East Khasi Hills district, Administrative district in Shillong, India
East Khasi Hills is an administrative district in Meghalaya consisting of rolling grasslands, river valleys, and deep gorges that form part of the Shillong Plateau. The terrain is shaped by multiple watercourses and supports numerous villages and settlements of varying size.
The district was created in 1976 when the original Khasi Hills district was divided into two separate administrative areas. A second administrative reorganization in 1992 led to the separation of Ri-Bhoi District and shaped the present-day boundaries.
The Khasi people form the majority and shape daily life through a matrilineal system where property and family name pass to daughters. This custom shapes how villages are organized and how inheritance decisions are made across generations.
The district connects to major cities via National Highways 44 and 40, with Guwahati serving as the nearest transportation hub for flights and trains. Within the region, visitors should prepare for local transport options and hilly roads, as some areas remain remote and difficult to access.
Kongthong village is known for residents who use a whistled language, an unusual communication system based on tones and melodies. The nearby Mawlynnong settlement earned notice for maintaining exceptionally clean streets and public spaces through regular community effort.
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