The Living Heritage of Meghalaya's Khasi Hills

Culture · History, heritage and archaeology · 2 min read · Researched guide · Last updated 2026-10-23

In short: The Khasi are one of the few remaining matrilineal societies: the youngest daughter inherits and clans are exogamous. Villages are led by an elected headman (U Rangbah Shnong). About 83% of Khasi are Christian and about 15% follow the indigenous Niam Khasi faith.

Quick facts

Society

Clans are exogamous and marriage arrangements check clan ties first. Language was primarily oral until Welsh missionaries introduced a script, and a Khasi Bible translation in 1891 was the first in a Northeast Indian language.

Visiting villages

• Report to the village headman or follow the local tourism committee's rules.
• Hire local guides and pay fair fees.
• Ask before photographing people and homes.
• Take all waste out.

Connect

See the root bridges in root bridge walks and plan the route with the Meghalaya road trip. I could not verify festival details such as Nongkrem from my sources.

Visit respectfully

This is a researched guide, not a trip report. Rules, permits, closures and fees change. Confirm locally before you travel. Ask before photographing people, follow local customs and support community-run businesses.

Frequently asked questions

Read next

Rules, closures, fees and conditions change. Confirm with the relevant authority before you travel, and treat this guide as planning help, not a substitute for local advice.