Jaintia Hills Tourism

Jaintia Hills is one of the eleven districts of Meghalaya, a state located in the northeastern region of India. The district is named after the Jaintia tribe, which is one of the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya. Jaintia Hills is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and unique way of life.

History

The history of Jaintia Hills can be traced back to the 16th century when the Jaintia kingdom was established in the region. The kingdom was ruled by the Jaintia tribe and was known for its rich culture and traditions. The Jaintia Hills region was an important center of trade and commerce, and it was known for its rich mineral resources, especially coal.

In the 18th century, the Jaintia kingdom was annexed by the British, and the region became a part of the British Empire. The British established coal mines in the region and developed it as an important center of coal production. After India gained independence in 1947, Jaintia Hills became a part of the state of Assam. In 1972, when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam as a separate state, Jaintia Hills became a part of Meghalaya.

Geography

Jaintia Hills is located in the eastern part of Meghalaya and is bounded by Assam to the north and east, Bangladesh to the south, and East Khasi Hills district to the west. The district covers an area of 3,819 square kilometers and is divided into three administrative units: Jowai, Khliehriat, and Amlarem.

The district is characterized by rugged terrain and rolling hills. The highest peak in Jaintia Hills is the Ialong peak, which is 1,860 meters high. The region is rich in natural resources and is known for its coal mines, limestone quarries, and sandstone deposits.

Demographics

Jaintia Hills has a population of approximately 400,000 people, according to the 2011 census. The population is predominantly rural, with agriculture being the main occupation of the people. The major communities in the district are the Jaintia, Khasi, and Garo tribes.

The Jaintia tribe is the dominant community in the district, and they have a unique culture and way of life. The Jaintia language is the main language spoken in the district, although many people also speak English and Khasi.

Economy

The economy of Jaintia Hills is primarily based on agriculture and mining. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people, and they cultivate crops such as rice, maize, and vegetables. The region is also known for its tea plantations, which are an important source of income for the people.

Mining is another important sector of the economy, with coal mining being the main activity. Jaintia Hills has some of the largest coal reserves in the country, and coal mining is a major source of revenue for the government. However, the coal mining industry has also caused significant environmental damage in the region.

Culture

Jaintia Hills is known for its rich culture and traditions. The Jaintia tribe has a unique way of life, and they have preserved their traditions and customs over the centuries. The Jaintia Hills region is home to several festivals and celebrations, which reflect the culture and traditions of the people.

One of the most important festivals in the district is the Behdeinkhlam festival, which is celebrated in July every year. The festival is dedicated to the deity U Mynsiem, who is believed to protect the people from epidemics.

State :

Meghalaya

How to Reach Jaintia Hills