Meghalaya

The abode of clouds, with matrilineal societies and the wettest inhabited places on earth.

The story of Meghalaya runs from early settlement and regional kingdoms through the colonial period to its present constitutional form.

Meghalaya is governed under the Indian Constitution with an executive seated at Shillong.

Electoral politics here reflects the region's linguistic, caste and economic composition.

Meghalaya is divided into 12 districts, each led by a district magistrate or collector.

Travel in Meghalaya spans heritage sites, landscape and living culture.

Cultural life in Meghalaya blends classical forms, folk traditions and contemporary practice.

Khasi, Garo, English are in everyday use across Meghalaya.

Everyday and festive clothing in Meghalaya reflects climate, weave traditions and community identity.

Cooking here is built around smoked meat, bamboo shoot, fermented flavours and minimal oil.

Meghalaya records a gross state domestic product of about ₹0.51 lakh crore.

Farming remains a major source of livelihood across Meghalaya.

Industrial activity clusters around Shillong and other urban nodes.

Outbound trade from Meghalaya reflects its resource and industrial base.

Inbound goods support both industry and consumption in Meghalaya.

Schooling and higher education in Meghalaya are administered from Shillong.

Sport in Meghalaya spans traditional games and organised competition.

Meghalaya has produced notable figures in public life, arts, science and sport.

Recognition here spans civilian honours and regional state awards.

India's World Heritage list includes sites across every zone.

Meghalaya is served by strategic highways, new rail extensions and regional air links.

The region experiences very high rainfall, lush greenery and cool hill weather.

Around 34 lakh people live across 22,429 km².

Religious life in Meghalaya is plural and locally rooted.

The calendar in Meghalaya mixes national, harvest and local festivals.

Key indicators for Meghalaya at a glance.

A visual record of Meghalaya is being assembled.

Curated video explainers cover Meghalaya in depth.

Meghalaya in brief: The abode of clouds, with matrilineal societies and the wettest inhabited places on earth.

Continue exploring from Meghalaya.