User:Chero Marak

Monoliths exist throughout the length and breadth of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. However, the biggest collection of monoliths or Megalithic stones in one single area is to be found north of the Nartiang market. These consists of Menhirs (Upright stones) Moo Shynrang and Dolmens (flat stones in the horizontal position) locally known as Moo Kynthai. Within the perimeter of these Megalithic collection stands the tallest Menhir erected by U Mar Phalyngki a trusted lieutenant of the Jaintia King to commemorate his victory in battle. Other monoliths were erected by U Mar Phalyngki, U Luh Lyngskor Lamare and various clans of Nartiang village between 1500A.D.and l835A.D. The largest cluster of monoliths is in Nartiang village, Jaintia Hills. The site can literally be called a jungle of monoliths. These monoliths cover a wide complex of about 100 metres in diameter. There are two parts to a monolith: the upright part is known as ‘Mehris’ or ‘Ki Moo Shynrang,’ represents male and the flat table stone represents female and is known as ‘Ki Moo Kynthai’ . The tallest and biggest monolith is about eight meters in height, two meters in breadth and half a meter in thickness.

History

Learning about the history of this site, it was found that on one rainy afternoon U Luh Lyngshkor, Jaintia rulers went to an old woman’s hut at Raliang, a village near Nartiang seeking for a ‘Knub’ (a bamboo cape used by the locals to protect themselves from rain, hung from the head and runs down the back). The woman declined Luh’s request by insisting that he being a well-built man should use the giant stone slab at the market in Raliang to shelter himself.On hearing this, Luh went to the market and used the giant stone slabto shelter from the rain. Luh carried the slab till he reached Nartiang where he kept the giant stone slab and this event marked the shifting of the market from Raliang to Nartiang. Since then, the market at Raliang ceased to exist. Nartiang market place is located to the north of Nartiang Monoliths. Local religious pujas are held at Law Mulong, i.e. this site, which is locally called by this name.

In ancient times, Nartiang used to be the summer capital of the Jaintia rulers, who spent about six months here. Some scholars say that these monoliths were erected in memory of the establishment of the market from Raliang to Nartiang.

About

Monolith is a symbol of remembrance in the Jaintia Hills. The cluster of monoliths has been erected to mark the reigns of the erstwhile Jaintia Kings, holding a significant event in the history of Meghalaya. There are many folktales justifying the presence of monoliths and each of these is amusing enough.There are a number of ancient monoliths and table stones, which are either memorial of the deposited ashes of the dead in cairns or cenotaphs, or commemorating memorable events. It’s a majestic site, which need an immediate attention. The cluster of monoliths is surely attracting tourist. But care and protection is must to preserve this cluster of monoliths for posterity.Nartiang is the one those sites which has been recognized by the Tourism department and efforts to conserve it are being made.The site has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

Other notable places

1. Thadlaskein Lake
2. Umhang Lake
3. Kiang Nongbah Monument
4. Stone Bridge at Thlumuwi
5. Dawki
6. Umlawan Cave
7. Krang Suri Falls

References

1. Travelyaari.com : http://blog.travelyaari.com/north-east-india/the-secrets-of-the-monoliths-in-meghalaya/
2. Meghalaya times : http://meghalayatimes.info/index.php/archives-old/57-state/state/11234-worlds-tallest-monoliths-in-jaintia-hills
3. Meghalaya tourism : http://megtourism.gov.in/spots/nartiangmonolith.html
4. Meghalaya tourism : http://megtourism.gov.in/dest-jaintia.html