Meghalaya: an autonomous State that grew into a full State, with Shillong as its capital

Background

Meghalaya is situated on the north east of India and its capital is Shillong.
The State portal records the emergence of Meghalaya first as an Autonomous State and then as a full-fledged State, calling it the beginning of a new era in the geo-political history of North Eastern India.
The State extends for about 300 kilometres in length and about 100 kilometres in breadth.
The portal gives the area as 22,429 Sq. Km, the Census population as 29,66,889, the density as 132 Per Sqr. Km and the literacy rate as 74.43 %.
The languages listed for the State are Khasi, Pnar, Garo & English.
Shillong, the capital, is located at an altitude of 1496 metres above sea level, and the capital city derives its name from the manifestation of the creator called Shyllong.
District headquarters listed by the portal include Shillong, Nongstoin, Mawkyrwat, Nongpoh, Jowai, Khliehriat, Williamnagar, Tura, Resubelpara, Ampati, Baghmara and Mairang.
The climate varies with altitude, the Khasi and Jaintia Hills being neither too warm in summer nor too cold in winter, while over the plains of Garo Hills it is warm and humid.