Meghalaya is an Indian state located in Northeast India. The term Meghalaya means cloud. Meghalaya is also known for its varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and is a very fantastic city. The state is also well known for its cultural diversity, tribes, waterfalls, caves, and many more.
List of the Best Historical Places to Visit in Meghalaya:
1. Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Nyankanah
The bridge is located in the district of Jaintia hills. It is situated between Jowai and Jarain. The bridge is built over the Um-Nyakanah river. Strong stone pillars very well support the bridge. According to the local people, the bridge was constructed by Jaintia kings who ruled these lands during the medieval period.
The bridge took over a time of 100s of years to span. Jaintia kings built the bridges for promoting trade and use as a means of communication and for the armies. This historical bridge is under the Archaeological Survey of India’s protection.
2. Nartiāng Monoliths
Nartiāng Monoliths is located in the Jaintia hills. The opening time of this monument is 6:00 AM, and the closing time is 6:00 PM. It is considered the tallest monolith in the world. These monoliths are constructed in honor of Jaintia kings.
According to local legends, the most towering monoliths are known as Moo Long Syiem, consisting of 8 meters. Between the year 1500 to 1835, these monoliths were becoming erect. From a few monoliths, Narthiang monoliths have a great collection of menhirs and dolmens, making them the famous monuments in Meghalaya.
3. Kiang Nangbah
This monument was built in great honor of a Jaintia Patriot named U Kiang Nangbah. He died in a war with the British. He fought for freeing the Jaintia lands from the British. The monument was constructed in the mid of a vast field known as Madiah Kmai Blai and is situated on Syntu Ksiar along the Myntdu river.
The area has its history because U Kiang Nangbah fought against the British without any consequences or fear. This place is toured by many tourists from all over the world every year, and they pay tribute to Kiang Nangbah, who fought for the freedom of people and their land.
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4. David Scott Memorial Stone
The monument is located in Cherrapunji. David Scott was an employee in an East India Company during the colonial days. He was frank and very dedicated to his work. After that, he became an agent of the Governor-General on the North-East Frontiers of Bengal. He died on 20th August 1831.
The monuments had been erected in Saitsohpen in honor of David Scott. A tribute is written on the pillar of this monument by British Raj. Trekking on the trail of David Scott Memorial is very popular. Tourists like to visit this place and pay tribute to this dedicated worker. Read Also: 10 Popular Places to Visit in North East India
5. Khasi Heritage Village
Khasi heritage village is located at a distance of 27 km from Shillong. The town is sprawling in an area of 8 acres. The village is created to show the culture, tradition, and lifestyles of the Khasi tribes. The village also has some houses built in the style of Khasi, consisting of bedrooms, kitchens, storehouses, etc.
A museum is also built there for showing the artifacts, tools, and weapons. There is also a region of archery which contains traditional bows and arrows, which are displayed for tourists. The visiting time is from the morning 8 AM to 6 PM. Read Also: Best Places To Visit In North East India in June
6. Stone Memorial of U-Maw Thodur-Briew
This monument is constructed and dedicated to the local tribe. It is situated in a district of Jaintia hills. It is made up of substantial megalithic stone.
The stones are menhirs, a type of vertical stone, dolmens that are a type of horizontal stone, and cairn with menhirs most enormous. One menhir has a height of 9 meters. It is said that Menhirs are erected in rows of three, four, five, or seven. Read Also: 8 Most Beautiful Homestays in North East India.
7. Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Kumbeh
The bridge is located in the Jaintia hills. It is said that the bridge was constructed by Mar Phalangki and U Luh Lyngskor Lamare. The bridge was built with massive stone slabs. It was supposed that the bridge was built when Jaintia King ordered it.
When the Jaintia king shifted his capital to Nartiang for carrying goods from his ancient capital Sutnga, he made this bridge. The stone which is used in the bridge was dated from the 18th century CE. Also, read 10 Most Famous Food in North East India.
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Conclusion
Meghalaya does not consist of many historical monuments. But several are situated, which are described here. All of them do not contain an exciting history, but a little history is there. Some monuments are very popular among them and include the exciting history behind them. Visitors like to visit the historical monuments and have the curiosity to know about their history also.
More About Meghalaya:
- 20 Most Famous Destinations to Visit in Meghalaya
- Meghalaya 8 Most Popular Trekking Destinations
- Most Beautoful Hill Stations in Meghalaya
- Meghalaya 5 Famous Wildlife National Parks
- Meghalaya’s Most Famous Food Places
- Popular Folk Dances in Meghalaya
- Meghalaya set up Heritage Village and Museum for Garo Tribe
