Meghalaya, often called the "Abode of Clouds," is a state in Northeast India rich in natural beauty and unique culture.
General Information
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Establishment Year (Full Statehood) | January 21, 1972 (Carved out of Assam) |
| Borders | Bounded on the North and East by the state of Assam; bounded on the South and West by Bangladesh (International border). |
| Population (2011 Census) | 2,966,889 |
| Languages Spoken | Khasi, Garo, Pnar (Jaintia), and English (Official Language). Other languages include Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi. |
| Religion (in Present - 2011 Census) | Christianity is the majority religion, followed by Hinduism, and a small minority of others like Islam and tribal faiths. |
Chief Ministers List and Tenure Dates
Meghalaya has seen several Chief Ministers since its formation. Here is a list, with the periods they held office.
| Chief Minister | Joined Office | Left Office | Party (Primary) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williamson A. Sangma | 2 April 1970 | 3 March 1978 | APHLC / INC |
| Darwin Diengdoh Pugh | 10 March 1978 | 6 May 1979 | APHLC |
| B. B. Lyngdoh | 7 May 1979 | 7 May 1981 | APHLC |
| Williamson A. Sangma | 7 May 1981 | 24 February 1983 | INC |
| B. B. Lyngdoh | 2 March 1983 | 31 March 1983 | APHLC |
| Williamson A. Sangma | 2 April 1983 | 5 February 1988 | INC |
| P. A. Sangma | 6 February 1988 | 25 March 1990 | INC |
| B. B. Lyngdoh | 26 March 1990 | 10 October 1991 | HPU |
| President's Rule | 11 October 1991 | 5 February 1992 | N/A |
| D. D. Lapang | 5 February 1992 | 19 February 1993 | INC |
| S. C. Marak | 19 February 1993 | 10 March 1998 | INC |
| B. B. Lyngdoh | 10 March 1998 | 8 March 2000 | UDP |
| E. K. Mawlong | 8 March 2000 | 8 December 2001 | UDP |
| Flinder Anderson Khonglam | 8 December 2001 | 4 March 2003 | Independent |
| D. D. Lapang | 4 March 2003 | 15 June 2006 | INC |
| J. Dringbell Rymbai | 15 June 2006 | 10 March 2007 | INC |
| D. D. Lapang | 10 March 2007 | 19 March 2008 | INC |
| Donkupar Roy | 19 March 2008 | 18 March 2009 | UDP |
| President's Rule | 19 March 2009 | 12 May 2009 | N/A |
| D. D. Lapang | 13 May 2009 | 19 April 2010 | INC |
| Mukul Sangma | 20 April 2010 | 6 March 2018 | INC |
| Conrad Sangma | 6 March 2018 | Present | NPP |
Note: The list includes multiple tenures by the same person. Party abbreviations: APHLC (All Party Hill Leaders Conference), INC (Indian National Congress), HPU (Hill People's Union), UDP (United Democratic Party), NPP (National People's Party).
President's Rule Imposition
President's Rule (under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution) has been imposed in Meghalaya two times:
* First Instance: From October 11, 1991, to February 5, 1992 (Due to political instability/breakdown of constitutional machinery).
* Second Instance: From March 19, 2009, to May 12, 2009 (Following the collapse of a coalition government).
Famous Places and Products
Meghalaya is known for its stunning natural landscapes and distinctive cultural products, both in India and globally.
Famous Places
Meghalaya holds a significant place on the world tourism map, mainly due to its unique ecology and record rainfall.
* Living Root Bridges: Found mainly in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, these unique bridges are Ficus elastica tree roots trained over decades to form functional bridges across rivers. The Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat is particularly famous, and the bridges are on UNESCO's tentative list for World Heritage Sites.
* Mawsynram & Cherrapunji (Sohra): Known globally as the places that receive some of the highest rainfall in the world. Cherrapunji features the spectacular Nohkalikai Falls, one of India's tallest plunge waterfalls, and the Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls).
* Mawlynnong Village: Titled "Asia's Cleanest Village," this village in the East Khasi Hills is a model for ecotourism and community-based sanitation.
* Caves: Meghalaya is home to one of the longest and deepest cave systems in India, including popular caves like Mawsmai Cave and Arwah Cave.
* Dawki & Umngot River: The Umngot River near Dawki, bordering Bangladesh, is famous for its exceptionally clear, emerald-green water, making boats appear to float on glass.
Products
Meghalaya's key products and crops are primarily agricultural, but it is also known for its tribal crafts and textiles.
* Turmeric and Ginger: The state produces high-quality spices, with the Lakadong Turmeric from the Jaintia Hills being particularly renowned for its high curcumin content, making it sought after globally for its health benefits.
* Oranges (Khasi Mandarin) and Pineapples: The diverse agro-climatic conditions support the growth of various high-quality horticultural products.
* Eri Silk (Ahimsa Silk): This indigenous silk variety is produced without killing the silkworm, giving it the name "Ahimsa" (non-violent) silk. It's a niche product valued in the textile industry.
* Handicrafts and Woven Baskets: Traditional bamboo and cane products, and Ryndia (Khasi traditional shawl/cloth), showcasing the rich tribal artistry of the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia communities.
