Relief and structure of Meghalaya
Meghalaya is an upland area formed by a detached block of the Deccan plateau. Its summits vary in elevation from 4,000 to 6,000 feet (1,220 to 1,830 metres). The Garo Hills in the west rise abruptly from the Brahmaputra River valley to about 1,000 feet (300 metres) and then merge with the Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, adjacent highland systems that form a single massif of tablelands separated by a series of eastward-trending ridges. The southern faces of the plateau, overlooking the Bangladesh lowlands, is particularly steep.
Meghalaya Plateau belongs to the part of Super Continent of Gondwanaland, i.e., the Peninsular table land, but is detached from the latter by the intervening spread of the alluvium of the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. The structural history of the region reveals several phases of erosion, sedimentation, diastrophism, intrusion, movements of land and sea, and emission.
The plateau is mainly made up of rocks of the pre-Cambrian age. The pre-Tertiary and Tertiary rocks occur above these rocks on its western and southern margins. Stratigraphically the rocks of the plateau belong to five broad geological formations, namely the Archaean gneissic complex, the Shillong group of rocks, the lower Gondwana, the Sylhet traps, and Cretaceous – Tertiary – Quarternary Sediment.
The Archaean-gneissic complex occupies the central and northern parts of Meghalaya Plateau. The rocks include gneiss, granite, quartzites, schists, etc. The Shillong group of rocks lying unconformably over the gneissic complex, occurs in the central and eastern parts of the plateau These include phylite, quartzites, schists and conglomerates.
The lower Gondwana rocks are found in the western part of Garo Hills which include pebble beds, sandstones and shale. The Sylhet trap is exposed along the southern border of the Khasi Hills in an east-west direction, and rests unconformably over the eroded pre-Cambrian basement rocks. These rocks are predominantly basalt, rhyolite and acid tuffs.
The Garo Hills region of the State, in its greater portion, is formed of gneissic rocks overlaid by sandstones and 1 conglomerates of Cretaceous-Tertiary system.
The sediments of this system of rocks are known as the Garo group in the region. This group of rocks is again divided into the Simsang, Baghmara and the Chengapara formations. The Simsang is the oldest formation in the Garo group which lies conformably over the Kopili series (the youngest formation of the Jaintia group of Cretaceous – Tertiary sediments), and consists of siitstone and sandstone.
the Baghmara formation includes sand, pebble, conglomerates and clay which lie conformably over the Simsang formation. The Chengapara formation consists of sand, siitstone and clay. On the top of these Cretaceous-Tertiary formations rests limestone of Numulitic age, while sandstones of upper Tertiary origin form low hiiis along the Mymensing border.
The Khasi Hills are located east of the Garo Hills. The other Khasi tribes did not have princes but their twenty petty states (hima), and sometimes even smaller tribal divisions, are led by one or two Chiefs -selected in various ways- usually styled Siem, Syiem. The names of these chieftainships are : Bhawal, Cherra (or Sohra; capital Cherrapunji), Dwara (capital Hat Dwara), Jirang, Khyri(e)m (capital Cherrapunjee, under a Radja), Langrin, Lungiong, Maharam, Malai Sohmat, Marriw, Mawdon, Mawiang, Mawlong, Mawphlang, Mylliem (including Shillong city, the colonial capital of all Tribal Assam), Nobosohphoh, Noglwai, Nongkhlaw, Nongspung, Nongstoin, Pamsanggut, Rambrai, Shella, Sohiong. or Sardar .
The Jaintia Hills are located further to the east from the Khasi Hills. The twelve Chiefs of the elaka (tribal province) of the Jaintia, a Khasi subtribe of the) Pantars = Syntengs tribes, are styled Dolloi, and the land is called after them in Khasi: KA RI KHADAR DOLLOI ‘Land of 12 Tribal Chiefs‘) – they are in Nartiang itself (see the Raja, uniquely also styled, as premier Chief: U Kongsong), and in Amwi, Jowai, Lakadong, Mynso, Nongbah, Nongjngi, Nongphyllut, Nongtallang, Raliang, Shangpung, Sutnga (see below; also cited as seat of a Syiem) Above them is the only true princely ruler of the area, the Raja of Jaintiapur.
His winter capital is now in Bangladesh, with his summer residence shifted from Sutnga (where the family started as Syiems) to Nartiang; also a palace in the commercial center Borghat. The Jaintia Hills used to be a part of the Jaintia Hills District. The district has been bifurcated into two separate districts,namely, East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills on 31 July 2012.
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Meghalaya is a state in northeastern India. It is the wettest place on Earth, with an Average annual rainfall of over 11,871 mm (467 in). The state is home to a number of different ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture. The people of Meghalaya are known for their hospitality and their love of music and dance.
Meghalaya is a mountainous state with an average elevation of 1,500 meters (4,900 feet). The highest peak is Shillong Peak, which is 2,167 meters (7,094 feet) above sea level. The state is divided into three main physiographic regions: the Garo Hills, the Khasi Hills, and the Jaintia Hills.
The Garo Hills are located in the western part of the state and are characterized by their rugged terrain and dense forests. The Khasi Hills are located in the central part of the state and are known for their rolling hills and beautiful scenery. The Jaintia Hills are located in the eastern part of the state and are home to the highest peaks in Meghalaya.
The geology of Meghalaya is complex and varied. The state is located on the eastern edge of the Indian Plate, which is colliding with the Eurasian Plate. This collision has caused the formation of the Himalayas, and Meghalaya is located on the southern slopes of this mountain range.
The rocks in Meghalaya are mostly sedimentary, and they were formed from the deposition of sediments from the Himalayas. The oldest rocks in the state are about 500 million years old, and the youngest rocks are about 60 million years old.
The Climate-of-meghalaya/”>Climate of Meghalaya is tropical monsoonal. The state experiences two distinct seasons: a wet season from June to September and a dry season from October to May. The average annual rainfall is about 2,500 millimeters (100 inches).
The wet season is caused by the Monsoon Winds, which blow from the southwest. These winds bring heavy rains to the state, and the average rainfall during this season is about 1,500 millimeters (60 inches).
The dry season is caused by the northeast monsoon winds, which blow from the northeast. These winds are dry, and the average rainfall during this season is about 1,000 millimeters (40 inches).
The soils in Meghalaya are mostly acidic and leached. This is because the state receives a lot of rainfall, and the rainwater leaches the nutrients from the Soil. The soils in the state are also very poor in organic matter.
The vegetation in Meghalaya is mostly tropical rainforest. The state is home to a variety of plant species, including trees, shrubs, and herbs. The forests in the state are home to a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and leopards.
The wildlife in Meghalaya is diverse and includes a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The state is home to a number of endangered species, including the tiger, the elephant, and the rhinoceros.
The Population-of-meghalaya/”>Population of Meghalaya is about 3 million people. The majority of the population is rural, and the state has a low population density. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong.
The economy of Meghalaya is based on agriculture, Forestry, and tourism. The state is also a major producer of coal and limestone.
The culture of Meghalaya is unique and diverse. The state is home to a number of different ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture. The people of Meghalaya are known for their hospitality and their love of music and dance.
The history of Meghalaya is long and complex. The state was once part of the Ahom kingdom, and it was later ruled by the British. Meghalaya became a state of India in 1972.
Meghalaya is a beautiful and fascinating state with a rich history and culture. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is also home to a number of important industries. The people of Meghalaya are friendly and welcoming, and they are proud of their unique culture.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about Meghalaya:
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What is Meghalaya?
Meghalaya is a state in north-eastern India. It is bordered by Assam to the north, Bangladesh to the south, and the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland to the east. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong. -
What is the population of Meghalaya?
The population of Meghalaya is 3,216,286 as of 2011. The majority of the population is Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo. -
What is the language spoken in Meghalaya?
The Official Language of Meghalaya is English. However, there are many other languages spoken in the state, including Khasi, Jaintia, Garo, and Bengali. -
What is the religion of Meghalaya?
The majority of the population of Meghalaya is Christian. However, there are also Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs in the state. -
What is the economy of Meghalaya?
The economy of Meghalaya is based on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The state is also a major producer of coal and limestone. -
What are the tourist attractions in Meghalaya?
Some of the tourist attractions in Meghalaya include the Mawlynnong village, the Nokrek National Park, and the Daintree National Park. -
What is the climate of Meghalaya?
The climate of Meghalaya is tropical. The state receives heavy rainfall throughout the year. -
What is the culture of Meghalaya?
The culture of Meghalaya is rich and diverse. The state is home to many different tribes, each with its own unique customs and traditions. -
What are some of the challenges facing Meghalaya?
Some of the challenges facing Meghalaya include POVERTY, Unemployment, and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE-development/”>Infrastructure Development. -
What is the future of Meghalaya?
The future of Meghalaya is bright. The state has a young population and a growing economy. With the right policies and investments, Meghalaya can become a prosperous state.
- Meghalaya is a state in northeastern India. It is bordered by Assam to the north, Bangladesh to the south, and the states of Tripura and Mizoram to the west. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong.
- Meghalaya is the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of over 11,871 mm (467 in). The state is also home to the highest peak in India, Mount Mawsynram, which has an elevation of 2,998 m (9,831 ft).
- Meghalaya is a land of hills and valleys. The state is divided into three main regions: the Garo Hills, the Khasi Hills, and the Jaintia Hills. The Garo Hills are the largest region, covering an area of over 20,000 sq km (7,700 sq mi). The Khasi Hills are the second largest region, covering an area of over 10,000 sq km (3,900 sq mi). The Jaintia Hills are the smallest region, covering an area of over 5,000 sq km (1,900 sq mi).
- The Garo Hills are a mountainous region with an average elevation of over 1,000 m (3,300 ft). The Khasi Hills are also a mountainous region, with an average elevation of over 1,500 m (4,900 ft). The Jaintia Hills are a hilly region, with an average elevation of over 500 m (1,600 ft).
- The climate of Meghalaya is tropical. The temperature ranges from 10°C (50°F) in winter to 30°C (86°F) in summer. The rainfall is heavy, with an average annual rainfall of over 11,871 mm (467 in).
- The economy of Meghalaya is based on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The main crops grown in Meghalaya are rice, maize, and tea. The main forest products are timber, bamboo, and cane. The main tourist attractions in Meghalaya are the Mawsynram and Cherrapunji waterfalls, the Nokrek National Park, and the Living Root Bridges.
- The people of Meghalaya are known for their unique culture and traditions. The main languages spoken in Meghalaya are Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia. The main religions practiced in Meghalaya are Christianity, Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, and Islam.
- Meghalaya is a beautiful and diverse state with a rich culture and history. It is a popular tourist destination, and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in India.
Here are some MCQs about Meghalaya:
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Which of the following is not a state in northeastern India?
(A) Meghalaya
(B) Assam
(C) Tripura
(D) Mizoram -
The capital of Meghalaya is:
(A) Shillong
(B) Guwahati
(C) Imphal
(D) Agartala -
Meghalaya is the wettest place on Earth. The average annual rainfall in Meghalaya is:
(A) 11,871 mm (467 in)
(B) 2,540 mm (100 in)
(C) 762 mm (30 in)
(D) 381 mm (15 in) -
Meghalaya is a land of hills and valleys. The three main regions of Meghalaya are:
(A) The Garo Hills, the Khasi Hills, and the Jaintia Hills
(B) The Brahmaputra Valley, the Barak Valley, and the Meghalaya Plateau
(C) The Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats, and the Central Highlands
(D) The Himalayas, the Vindhyas, and the Satpuras -
The Garo Hills are the largest region in Meghalaya, covering an area of over:
(A) 20,000 sq km (7,700 sq mi)
(B) 10,000 sq km (3,900 sq mi)
(C) 5,000 sq km (1,900 sq mi)
(D) 2,500 sq km (970 sq mi) -
The climate of Meghalaya is tropical. The temperature ranges from:
(A) 10°C (50°F) in winter to 30°C (86°F) in summer