Medieval Settlements – Meghalaya PCS Free Notes

While the medieval period in Meghalaya (roughly 6th to 12th centuries CE) is less documented than other parts of India, archaeological and anthropological research sheds light on the settlement patterns, growth, and organization of villages. Evidence also points to the existence of urban centers or trade hubs, though their scale and sophistication remain areas of ongoing investigation.

Growth and Organization of Medieval Villages

Settlement Patterns: The hilly terrain of Meghalaya likely encouraged dispersed settlements, with villages situated on hilltops or slopes for defense and access to resources. These villages were likely small and self-sufficient, relying on agriculture and forest products.

Social Organization: Kinship and clan structures likely played a significant role in village organization. Traditional Meghalayan societies were often matrilineal, with lineage and inheritance traced through the female line. Village headmen or chiefs, possibly drawn from dominant clans, would have held authority in local matters.

Economy: Agriculture formed the backbone of the village economy. Shifting cultivation (jhum), where patches of forest are cleared and cultivated for a few years before moving on, was likely the dominant farming practice. Forest resources, including timber, honey, and medicinal plants, would have supplemented agricultural produce.

Evidence of Urban Centers or Trade Hubs

While definitive evidence of large urban centers in medieval Meghalaya is limited, some findings suggest the existence of settlements that served as trade hubs or centers of political power:

Nartiang: This site in the Jaintia Hills district contains monoliths and other archaeological remains that point to a significant settlement with connections to other regions. Its location on a trade route linking the Brahmaputra Valley with Sylhet (in present-day Bangladesh) suggests it may have been a trading center.

Maosmai: Located in the Khasi Hills, Maosmai is believed to have been an important political and religious center. Archaeological remains, including stone structures and carvings, indicate a settlement of some size and complexity.

Trade Networks: Meghalaya's location between the Brahmaputra Valley and the plains of present-day Bangladesh placed it on important trade routes. Villages likely participated in regional trade networks, exchanging their agricultural and forest products for salt, metal tools, and other goods.

Challenges in Research

Research on medieval Meghalaya faces several challenges:

Limited Archaeological Work: Compared to other regions of India, archaeological investigations in Meghalaya have been limited. Dense forests and difficult terrain pose challenges to exploration and excavation.

Perishable Materials: Traditional Meghalayan houses were often built of wood and bamboo, materials that decay quickly in the humid climate. This leaves few structural remains for archaeologists to study.

Oral Traditions: While oral traditions preserve valuable information about Meghalaya's past, these can be difficult to date and interpret within a historical framework.

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