East Khasi Hills is a district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is situated in the central part of the state and includes the state capital, Shillong, which serves as the district headquarters. The district is part of the Khasi Hills region and is home to a predominantly Khasi population, an indigenous community with matrilineal traditions.
Key facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Meghalaya |
| Region | Khasi Hills |
| Headquarters | Shillong |
| Country | India |
| Predominant community | Khasi |
| Autonomous council | Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council |
Geography
The district lies on the Shillong Plateau and features rolling hills, deep gorges, waterfalls, and pine forests. The terrain ranges from the high plateau around Shillong to the steep southern slopes that descend towards the plains of Bangladesh. The southern parts of the district, around Cherrapunji (Sohra) and Mawsynram, are among the wettest places on earth, recording exceptionally high annual rainfall driven by the southwest monsoon. The Umiam, Umngot and Umkhrah are among the rivers that flow through the district.
Administration
East Khasi Hills is administered through a Deputy Commissioner based in Shillong. For matters concerning land, customary law, and tribal administration, much of the district falls under the jurisdiction of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The district is divided into civil sub-divisions and community and rural development blocks, with Shillong functioning as the principal urban centre.
History
The Khasi Hills were historically organised into a number of small Khasi states, or hima, each headed by a Syiem. Following British engagement in the region during the nineteenth century, Shillong became an important administrative seat and from 1874 served as the capital of the erstwhile Assam province. After Meghalaya was created as a full state on 21 January 1972, the larger Khasi Hills district was later reorganised. East Khasi Hills district came into existence on 28 October 1976 when the Khasi Hills district was bifurcated into East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills. It was further reduced in size when Ri-Bhoi district was carved out in 1992 and South West Khasi Hills district was created in 2012.
Economy
The economy of East Khasi Hills is shaped by agriculture, horticulture, trade, tourism, and government services concentrated in Shillong. Major crops and produce include rice, maize, potatoes, oranges, pineapples and the Khasi mandarin. Cherrapunji and surrounding areas are known for limestone and coal deposits, though mining activity has been subject to regulatory restrictions. Tourism, both domestic and international, contributes significantly through destinations such as Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, Mawlynnong, Dawki and the living root bridges of the southern slopes.
Demographics and culture
The Khasi people form the majority of the population, with Khasi as the principal language alongside English, which is widely used in administration and education. The society follows a matrilineal system in which lineage and inherited property typically pass through the youngest daughter (ka khadduh). Christianity, particularly of Presbyterian and Catholic denominations, is the predominant religion, while traditional indigenous beliefs (Niam Khasi) continue to be practised. Festivals such as Shad Suk Mynsiem and Nongkrem Dance are central to the cultural calendar.
Education and institutions
Shillong, within the district, hosts several institutions of regional importance, including North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Indian Institute of Management Shillong, National Institute of Technology Meghalaya, and St. Anthony's College. The city has long been an educational hub for students from across the North East.
Notable places
- Shillong – state capital and district headquarters.
- Cherrapunji (Sohra) – noted for high rainfall and waterfalls such as Nohkalikai.
- Mawsynram – among the wettest inhabited places on earth.
- Mawlynnong – a village widely known for its cleanliness.
- Dawki (Umngot river) – known for its clear waters near the India–Bangladesh border.
- Living root bridges – traditional bridges grown from the roots of Ficus elastica.