The history of Meghalaya dates back centuries, shaped by its three dominant tribal communities—the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo. The state was carved out of Assam in 1972, yet its unique matrilineal society and deep-rooted traditions have remained intact. The Khasi and Jaintia kingdoms were once powerful independent entities before British colonization, while the Garos had a distinct governance system. The state’s history is closely tied to its resistance against colonial rule, with legendary freedom fighters like U Tirot Sing leading the charge.

Lesser-Known Facts About Meghalaya

• World’s Wettest Inhabited Place – While many know Cherrapunji as one of the wettest places on Earth, few realize that Mawsynram (a nearby village) holds the title, receiving over 11,800 mm of rainfall annually.
• A River So Clear, You Can See the Bottom – The Umngot River in Dawki is so transparent that boats appear to float in the air. It is one of the cleanest rivers in India due to strict environmental measures by the locals.
• A Unique Matrilineal Society – In Meghalaya, property and family names are inherited through the mother’s lineage, making it one of the few places in the world with such a societal structure.
• Caves Older Than Dinosaurs – Meghalaya houses some of the longest and deepest cave systems in the world, with formations that date back over 350 million years!
• Home to Asia’s First Bamboo-Drip Irrigation System – This ancient eco-friendly technique, still used by locals, channels water through bamboo pipes to irrigate crops with almost zero wastage.
• Meghalaya’s Role in the Travel Industry – Meghalaya has seen a steady rise in eco-tourism and adventure tourism. The state’s sustainable tourism practices have gained global recognition, attracting responsible travelers looking for authentic experiences. Travel and hospitality businesses have reported a surge in bookings, indicating Meghalaya’s growing importance in India’s tourism sector.