Meghalaya Dairies - Road Trip to North East India - PART 3

madanishereef (40)in #photography • 7 years ago (edited)

Hidden away in the subtle hills of eastern sub-Himalayas is Meghalaya, one of India’s most beautiful state. It is a land blessed with bountiful rainfall, sunshine, virgin forests, high plateaus, breathtaking waterfalls, clear rivers and meandering streams; a land of ancient cultures where the people are smart, intelligent and friendly.

Three ancient tribes inhabit the land and live a free autonomous lifestyle which allows for their practices to be preserved. While the Khasis and Jaintas come from the ancient lineage of Proto Austroloid Monkhmer race who are considered one of the first settlers in India and reside in the Khasi and Jainta Hills, the Garos belong to the Tibetan-Burman race and reside in the Garo Hills. Fascinatingly, the cultures of Meghalaya have a matrilineal society where inheritance and lineage is passed on to women. In his observations, anthropologist David Roy notes this aspect as “a man is the defender of the woman, but the woman is the keeper of his trust”. Agriculture is the predominant source of livelihood of the people but other sources include mineral based industries, forestry, horticulture and cottage houses that promote traditional arts and crafts. The flowers of Meghalaya are renowned around the world and in recent years approach to organic and sustainable farming of various produces has been exceptionally promoted in the state.

The fascinating close relationship that can be observed when humans live alongside and in tune to the natural environment can be observed in the lifestyles of the people of Meghalaya. From creating sacred forests to building bridges out of living roots, beliefs in forest spirits and stone monoliths, some of the most cleanest villages to be found in Asia, an approach to an attitude to be as compassionate and benevolent as nature, Meghalaya delights with plenty of secrets for travelers who seek an adventure off the beaten path.