Khasi Hills
The Khasi Hills (/ˈkɑːsi/) are a low mountain formation on the Shillong Plateau in the Meghalaya state of India. The Khasi Hills are part of the Garo-Khasi-Jaintia range and connect with the Purvanchal Range and larger Patkai Range further east. The Khasi Hills, and the whole Garo-Khasi-Jaintia range, are in the Meghalaya subtropical forests ecoregion.
Khasi Hills | |
|---|---|
Region | |
Eastern Khasi Hills | |
| Country | India |
| State | Meghalaya |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10,443 km2 (4,032 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 1,468,223 |
| • Density | 140/km2 (360/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Spoken | |
| Districts |
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The Khasi Hills, and the entire Meghalaya state, was administratively part of Assam before 1970. In older sources in particular, the alternative transcription Khasia Hills is seen.
The region is inhabited mainly by tribal Khasi dwellers, which are traditionally in various chieftainships, states known as the Khasi Hill States. One of its capitals, Sohra, is considered one of the wettest places in the world. The majority of Khasis are Presbyterians followed by Catholics and Anglicans.
The region came under the Khasi Hills district, which was divided into the West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills districts on 28 October 1976.
The highest peak is Lum Shyllong which is 1,968 metres (6,457 ft) high. It is situated a few kilometers south of Shillong town.