Shillong, Jun 23: A book titled, ‘Heritage of the Khasi Hills: Architecture, Society and Change in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries’ was released by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
Authored by Dr. David Arnold Kharchandy, the book was launched at the Taraghar State Guest House here on Tuesday.
The work is grounded in Kharchandy’s PhD thesis, showcasing extensive historical research concerning the built heritage of the Khasi hills. The author presents architectural features not as physical entities, but as vital narratives reflecting the interplay between society, environment, culture, and identity over centuries.
Kharchandy’s book discusses traditional Khasi architecture, like the iing sad and life reflected in hearth-centered spaces. It emphasises the role of women as silent architects in shaping domestic spaces—a compelling highlight that celebrates their contributions to household sustainability, indigenous knowledge transmission, and cultural preservation.
The book also traces the transformations brought by British colonial rule, missionary activity, Christianity, education, the growth of Sohra and Shillong, and the devastating earthquake of 1897. It discusses the emergence of bungalow-type houses, Assam-type architecture, churches, schools, mission compounds, administrative buildings, sanatoriums and civic institutions.
Through its study of continuity and change, the book underlines the importance of preserving Khasi architectural memory as part of Meghalaya’s historical and cultural inheritance.
