Shillong – The Beautiful Hill Queen
Shillong has been the Capital of Assam since 1874,with a temporary break from 1905 to 1912,when the Government Secretariats were functioning both from Dacca, now the Capital of Bangladesh, and Shillong.
It is named after the “Shillong Peak” overlooking the city. There are many legends about the name Shillong.One of the many legends run that the name Shillong was derived from U Shylong, a supernatural half-deity born of a virgin human mother. In another legend, it is told that the name Shillong originated from the name of Shillong Deity who lived in a cave known as Krem Marai near Shillong Peak.
The city was founded by Col. Henry Hopkinson, Commissioner of Assam in 1864.In that very year the headquaters of the District Officer of the khasi Hills were transferred from Cherrapunjee to Shillong.Shillong’s picturesque setting and salubrious climate were found very suitable for sanatoria and holiday home of the British civilians, who were tormented by heat in the plains. It was also considered an ideal situation for the establishment of a military cantonment to keep vigil on the entire North East.
Termed as “Scotland of the East”, Shillong is situated at a height of 5,000 feet on the plateau of gentle hills. Cool colonnades of tall pine trees clad with whispering green leaves glistening in the sun surround the city. On its bosom lie several lovely waterfalls – Spread Eagle falls, Elephant Falls, Beadon Falls etc. sprightly dancing down from their hilly heights.
Shillong with its veritable beauty spots like Ward’s Lake, the Lady Hydari Park with its mini zoo, and its 18-hole Golf Course, one of the oldest and best in the country, is a great tourist center, attracting people from far and near.
In the mini-zoo, various species of birds, such as, hornbills, pheasants, pelicans, and storks can be seen besides the animals like antelope, slow loris, clouded leopard, leopard cat, golden cat and golden langur.
It is a cosmopolitan city. Here one can find a mini-India with its population of 23,06,069 (2001 census) coming from different parts of the country and comprising every raciality, religion, custom and life style. From Shillong has spread the message of Christianity in the entire NorthEast, thus bringing the western culture and scientific thoughts to remote interiors. In educational institutions of Shillong, students from all over the region flock for admission. North east Hill University are situated here. The Shillong State Library and Museum offer plentiful scope for study and research of the ethnic culture in the region. The State Library has a good collection of books. The State Museum has varied and interesting exhibits relating to art, craft, culture and heritages of the different tribes of the Northeast. Recently a Forest Museum has been set up, where one finds exhibits of the interesting and unique flora and fauna of Meghalaya and the region. No wonder, Shillong is called the cultural Capital of the NorthEast.
Shillong is also the Head Quarters of the Eastern Air Command and 101 Communication zone of the Army.
There are two important monuments in Shillong – one a full three ‘faced martyrs’ column – a memorial to U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nongbah and Pa Togan Sangma who fought valiantly against the superior might of the British, and the other, a statue of Indira Gandhi in bronze, under whose Prime-Ministership, Meghalaya became finally a full-fledged State. These monuments are a great attraction. War Memorials in Motphran – the oldest monument at bara bazaar and two other Monuments at All Saints Cathedral and at Shillong Club Compound are also great crowd pullers.
Besides, the milk white Secretariat Building with an inspiring statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, the erstwhile Assam Legislative Council which is now the seat of the Shillong Bench of Gauhati High Court, the massive State Central Library Complex, the Shillong Cathedral, the sprawling Robert Hospital Complex now known as the KJP Synod Hospital, the huge Church Buildings at Mawkhar, Jaiaw, Laitumkhrah present and awe-inspiring array of magnificent structure to a visitor to Shillong.
Most notable is Iewduh, the biggest traditional bazaar in the entire North East. Here the retail market is dominated by smiling and courteous Khasi women in this bazaar, practically everything is available – from fruits, vegetable and fish to typical medicinal herbs and plants found in Meghalaya.
Shillong’s architecture is unique in the country. It houses look like English Homes with well laid chimneys of beautiful designs emitting smokes from fire-places through the long wintry months. Its Churches and the Secretariat Buildings are also in the style of English architecture.
Meghalayas’ State language is English. Prevalance of English speech, dress and manners in Shillong gives reminiscence of the British who attempted to make it a little England in the East. It is still considered one of the most beautiful of all hill stations in India, which, with its English setting, is very unlike other cities of India. Shillong can be compared with Shillong only.
