Who is credited for coining the term Meghalaya?

Meghalaya is made up of a combination of two Sanskrit words ‘Megh + Alay’. Meghalaya means the house of clouds or the ‘abode of clouds’. In this article we are going to talk about Who is credited for coining the term Meghalaya? and history and wiki about Meghalaya state.

The credit for beautiful naming of Meghalaya state goes to Padma Bhushan awarded Prof. Shiba Prasad Chatterjee.

Dr. SP Chatterjee was a professor of geography at Calcutta University. It is said that those who have visited this small state of Northeast India will know that it is a beautiful state of our country like its name. The state was formed in 1972 by merging two districts of Assam, United Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Today Meghalaya is prominent among the seven sister states of the Northeast of India.

The panoramic hills here, the green meadows spread far and wide, the beautiful valleys and the waterfalls add to its beauty. The natural shade of Meghalaya is very attractive and very visible. Tourists can get the feel of heaven by visiting Meghalaya full of unique beauty of nature.

There are many tourist places in Meghalaya which are the main attractions of the tourists. Tourists from every corner of India and from world come to visit this state. Meghalaya is also famous for many rare flora and fauna.

History of Meghalaya

Meghalaya was earlier a part of United Assam, like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. It remained a part of the state of Assam for several decades after India’s independence. But the states were reorganized in the 60s. In the year 1972 the state of Meghalaya was formed. The state of Meghalaya got full statehood on 21 January 1972.

Shillong was made the capital of Meghalaya. After the formation of the state of Meghalaya, 11 districts were made in it. Among which the most literate district of Meghalaya is East Khasi Hills as 84% of the population of this district is literate. This state of India has progressed in many fields since its inception with tourism industry.

People of Christian community mainly live in this hill state of India. Before the arrival of the British, most of the local people in these hill stations followed tribal religions. There are mainly three tribes living in Meghalaya. In which Garo, Khasi and Jaintia tribes are considered prominent.

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Specialty of Meghalaya

Meghalaya has a special feature among the states of India. Whereas all other states of India are male dominated but Meghalaya is a women dominated state. Special priority is given to women in Meghalaya. Because the tradition of matrilineal society has been going on in Meghalaya for centuries. Matrilineal nature is also seen in the tribes here. Here, after the death of the people, the women are in charge of their immovable property.

Due to being a matrilineal society in Meghalaya, the sex ratio here is also better than other states of India. The health and education of daughters is specially taken care of in the family. In this state of India, the home is run by women. The women here fulfill their responsibilities well both at home and outside.

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Geography of Meghalaya

Meghalaya, is spread around 22,429 sq km. This state of India is rich in natural wealth, and is situated at an altitude of about 1200 meters above sea level. The names of Shillong, Cherrapunji, Jowai, Tura, Nongstoin, West Garo Hills come in the major cities of Meghalaya.

How to reach Meghalaya

Meghalaya is connected to every corner of the country by road, rail and air. Meghalaya can be easily reached by road by getting down from Guwahati by train or bus.