Meghalaya was initially formed as:

The correct answer is: a) A separate state within India.

Meghalaya was formed on 21st January 1972 as the 16th state of India. It was carved out of the state of Assam. The main reason for the formation of Meghalaya was the demand for a separate state by the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo people, who were the majority population in the region. The people of Meghalaya wanted to have a separate state so that they could preserve their culture and identity.

The other options are incorrect because:

• Option b) is incorrect because Meghalaya was not initially formed as an autonomous district within Assam.
• Option c) is incorrect because Meghalaya was not initially formed as a Union Territory.
• Option d) is incorrect because Meghalaya was never a part of Bangladesh.