Scheduled Tribes of Meghalaya: List, Status and Constitutional Provisions

Meghalaya, created as an autonomous state within Assam in 1969 and granted full statehood in 1972 under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971, is a predominantly tribal state in North-East India. According to the 2011 Census, Scheduled Tribes account for 86.15% of the state’s total population of 29.67 lakh. The social structure in Meghalaya is distinct because its major indigenous tribes follow a matrilineal system of inheritance and descent, where lineage and property pass through the female line.

Recognized Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya

The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, as modified for Meghalaya, officially recognizes several indigenous communities inhabiting the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills.

Major Matrilineal Tribes

• Khasi: Inhabit the East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and Ri-Bhoi districts. They belong to the Austroasiatic language family (Mon-Khmer group). Descent is traced through the mother (Ka Kur), and ancestral property is inherited by the youngest daughter (Ka Khadduh).
• Garo (A’chik): Reside mainly in the East, West, North, South, and South West Garo Hills districts. They belong to the Tibeto-Burman language family. Ancestral property passes to a favored daughter known as the Nokna, and the husband moves to live in the wife’s household (Nokrom).
• Jaintia (Pnar/Synteng): Inhabit the West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts. Like the Khasis, they belong to the Mon-Khmer linguistic group and follow matrilineal lineage. Property and family rituals center around the mother’s household (Iung).

Minority Tribal Groups and Sub-Tribes

• Hajong: Mainly inhabit the low-lying plains along the south-western border of the Garo Hills. They speak an Indo-Aryan language and follow a patrilineal system with mixed Hindu practices.
• Koch: Inhabit the western fringes of the Garo Hills. They preserve distinct clan structures and linguistic identity belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family.
• Rabha: Reside along the northern plain areas of the Garo Hills near the Assam border. They belong to the Bodo-Kachari group.
• Synteng / Bhoi / War: Sub-groups within the broader Khasi-Jaintia cultural umbrella, categorized based on geographic zones like Northern slopes (Bhoi) and Southern ridges (War).
• Mizo / Kuki / Mikir (Karbi) / Lakher: Small populations residing in border areas adjoining neighboring states.

Comparative Matrix of Major Scheduled Tribes

Constitutional and Legal Protections

The Constitution of India provides administrative and legislative safeguards to protect the culture, land, and governance systems of Meghalaya’s tribal populations.

Sixth Schedule Governance

Under Article 244(2) and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, Meghalaya contains three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs):

• Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC)
• Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC)
• Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC)

These ADCs hold legislative powers over land, forests (except reserved forests), village administration, inheritance of property, marriage, and social customs.

Exemption from Central Laws and Constitutional Exceptions

• Article 244A: Enables the creation of an autonomous state comprising certain tribal areas in Assam, which historically facilitated Meghalaya’s initial formation.
• Article 280(3)(bb/bs): Governs financial transfers to Autonomous Councils under the Sixth Schedule.
• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Exemption: Article 243M exempts the Sixth Schedule areas of Meghalaya from the mandatory Panchayati Raj system, allowing traditional tribal governance systems to function.

Land and Customary Protections

• Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971: Restricts the transfer of land from tribal individuals to non-tribal individuals, ensuring tribal communities retain ownership of land assets.
• Customary Institutions: Traditional dorbars, such as the Dorbar Shnong (Village Council), Dorbar Raid (Commune Council), and Dorbar Hima (State/Chiefly Council under a Syiem), handle local judicial and administrative affairs.

Traditional Governance Systems

Meghalaya’s tribal governance relies on indigenous political institutions alongside modern legal bodies.

Khasi Political System

Organized into traditional administrative territories known as Hima, headed by a chief called a Syiem. The Syiem governs with the assistance of an executive council (Myntris) and village headmen (Rangbah Shnong). Decisions require consensus within the village assembly (Dorbar Shnong).

Jaintia Political System

Historically structured under a three-tier setup headed by the Raja (King), followed by regional chiefs called Dalois who manage administrative units called Elakas. At the local level, the Waheh Chnong handles village affairs.

Garo Political System

Centered around the A’king, a defined territory under the custody of a clan line. The husband of the inheriting female (Nokna) serves as the Nokma, managing land allocation, village dispute resolution, and local administration.

Facts and Trivia for Exams

• Meghalaya has the second highest percentage of Scheduled Tribe population among Indian states (86.15%), trailing only Mizoram (94.43%).
• The Meghalaya Assembly consists of 60 seats, of which 55 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
• The Khasis and Jaintias are among the few speakers of Austroasiatic languages in mainland India, distinct from surrounding Tibeto-Burman and Indo-Aryan language speakers.
• Monoliths (upright stones called Mawbynna or Mawkyrtai) are erected by Khasi and Jaintia tribes as commemorative monuments for ancestors and major social events.
• Under the traditional Khasi matrilineal system, the maternal uncle (U Kni) plays a central role in managing family decisions and religious ceremonies.
• The inner-line permit (ILP) framework under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 has been demanded by the Meghalaya State Assembly through resolutions to regulate non-native entry.
• The Sacred Groves (Law Kyntang) are traditional forest areas protected by Khasi and Jaintia communities under religious custom, prohibiting any removal of flora or fauna.
• The Nokma in Garo society does not own A’king land independently; ownership stays with the female Nokna, while the husband exercises managerial control.