As I decided to take a long walk around the towns of Cherrapunji and Sohra, I wandered along winding hill roads, surrounded by waterfalls and thick mist. I stumbled upon something truly intriguing—tall, dark stones rising out of the earth, encircled by simple iron railings and wildflowers. They stood there like silent sentinels, older than memory yet very much alive in the soul of the Khasi people.

These were Khasi megaliths—ancient stone monuments that dot the hills of Meghalaya. For the uninitiated, they might look like forgotten relics, but in reality, they are powerful symbols of ancestry, tradition, and respect.

Silent Stones

Stones that Remember

The Khasi and Jaintia tribes have a beautiful tradition of raising stones—tall upright ones called menhirs and flat table-like stones called dolmens. These are not random creations. Each stone was erected with intention. Some honored great ancestors, others marked clan achievements, and many were connected to rituals and offerings.

Standing beside them, I could almost feel the weight of history pressing against the silence. These stones were storytellers—remembering victories, tragedies, and the rhythms of society deeply tied to the land and its lineage.

A Matrilineal Legacy

What fascinated me most was how these stones also reflect the matrilineal culture of the Khasi people. Unlike much of India, here family inheritance passes through women. Many stones commemorate maternal ancestors—grandmothers, mothers, clan matriarchs—whose blessings and protection are believed to guard future generations.

As the wind brushed past, carrying the scent of damp earth and hibiscus flowers, I realized how unique and poetic this tradition is—to honor those who came before you not with written words, but with stones rooted deep into the earth.

The Living Heritage of Meghalaya

Even today, the Khasi people see these megaliths as sacred. Villagers often tend to them, and festivals or rituals still find their way to these sites. They are not ruins—they are living heritage, binding the past with the present.

For a traveler like me, these stones are not just archaeological curiosities, but profound reminders that cultures live not only in books and museums but also in the soil, rocks, and air of the land itself.

Final Thoughts

As I left the site, I looked back once more at the massive stones against the blue-grey Khasi sky. They seemed eternal, indifferent to time, yet brimming with meaning. In their silent way, they invited me to reflect on my own roots—on the people who came before me—and on how we all, across geographies and cultures, try to keep memory alive.

Cherrapunji’s waterfalls may dazzle the eyes, but its stones touch the soul.