Encyclopaedia on India

Introduction The provinces of British India formed the backbone of colonial administration from the early 17th century until independence in 1947. What began as modest trading posts established by the British East India Company along India’s coasts gradually evolved into powerful presidencies Bombay, Madras, and Bengal. These presidencies became the pillars of governance, commerce, and military control, shaping the colonial state in profound ways. Over time, the system expanded into a complex network of provinces, each reflecting the immense political, economic, and cultural diversity of the subcontinent. The Revolt of 1857 marked a decisive turning point in this trajectory. With the suppression of the uprising, the British Crown assumed direct authority, ending Company rule. India’s governance was reorganized, and provinces were placed under Governors, Lieutenant Governors, or Chief Commissioners depending on their size and strategic importance. By the late 19th century, eight maj...

Introduction Nestled within the lush Khasi and Jaintia hill districts of Meghalaya, the Khasi tribes represent one of the most distinctive indigenous communities of Northeast India. Meghalaya itself is celebrated for its emerald-green landscapes, misty valleys, and remarkable cultural diversity, and the Khasi people embody much of this richness. Their homeland stretches northward into the Brahmaputra valley and southward into the Surma valley of Bangladesh, situating them at a fascinating crossroads of geography and culture. The term Khasi is not confined to a single group but broadly encompasses several sub-groups such as the Jaintia, Pnar, Lyngam, Bhoi, and Khynriam. Collectively, they call themselves Rilum, meaning “people of the hills.” Today, the Khasi constitute nearly half of Meghalaya’s population and have also spread into neighboring states like Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and across the border into Bangladesh. This makes them a community with both deep ancestral roots and a ...