Five districts constitute the state of Meghalaya, India, out of which one is the administrative district of Jaintia Hills. On 22nd February, 1972, the construction of the existing day district took place. Jowai is the administrative headquarters of the district. The subtropical forests eco zone of Meghalaya includes this district as its section. The tribal division has been segregated into twelve numbers of elakas. Under a dolloi each of these elakas are placed. As a mark of respect to the Raja of Jaintiapur, this has been done. The main profession of the people of the district includes farming and mining. A huge stash of coal is there in the district. Meghalayas biggest manufacturer of coal is the district of Jaintia Hills. The eastern and northern frontier of the district is bordered by the state of Assam, the western frontier with the district of East Khasi Hills and on the southern side of the district, the country of Bangladesh rests.

Jaintia Hills History

The power for rectifying the injustices and acting on the complaints of the inhabitants of the elaka was given to the Lyngdoh, before the advent of the British rule. In addition to this, if the Doloi did not satisfy the needs of the residents and have complaint against him, then the Lyngdoh retained the power to eliminate the Doloi from his post. Subjects related to religion were the only concern for the Lyngdohship, in the time period of the British Raj. Doloiship and Lyngdohship enjoyed the monetary benefits.

The elimination of the post of Syiem took place following the advent of the British Raj and setting up a government here. However the two customary posts of Doloi and Waheh Chnong, which means Village Headman, were preserved by the British government. As a result abolition of the three layer governance present in the time period before the British rule took place, and a two layer governance model came in its place. One singular governance system prevailed over the entire Jaintia Hills, along with the inclusion of Khasi Hills some other number of villages. This was done under the government of the British. As British regions only, these territories were dealt with. The British administration directly governed over this place.

In 1861, the Jaintia leaders gathered in the Madiah Kmai Blai field. This occurrence adds historical significance to the place. An oath was taken by U Kiang Nangbah in this gathering. The oath was to direct his people towards freedom and to face whatever grievances come in their path during their battle to abolish the British from their home. Nevertheless, he was told by his people to prove himself as the rightly selected leader. To proof his worthiness and loyalty to the cause, Kiang Nangbah jumped into the chilly waters of the Syntu ksiar without saying anything. Along with a small plant, which he tore from the stem, he materialized out the water in front of the people. Three branches stretched out from this stem. The fact that this is a signal imparting fairness of their cause and the right decision to choose U Kiang Nangbah as their leader, was approved by the Oracle. Following the occurrence of this gathering, the authorization to initiate a battle against the British people was given to U Kiang Nangbah. By this time, the regional financial conditions were throttled by the British. Also the Jaintias religious and cultural existence were meddled into by the British people. A slow destruction was caused by the unpleasant and resentful war waged fought by the Jaintias against the British people, which lasted for around two years. The war was fought under the headship of U Kiang Nangbah. The armed forces of the British people were much more high class. By means of treachery, on 27th December, 1862, Kiang Nangbah was captured by the British, in the end. The execution of Kiang Nangbah by hanging in front of the public, took place on 30th December, 1862 in Iawmusiang, Jowai after a rapid and hasty trial. A speech was made by him to his countrymen, from the gallows.

Jaintia Hills Tourism
The district of Jaintia Hills take immense pride in its superb natural splendor and prettiness. Some of the popular tourist spots of the district are mentioned below:-

Tourist places in Jaintia Hills
Monolith in Nartiang
Thadlaskein Lake
Caves in Lumshnong and Syndai