MEGHALAYA

Demography

Meghalaya is a hill state with Assam to its north and east and Bangladesh to its south and west. Its population is 23,06,069 as per the 2001 census.

Its demographic profile is:

• Khasis/Jaintias/Garos 68%,

• Dimasa/Hmar/Kuki/Karbi/Lakher/Hajong/Mon/Naga 10%,

• Mizo 4%,

• Others (including Bangladeshi and Nepalese migrants) about 18%.

The Khasis, Jaintias and the Karbis are of Austric origin whereas the Garos, Dimasa and Hajongs are of Bodo origin.

History

Historically, Meghalaya was excluded from the Mughal, Ahom and Burmese invasions on account of its inaccessibility. The British annexed it in 1835 and decided to set up their headquarters at Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, for control of the north-east (undivided Assam), on account of its salubrious climate and relatively easier access. They therefore set up a more effective administration, while allowing limited autonomy. This area was not therefore given a segregated ‘Excluded Area’ status as was done for Nagaland and Mizoram and was amalgamated into the Assam administration. The British set about civilising the tribals through conversion to Christianity. As they were not segregated and there was greater interaction with other communities unlike the other hill states, they progressively accepted their merger with the Indian Union more gracefully, whilst maintaining their culture modified by Christian and western influence. Political Awakening Independence brought political awakening; demands for a separate state started from 1949. In 1952 the Khasis and Mizos led the demand for a separate tribal identity as they felt the Assam government was neglecting them.