SHILLONG

About Shillong

Shillong, India (Khasi: Shillong, Hindi: ) is the capital of Meghalaya, one of the smallest states in India and home to the Khasis. It is also the headquarters of the East Khasi Hills district and is situated at an average altitude of 4,908feet (1,496 m) above sea level, with the highest point being Shillong Peak at 6,449feet (1,966 m). The city had a population of 314,610 at the 2011 census. It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland. Hence, Shillong is also known as "Scotland of the East." Shillong has grown in size and significance since it was made the civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864 by the British. In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner's Province, it was chosen as the headquarters of the new administration because of its convenient location between the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys and because the climate of Shillong was cooler than tropical India. Shillong remained the capital of...