Meghalaya has a matrilineal society where lineage and inheritance pass through women. The state has a high literacy rate of 76% and is very forested, with 70% of the area covered in forests that are biodiverse. Meghalaya also holds the world record for highest rainfall in a month. The state has many festivals, a unique culture including music and arts, and tourist attractions like living root bridges, caves, and waterfalls.

1. A State where women rules
Shillong, Meghalaya
By Tushar Kr. Dey

2. Location of Shillong, Meghalaya in the map
 The name means "the abode of clouds" in Sanskrit.

3. Language
“English” is the official
language of Meghalaya and
is commonly used as a
mode of communication.
The other languages spoken
include Khasi, Garo, Pnar, Biate Hajong, Ben
gali and Assamese.

4. Highlights of the state
• Literacy Rate in Meghalaya is
76% as per 2011 census.
• Unlike many Indian states,
Meghalaya has historically
followed a matrilineal system
where the lineage and
inheritance are traced through
women;
• The youngest daughter inherits
all wealth and she also takes
care of her parents.

5. Highlights of the state
• The state is the wettest
region of India, recording
an average of 12,000 mm
(470 in) of rain a year.

6. Highlights of the state
• About 70% of the
state is forested.
• The forests are
notable for
their biodiversity of
mammals, birds, and
plants.

7. Highlights of the state
• Meghalaya is one of
the Seven Sister
States of northeast
India.
• The state of
Meghalaya is
mountainous, with
stretches of valley and
highland plateaus, and
it is geologically rich.

8. Highlights of the state
• It consists mainly
of Archean rock
formations.
• These rock
formations contain
rich deposits of
valuable minerals like
coal, limestone, urani
um and sillimanite.

9. Highlights of the state
• The highest point in
Meghalaya is Shillong Peak,
which is a
prominent IAF station in the
Khasi Hills overlooking the
city of Shillong.
• It has an altitude of 1961 m
• The Garo Hills region in the
western section of the
plateau is nearly plain.
• The highest point in the
Garo Hills is Nokrek Peak
with an altitude of 1515 m.

10. Highlights of the state
• The Shillong area, with the
highest elevations, experiences
low temperatures.
• The max. Temp. rarely goes
beyond 28 °C (82 °F)
• The town of Sohra
(Cherrapunji) in the Khasi Hills
south of capital Shillong holds
the world record for most rain
in a calendar month,

11. Traditional dress of Shillong, Meghalaya

12. Unique festival of Shillong, Meghalaya
Cherry Blossom Festival
Jackfruit FestivalCherry Blossom Festival
Wine Festival
Behdeinkhlam Festival
Autumn Festival
Autumn FestivalChowchow Festival
NH7 Weekender X-mass

13. Special arts/culture of Shillong, Meghalaya
18 Degree
Midnight Festival
Slow Food &
Agrobiodiversity Society

14. Shillong, the Rock Capital of India
18 Degree
Shillong is a city that is famous for music,
its unique culture and cheerful people.
Hence, it is known as the "Rock Capital Of
India".
Iron Maiden Aerosmith Megadeth
Porcupine Tree Metallica Poets of the Fall
Slayer Guns N Roses Hoobastang
Cold Play

15. Tourist places
Few tourist attraction within city

16. Tourist places
Living Root Bridge Elephant Falls
Weinia Falls
Orchid lake Langshiang Falls

17. Tourist places
Hot Spring Jakrem
(Medicinal Properties)
Umgot River
Malsmai Cave
Sacred Groves Fairy Cave

18. Well known persons representing
Meghalaya in India and all over the world
Daniel Syiem
Patricia Mukhim
Manas Chaudhuri
Tipriti Kharbangar
Rudy Wallang
Lou Majaw
Ronnie Lahiri
Hameshaniah Suiam

19. Cuisine in Shillong

20. Videos of youths bringing fame to state