Historical Background:
Before the advent of the British era into the North-East,
the Khasi Hills speak of a number of independent Khasi
states each under a traditional Chief assisted by an elected
Durbar. These Khasi states maintained trade relations with
the people in the plains of the then undivided Bengal and
those in the Brahmaputra valley.
The British first came into contact with these Khasi states
in early 19th century when they sought permission for a
direct route linking Bengal with the plain districts of
Assam. Through negotiations, offering military assistance to
some Khasi States from attacks by neighboring States, the
British were permitted to set up headquarters first at
Cherrapunji later shifted to the present capital of Shillong
to run the administration of the undivided province of Assam
and Sylhet (now under Bangladesh). It is interesting to note
that except for such areas handed over to the British by the
Khasi States to set up their official machinery, the Khasi
Hills was neither conquered by nor annexed to the British
Empire formally.
