Meghalaya (translated ‘abode of the clouds) in North East India is mostly known for cultural diversity, tribes, rainy drenched hills, gushing waterfalls, caves and living root bridges. However, the fact that Meghalaya is dotted with several heritage sites and structures is relatively lesser known aspect of tourism in this state. For those looking to discover and explore this heritage, we bring to you the ‘not to be missed’ historical monuments in Meghalaya that should be on your list when you travel here next.
List of 8 Historical Monuments in Meghalaya
Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Nyankanah
- District:Jaintia Hills
- Location: Between Jowai and Jarain (Lat. 25° 20′ N; Long.9208′ E)
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
Supported by huge stone pillars, this megalithic bridge is built over Um-Nyankanah river. According to the local legends the bridge was constructed the Jaintia kings who ruled over these lands during medieval period.
Several of these megalithic bridges built over span of 100s of years were constructed by Jaintia kings to promote trade between their ruling cites as well as to provide means of communication and movement of their armies. For history buffs and heritage lovers this stone bridge is one of the must visit historical monuments in Meghalaya. The bridge is under Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) protection.
Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Kumbeh
- District: Jaintia Hills
- Location: Near Syndai (Lat. 25° 12′ N; Long.9209′ E)
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
Built using huge stone slabs, this megalithic bridge across Um- Kumbeh River is said to be constructed by Mar Phalangki and U Luh Lyngskor Lamare as per the local tradition. It was supposedly built by the order of Jaintia king when he shifted his capital to Nartiang in order to carry out trade between the new capital and his old capital of Sutnga. The stones used are dated to be from 18th century CE.
Narthiang Monoliths
- District: Jaintia Hills
- Location: Nartiang Road, Nartiang
- Opening Time: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
Most of the historical monuments in Meghalaya are to be found strewn across Jaintia Hills. As you roam across the countryside and hills you will come across collection of menhirs and dolmens commonly known as mawbynna. These are the collection of huge stone formations in vertical and horizontal position.
These monuments were often built to either honor the ancestors of Hynniewtrep communities or as tribute to Jaintia kings and to commemorate military achievement. Today these megalithic structures stand as the symbol of deep respect that the tribes of Meghalaya have for their ancestors and their continuous legacy.
Nartiang Monoliths in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills are considered among some of the tallest in the world. These huge monoliths were erected to honor the erstwhile Jaintia Kings. These monoliths consists of Menhirs or Moo Shynrang and Dolmens or Moo Kynthai.
As per the local legends, the tallest of these monoliths known locally as Moo Long Syiem standing 26 feet. It was erected by the famous war leader U Mar Phalynki to mark a momentous military achievement. Most of the monuments among Narthiang Monoliths are dedicated to royalty and leaders of Pnar tribe. These monoliths were erected between 1500 CE to 1835 CE.
Of the several monoliths dotted across Garo and Jaintia Hills, Nartiang Monoliths are probably the most surreal collection featuring one of the largest collection of menhirs and dolmens making it one of the top historical monuments in Meghalaya.
Explore Packages to Plan your trip to Meghalaya
Kiang Nongbah Monument
“If my face turns eastwards when I die, we shall be free again within a hundred years. If it turns westward, we shall be enslaved forever.”
- District: Jaintia Hills
- Location: Jowai
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
These prophetic words were the last words of the dying Jaintia king U Kiang Nangbah. A true patriot who rose in rebellion against the British, fought them bravely till his eventual capture dies a martyr for the cause of India’s liberation. He was hanged publicly on 30th December 1862.
A memorial to commemorate his valor was erected on the banks of Myntdu River. It is located in Syntu Kslar Valley in Jowai. The field where this monument is located is known as Madlah Kmal Blai. This historical monument in Meghalaya is definitely worth a visit for its significance in history of India Independence struggle and to pay homage to the courage of Kiang Nangbah who led the uprising against the British.
Places of interest near this monument which you could include in your trip includes Syntuksiar, Tyrshi Falls, Ialong Park and Thadlasken Lake.
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Megalithic Bridge Known as Thul-Um-Wi
- District: Jaintia Hills
- Location: Between Jowai and Jarain (Lat. 25° 23’N; Long.9208′ E)
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
Yet another megalithic stone bridge, Thul-Um-Wi boasts of remarkable design. It comprises of large slabs of three gigantic span spread across river ‘Thul-Um-Wi’. According to the local tradition, this bridge was constructed by the orders of Jaintia king to maintain trade and commerce with other cities under their rule.
Stone Memorial of U-Maw Thodur-Briew, Nartiang
District: Jaintia Hills
Location: Nartiang (Lat. 25° 32′ N; Long.9215′ E)
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
This memorial is dedicated to the local tribe known as U-Maw Thodur-Briew. Built of large megalithic stone, the stone are classified as menhirs (vertical stones), dolmens (horizontal stones) and cairn with menhirs usually the most gigantic in size. It can be observed that menhirs are erected generally in rows of three, four, five and seven with each measuring approximately 9 meters in height and the central one the highest of them all. A capstone appearing like a head or head is occasionally provided over menhirs.
Stone Memorial of U-Mawthoh-Dur, Bhoi Area
- District: East Khasi Hills
- Location: Bhoi area
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Shillong
Khasi tribes of Meghalaya erected many monoliths and megaliths as per their traditions to commemorate their heroes and tribe. Stone Memorial of U-Mawthoh-Dur is one such huge monolithic stone memorials of local tribes Meghalaya. It is commonly known as ‘U-Mawthoh-Dur’. The stone pillars are of varied shape and size and also vary in design.
Manipur Memorial, Shillong
- District: East Khasi Hills
- Location: Shillong (Lat. 25° 34′ N; Long.9153′ E)
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Shillong
Manipur Memorial is an octagonal monument built up of ashlars stone masonry. It was erected as a memorial to Mr. Quinton and other officers of British Military who died in Manipur in CE 1891. The monument was raised over gradually receding platforms. Engraved on this memorial pillar is an inscription that describes the cause of death of these military officers of East India Company.
David Scott’s Monument, Cherrapunji
- District: East-Khasi Hills
- Location: Cherrapunji. (Lat. 25° 15′ N; Long.91 44′ E)
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Cherrapunji
The memorial pillar in Cherrapunji commemorated David Scott, an agent to the Governor General on the North-East Frontier during British period. He was considered one of the most dedicated, sincere and clever worker.
David Scott was considered a fearless soul and a trailblazer. He charted unknown territories of North East. The heavily forested wood full of dangerous animals and insects. He covered vast unknown lands and gathered data so that these could be administered better by the East India Company.
Such an explorer was David Scott that that today the David Scott Trail is one of the most popular trekking trail in Meghalaya. It is stretched along 100 kilometers and include places in Meghalaya, Assam and Bangladesh. In Meghalaya the trail takes you to a picturesque villages of Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang in East Khasi Hills covering approx. 16 km. On this awe inspiring trail, trekkers can witness various streams, waterfalls, sacred grounds and tribal villages.
David Scott died on 20th of August 1831 at the age of 45 years. His memorial is in the shape of an obelisk constructed entirely of ashlar stone masonry raised over a square platform. An inscription is engraved on the memorial pillar.
Nikhil Chandra
Digital marketer by profession and a keen traveler, amateur photographer and avid book reader by passion, Nikhil Chandra’s writing and photographs have been published in various travel magazines and blogs including Travel & Leisure, Seat 61, Mode&Tendances, Oryx Magazine (Qatar air inflight magazine) among others. Holding a masters in Literature and Marketing Management, Nikhil Chandra applies his educational qualifications, professional experience, and wander wisdom to write on a range of topics that includes search engine, PPC, content marketing, photography tips and travel. He summarizes himself succinctly as a writer here and there and on this and that.
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