.5%</ref> The [[Meghalaya subtropical forests]] [[ecoregion]] encompasses the state; its mountain forests are distinct from the lowland tropical forests to the north and south. The forests are notable for their [[biodiversity]] of mammals, birds, and plants.

Meghalaya has a predominantly [[agrarian economy]] with a significant commercial forestry industry. The important crops are potatoes, rice, maize, [[pineapple]]s, bananas, papayas, and spices. The service sector is made up of real estate and [[insurance companies]]. Meghalaya's gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at {{INRConvert|16173|c}} in current prices.<ref name=pcindia/> The state is geologically rich in minerals, but it has no significant industries.<ref name=akrl/> The state has about {{convert|1,170|km|abbr=on}} of national highways. It is also a major logistical center for trade with Bangladesh.<ref name="ibef"/>

In July 2018, the [[International Commission on Stratigraphy]] divided the [[Holocene]] epoch into three,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stratigraphy.org/index.php/ics-news-and-meetings/119-collapse-of-civilizations-worldwide-defines-youngest-unit-of-the-geologic-time-scale|title=Collapse of civilizations worldwide defines youngest unit of the Geologic Time Scale|access-date=18 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718214052/http://stratigraphy.org/index.php/ics-news-and-meetings/119-collapse-of-civilizations-worldwide-defines-youngest-unit-of-the-geologic-time-scale|archive-date=18 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/meghalaya-ecstatic-after-being-etched-in-geological-history-permanently/story-jmw6vPPuuNAg2ctBbyTztO.html|title=Meghalaya ecstatic after being etched in geological history permanently|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719204920/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/meghalaya-ecstatic-after-being-etched-in-geological-history-permanently/story-jmw6vPPuuNAg2ctBbyTztO.html|archive-date=19 July 2018|url-status=live|date=19 July 2018}}</ref> with the late Holocene being called the ''[[Meghalayan]] stage/age'',<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-44868527|title=Welcome to the Meghalayan Age a new phase in history|access-date=18 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718211344/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-44868527|archive-date=18 July 2018|url-status=live|work=BBC News|date=18 July 2018|last1=Amos|first1=Jonathan}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/newest-phase-in-earths-history-named-after-meghalaya-rock/articleshow/65046837.cms|title=Newest phase in Earth's history named after Meghalaya rock|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=19 July 2018 |access-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802183333/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/newest-phase-in-earths-history-named-after-meghalaya-rock/articleshow/65046837.cms|archive-date=2 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> since a [[speleothem]] in [[Caves of Meghalaya#List of twenty longest caves in Meghalaya|Mawmluh cave]] indicating a dramatic worldwide climate event around 2250 BCE had been chosen as the boundary [[stratotype]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.qpg.geog.cam.ac.uk/news/formalsubdivisionoftheholoceneseriesgeogr18.pdf |title=Formal subdivision of the Holocene Series/Epoch |access-date=10 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710194916/https://www.qpg.geog.cam.ac.uk/news/formalsubdivisionoftheholoceneseriesgeogr18.pdf |archive-date=10 July 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

One of the biggest [[List of institutes funded by the government of India|Central Institutes]], the [[North Eastern Council]] Secretariat, is also situated in Shillong.

==Etymology==
The word ''Meghālaya'' means "the abode of clouds"; derives from a compound of the [[Sanskrit]] words ''{{lang|sa-Latn|[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/मेघ#Sanskrit megha]}}'' "cloud" + ''{{lang|sa-Latn|[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/आलय#Sanskrit ālaya]}}'' "abode".<ref name="Etymology">{{cite book |last1=Sharma |first1=Suresh Kant |last2=Sharma |first2=Usha |title=Discovery of North-East India |date=2015 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-8324-034-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JUozqyA2e90C&q=meghalaya |access-date=30 October 2023 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111115903/https://books.google.com/books?id=JUozqyA2e90C&q=meghalaya |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=BHARAT DARSHAN - Embassy of India, Luanda |date=2023 |url=https://indembangola.gov.in/pdf/Newsletter/26_July_Bharat_Darshan.pdf |access-date=9 October 2023 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111115908/https://indembangola.gov.in/pdf/Newsletter/26_July_Bharat_Darshan.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of Meghalaya}}
{{See|Meitei people in Meghalaya#History{{!}}Meghalayan Manipuri history}}
Meghalaya, alongside the neighbouring Indian states, has been of archaeological interest. People have lived in Meghalaya since the [[Neolithic period]]. Neolithic sites discovered so far are located in areas of high elevation in [[Khasi Hills]], [[Garo Hills]] and in neighbouring states, where Neolithic style ''jhum'' or shifting cultivation is practised even today. The highland plateaus fed by abundant rains provided safety from floods and a rich soil.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hazarika |first=Manjil |year=2006 |title=Neolithic Culture of Northeast India: A Recent Perspective on the Origins of Pottery and Agriculture |journal=Ancient Asia |volume=1 |pages=25–44 |doi=10.5334/aa.06104 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The importance of Meghalaya is its possible role in human history via domestication of rice. A theory for the origin of rice is by Ian Glover while states, "India is the center of greatest diversity of domesticated rice with over 20,000 identified species and Northeast India is the most favorable single area of the origin of domesticated rice."<ref>Glover, Ian C. (1985), Some Problem Relating to the Domestication of Rice in Asia, In Recent Advances in Indo-Pacific Prehistory (Misra, VN. and P. Bellwood Eds.), {{ISBN|978-8120400153}}, Oxford Publishing, pp 265-274</ref> The limited archaeology done in the hills of Meghalaya suggest human settlement since ancient times.<ref name=skr>SANKAR KUMAR ROY, Aspects of Neolithic Agriculture and Shifting Cultivation, Garo Hills, Meghalaya, Asian Perspectives, XXIV (2), 1981, pp 193-221</ref>

After the [[Conquest of Taraf]] in 1304, Shah Arifin Rafiuddin, a disciple of [[Shah Jalal]], migrated and settled in the [[Khasi and Jaintia Hills]] where he preached [[Islamic monotheism]] to the local people. His [[khanqah]] remains in Sarping / Laurergarh on the [[Bangladesh]]i border but the part containing his [[mazar (mausoleum)|mazar]] is in Meghalaya on top of Laur Hill.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tahirpur.sunamganj.gov.bd/site/page/4e170264-0757-11e7-a6c5-286ed488c766/%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%20%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AD%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF|title=Upazila background|website=Tahirpur Upazila|access-date=28 October 2019|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521040714/http://www.tahirpur.sunamganj.gov.bd/site/page/4e170264-0757-11e7-a6c5-286ed488c766/%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%20%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AD%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Bhaitbari is an archaeological site first discovered and excavated by A. K. Sharma in 1993, a fortification of burnt brick with mud core was discovered at Meghalaya - Assam border and is dated to 4th-8th century AD, the city has been speculated to have been one of the capital cities of [[Kamarupa]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Archaeology: Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya|url=http://megartsculture.gov.in/arch.htm|access-date=14 August 2021|website=megartsculture.gov.in|archive-date=8 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208111332/http://megartsculture.gov.in/arch.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The British discovered ''[[Camellia sinensis]]'' (tea shrub) in 1834 in [[Assam]] and later companies started renting land from 1839 onwards.<ref name=Roy>{{cite book|last=Roy|first=Tirthankar|title=India in the World Economy: From Antiquity to the Present|year=2012|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-107-00910-3|page=202}}</ref>{{Clarify|reason=garbled|date=August 2021}}

The Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes had their own kingdoms until they came under British administration in the 19th century. Later, the British incorporated Meghalaya into Assam in 1835.<ref name="akrl" /> The region enjoyed semi-independent status by virtue of a treaty relationship with the British Crown. When Bengal was [[1905 Partition of Bengal|partitioned on 16 October 1905]] by [[George Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston|Lord Curzon]], Meghalaya became a part of the new province of [[Eastern Bengal and Assam]]. When the partition was reversed in 1912, Meghalaya became a part of the province of Assam. On 3 January 1921 in pursuance of Section 52A of the [[Government of India Act 1919|Government of India Act of 1919]], the governor-general-in-council declared the areas now in Meghalaya, other than the Khasi states, as "backward tracts." Subsequently, the British administration enacted the [[Government of India Act 1935]], which regrouped the backward tracts into two categories: "excluded" and "partially excluded" areas.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

At the time of Indian independence in 1947, present-day Meghalaya constituted two districts of Assam and enjoyed limited autonomy within the state of Assam. A movement for a separate hill state began in 1960.<ref name="meghis" /> On 11 September 1968, the Government of India announced a scheme for constituting an autonomous state within the state of Assam comprising certain areas specified in Part A of the table appended to paragraph 20 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution.<ref>{{cite web|title=High Court of Meghalaya: History|url=http://meghalayahighcourt.nic.in/history|access-date=23 December 2020|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120025420/http://meghalayahighcourt.nic.in/history|url-status=live}}</ref> Accordingly, the Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act of 1969 was enacted for the formation of an autonomous state.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act, 1969|url=http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1969-55_0.pdf|access-date=23 December 2020|archive-date=13 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813135852/https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1969-55_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Meghalaya was formed by carving out two districts from the state of Assam: the United [[Khasi Hills]] and [[Jaintia Hills]], and the [[Garo Hills]].<ref name="meghis" /> The name 'Meghalaya' coined by geographer [[Shiba P. Chatterjee|S.P. Chatterjee]] in 1936 was proposed and accepted for the new state.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bareh|first=H.M.|title=Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Vol IV|year=2001|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=81-7099-791-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Press Releases: Lecture on Emerging Challenges in Mapping|url=http://megipr.gov.in/pr/pr.asp?dt=10-10-2007&prno=750/07|access-date=23 December 2020}}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The Act came into effect on 2 April 1970, with the autonomous state having a 37-member legislature in accordance with the Sixth Schedule to the Indian constitution.

In 1971, the Parliament passed the [[North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971]], which conferred full statehood on the autonomous state of Meghalaya. Meghalaya attained statehood on 21 January 1972, with a [[Meghalaya Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]] of its own.<ref name="meghis" />

== Geography ==
[[File:Meghalaya Abode of the Clouds India Nature in Laitmawsiang Landscape.jpg|thumb|left|Laitmawsiang landscape, wrapped in fog. Meghalaya is mountainous, and it is the rainiest state of India. The word Meghalaya means, "abode of the clouds".]]
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]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Meghalaya| work=indiawris.gov.in| url=https://indiawris.gov.in/wiki/doku.php?id=meghalaya#:~:text=January%2021st%201972.-,Geography,grassland%2C%20hills%20and%20river%20valley |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315074304/https://indiawris.gov.in/wiki/doku.php?id=meghalaya#:~:text=January%2021st%201972.-,Geography,grassland%2C%20hills%20and%20river%20valley |archive-date=15 March 2023| access-date=3 September 2023}}</ref> The name Meghalaya was given by [[Shiba P. Chatterjee]], a geography professor at the [[University of Calcutta]].<ref>{{Cite journal| date=20 March 1937| title=Le plateau de Meghalaya (Garo-Khasi-Jaintia)| url=https://www.nature.com/articles/139489b0| journal=Nature| language=en| volume=139|issue=3516| pages=489| doi=10.1038/139489b0|bibcode=1937Natur.139Q.489.| s2cid=26835789|issn=1476-4687| access-date=15 March 2023|archive-date=15 March 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315074032/https://www.nature.com/articles/139489b0| url-status=live}}</ref>

Meghalaya has many rivers. Most of these are rainfed and seasonal. The important rivers in the Garo Hills region are Ganol, Daring, Sanda, Bandra, Bugai, Dareng, [[Simsang River|Simsang]], Nitai and the Bhupai. In the central and eastern sections of the plateau, the important rivers are Khri, Umtrew, Digaru, Umiam or Barapani, Kynshi (Jadukata), Umngi, Mawpa, Umiam Khwan, Umngot, Umkhen, Myntdu and Myntang. In the southern Khasi Hills region, these rivers have created deep gorges and several waterfalls.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

[[File:Tea Plantation Agriculture in Meghalaya India on the way to Shillong.jpg|thumb|Farming on hilly terrain (tea plantation).]]
The elevation of the plateau ranges between {{convert|150|m|abbr=on}} to {{convert|1961|m|abbr=on}}. The central part of the plateau comprising the [[Khasi Hills]] has the highest elevations, followed by the eastern section comprising the [[Jaintia Hills]] region. The highest point in Meghalaya is Shillong Peak, which is a prominent [[Indian Air Force|IAF]] station in the Khasi Hills overlooking the city of Shillong. It has an altitude of 1961 m. The [[Garo Hills]] region in the western section of the plateau is nearly plain. The highest point in the Garo Hills is Nokrek Peak with an altitude of 1515 m.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

=== Climate ===
With the average annual rainfall as high as {{convert|12000|mm|abbr=on}} in some areas, Meghalaya is the wettest place on Earth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/30/wettest-place-on-earth-india-mawsynram_n_3675254.html|title=The Wettest Place On Earth: Indian Town Of Mawsynram Holds Guinness Record For Highest Average Annual Rainfall|author=Ammu Kannampilly|publisher=Huffington Post|date=31 July 2013|access-date=16 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823215636/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/30/wettest-place-on-earth-india-mawsynram_n_3675254.html|archive-date=23 August 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The western part of the plateau, comprising the Garo Hills region with lower elevations, experiences high temperatures for most of the year. The Shillong area, with the highest elevations, experiences generally low temperatures. The maximum temperature in this region rarely goes beyond {{convert|28|C|F}},<ref>{{cite web | url=http://megipr.gov.in/basic_facts.htm | title=Basic facts of Meghalaya | access-date=13 January 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120204955/http://megipr.gov.in/basic_facts.htm | archive-date=20 January 2012 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> whereas sub-zero winter temperatures are common.

[[File:Cherrapunji.jpg|thumb|170px|left|A sign board in Cherrapunji]]
The town of Sohra ([[Cherrapunji]]) in the Khasi Hills south of capital Shillong holds the world record for most rain in a calendar month, while the village of [[Mawsynram]], near Sohra (Cherrapunji), holds the record for the most rain in a year.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Kuttippurath|first1=J|last2=Murasingh|first2=S|last3=Stott|first3=P A|last4=Sarojini|first4=B Balan|last5=Jha|first5=Madan K|last6=Kumar|first6=P|last7=Nair|first7=P J|last8=Varikoden|first8=H|last9=Raj|first9=S|last10=Francis|first10=P A|last11=Pandey|first11=P C|date=22 January 2021|title=Observed rainfall changes in the past century (1901–2019) over the wettest place on Earth|journal=Environmental Research Letters|volume=16|issue=2|page=024018|doi=10.1088/1748-9326/abcf78|bibcode=2021ERL....16b4018K|issn=1748-9326|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wmo.asu.edu|title=Global Weather & Climate Extremes|publisher=[[World Meteorological Organisation]]|access-date=25 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213113854/http://wmo.asu.edu/|archive-date=13 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Flora and fauna ===
{{See also|Meghalaya subtropical forests}}
{{multiple image
 | direction = vertical
 | align = right
 | width = 170
 | footer = Meghalaya's forests host 660 species of birds<ref name=avibase/> and numerous species of other wildlife. Peacock pheasant (top) and hoolock gibbon (bottom) are found in Meghalaya.<ref>[http://megtourism.gov.in/wildlife.html Wildlife in Meghalaya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301163028/http://megtourism.gov.in/wildlife.html |date=1 March 2014 }} Government of Meghalaya</ref>
 | image1 =Grey Peacock-Pheasant.jpg
 | image2 =Female Hoolock Gibbon.jpg
 }}
About 70% of the state is forested, of which {{convert|9496|km2|abbr=on}} is dense primary subtropical forest.<ref name="Meghalaya and Its Forests"/> The Meghalayan forests are considered to be among the richest botanical habitats of Asia. These forests receive abundant rainfall and support a vast variety of floral and faunal biodiversity. A small portion of the forest area in Meghalaya is under what are known as "[[sacred grove]]s" (see [[Sacred groves of India]]). These are small pockets of an ancient forest that have been preserved by the communities for hundreds of years due to religious and cultural beliefs. These forests are reserved for religious rituals and generally remain protected from any exploitation. These sacred groves harbour many rare plant and animal species. The [[Nokrek Biosphere Reserve]] in the West Garo Hills and the [[Balphakram National Park]] in the South Garo Hills are considered to be the most biodiversity-rich sites in Meghalaya.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} In addition, Meghalaya has three wildlife sanctuaries. These are the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, the Siju Sanctuary, and the Baghmara Sanctuary, which is also the home of the insect-eating [[pitcher plant]] ''[[Nepenthes khasiana]]'' also called "Me'mang Koksi" in the Garo language.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

Due to diverse climatic and topographic conditions, Meghalaya forests support a vast floral diversity, including a large variety of [[parasite]]s, [[epiphyte]]s, [[succulent plant]]s and [[shrub]]s. Two of the most important tree varieties are ''[[Shorea robusta]]'' (sal tree) and ''[[Tectona grandis]]'' (teak). Meghalaya is also the home to a large variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. Meghalaya is also famous for its large variety of orchids&nbsp;— nearly 325 of them. Of these, the largest variety is found in the Mawsmai, Mawmluh and Sohrarim forests in the Khasi hills.

[[File:Nepenthes khasiana.jpg|170px|thumb|left|''[[Nepenthes khasiana]]'']]
Meghalaya also has a large variety of [[mammal]]s, birds, [[reptile]]s and insects.<ref>Choudhury, A. U. (2003) "Meghalaya's vanishing wilderness". ''Sanctuary Asia'' 23(5): 30–35</ref> The important mammal species include elephants, bear, [[red panda]]s,<ref>Choudhury, A. U. (1996) "Red panda in Garo Hills". ''Environ'' IV(I): 21</ref> [[small Indian civet]]s, [[mongooses]], [[weasel]]s, [[rodent]]s, [[gaur]], [[Wild Asian water buffalo|wild buffalo]],<ref>Choudhury, A. U. (2010) ''The Vanishing Herds: the wild water buffalo''. Gibbon Books, Rhino Foundation, CEPF & COA, Taiwan, Guwahati, India</ref> [[deer]], [[wild boar]] and a number of [[primate]]s. Meghalaya also has a large variety of [[bat]]s. The limestone caves in Meghalaya such as the [[Siju Cave]] are home to some of the nation's rarest bat species. The [[hoolock gibbon]] is found in all districts of Meghalaya.<ref>Choudhury, A. U. (2006) "The distribution and status of hoolock gibbon, Hoolock hoolock, in Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland in Northeast India". ''Primate Conservation'' 20: 79–87</ref>

Common reptiles in Meghalaya are [[lizard]]s, [[crocodile]]s and [[tortoise]]s. Meghalaya also has a number of snakes including the [[Pythonidae|python]], [[Radiated ratsnake|copperhead]], green tree racer, [[Indian cobra]], [[king cobra]], [[coral snake]] and [[Viperidae|viper]]s.<ref>Zoological Survey of India, Fauna of Meghalaya: Vertebrates, Part 1 of Fauna of Meghalaya, Issue 4, Government of India (1995)</ref>

Meghalaya's forests host 660 species of birds, many of which are endemic to Himalayan foothills, [[Tibet]] and [[Southeast Asia]]. Of the birds found in Meghalaya forests, 34 are on worldwide threatened species list and 9 are on the critically endangered list.<ref name=avibase>[http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=INneml&list=howardmoore Birds of Meghalaya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122054357/http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=INneml&list=howardmoore |date=22 January 2015 }} Avibase (2013)</ref> Prominent birds spotted in Meghalaya include those from the families of [[Phasianidae]], Anatidae, Podicipedidae, Ciconiidae, Threskiornithidae, Ardeidae, Pelecanidae, Phalacrocoracidae, Anhingidae, Falconidae, Accipitridae, Otididae, Rallidae, Heliornithidae, Gruidae, Turnicidae, Burhinidae, Charadriidae, Glareolidae, Scolopacidae, Jacanidae, Columbidae, Psittacidae, Cuculidae, Strigidae, Caprimulgidae, Apodidae, Alcedinidae, Bucerotidae, Ramphastidae, Picidae, Campephagidae, Dicruridae, Corvidae, Hirundinidae, Cisticolidae, Pycnonotidae, Sylviidae, Timaliidae, Sittidae, Sturnidae, Turdidae, Nectariniidae and Muscicapidae.<ref name=avibase/> Each of these families have many species. The [[great Indian hornbill]] is the largest bird in Meghalaya. Other regional birds found include the grey [[peacock pheasant]], the large Indian parakeet and the common [[green pigeon]].<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (1998) ''Birds of Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary & adjacent areas''. The Rhino Foundation for Nature in North East India, Guwahati, India. 31pp.</ref> Meghalaya is also home to over 250 species of butterflies, nearly a quarter of all butterfly species found in India.

In 2020, scientists have discovered the largest known subterranean fish in Meghalaya's [[Khasi and Jaintia Hills|Jaintia Hills]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/02/worlds-largest-cave-fish-found-in-india/|title=World's largest cave fish discovered in India|date=12 February 2020|website=Animals|language=en|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=29 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329200355/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/02/worlds-largest-cave-fish-found-in-india/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Byrnihat has been ranked 38th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 3 population under 3 lakhs cities) in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
=== Population ===
{{See|Meghalayan Manipuri people}}
{{Historical population
| 1901 | 340524
| 1911 | 394005
| 1921 | 422404
| 1931 | 480820
| 1941 | 555820
| 1951 | 605674
| 1961 | 769380
| 1971 | 1011699
| 1981 | 1335819
| 1991 | 1774778
| 2001 | 2318822
| 2011 | 2966889
| source = [[Census of India]]<ref name="Census Population">{{cite web |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A-2_Data_Tables/00%20A%202-India.pdf |title=A - 2 Decadal Variation in Population Since 1901 |publisher=Office of the Registrar General and Census Commission of India |access-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225050543/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A-2_Data_Tables/00%20A%202-India.pdf |archive-date=25 February 2021 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}
Tribal people make up the majority of Meghalaya's population. The [[Khasi people|Khasi]]s are the largest group, followed by the [[Garo (tribe)|Garos]] then the [[Pnar people|Jaintias]]. These were among those known to the British as "[[Hill people#South-East Asia|hill tribe]]s." Other groups include the Bengali, [[Hajong people|Hajong]]s, the [[Biate people|Biate]]s, the [[Koch people|Koch]]es and related [[Rajbongshi people|Rajbongshi]]s, the [[Bodo people|Boro]]s, [[Dimasa people|Dimasa]], [[Kuki people|Kuki]], Lakhar, [[Tiwa (Lalung)]], [[Karbi people|Karbi]], [[Rabha]] and [[People of Nepal|Nepali]].{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

Meghalaya recorded the highest decennial population growth of 27.82% among all the seven north-eastern states, as per the provisional report of census 2011. The population of Meghalaya as of 2011 has been estimated at 2,964,007 of which females constitute 1,492,668 and males 1,471,339. As per the census of India 2011, the [[human sex ratio|sex ratio]] in the state was 986 females per 1,000 males which was far higher than the national average of 940. The urban female sex ratio of 985 was higher than the rural sex ratio of 972.<ref name="census2011.co.in">{{cite web |url=http://www.census2011.co.in/states.php |title=List of states with Population, Sex Ratio and Literacy Census 2011 |publisher=Census2011.co.in |access-date=9 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214170814/http://www.census2011.co.in/states.php |archive-date=14 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Religion===
{{more citations needed section|date=August 2019}}
{{See also|Christianity in Meghalaya|Hinduism in Meghalaya|Niamtre}}
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Meghalaya (2011)<ref name="census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Christianity]]
|color1 = Blue
|value1 = 74.59
|label2 = [[Hinduism]]
|color2 = orange
|value2 = 11.52
|label3= [[Tribal religions in India|Tribal religions]]
|color3 = lightgreen
|value3 = 8.70
|label4 = [[Islam]]
|color4 = Green
|value4 = 4.39
|label5 = [[Buddhism]]
|color5 = Gold
|value5 = 0.33
|label6 = [[Jainism]]
|color6 = magenta
|value6 = 0.02
|label7 = [[Sikhism]]
|color7 = Yellow
|value7 = 0.10
|label8 = Others
|color8 = Gray
|value8 = 0.35
}}

Meghalaya is one of three states in India to have a Christian majority. About 75% of the population practices Christianity, with [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterians]], [[Baptist]]s, [[Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)|Church of God]], and [[Catholicism|Catholics]] the more common denominations.<ref name="census2011"/> The religion of the people in Meghalaya is closely related to their ethnicity. Close to 90% of the [[Garo people|Garo]] and nearly 80% of the [[Khasi people|Khasi]] are Christian, while more than 97% of the [[Hajong people|Hajong]], 98.53% of the [[Koch people|Koch]], and 94.60% of the [[Rabha people|Rabha tribes]] are Hindus. A minority of Garo and Khasi are also Hindus mainly because of the influence of Hindu populations in Hindu majority villages.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blog.cpsindia.org/2016/10/religion-data-of-census-2011-xxx-st.html?m=1 | title=Religion Data of Census 2011: XXX ST Meghalaya | access-date=27 January 2023 | archive-date=25 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025174848/https://blog.cpsindia.org/2016/10/religion-data-of-census-2011-xxx-st.html?m=1 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Christianity among the Scheduled Tribes of the Northeast: Meghalaya |url=https://blog.cpsindia.org/2016/10/religion-data-of-census-2011-xxx-st.html |website=Centre for Policy Studies |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921155751/http://blog.cpsindia.org/2016/10/religion-data-of-census-2011-xxx-st.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Hindus are the largest religious minority in Meghalaya with 11.52% of the total state's population as of 2011 census<ref name="census2011"/> Hindus are concentrated mainly in [[West Garo Hills]], [[East Khasi Hills]] and [[Ri-Bhoi]] with 19.11 per cent, 17.55 per cent and 11.96 per cent respectively. The [[Nartiang Durga Temple]] is a major Hindu temple in Meghalaya and it is one of the 51 [[Shakti peethas]] on Earth.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Das|first=Manosh|date=15 October 2010|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Lofty-Himalayas-notwithstanding-the-tribal-people-of-Nartiang-in-the-Jaintia-Hills-of-Meghalaya-truly-believe-that-their-scenic-little-hamlet-is-the-permanent-abode-of-Goddess-Durga-Perched-atop-a-hillock-is-the-more-than-600-year-old-and-ancient-Durgabari-a-simple-house-made-of-stones-and-wood-complete-with-tin-roofing-Revered-as-one-of-the-51-Shakti-Peethas-the-temple-has-been-drawing-a-large-number-of-pilgrims-from-all-over-the-country-on-occasion-of-Durga-Puja-/articleshow/6754889.cms|title=Lofty Himalayas notwithstanding, the tribal people of Nartiang in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya truly believe that their scenic little hamlet is the "permanent abode" of Goddess Durga. Perched atop a hillock is the more than 600-year old and ancient Durgabari - a simple house made of stones and wood complete with tin roofing. Revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the temple has been drawing a large number of pilgrims from all over the country on occasion of Durga Puja. - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=20 December 2019|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228134358/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Lofty-Himalayas-notwithstanding-the-tribal-people-of-Nartiang-in-the-Jaintia-Hills-of-Meghalaya-truly-believe-that-their-scenic-little-hamlet-is-the-permanent-abode-of-Goddess-Durga-Perched-atop-a-hillock-is-the-more-than-600-year-old-and-ancient-Durgabari-a-simple-house-made-of-stones-and-wood-complete-with-tin-roofing-Revered-as-one-of-the-51-Shakti-Peethas-the-temple-has-been-drawing-a-large-number-of-pilgrims-from-all-over-the-country-on-occasion-of-Durga-Puja-/articleshow/6754889.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

Indigenous Faiths is followed by 8.7 % of population. The indigenous faiths of Meghalaya are [[Niamtre]], followed by Jaintia people,<ref>[1] Singh, K. (2010). "Niamtre: The Indigenous Religion of Meghalaya." *Journal of Tribal Studies*, 5(2), 45-56.</ref> ''Niam Khasi'' and ''Niam Tynrai'', followed by Khasi tribe.<ref>[2] Syiem, D. (2015). "Understanding Khasi Indigenous Religion." *Meghalaya Research Journal*, 8(1), 27-39.</ref><ref>[3] Kharshiing, L. (2012). "Niam Tynrai and Its Cultural Significance." *Cultural Studies in Meghalaya*, 10(4), 101-110.</ref>

[[Muslims]] constitute 4.39% of the population<ref name="census2011"/> and are concentrated mainly in [[West Garo Hills]], where they make up 16.60% of the population.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thenortheasttoday.com/archive/hindu-population-comes-down-in-meghalaya/ |title=Hindu population comes down in Meghalaya - TNT-The NorthEast Today |website=thenortheasttoday.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831091207/https://thenortheasttoday.com/archive/hindu-population-comes-down-in-meghalaya/ |archive-date=31 August 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Conversion from indigenous to Christianity began in the 19th century during the [[British Raj|British colonial]] era. In the 1830s, [[American Baptist International Ministries|American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society]] had become active in Northeast India to convert indigenous tribes to Christianity.<ref>{{cite book |last=Johnson |first=R. E. |year=2010 |title=A Global Introduction to Baptist Churches |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0521877817}}</ref> Later, they were offered to expand and reach into Cherrapunji Meghalaya, but they declined out of the lack of resources. Taking up the offer, the Welsh Presbyterian Mission began work at the Cherrapunji mission field. By the early 1900s, other Protestant denominations of Christianity were active in Meghalaya. The outbreak of World Wars forced the preachers to return home to Europe and America. It is during this period that [[Catholicism]] took root in Meghalaya and neighbouring regions. In the 20th century, Union Christian College started operations at Umiam, Shillong. Currently, Presbyterians and Catholics are two most common Christian denominations found in Meghalaya.<ref>Amrit Kumar Goldsmith, ''The Christians In The North East India: A Historical Perspective'', Regional Organizer of Churches' Auxiliary of Social Action, Regional Headquarters at Mission Compound, Satribari, Guwahati</ref>

=== Languages ===
{{See|Manipuri language in Meghalaya}}
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Languages of Meghalaya in 2011
<ref name="Census2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html|title=C-16: Population by Mother Tongue|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|last=ORGI|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=10 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815035759/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| label1 = [[Khasi language|Khasi]]
| value1 = 33.82
| color1 = darkblue
| label2 = [[Garo language|Garo]]
| value2 = 31.60
| color2 = limegreen
| label3 = [[Pnar language|Pnar]]
| value3 = 10.69
| color3 = teal
| label4 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
| value4 = 6.44
| color4 = gold
| label5 = [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
| value5 = 1.85
| color5 = maroon
| label6 = [[War language|War]]
| value6 = 1.73
| color6 = deepskyblue
| label7 = [[Hindi]]
| value7 = 1.62
| color7 = orange
| label8 = [[Hajong language|Hajong]]
| value8 = 1.40
| color8 = khaki
| label9 = [[Assamese language|Assamese]]
| value9 = 1.34
| color9 = salmon
| label10 = Others
| value10 = 9.51
| color10 = Gray
}}

English is the official language of the state.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://megtourism.gov.in/aboutmeghalaya.html | title = Department of Tourism Government of Meghalaya -About Meghalaya | publisher = Megtourism.gov.in | date = 21 January 1972 | access-date = 18 July 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090515025823/http://megtourism.gov.in/aboutmeghalaya.html | archive-date = 15 May 2009 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The most spoken languages in Meghalaya are [[Khasi language|Khasi]] (33.82%) and [[Garo language|Garo]] (31.60%) followed by [[Pnar language|Pnar]] (10.69%), [[Bengali language|Bengali]] (6.44%), [[Nepali language|Nepali]] (1.85%), [[War language|War]] (1.73%), [[Hindi]] (1.62%), [[Hajong language|Hajong]] (1.40%) and [[Assamese language|Assamese]] (1.34%).<ref name="Census2011"/>

Khasi (also spelled Khasia, Khassee, Cossyah, and Kyi) is a branch of the [[Mon–Khmer]] family of the [[Austroasiatic]] stock and according to 2001 census, Khasi is spoken by about 1,128,575 people residing in Meghalaya. Many words in the Khasi language have been borrowed from [[Indo-Aryan languages]] such as [[Assamese language|Assamese]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and [[Nepali language|Nepali]]. Moreover, the Khasi language originally had no script of its own. The Khasi language is one of the very few surviving [[Mon–Khmer languages]] in India today.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

The [[Garo language]] has a close affinity with the [[Bodo language]]s, a small family of [[Tibeto-Burman languages]]. Garo, spoken by the majority of the population, is spoken in many dialects such as Abeng or Ambeng,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.westgarohills.gov.in/people.htm | title = The People | publisher = Westgarohills.gov.in | access-date = 18 July 2010 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100528205013/http://westgarohills.gov.in/people.htm | archive-date = 28 May 2010 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Atong, Akawe (or Awe), Matchi Dual, Chibok, Chisak Megam or Lyngngam, Ruga, Gara-Ganching and Matabeng.

[[Pnar language|Pnar]] is spoken by many people of [[Jaintia Hills district|both the West and East Jaintia Hills]]. The language is related to the Khasi language. Apart from the main languages, various local dialect are being spoken by the War Jaintia (West Jaintia Hills), Maram and Lynngam (West Khasi Hills), War Pynursla (East Khasi Hills), [[Tiwa (Lalung)|Tiwa language]] by Tiwa peoples of Ri-Bhoi district. Another example is the [[Biate language]] spoken by many people inhabiting the south-eastern part of Meghalaya bordering Assam.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

[[Indo-Aryan languages]] like [[Assamese language|Assamese]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Hajong language|Hajong]], [[Hindi]] and [[Nepali language|Nepali]] are spoken by many people residing mostly in the [[East Khasi Hills district]] and the [[West Garo Hills district]].<ref name="Census2011"/>

English is spoken as a common language across the diverse ethnic and demographic groups. In urban centres most of the people can speak English; rural residents vary in their ability.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}

== Districts ==
{{Main article|List of districts of Meghalaya}}
[[File:Aerial view of Shillong Meghalaya India.jpg|230px|thumb|An aerial view of the state capital, Shillong.]]
Meghalaya currently has 12 districts.<ref>[http://meghalaya.gov.in:8080/megportal/district_details Districts of Meghalaya] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607034735/http://meghalaya.gov.in:8080/megportal/district_details |date=7 June 2014 }} Government of Meghalaya</ref>

'''Jaintia Hills Division:'''
* [[West Jaintia Hills district|West Jaintia Hills]] ([[Jowai]])
* [[East Jaintia Hills district|East Jaintia Hills]] ([[Khliehriat]])

'''Khasi Hills Division:'''
* [[East Khasi Hills]] ([[Shillong]])
* [[West Khasi Hills]] ([[Nongstoin]])
* [[South West Khasi Hills]] ([[Mawkyrwat]])
* [[Ri-Bhoi]] ([[Nongpoh]])
* [[Eastern West Khasi Hills]] ([[Mairang]])

'''Garo Hills Division:'''
* [[North Garo Hills]] ([[Resubelpara]])
* [[East Garo Hills]] ([[Williamnagar]])
* [[South Garo Hills]] ([[Baghmara, India|Baghmara]])
* [[West Garo Hills]] ([[Tura, India|Tura]])
* [[South West Garo Hills]] ([[Ampati]])

The '''Jaintia Hills''' district was created on 22 February 1972. It has a total geographical area of {{convert|3819|km2}} and a population of 295,692 as per the 2001 census. The district headquarters is in [[Jowai]]. [[Jaintia Hills]] district is the largest producer of coal in the state. Coal mines can be seen all over the district. [[Limestone]] production in the state is increasing, as there is high demand from cement industries.
Recently, the one big district was divided into two: West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills

The '''East Khasi Hills''' district was carved out of the Khasi Hills on 28 October 1976. The district has covered an area of {{convert|2748|km2}} and has a population of 660,923 as per the 2001 census. The headquarters of East Khasi Hills is located in Shillong.

The '''Ri-Bhoi''' district was formed by the further division of East Khasi Hills district on 4 June 1992. It has an area of {{convert|2448|km2}}. The total population of the district was 192,795 in the 2001 census. The district headquarters is at [[Nongpoh]]. It has a hilly terrain, and a large part of the area is covered with forests. The Ri-Bhoi district is known for its pineapples and is the largest producer of pineapples in the state.

The '''West Khasi Hills''' district is the largest district in the state with a geographical area of {{convert|5247|km2}}. The district was carved out of Khasi Hills District on 28 October 1976. The district headquarters are located at [[Nongstoin]].

The '''East Garo Hills''' district was formed in 1976 and has a population of 247,555 as per the 2001 census. It covers an area of {{convert|2603|km2}}. The District Headquarters are at [[Williamnagar]], earlier known as Simsangiri. [[Nongalbibra]], a town in this district, has many coal mines. The coal is transported to [[Goalpara]] and [[Jogighopa]] via [[National Highway 62 (India, old numbering)|NH62]].

The '''West Garo Hills''' district lies in the western part of the state and covers a geographical area of {{convert|3714|km2}}. The population of the district is 515,813 as per the 2001 census. The district headquarters are located at [[Tura, Meghalaya|Tura]].

The '''South Garo Hills''' district came into existence on 18 June 1992 after the division of the West Garo Hills district. The total geographical area of the district is {{convert|1850|km2}}. As per the 2001 census the district has a population of 99,100. The district headquarters are at [[Baghmara, India|Baghmara]].

In 2012, there were 11 districts, 16 towns and an estimated 6,026 villages in Meghalaya.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=https://meghalaya.gov.in:8443/megportal/department/38 |title=Meghalaya State Portal |publisher=Meghalaya.gov.in:8443 |date=31 March 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121218171849/https://meghalaya.gov.in:8443/megportal/department/38 |archive-date=18 December 2012 }}</ref> A 12th district, Eastern West Khasi Hills, was created in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rashir |first=Princess Giri |date=10 November 2021 |url=https://www.eastmojo.com/meghalaya/2021/11/10/meghalaya-mairang-civil-sub-division-announced-as-eastern-west-khasi-hills-district/ |title=Meghalaya Mairang Civil Sub-Division announced as Eastern West Khasi Hills District |newspaper=EastMojo |accessdate=28 December 2021 |archive-date=29 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229061252/https://www.eastmojo.com/meghalaya/2021/11/10/meghalaya-mairang-civil-sub-division-announced-as-eastern-west-khasi-hills-district/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The table below shows the [[human development index]] of various districts of Meghalaya, as of 2021.<ref name="OGD">{{cite web |title=Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India - Meghalaya |url=https://data.gov.in/resource/district-wise-human-development-index-hdi-ranking-meghalaya-reply-unstarred-question-25 |website=data.gov.in |access-date=12 August 2023 |language=en |date=21 January 2022 |archive-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812082937/https://data.gov.in/resource/district-wise-human-development-index-hdi-ranking-meghalaya-reply-unstarred-question-25 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{|class="wikitable sortable"
|+Human development index (HDI) of various districts of Meghalaya, as of 2021<ref name="OGD"/>
!Rank!!District!!HDI score
|-
|1||East Khasi Hills||0.676
|-
|2||West Garo Hills||0.571
|-
|3||Ri Bhoi||0.496
|-
|4||South Garo Hills||0.484
|-
|5||Jaintia Hills||0.469
|-
|6||West Khasi Hills||0.405
|-
|7||East Garo Hills||0.396
|-
| ||Meghalaya||0.550
|}

==Education==
{{Main|Education in Meghalaya}}
[[File:IIM, Shillong.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Indian Institute of Management, Shillong]] Campus]]
Meghalaya schools are run by the state government or by private organisations, including religious institutions. Instruction is only in English. Other [[Languages of India|Indian languages]] like Assamese, Bengali, Garo, Hindi, Khasi, Mizo, Nepali and Urdu are taught as optional subjects. The secondary schools are affiliated with the council for the [[Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations|Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)]], the [[Central Board for Secondary Education]] (CBSE), the [[National Institute of Open Schooling|National Institute of Open School (NIOS)]] or the [[Meghalaya Board of School Education]].

Under the 10+2+3 plan, after completing secondary school, students typically enroll for two years in a junior college, also known as pre-university, or in schools with a higher secondary facility affiliated with the [[Meghalaya Board of School Education]] or any central board. Students choose from one of three streams: liberal arts, commerce or science. Upon completing the required coursework, students may enroll in general or professional degree programs.

=== Colleges ===
[[File:NEHU campus, Mawlai, Shillong.jpg|thumb|[[North-Eastern Hill University]] Campus, Mawlai, Shillong]]
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Acheng Rangmanpa College]], Mahendraganj
* [[Don Bosco College, Tura]]
* [[Indian Institute of Management, Shillong]]
* [[Kiang Nangbah Government College]], [[Jowai]]
* [[Lady Keane College]], Shillong
* [[National Institute of Technology, Meghalaya]],
* [[National Institute of Fashion Technology]],
* [[Northeast Adventist College]], Thadlaskien
* [[North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences]]
* [[North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy]]
* [[Nongtalang College]], [[Nongtalang]]
* [[Nongstoin College]], [[Nongstoin]]
* [[Raid Laban College]], Shillong
* [[Regional Institute of Science and Technology]]
* [[Ri-Bhoi College]], [[Nongpoh]]
* [[St. Edmund's College, Shillong]]
* [[Sankardev College]], Shillong
* [[Seng Khasi College]], Shillong
* [[Shillong College]], Shillong
* [[Shillong Commerce College]], Shillong
* [[Shillong Law College]], Shillong
* [[Sohra Government College]], [[Cherrapunjee]]
* [[Synod College]], Shillong
* [[Tikrikilla College]], Tikrikilla W.Garo Hills
* [[Tura Government College]], [[Tura, India|Tura]]
* [[Tura Law College]], Tura
* [[Union Christian College, Meghalaya]]
* [[Women's College, Shillong]]
{{div col end}}

===Universities===
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[The English and Foreign Languages University]], Shillong Campus<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eflushc.ac.in/ | title=The English & Foreign Languages University, Shillong Campus – Shillong Campus | access-date=3 May 2019 | archive-date=3 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503043706/https://eflushc.ac.in/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Martin Luther Christian University]], Meghalaya
* [[North Eastern Hill University]] ([[North Eastern Hill University|NEHU]]), [[Shillong]]
* [[Techno Global University]], Meghalaya<ref>{{cite web |title=Techno Global University - About Meghalaya |url=https://tgu.org.in/ |website=tgu.org.in |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=13 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113121214/https://tgu.org.in/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[University of Technology and Management]], Meghalaya
* [[University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya]] ([[University of Science and Technology Meghalaya|USTM]]), Meghalaya
* [[William Carey University, Meghalaya]], Shillong
* [[CMJ University]], [[Jorabat]]
* [[National Institute of Technology, Meghalaya]]
{{div col end}}

== Government and politics ==
{{Main|Government of Meghalaya|Meghalaya Legislative Assembly}}
Meghalaya's Governor is [[C. H. Vijayashankar]] since July 2024.<ref name="Governor_2024">{{cite news |title=C.H. Vijayashankar appointed Meghalaya Governor |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/ch-vijayashankar-appointed-meghalaya-governor/article68456452.ece |work=The Hindu |date=28 July 2024 |access-date=28 July 2024}}</ref>

=== State government ===
The [[Meghalaya Legislative Assembly]] has 60 members at present. Meghalaya has two representatives in the [[Lok Sabha]], one each from Shillong and Tura. It also has one representative in the [[Rajya Sabha]].

Since the creation of the state the [[Gauhati High Court]] has jurisdiction in Meghalaya. A Circuit Bench of the Guwahati High Court has been functioning at Shillong since 1974. In March 2013, the [[Meghalaya High Court]] was separated from the Gauhati High Court and now the state has its own High Court.

=== Local self-government ===
[[File:NE Autonomous divisions of India.svg|thumb|Autonomous District Councils in Northeast India]]
To provide local self-governance machinery to the rural population of the country, provisions were made in the [[Constitution of India]]; accordingly, the [[Panchayati Raj]] institutions were set up. Because of distinct customs and traditions prevalent in the northeast region, it was felt necessary to have a separate political and administrative structure in the region.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} Some of the tribal communities in the region had their own traditional political systems, and it was felt that Panchayati Raj institutions may come into conflict with these traditional systems. The Sixth Schedule was appended to the Constitution on the recommendations of a subcommittee formed under the leadership of [[Gopinath Bordoloi]], and the constitution of [[Autonomous regions of India|Autonomous District Councils]] is provided in certain rural areas of the northeast including areas in Meghalaya.
The ADCs in Meghalaya are the following:
* [[Garo Hills Autonomous District Council]]
* [[Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council]]
* [[Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council]]

== Economy ==
Meghalaya is predominantly an [[agrarian economy]]. Agriculture and allied activities engage nearly two-thirds of the total workforce in Meghalaya. This sector's contribution to the state's NSDP is about one-third. Agriculture in the state is characterised by low productivity and unsustainable farm practices. Despite the large percentage of the population engaged in agriculture, the state imports food from other Indian states.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} Infrastructural constraints have also prevented the economy of the state from creating high-income jobs at a pace commensurate with that of the rest of India.

Meghalaya's gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at {{INRConvert|16173|c}} in current prices.<ref name=pcindia>[http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/finres/fr_2013_14/fr_meghalaya1314.pdf Meghalaya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716065506/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/finres/fr_2013_14/fr_meghalaya1314.pdf |date=16 July 2014 }} Planning Commission, Govt of India (May 2014)</ref> As of 2012, according to the [[Reserve Bank of India]], about 12% of total state population is below the poverty line, with 12.5% of the rural Meghalaya population is below the poverty line; while in urban areas, 9.3% are below the poverty line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=15283 |title=See 3rd table set for 2012 in Table 162, Number and Percentage of Population Below Poverty Line |publisher=Reserve Bank of India, Government of India |year=2013 |access-date=20 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407102043/http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=15283 |archive-date=7 April 2014 }}</ref>

=== Agriculture ===
[[File:Tea Plantation Agriculture in Meghalaya India on the way to Shillong.jpg|thumb|Tea Plantation in Meghalaya, on the way to Shillong]]
Meghalaya is basically an agricultural state with about 80% of its population depending entirely on agriculture for their livelihood. Nearly 10% of the geographical area of Meghalaya is under cultivation. Agriculture in the state is characterised by limited use of modern techniques, low yields, and low productivity. As a result, despite the vast majority of the population being engaged in agriculture, the contribution of agricultural production to the state's GDP is low, and most of the population engaged in agriculture remain poor. A portion of the cultivated area is under the traditional [[shifting cultivation|shifting agriculture]] known locally as ''Jhum cultivation''.

Meghalaya produced 230,000 tonnes of food grains in 2001. Rice is the dominant food grain crop accounting for over 80% of the food grain production in the state. Other important food grain crops are maize, wheat, and a few other cereals and pulses. Besides these, potato, [[ginger]], [[turmeric]], [[black pepper]], [[areca nut]], [[Bay leaf]] ([[Cinnamomum tamala]]), betel, short-staple cotton, [[jute]], [[mesta]], [[mustard plant|mustard]] and [[rapeseed]] etc. are some of the important cash crops. Besides the major food crops of rice and maize, the state is renowned for its horticultural crops like orange, lemon, pineapple, guava, litchi, banana, jack fruits and fruits such as plum, pear, and peach.<ref name="Horticulture Crops">[http://megagriculture.gov.in/PUBLIC/crops/horticulture_crops.aspx Horticulture Crops] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119223536/http://megagriculture.gov.in/PUBLIC/crops/horticulture_crops.aspx |date=19 November 2014 }} Department of Agriculture, Govt of Meghalaya (2009)</ref>

[[File:Agriculture in Kukon Meghalaya India.jpg|thumb|Agriculture in Kukon, Meghalaya]]
Grains and staples production covers about 60% of the land area dedicated to crops. With the introduction of different crops of high yielding varieties in the mid-1970s, a remarkable increase in food grain production has been made. A major breakthrough was achieved when high yielding varieties of paddy<ref>[http://megagriculture.gov.in/PUBLIC/crops/rice.aspx Rice] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221115007/http://megagriculture.gov.in/public/crops/rice.aspx |date=21 December 2016 }} Department of Agriculture, Govt of Meghalaya (2009)</ref> such as Masuri, Pankaj IR 8, RCPL and other improved varieties series – especially IR 36 which is suitable for Rabi season – allowing three crops to be grown every year. Another milestone was reached when Megha I and Megha II, which are cold tolerant rice varieties developed by the [[Indian Council of Agricultural Research|ICAR]] North East Region at Umroi near Shillong, was released in 1991–92 for the higher altitude regions where there was no high yielding rice varieties earlier. Today the state can claim that about 42% area under paddy has been covered with high yielding varieties with the average productivity of {{convert|2300|kg/ha|abbr=on}}. As is the case with maize and wheat where the productivity has increased tremendously with the introduction of HYV from {{convert|534|kg/ha|abbr=on}} during 1971–72 to {{convert|1218|kg/ha|abbr=on}} of maize and from {{convert|611|kg/ha|abbr=on}} to {{convert|1490|kg/ha|abbr=on}} of wheat.<ref>[http://megagriculture.gov.in/PUBLIC/crops/food_grains.aspx Food grains] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301011048/http://megagriculture.gov.in/PUBLIC/crops/food_grains.aspx |date=1 March 2014 }} Department of Agriculture, Govt of Meghalaya (2009)</ref>

Oilseeds such as rapeseed, mustard, linseed, soybean, castor, and sesame are grown on nearly {{convert|100|km2|abbr=on}}. Rape and mustard are the most important oilseeds<ref>[http://megagriculture.gov.in/PUBLIC/crops/oil_seeds.aspx Oil Seeds] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010052401/http://megagriculture.gov.in/PUBLIC/crops/oil_seeds.aspx |date=10 October 2013 }} Department of Agriculture, Govt of Meghalaya (2009)</ref> accounting for well over two-thirds of the oilseed production of nearly 6.5 thousand tonnes. Fiber crops such as cotton, jute, and ''mesta'' are among the only cash crops in Meghalaya, grown in Garo Hills.<ref>[http://megagriculture.gov.in/PUBLIC/crops/fibre_crops.aspx Fibre Crops] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009002901/http://megagriculture.gov.in/PUBLIC/crops/fibre_crops.aspx |date=9 October 2013 }} Department of Agriculture, Govt of Meghalaya (2009)</ref> These have been losing popularity in recent years as indicated by their declining yield and area under cultivation.

Climatic conditions in Meghalaya permit a large variety of horticulture crops including fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, mushrooms, and medicinal plants.<ref name="Horticulture Crops"/> These are considered to be higher value crops, but home food security concerns have prevented farmers at large from embracing them. The important fruits grown include citrus fruits, pineapples, papayas, and bananas. In addition to this, a large variety of vegetables are grown in the state, including cauliflower, cabbages, and radishes.

Areca nut plantations can be seen all over the state, especially around the road from [[Guwahati]] to [[Shillong]]. Other plantation crops like tea, coffee and [[cashews]] have been introduced lately and are becoming common. A large variety of spices, flowers, [[medicinal plants]] and [[mushrooms]] are grown in the state.

===Industry===
[[File:Cement Plant MCL.jpg|thumb|View of MCL Cement plant, Thangskai, P.O. Lumshnong, Jaintia Hills]]
Meghalaya has a rich base of [[natural resource]]s. These include minerals such as coal, [[limestone]], [[sillimanite]], [[Kaolin]] and [[granite]] among others. Meghalaya has a large forest cover, rich biodiversity, and numerous water bodies. The low level of industrialisation and the relatively poor infrastructure base acts as an impediment to the exploitation of these natural resources in the interest of the state's economy. In recent years two large cement manufacturing plants with production capacity more than 900 MTD have come up in Jaintia Hills district and several more are in pipeline to use the rich deposit of very high-quality limestone available in this district.

===Electricity infrastructure===
[[File:Mawphlang Dam Reservoir Meghalaya India.jpg|thumb|Meghalaya has abundant but undeveloped hydroelectric resources. Above is Mawphlang hydroelectric dam reservoir.]]
Meghalaya, with its high mountains, deep gorges, and abundant rains has a large, unused hydroelectric potential. The assessed generation capacity exceeds 3000 MW. The current installed capacity in the state is 185 MW, but the state itself consumes 610 MW. In other words, it imports electricity.<ref>[http://meecl.nic.in/demand.htm Demand for power in Meghalaya] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713120902/http://meecl.nic.in/demand.htm |date=13 July 2014 }} Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited</ref> The economic growth of the state suggests rising demand for electricity. The state has the potential to export net hydroelectric-generated electricity and earn income for its internal development plans. The state also has large deposits of coal, thus being a candidate for thermal power plants.

Several projects are under works. The proposed Garo Hills thermal project at Nangalbibra is expected to generate an additional 751 MW of power. There is a proposal for setting up a 250 MW thermal power plant in West Khasi Hills. The State Government aims to increase its power generation output by about 2000-2500 MW, of which 700-980 MW will be thermal based while 1400-1520 MW will be hydroelectricity. The State Government has outlined a cost-shared public-private partnership model to accelerate private sector investments in its power sector.<ref>[http://megplanning.gov.in/MSDR/infastructural_development.pdf State Planning] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001713/http://megplanning.gov.in/MSDR/infastructural_development.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }} Govt of Meghalaya, pp 129-130</ref> The generation transmission, transformation and distribution of electricity is entrusted to the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited which was constituted under the Electricity Supply Act, 1948. At present, there are five hydel power stations and one mini hydel including Umiam Hydel Project, Umtrew Hydel Project, Myntdu-Leshka-I Hydel Project, and the Sunapani Micro Hydel (SESU) Project.

For the 12th five-year plan of India, there is a proposal to set up more hydel power projects in the state: Kynshi (450 MW), Umngi −1 (54 MW), Umiam-Umtru -V (36 MW), Ganol (25 MW), Mawphu (120 MW), Nongkolait (120 MW), Nongnaw (50 MW), Rangmaw (65 MW), Umngot (260 MW), Umduna (57 MW), Myntdu-Leshka-II (60 MW), Selim (170 MW) and Mawblei (140 MW).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cea.nic.in |title=Central Electricity Authority |website=Cea.nic.in |access-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190309115717/http://cea.nic.in/ |archive-date=9 March 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Of these, Jaypee Group has committed itself to building the Kynshi and Umngot projects in Khasi hills.<ref>[http://www.jalindia.com/hydropower.htm Hydro Power] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408042645/http://jalindia.com/hydropower.htm |date=8 April 2014 }} Jaypee Group (2010)</ref>

===Education infrastructure===
[[File:St edmunds school.jpg|thumb|St. Edmund's School, Shillong]]
{{Main|Education in Meghalaya}}
Meghalaya had a literacy rate of 62.56 as per the 2001 census and is the 27th most literate state in India. This increased to 75.5 in 2011. As of 2006, the state had 5851 primary schools, 1759 middle schools, and 655 higher secondary schools respectively. In 2008, 518,000 students were enrolled in its primary schools, and 232,000 in upper primary schools. The state monitors its school for quality, access, infrastructure and teachers training.<ref>[http://megplanning.gov.in/MSDR/infastructural_development.pdf State Planning] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001713/http://megplanning.gov.in/MSDR/infastructural_development.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }} Govt of Meghalaya, pp 154-155 (2010)</ref>

Institution for higher studies like [[Indian Institute of Management Shillong|Indian Institute of Management]], the [[University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya|University of Technology and Management]] (USTM) which is in Shillong is the first Indian university to introduce [[cloud computing]] engineering as a field of study, in collaboration with IBM and the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies. IIM Shillong is one of the top ranked management institutes in the country.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2017/04/06/iim-shillong-ranked-21st-among-management-institutes/|title=IIM Shillong Ranked 21st Among Management Institutes|date=6 April 2017|work=The Shillong Times|access-date=1 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801064407/http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2017/04/06/iim-shillong-ranked-21st-among-management-institutes/|archive-date=1 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Health infrastructure===
The state has 13 state government dispensaries, 22 community health centres, 93 primary health centres, 408 sub-centres. There were 378 doctors, 81 pharmacists, 337 staff nurses and 77 lab technicians as of 2012. A special program has been launched by the state government for the treatment of [[tuberculosis]], [[leprosy]], cancer and [[mental disorder|mental diseases]]. Though there has been a steady decline in the death rate, improvement in life expectancy and an increase in health infrastructure, about 42.3% of the state's population is still uncovered by health care, according to the status paper prepared by the Health Department. There are numerous hospitals being set up, both private and government, some of them are Civil Hospital, Ganesh Das Hospital, K.J.P. Synod Hospital, [[NEIGRIHMS]], North Eastern Institute of [[Ayurveda]] & [[Homoeopathy]] (NEIAH), R P Chest Hospital, Wood Land Hospital, Nazareth Hospital, Christian Hospital etc.

== Urban areas ==
* '''Municipalities:''' [[Shillong]], [[Tura, India|Tura]], [[Jowai]]
* '''Municipal boards:''' [[Williamnagar]], [[Resubelpara]], [[Baghmara, India|Baghmara]]
* '''Cantonment board:''' [[Shillong Cantonment]] (Umroi)
* '''Town committees:''' [[Nongstoin]], [[Nongpoh]], [[Mairang]]
* '''Census towns:''' [[Mawlai]], [[Madanrting]], [[Nongthymmai]], [[Nongmynsong]], [[Pynthorumkhrah]], [[Cherrapunjee|Sohra/Cherrapunjee]], Pynursla
* '''Minor towns:''' [[Khliehriat]], [[Mawkyrwat]], [[Ampati]]
* '''Areas under Shillong Urban Agglomeration:''' [[Shillong]], [[Shillong Cantonment]]/Umroi, [[Mawlai]], [[Madanrting]], [[Nongthymmai]], [[Nongmynsong]], [[Pynthorumkhrah]]

=== New proposal for urban areas ===
* '''Municipal corporations: ''' [[Shillong]] (including [[Shillong Cantonment]]/Umroi, [[Mawlai]], [[Madanrting]], [[Nongthymmai]], [[Nongmynsong]], [[Pynthorumkhrah]])
* '''Municipalities: ''' [[Tura, India|Tura]], [[Jowai]], [[Williamnagar]]
* '''Municipal boards: ''' [[Resubelpara]], [[Baghmara, India|Baghmara]], [[Nongstoin]], [[Nongpoh]], [[Mairang]], [[Khliehriat]], [[Mawkyrwat]], [[Ampati]], [[Cherrapunjee|Sohra/Cherrapunjee]]
* '''Town committees: ''' Pynursla

== Culture and society ==
The main tribes in Meghalaya are the [[Khasi people|Khasi]]s, the [[Garo (tribe)|Garos]], and the [[Synteng|Jaintias]]. Each tribe has its own culture, traditions, dress, and language.

===Social institutions===
[[File:GARO TRADITIONAL DRESS-9.jpg|thumb|[[Garo people|Garo]] Couple in traditional dress.]]
{{see also|Matrilineal society of Meghalaya}}
The majority of the population and the major tribal groups in Meghalaya follow a [[matrilineal]] system where lineage and inheritance are traced through women. The youngest daughter inherits all the property and she is the caretaker of aged parents and any unmarried siblings.<ref name=akrl/> In some cases, such as when there is no daughter in the family or other reasons, the parents may nominate another girl such as a daughter in law as the heir of the house and all other property they may own.

The Khasi and Jaintia tribesmen follow the traditional matrilineal norm, wherein the ''Khun Khatduh'' (or the youngest daughter) inherits all the property and responsibilities for the family. The male line, particularly the mother's brother, may indirectly control the ancestral property since he may be involved in important decisions relating to property including its sale and disposal. In case a family has no daughters, the Khasi and Jaintia (also called Syntengs) have the custom of ''ia rap iing'', where the family adopts a girl from another family, perform religious ceremonies with the community, and she then becomes ''ka trai iing'' (head of the house).<ref>Philip Richard Thornhagh Gurdon (1914), {{Google books|Jys1AQAAIAAJ|The Khasis}}, McMillan & Co., 2nd Edition, pp 85-87</ref>

In the Garo lineage system, the youngest daughter inherits the family property by default, unless another daughter is so named by the parents. She then becomes designated as ''nokna'' meaning 'for the house or home'. If there are no daughters, a chosen daughter-in-law (''bohari'') or an adopted child (''deragata'') comes to stay in the house and inherit the property. This adopted girl child is then the head of the house.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

Meghalaya has one of the world's largest surviving matrilineal cultures.

=== Civil society ===
Meghalaya's [[civil society]] considers the people of the state as a collective community that exists through [[civil society organisation]]s (CSOs), and serves the general interests of the public.<ref name=":1">Gupta, Susmita Sen (2018), Ethnicity and Development – A Civil Society Perspective from North-East India. In: Journal of Social and Political Sciences, Vol.1, No.2, 297-305. DOI: 10.31014/aior.1991.01.02.20</ref> These organisations include a wide spectrum of [[Non-governmental organization|non-government organisations (NGOs)]], other community associations, and foundations. The current status of Meghalaya's civil society and the effectiveness of the many programs is debated by scholars.

There are currently over 181 NGOs within Meghalaya that vary from charities to volunteer services and social empowerment groups.<ref>"List of NGOs in Meghalaya" ''www.giveindia.org''. Retrieved 20 November 2019.</ref><ref name=":2">"NGO Darpan". ''ngodarpan.gov.in''. Retrieved 20 November 2019.</ref> Most civil society organisations are also ethnically affiliated as the interests of different groups are championed between each organisation . This in turn causes them to become representatives of ethnic communities around the state since the same individuals from such communities also participate in corresponding organisations that protect their ethnic interests. Three student organisations that represent the major ethnic groups of Meghalaya: [[Seng Khasi Movement|Khasi Students' Union]] (KSU), Jantia Students' Union (JSU), and Garo Students' Union (GSU) embody this example into their overall functions as CSOs by applying pressure to local government in order to ensure that certain rights are being met.<ref name=":1" />

There also exists many forms of community associations that revolve around the idea of community building. This includes examples such as sports, religious, educational, and other clubs that aim to establish individuals into different social circles based on their interests.<ref name=":2" />

Philanthropic foundations in Meghalaya's civil society strive for the overall well-being of its citizens. The [[Public Health Foundation of India|Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)]] has recently partnered with the government of Meghalaya to improve public health in many rural parts of the state by first strengthening the abilities of non-government organisations to perform such services.<ref>"Enhancing Rural Public Health Capacity in Northeast India". ''Clinton Foundation''. Retrieved 20 November 2019.</ref>

Scholars are divided on the effectiveness Meghalaya's civil society. Some argue for its important role in state development through CSOs, while others point out that their impact is not only limited from above by the central government and its military, but also from below by insurgent groups .<ref name=":3">McDuie-Ra, Duncan (19 January 2007). "Civil society organisations and human security: transcending constricted space in Meghalaya". ''Contemporary South Asia''. [[Digital object identifier|doi]]:10.1080/09584930600938040.</ref>

Concerns over national security, such as the unification of neighbouring hostile countries and local insurgent groups for a possible attack on the Indian state, has served as the longstanding point of emphasis on how the Indian Central Government operates in the Northeast. Different administrative programs have been created to establish peace and stability in this region through economic development.<ref>Sachdeva, Gulshan. "India's Northeast: rejuvenating a conflict-riven economy", Faultines. Vol 6, 2000. http://www.satp.org/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103143002/http://www.satp.org/ |date=3 January 2014 }} satporgtp/publication/faultlines/volume6/Fault6-GSach-F.htm</ref> The [[Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act|Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)]] that was passed in 1958 by the Indian Government granted the Indian Army exclusive powers to maintain order in this area. Many insurgent organisations were also developed alongside cultural and political movements, making it very difficult to distinguish them from what constitutes a civil society.<ref name=":3" /> These two factors have combined to enable CSOs to be easily deemed as insurgencies and grouped with other insurgent organisations that were banned by the government, thus restricting Meghalaya's civil society as a whole.<ref name=":3" /><ref>Baruah, Apurba K. (2003) ''Tribal traditions and crises of governance in north east India, with special reference to Meghalaya.'' Crisis States Research Centre working papers series 1 (22). Crisis States Research Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK</ref>

=== Traditional political institutions ===
All the three major ethnic tribal groups, namely, the Khasis, Jaintias and the Garos also have their own traditional political institutions that have existed for hundreds of years. These political institutions were fairly well developed and functioned at various tiers, such as the village level, clan level, and state level.<ref name=prtg66/>

In the traditional political system of the Khasis, each clan has its own council known as the ''Dorbar Kur'' which is presided over by the clan headman. The council or the Dorbar managed the internal affairs of the clan. Similarly, every village has a local assembly known as the ''Dorbar Shnong'', i.e. village Durbar or council, which is presided over by the village headman. The inter-village issues were dealt with through a political unit comprising adjacent Khasi Villages. The local political units are known as the raids, under by the supreme political authority is known as the ''Syiemship''. The Syiemship is the congregation of several raids and is headed an elected chief known as the ''Syiem'' or ''Siem'' (the king).<ref name=prtg66>Philip Richard Thornhagh Gurdon (1914), {{Google books|Jys1AQAAIAAJ|The Khasis}}, McMillan & Co., 2nd Edition, pp 66-75</ref> The Siem rules the Khasi state through an elected State Assembly, known as the Durbar Hima. The Siem also has his ''mantris'' (ministers) whose counsel he would use in exercising executive responsibilities. Taxes were called ''pynsuk'', and tolls were called ''khrong'', the latter being the primary source of state income. In the early 20th century, Raja Dakhor Singh was the Siem of Khymir.<ref name=prtg66/>

{| class="wikitable floatright" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!Meghalaya<br />festival<ref name=dacmegh/>
! Local<br />calendar month
! Vedic<br />calendar month
! Gregorian<br />calendar month
|-
| Den'bilsia
| Polgin
| Phalgun
| February
|-
|A'siroka
| Chuet
| Chaitra
| March
|-
|A' galmaka
| Pasak
| Vaisakha
| April
|-
|Miamua
| Asal
| Asharha
| June
|-
|Rongchugala
| Bado
| Bhadra
| August
|-
|Ahaia
|Asin
| Ashwin
| September
|-
|Wangala
| Gate
| Kartika
| October
|-
|Christmas
| Posi
| Pausha
| December
|}
The Jaintias also have a three-tier political system somewhat similar to the Khasis, including the Raids and the Syiem.<ref>Philip Richard Thornhagh Gurdon (1914), {{Google books|Jys1AQAAIAAJ|The Khasis}}, McMillan & Co., 2nd Edition</ref> The raids are headed by ''Dolois'', who are responsible for performing the executive and ceremonial functions at the Raid level. At the lowest level are the village headmen. Each administrative tier has its own elected councils or durbars.

In the traditional political system of the Garos, a group of Garo villages form the A·king. The A·king functions under the supervision of the ''Nokmas'', which is perhaps the only political and administrative authority in the political institution of the Garos. The Nokma performs both judicial and legislative functions. The Nokmas also congregates to address inter-A·king issues. There are no well-organised councils or durbars among the Garos.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}

===Festivals===
[[File:Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Shillong – Front Side (2).jpg|200 px|thumb|Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Shillong]]

;[[Christmas]]
Being a Christian majority state, Christmas is one of the biggest festivals of Meghalaya, celebrated in almost all of the parts of the state—villages, towns with great fervour and enthusiasm by native Christian Tribes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Christmas in a Meghalaya village |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/shoot/christmas-in-a-meghalaya-village/article33418116.ece/photo/1/ |access-date=11 August 2022 |work=Business Line |date=25 December 2020 |archive-date=11 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811093022/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/shoot/christmas-in-a-meghalaya-village/article33418116.ece/photo/1/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shillong/meghalaya-celebrates-christmas/articleshow/50332634.cms?from=mdr |title=Meghalaya celebrates Christmas |work=The Times of India |date=26 December 2015 |access-date=10 August 2022 |archive-date=11 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811093023/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shillong/meghalaya-celebrates-christmas/articleshow/50332634.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> The entire state comes alive with Christmas trees, carols and lights during 25 December. Shillong and Cherrapunji are best destination for tourists who want to see and celebrate Christmas.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hotelpolotowers.com/m/blogs/christmas-in-meghalaya.html | title=Christmas in Meghalaya &#124; Hotel Polo Towers &#124; Christmas in Cherrapunji | access-date=25 October 2022 | archive-date=25 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025070829/https://www.hotelpolotowers.com/m/blogs/christmas-in-meghalaya.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Dance of Meghalaya.jpg|thumb|Dance of Meghalaya]]
;Khasis
Dance is central to the culture of Khasi life, and a part of the [[rites of passage]]. Dances are performed in ''Shnong'' (village), a ''Raid'' (group of villages), and a  ''Hima'' (conglomeration of Raids). Some festivals includes Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Ka Pom-Blang Nongkrem, Ka-Shad Shyngwiang-Thangiap, Ka-Shad-Kynjoh Khaskain, Ka Bam Khana Shnong, Umsan Nongkharai, Shad Beh Sier.<ref name=dacmegh/>

;Jaintias
Festivals of the Jaintia Hills, like others, is integral to the culture of people of Jaintia Hills. It celebrates nature, balance and solidarity among its people. Festivals of Jaintias includes Behdienkhlam, Laho Dance, Sowing Ritual Ceremony.<ref name=dacmegh/>

;Garos
For Garos, festivals sustain their cultural heritage. They were often dedicated to religious events, nature and seasons as well as community events such as stages of ''jhum'' cultivation. The main festivals of Garos are Den Bilsia, Wangala, Rongchu gala, Mi Amua, Mangona, Grengdik BaA, Jamang Sia, Ja Megapa, Sa Sat Ra Chaka, Ajeaor Ahaoea, Dore Rata Dance, Chambil Mesara, Do'KruSua, Saram Cha'A, A Se Mania or Tata.<ref name=dacmegh>[http://megartsculture.gov.in/festivals.htm Festivals of Meghalaya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527105851/http://megartsculture.gov.in/festivals.htm |date=27 May 2014 }} The Department of Arts and Culture, Govt of Meghalaya (2010)</ref>

;Hajongs
Hajongs celebrate traditional festivals and Hindu festivals. The entire plain belt of Garo Hills is inhabited by the Hajongs, they are an agrarian tribe. Major traditional festivals include [[Pusnâ|Pusne']], Biswe', Kati Gasa, Bastu Puje' and Chor Maga.

;Biates
The Biates had many kinds of festivals, including Nûlding Kût, Pamchar Kût, Lebang Kût and Favang Kût, for different occasions. They no longer practise or observe most, except Nûlding Kût ("renewal of life") every January, with singing, dancing and traditional games. A priest (thiampu) prays to Chung Pathian to bless Biates in every sphere of life.

=== Spirituality ===
In southern Meghalaya, located in [[Mawsynram]], is the Mawjymbuin cave. Here a massive stalagmite has been shaped by nature into a [[Shivalinga]]. According to legend, from the 13th century, this Shivalinga (called ''Hatakeswarat'') has existed in the [[Jaintia Hills]] under the reign of Ranee Singa.{{sfn|Roy|1981|p=139}} Tens of thousands of the Jaintia tribe members participate over the Hindu festival of [[Shivratri]] (''Night of Lord Shiva'') every year.{{sfn|Roy|1981|p=132}}<ref>Sudhansu R. Das, [http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/vibrant-meghalaya/article1644477.ece Vibrant Meghalaya] The Hindu (2008)</ref>

=== Living root bridges ===
[[File:Living root bridges, Nongriat village, Meghalaya2.jpg|right|thumb|278x278px|Double-Decker Living root bridge, Nongriat village.]]
The practice of creating [[living root bridges]] can be found in Meghalaya. Here, functional, living, architecture is created by slowly training the [[aerial root]]s of the [[Ficus elastica]] (rubber tree). Examples of these structures can be found as far west as the valley east of [[Mawsynram]],<ref name="The Living Root Bridge Project">{{Cite news|url=https://livingrootbridges.com/root-bridges-of-the-umiam-river-basin/|title=Root Bridges of the Umiam River Basin|date=27 April 2017|work=The Living Root Bridge Project|access-date=11 September 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908021631/https://livingrootbridges.com/root-bridges-of-the-umiam-river-basin/|archive-date=8 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and as far east as the East Jaintia Hills District,<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.riluk.com/living-root-bridge-symbol-benevolence/|title=The Living-Root Bridge: The Symbol Of Benevolence|date=10 October 2016|work=Riluk|access-date=11 September 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908021245/https://www.riluk.com/living-root-bridge-symbol-benevolence/|archive-date=8 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> meaning that they are made by both Khasis and Jaintias. Large numbers<ref>{{cite web|url=https://livingrootbridges.com/|title=The Living Root Bridge Project|website=The Living Root Bridge Project|language=en-US|access-date=11 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905001717/https://livingrootbridges.com/|archive-date=5 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> of these man-made living structures exist in the mountainous terrain along the southern border of the [[Shillong Plateau]], though as a cultural practice they are fading, with many individual examples having disappeared recently, either falling in landslides or floods or being replaced with more standard steel bridges.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://livingrootbridges.com/threats-to-meghalayas-botanical-architecture/|title=Why is Meghalaya's Botanical Architecture Disappearing?|date=6 April 2017|work=The Living Root Bridge Project|access-date=11 September 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911204634/https://livingrootbridges.com/threats-to-meghalayas-botanical-architecture/|archive-date=11 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Transport ==
The [[Partition of India|partition of the country]] in 1947 created severe infrastructural constraints for the [[Northeast India|Northeastern region]], with merely 2% of the perimeter of the region adjoining the rest of the country. A narrow strip of land often called the [[Siliguri Corridor]] or the Chicken's Neck, connects the region with the state of [[West Bengal]]. Meghalaya is a landlocked state with many small settlements in remote areas. The road is the only means of transport. While the capital [[Shillong]] is relatively well connected, road connectivity in most other parts is relatively poor. A significant portion of the roads in the state is still unpaved. Most of the arrivals into the Meghalaya take place through [[Guwahati]] in neighbouring Assam, which is nearly 103&nbsp;km away. Assam has a major railhead as well as an airport with regular train and air services to the rest of the country.

When Meghalaya was carved out of Assam as an autonomous state in 1972, it inherited a total road length of 2786.68&nbsp;km including 174&nbsp;km of National Highways with road density of 12.42&nbsp;km per 100 square kilometre. By 2004, total road length has reached up to 9,350&nbsp;km out of which 5,857&nbsp;km were surfaced. The road density had increased to 41.69&nbsp;km per 100 square kilometre by March 2011. Meghalaya is far below the national average of 75&nbsp;km per 100&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. To provide better services to the people of the state, the Meghalaya Public Works Department is taking steps for improvement and up-gradation of the existing roads and bridges in phased manner.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:State Highway 5 Cherapunjee Meghalaya India.jpg|State Highway 5 near Cherapunjee, Meghalaya
File:Shillong Bypass road.jpg|Shillong Bypass road
File:Shillong Airport terminal building 4.jpg|[[Shillong Airport]]
File:National_Highway_6_to_Guwahati.jpg|National Highway 6
File:National_Highway_6_Toll_Plaza.jpg|National Highway 6 Toll Plaza
</gallery>

=== Road network ===
Meghalaya has a road network of around 7,633&nbsp;km, out of which 3,691&nbsp;km is black-topped and the remaining 3942&nbsp;km is gravelled. Meghalaya is also connected to Silchar in Assam, Aizawl in Mizoram, and Agartala in Tripura through national highways. Many private buses and taxi operators carry passengers from Guwahati to Shillong. The journey takes from 3 to 4 hours. Day and night bus services are available from Shillong to all major towns of Meghalaya and also other capitals and important towns of Assam and the northeastern states.

=== Railway ===
Meghalaya has a railhead at {{rws|Mendipathar}} and regular train service connecting [[Dudhnoi - Mendipathar Rail Line|Mendipathar]] in Meghalaya and [[Guwahati]] in [[Assam]], has started on 30 November 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141130/jsp/frontpage/story_19105595.jsp#.VIEWp8lBFd4|title=Meghalaya rail dream on track|publisher=telegrapfindia.com|date=30 November 2014|access-date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208050935/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141130/jsp/frontpage/story_19105595.jsp#.VIEWp8lBFd4|archive-date=8 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[The Cherra Companyganj State Railways]] was a former mountain railway through the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/north-east/a-mountain-railway-that-existed-125-years-ago_763894.html |title=A mountain railway that existed 125 years ago |publisher=Zeenews.india.com |date=15 March 2012 |access-date=9 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319053844/http://zeenews.india.com/news/north-east/a-mountain-railway-that-existed-125-years-ago_763894.html |archive-date=19 March 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Guwahati ({{convert|103|km}} from Shillong) is the nearest major railway station connecting the north-east region with the rest of the country through a broad gauge track network. There is a plan for extending the rail link from Guwahati to Byrnihat ({{convert|20|km}} from Guwahati) within Meghalaya and further extending it up to state capital [[Shillong]].

=== Aviation ===
State capital Shillong has an airport at [[Shillong Airport|Umroi]] {{convert|30|km}} from Shillong on the Guwahati-Shillong highway. A new terminal building was built at a cost of {{INRConvert|30|c}} and inaugurated in June 2011.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shillong airport's new terminal to open on Saturday |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/shillong-airports-new-terminal-to-open-on-saturday/articleshow/8948403.cms |publisher=[[The Economic Times]] |date=22 June 2011 |access-date=20 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412000151/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/shillong-airports-new-terminal-to-open-on-saturday/articleshow/8948403.cms |archive-date=12 April 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref> [[Air India Regional]] operates flights to Kolkata from this airport. There is also a helicopter service connecting Shillong to Guwahati and Tura. [[Baljek Airport]] near [[Tura, Meghalaya|Tura]] became operational in 2008.<ref>[http://megplanning.gov.in/MSDR/infastructural_development.pdf State Planning] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001713/http://megplanning.gov.in/MSDR/infastructural_development.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }} Govt of Meghalaya, pp 153-154 (2010)</ref> The [[Airports Authority of India]] (AAI) is developing the airport for operation of [[ATR 42]]/[[ATR 72]] type of aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |title=Better Air Connectivity for NE Region |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=95050 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |date=25 April 2013 |access-date=13 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114054503/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=95050 |archive-date=14 January 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Other nearby airports are in Assam, with [[Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport|Borjhar, Guwahati]] airport (IATA: GAU), about {{convert|124|km}} from Shillong.

== Tourism ==
{{more citations needed section|date=August 2019}}
{{main|Tourism in North East India}}
[[File:Elephanta Falls.JPG|thumb|Elephant Falls]]
[[File:Near Krang Suri Waterfall.jpg|thumb|right|Krang Suri Waterfall]]
[[File:Umiam Lake, Shillong, Meghalaya, India.jpg|thumb|Umiam Lake, Shillong, Meghalaya, India]]
Until 1955, foreign tourists required special permits to enter the areas that now constitute the state of Meghalaya, which are sometimes compared to Scotland for their highlands, fog and scenery.<ref name=akrl/> Meghalaya has some of the thickest primary forests in the country and therefore constitutes one of the most important ecotourism circuits in India. The Meghalaya subtropical forests support a vast variety of flora and fauna. The state has two national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries.

Meghalaya also offers many adventure tourism opportunities in the form of mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, and hiking, [[caving]] (spelunking) and water sports. The state offers several trekking routes, some of which also afford an opportunity to encounter rare animals. The [[Umiam Lake]] has a water sports complex with facilities such as rowboats, paddleboats, sailing boats, cruise-boats, water-scooters, and speedboats.

[[Cherrapunji]] is a tourist destination in north-east of India. It lies to the south of the capital Shillong. A rather scenic 50-kilometre long road connects Cherrapunji with Shillong.

[[Living root bridges]] are also a tourist draw, with many examples located near Cherrapunji.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cherrapunjee.com/living-root-bridges/|title=Living Root Bridges|work=Cherrapunjee|access-date=11 September 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609231150/http://cherrapunjee.com/living-root-bridges/|archive-date=9 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Double-Decker root bridge, along with several others, is found in the village of [[Nongriat]], which is tourist friendly. Many other root bridges can be found nearby, in the villages of Nongthymmai, Mynteng, and Tynrong.<ref name="The Living Root Bridge Project"/> Other areas with root bridges include Riwai village, near the tourist village of [[Mawlynnong]], Pynursla, especially the villages of Rangthyllaing and Mawkyrnot, and the area around [[Dawki]], in the [[West Jaintia Hills district]], where there are many living root bridges scattered throughout the nearby villages.<ref name=":0" />

;Waterfalls and rivers
{{multiple image
| align    = left
| caption_align = center
| image1   = Nohkalikai Falls Cherrapunji.JPG
| width1   = 300
| caption1 = Multiple drops of Nohkalikai Falls
| image2   = The Elegant Nohkalikai Falls during a summer sunset.jpg
| width2   = 150
| caption2 = Main drop of Nohkalikai Falls
| footer   = [[Nohkalikai Falls]] is one of the tallest plunge type waterfalls in India and on Earth.<ref name=database>{{cite web|title=Showing all Waterfalls in India |url=http://www.world-waterfalls.com/database.php?s=T&t=G&category=country&search=India&orderby=height%20DESC |publisher=World Waterfalls Database |access-date=20 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901164803/http://www.world-waterfalls.com/database.php?s=T&t=G&category=country&search=India&orderby=height%20DESC |archive-date=1 September 2009 }}</ref>
| footer_align = center
}}
The most visited waterfalls in the state include the [[Elephant Falls]], Shadthum Falls, Weinia falls, Bishop Falls, [[Nohkalikai Falls]], Langshiang Falls and Sweet Falls.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} The hot springs at Jakrem near [[Mawsynram]] are believed to have curative and medicinal properties.

Nongkhnum Island located in the West Khasi Hills district is the biggest river island in Meghalaya and the second biggest in Asia. It is 14 kilometres from Nongstoin. The island is formed by the bifurcation of Kynshi River into the Phanliang River and the Namliang River. Adjacent to the sandy beach the Phanliang River forms a lake. The river then moves along and before reaching a deep gorge, forms a waterfall about 60 meters high called Shadthum Fall.

;Sacred groves
Meghalaya is also known for its "sacred groves". They are small or large areas of forests or natural vegetation that are usually dedicated to local folk deities or tree spirits or some religious symbolism over many generations, often since ancient times. These spaces are found all over India, are protected by local communities, and in some cases, the locals would neither touch leaves or fruits or in other ways damage the forest, flora or fauna taking refuge in them. This guardianship creates a sacred area where nature and wildlife thrive. The Mawphlang sacred forest, also known as "Law Lyngdoh," is one of the most famous sacred forests in Meghalaya. It's located about 25 kilometres from Shillong. It's a scenic nature destination, and one can find the sacred [[Rudraksha]] tree here.<ref>[http://ecoheritage.cpreec.org/viewsacdetail.php?$mFJyBfK$MOIb-B5vugEjzLdzxFAXZ List of Sacred Groves in Meghalaya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602134727/http://ecoheritage.cpreec.org/viewsacdetail.php?$mFJyBfK$MOIb-B5vugEjzLdzxFAXZ |date=2 June 2015 }} Government of Meghalaya (2011)</ref>

;Rural areas
Meghalaya rural life and villages offer a glimpse in northeast mountain life.{{tone inline|date=August 2020}} The [[Mawlynnong]] village located near the India-Bangladesh border is one such village. It has been featured by travel magazine ''Discover India''.<ref name="megtourism_eco">[http://megtourism.gov.in/ecodestination.html Eco Destination] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111209012830/http://megtourism.gov.in/ecodestination.html |date=9 December 2011 }}, Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya</ref> The village is geared for tourism and has a [[Simple suspension bridge|Living Root Bridges]], hiking trails and rock formations.

{{multiple image
 | direction = vertical
 | align = right
 | width =
 | footer = Umaim lake (top & bottom) and scenery near Shillong.
 | image1 =Umiam Lake - by Vikramjit Kakati.png
 | image2 =Near Shillong Meghalaya India.jpg
 | image3 =Umiam Lake, Shillong, Meghalaya.jpg
 }}
;Lakes
Meghalaya also has many natural and manmade lakes. The Umiam Lake (popularly known as Bara Pani meaning Big water) on the Guwahati-Shillong road is a major tourism attraction for tourist. Meghalaya has several parks; Thangkharang Park, the Eco-park, the Botanical Garden and Lady Hydari Park to name a few. [[Dawki]], which is located at about 96 Kilometres from Shillong is the gateway to Bangladesh and affords a scenic view of some of the tallest mountain ranges in Meghalaya and the Bangladesh borderlands.

[[Thadlaskein Lake]] also ''Pung Sajar Nangli'' is the only historical Lake of Meghalaya. It is located besides National Highway 6 by the side of a small village called Mukhla village which falls under [[West Jaintia Hills district]] [[Jowai]]. It is about 35 mile from the city of Shillong

Balpakram National Park with its pristine habitat and scenery is a major attraction.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2008) Balpakram –Meghalaya's heritage IBA. ''Mistnet'' 10 (4): 11–13</ref> The Nokrek National Park, also in Garo Hills has its own charm with a lot of wildlife.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2010) Nokrek national park – an IBA in Meghalaya. ''Mistnet'' 11 (1): 7–8</ref>

;Caves
Meghalaya has an estimated 500 natural limestone and sandstone caves spread over the entire state including most of the longest and deepest caves in the sub-continent. [[Krem Liat Prah]] is the longest cave, and Synrang Pamiang is the deepest cave. Both are located in the Jaintia Hills. Cavers from the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Ireland, and the United States have been visiting Meghalaya for over a decade exploring these caves. Few have been developed or promoted adequately as major tourist destinations.

;Living root bridges
Meghalaya is famous for its living root bridges, a kind of [[Simple suspension bridge|suspension bridge]] made over rivers using intertwined roots of ''Ficus elastica'' trees planted on opposite banks of the river or hill slopes. These bridges can be seen around Cherrapunji, [[Nongtalang]], Kudeng Rim and Kudeng Thymmai villages (War Jaintia). A double-decker bridge exists in Nongriat village.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Living root bridge HS.jpg|A double-decker living root bridge in Nongriat, Meghalaya
File:Shillong golf course2.jpg|Shillong Golf Course, one of the oldest golf courses of India
File:Nohkalikai Falls.JPG|[[Nohkalikai Falls]]
File:Expedition is in progress in Meghalayan Caves.jpg|Meghalaya has many limestone caves. Above are in Jaintia Hills
File:Single_Decker_Living_Root_Bridge_at_Riwai.jpg|Single Decker Living Root Bridge at Riwai
</gallery>

Other important places of tourism interest Meghalaya include:
* '''Jakrem''': 64&nbsp;km from Shillong, a potential health resort having gushing hot-spring of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties.
* '''Ranikor''': 140&nbsp;km from Shillong, is one of Meghalaya's most popular spots for angling, with an abundance of carp and other freshwater fish.
* '''[[Dawki]]''': 96&nbsp;km from Shillong, is a border town, where one can have a glimpse of the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. The colourful annual boat race during spring at the [[Umngot River|Umngot river]] is an added attraction.
* '''Kshaid Dain Thlen Falls''': Located near Sohra, meaning the falls where the mythical monster of Khasi legend was finally [[butchered]]. The axe-marks made on the rocks where Thlen was butchered are stillintact and visible.
* '''Diengiei Peak''': Located to the west of the Shillong plateau, Diengiei Peak is just 200 feet lower than Shillong peak. On the top of Diengiei, there is a huge hollow, shaped like a cup, believed to be the crater of an extinct pre-historic [[volcano]].
* '''Dwarksuid''': A scenic pool with wide, rocky sandbanks located on a stream alongside the Umroi-Bhoilymbong Road is known as Dwarksuid or Devil's doorway.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* '''Kyllang Rock''': Located about 11 kilometres off Mairang, is a several million years old steep dome of red granite rising to an elevation of about 5400 feet above sea level.
* '''Sacred Forest Mawphlang''': One of the most celebrated sacred-groves of the State is the grove at Mawphlang about 25 kilometres off Shillong. Preserved since time immemorial, these sacred groves have wide range of [[flora]], thick cushion of humus on the grounds accumulated over the centuries, and trees heavily loaded with epiphytic growth of [[araceae|aroids]], [[Piper (genus)|pipers]], [[fern]]s, fern-allies and [[orchids]].

==Major issues==
The significant issues in the state include illegal migrants from Bangladesh, incidences of violence, political instability and deforestation from traditional cut-and-burn shift farming practices. There are several clashes between Khasi people and Bangladeshi in Meghalaya.

===Illegal immigration===
Illegal immigration has become a major issue in Indian states that surround Bangladesh – West Bengal to the west, Meghalaya and Assam to the north, and Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur to the east.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Tripathi |first1=Sanjeev |title=Illegal Immigration From Bangladesh to India: Toward a Comprehensive Solution |url=https://carnegieindia.org/2016/06/29/illegal-immigration-from-bangladesh-to-india-toward-comprehensive-solution-pub-63931 |access-date=20 June 2023 |journal=Carnegie India |date=29 June 2016 |archive-date=18 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518042253/https://carnegieindia.org/2016/06/29/illegal-immigration-from-bangladesh-to-india-toward-comprehensive-solution-pub-63931 |url-status=live }}</ref> Dozens of political and civic groups have demanded that this migration be stopped or controlled to manageable levels.<ref>Palash Ghosh, [http://www.ibtimes.com/indias-2014-elections-narendra-modi-says-some-illegal-immigrants-bangladesh-are-better-others India's 2014 Elections: Narendra Modi Says Some Illegal Immigrants From Bangladesh Are Better Than Others] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715001456/http://www.ibtimes.com/indias-2014-elections-narendra-modi-says-some-illegal-immigrants-bangladesh-are-better-others |date=15 July 2014 }} International Business Times, NY Times, (2014)</ref> The border between Meghalaya and Bangladesh is about 440 kilometres long, of which some 350 is fenced; but the border is not continuously patrolled and is porous. Efforts are underway to fence it completely and introduce means to issue ID cards.<ref>V Singh, [http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/mha-asks-meghalaya-to-speed-up-border-fencing-work/ MHA asks Meghalaya to speed up border fencing work] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428000439/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/mha-asks-meghalaya-to-speed-up-border-fencing-work/ |date=28 April 2015 }} Indian Express (16 April 2014)</ref>

Chief Minister [[Mukul Sangma]], in August 2012, called upon Government of India to take corrective measures to stop the illegal immigration of Bangladeshis into the northeast of the country before the situation goes out of hand.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/meghalayas-congress-cm-mukul-sangma-too-rings-alarm-on-influx-of-illegal-migrants/articleshow/15432673.cms|title= Meghalaya's Congress CM Mukul Sangma too rings alarm on influx of illegal migrants|date= 10 August 2012|access-date= 10 August 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120812064704/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Meghalayas-Congress-CM-Mukul-Sangma-too-rings-alarm-on-influx-of-illegal-migrants/articleshow/15432673.cms|archive-date= 12 August 2012|url-status= live|df= dmy-all|newspaper= The Economic Times}}</ref>

===Violence===
Between 2006 and 2013, between 0 and 28 civilians have died per year in Meghalaya (or about 0 to 1 per 100,000 people), which the state authorities have classified as terror-related intentional violence.<ref>[http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/database/index.html Meghalaya Violence Statistics, India Fatalities 1994-2014] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529084134/http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/database/index.html |date=29 May 2011 }} SATP (2014)</ref> The world's average annual death rate from intentional violence, in recent years, has been 7.9 per 100,000 people.<ref name=gede>[http://www.genevadeclaration.org/fileadmin/docs/GBAV2/GBAV2011-Ch2-Summary.pdf Global Burden of Armed Violence] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924021451/http://www.genevadeclaration.org/fileadmin/docs/GBAV2/GBAV2011-Ch2-Summary.pdf |date=24 September 2015 }} Chapter 2, Geneva Declaration, Switzerland (2011)</ref> The terror-related deaths are from conflicts primarily between different tribal groups and against migrants from Bangladesh. Along with political resolution and dialogue, various Christian organisations have taken the initiative to prevent violence and help the process of discussion between groups.<ref>SNAITANG, R. (2009), Christianity and Change among the Hill Tribes of Northeast India, Christianity and Change in Northeast India (Editors: Subba et al.), {{ISBN|978-8180694479}}, Chapter 10</ref>

There have been repeated clashes with [[Assam]] e.g. Mukroh.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/5-meghalaya-villagers-killed-in-border-firing-by-assam-cops/articleshow/95697806.cms | title=Assam Meghalaya Border News: Six killed as Assam cops and armed Meghalaya mob clash along border &#124; Guwahati News - Times of India | website=[[The Times of India]] | date=23 November 2022 | access-date=27 November 2022 | archive-date=27 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127114317/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/5-meghalaya-villagers-killed-in-border-firing-by-assam-cops/articleshow/95697806.cms | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Political instability===
The state has had 23 state governments since its inception in 1972, with a median life span of less than 18 months. Only three governments have survived more than three years. Political instability has affected the state's economy in the past.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://megplanning.gov.in/report/vision2030/chapter2.pdf |title=Participatory Planning and Inclusive Governance |website=Megplannnig.gov.in\accessdate=2017-02-27 |access-date=8 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911004507/http://megplanning.gov.in/report/vision2030/chapter2.pdf |archive-date=11 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Over recent years, there has been increasing political stability. The last state assembly elections were held in 2013, after a five-year government that was elected in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ceomeghalaya.nic.in/electionconducted/mla2013/mla-election-2013.htm |title=Official Website of the Election Department, Government of Meghalaya, India |website=Ceomeghalaya.nic.in |access-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122045103/http://ceomeghalaya.nic.in/electionconducted/mla2013/mla-election-2013.htm |archive-date=22 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Jhum farming===
[[File:Jhum cultivation in Nokrek Biosphere Reserve Meghalaya India Northeast India 2004.jpg|thumb|Jhum cultivation, or cut-and-burn shift farming, in Nokrek Biosphere Reserve of Meghalaya.]]
Jhum farming, or cut-and-burn shift cultivation, is an ancient practice in Meghalaya.<ref name=skr/> It is culturally engrained through folklores. One legend states the god of wind with the god of hail and storm shook off seeds from the celestial tree, which were picked up and sown by a bird known as ''do' amik''. These were the seeds of rice. The god gave the human beings some of those celestial seeds, provided instruction on shift agriculture and proper rice cultivation practice, with the demand that at every harvest a portion of the first harvest must be dedicated to him. Another folktale is from the Garo Hills of Meghalaya where a man named ''Bone-Neripa-Jane-Nitepa'' harvested rice and millet from a patch of land he cleared and cultivated near the rock named ''misi-Kokdok''. He then shared this knowledge with others, and named the different months of the year, each of which is a stage of shifting cultivation.<ref>Mazumdar, Culture Change in Two Garo Villages, Calcutta: Anthropological Survey of India (1978)</ref>

In modern times, shift cultivation is a significant threat to the biodiversity of Meghalaya.<ref>Ramakrishnan, P. S. (1992), Shifting agriculture and sustainable development: an interdisciplinary study from north-eastern India, Parthenon Publishing Group, {{ISBN|1-85070-383-3}}</ref> A 2001 satellite imaging study showed that shift cultivation practice continues and patches of primary dense forests are lost even from areas protected as biosphere.<ref>Roy, P. S., & Tomar, S. (2001), Landscape cover dynamics pattern in Meghalaya, International Journal of Remote Sensing, 22(18), pp 3813-3825</ref> ''Jhum'' farming is a threat not only for natural biodiversity, it is also a low yield unproductive method of agriculture. It is a significant issue in Meghalaya, given majority of its people rely on agriculture to make a living.<ref>Saha, R., Mishra, V. K., & Khan, S. K. (2011), Soil erodibility characteristics under modified land-use systems as against shifting cultivation in hilly ecosystems of Meghalaya India, Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 30(4), 301-312</ref><ref>Pakrasi, K., Arya, V. S., & Sudhakar, S. (2014), Biodiversity hot-spot modeling and temporal analysis of Meghalaya using Remote sensing technique, International Journal of Environmental Sciences, Vol 4, Number 5, pp 772-785</ref> Shift farming is a practice that is not unique to northeastern Indian states such as Meghalaya, but the issue is found throughout southeast Asia.<ref>Spencer, J. E. (1966), Shifting cultivation in southeastern Asia (Vol. 19), University of California Press, {{ISBN|978-0520035171}}</ref>

==Media==
Some major media outlets in the state are:{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}
* ''Meghalaya Times'': Meghalaya Times is one of the new entrants in the market and the fastest growing English newspaper in the state. In a short period of time, it has already established large readership across the state.
* ''[[Salantini Janera]]'': Salantini Janera is the first [[Garo language]] Daily of the state
* ''Shillong Samay'': Shillong Samay is the first Hindi Daily of the State.
* ''[[Shillong Times]]'': Shillong Times is one of the oldest English newspapers of the region.
* ''The Meghalaya Guardian'': The Meghalaya Guardian is one of the oldest newspapers of the state.

Over the years there have been several weeklies and Dailies that have come up. To name a few:
* ''The Tura Times'': The Tura Times is the first English Daily which is published out from Tura.
* ''Salantini Ku'rang'': Salantini Ku'rang is the Garo edition of The Tura Times, Pringprangni Aski being the most recent [[Garo language]] newspaper to circulate.
* ''U Nongsaiñ Hima'': U Nongsaiñ Hima is the oldest circulating Khasi newspaper in Meghalaya. Established in December 1960, it is now the highest circulated Khasi daily (ABC July – December 2013).
* 'Mawphor': It is one of the daily newspaper circulating in Jowai, Meghalaya.

Weekly Employment Newsletter which is distributed throughout the state:
* ''Shillong Weekly Express'': Weekly Newsletter that was started in 2010.
* Eclectic northeast

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book | last = Roy | first = Hira Lal Deb | year = 1981 | title = A Tribe in Transition | publisher = Cosmo }}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage}}

* {{official website}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|2027521}}

{{Navboxes|list=
{{Geographic location
| Centre    = Meghalaya
| North     = [[Assam]]
| Northeast =
| East      = [[Assam]]
| Southeast = {{flagicon|Bangladesh}} [[Sylhet Division]]
| South     = {{flagicon|Bangladesh}} [[Dhaka Division]]
| Southwest =
| West      = {{flagicon|Bangladesh}} [[Rangpur Division]]
| Northwest =
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{{Meghalaya}}
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[[Category:Meghalaya| ]]
[[Category:Northeast India]]
[[Category:English-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1972]]
[[Category:1972 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Tourism in Northeast India]]
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