Himanshuucharan: made some pg w/ refs

2025-05-25T05:31:42Z

made some pg w/ refs

New page

{{more citations needed|date=November 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Sasatgre
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = Village
| image_skyline = Bamboo Farm Buildings Sasatgre West Garo Oct24 A7CR 03309.jpg
| image_alt = Traditional bamboo farm buildings, Sasatgre
| image_caption = Bamboo farm buildings and areca trees, Sasatgre
| pushpin_map = India Meghalaya
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| coordinates = {{coord|25.527269|N|90.327383|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Meghalaya]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 900
| population_total = 362
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 =
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = English
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number]]
| postal_code = 794002
| registration_plate =
| website = https://westgarohills.gov.in/
| footnotes =
}}

'''Sasatgre ''' is a village in the [[West Garo Hills district]], [[Meghalaya]], [[India]]. Sasatgre is located on a saddle at the edge of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve. The economy is largely agrarian, following the traditional ''jhum'' system of rotational slash-and-burn cropping to a limited extent. Most of the houses are traditional bamboo buildings. Homestays offer tourists an experience of the traditional Garo way of life.

==Description==
Sasatgre village is located in the Rongram [[Community development block|Community & Rural Development (C&RD) block]] in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.<ref name="CensusWestGaroA">{{Cite book|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/870/download/36348/DH_2011_1701_PART_A_DCHB_WEST_GARO_HILLS.pdf |first=|title=Meghalaya: District Census Handbook: West Garo Hills -- Village and Town Directory|publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Meghalaya, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India|year=2011|isbn=|series=2 Part XII A|location=}}</ref>{{rp|page=334}} It falls under the North Tura Meghalaya assembly constituency and the North Tura Lok Sabha constituency.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 January 2023 |title=Polling Booth in North Tura Assembly Constituency |url=https://www.elections.in/meghalaya/polling-stations/north-tura.html |access-date=31 October 2024 |website=[[Election Commission of India]]}}</ref> The houses are large bamboo structures called ''Nokmong''. Each accommodates one family. Alongside are granaries (''Jam nok''), woodsheds and pig sties.<ref name="Burling"/>{{rp|pages=21}}<ref name="GaroArch">{{Cite web |date=24 October 2024 |title= Culture & Heritage: Garo Architecture |url=https://westgarohills.gov.in/culture-heritage/ |access-date=3 November 2024 |website=[[West Garo Hills district]], [[Government of Meghalaya]]}}</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:West Garo Hills View Sasatgre Oct24 A7CR 03240-Pano.jpg|left|thumb|West Garo hills near Sasatgre]]
Sasatgre is situated in the West Garo Hills at an elevation of {{Convert|900|m|ft|abbr=on}} in a saddle north of the Nokrek Ridge. The West Garo Hills run from east to west in the western part of Meghalaya, in the bend of the [[Brahmaputra River|Brahmaputra river]] as it turns from west to south. The distance from Sasatgre to Asananggre, headquarters of the Rongram C&RD Block, is {{Convert|22|km|mi|abbr=on}}, and to Tura, district headquarters, is {{Convert|32|km|mi|abbr=on}}. [[Shillong]], the capital of Meghalaya, is {{Convert|298|km|mi|abbr=on}} distant.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

=== Climate ===
Sasatgre has a tropical climate, hot and humid during the summer and rainy season (March - October) and pleasantly cool during the short winter (December - February). June - August is the period of heavy rain.<ref name="CensusWestGaroA"/>{{rp|page=5}}

== Demographics ==
[[File:Bamboo Church Sasatgre West Garo Oct24 A7CR 03877.jpg|thumb|Bamboo church ca. October 2024]]
[[File:Sasatgre Govt LP School West Garo Oct24 A7CR 03716.jpg|thumb|Govt Lower Primary School]]
[[File:Post Office Front Sasatgre West Garo Oct24 A7CR 03712.jpg|thumb|India Post Branch Office]]
[[File:Basket Ginger Flowers Sasatgre West Garo Oct24 A7CR 03711.jpg|thumb|Freshly-harvested ginger flowers in a traditional cane basket]]
[[File:Produce Roadside Shop Sasatgre Oct24 A7CR 03719.jpg|thumb|Fresh local produce for sale ca. October 2024]]
[[File:Tea Bushes Sasatgre West Garo Meghalaya Oct24 A7CR 03307.jpg|thumb|Tea bushes in a household plot ca. October 2024]]
[[File:Snout Female Pig Sasatgre Oct24 A7CR 03732.jpg|thumb|Female domestic pig in a farmyard]]
In 2011, the total population was 362 in 63 households. Among these 48.9% were female. There were no [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|scheduled castes]] while 89% belonged to [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|scheduled tribes]]. The [[Literacy|literacy rate]] was 68.8%.<ref name="CensusWestGaroB">{{Cite book|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/871/download/36348/DH_2011_1701_PART_B_DCHB_WEST_GARO_HILLS.pdf |first=|title=Meghalaya: District Census Handbook: West Garo Hills -- Village and Town Wise Primary Census Abstract (PCA)|publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Meghalaya, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India|year=2011|isbn=|series=2 Part XII B|location=}}</ref>{{rp|page=148–9}} Sasatgre is predominantly Christian{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} though in the rural areas of the West Garo Hills District as a whole, Christians were the majority at 59.0%, Muslims comprised 18.6% and Hindus were 18.3% as per the Census 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |date=21 January 2021 |title=C-01: Population by religious community, Meghalaya - 2011 |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11384/download/14497/DDW17C-01%20MDDS.XLS |access-date=31 October 2024 |website=[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India]]}}</ref>

== Governance ==
Traditionally, the village was governed by one or more male ''nokmas'' (headmen). These are selected from the leading households of the village based on lineage. The ''nokma'' in consultation with the households allots the plots for ''jhumming'' every year. He also is responsible for settling disputes. As the Garo society is matrilinal, the ''nokma'' typically looks for a young man from his own lineage to marry his daughter. The son-in-law then inherits the household and becomes ''nokma'' when the father-in-law dies.<ref name="Burling"/>{{rp|pages=223–35}}<ref name="Dialogue2005">{{Cite journal |last=Chaudhury |first=D.R. |date=July–September 2005|title=Autonomous District Councils and Panchayati Raj Institutions in North-East India |url=http://asthabharati.org/Dia_Jul%2005/dip.htm |journal=Dialogue |publisher=Astha Bharati |publication-place=Delhi |volume=7 |issue=1}}</ref>

The system has evolved after Indian Independence. The [[Garo Hills Autonomous District Council]] passed the Garo Hills District (Jhum) Regulation Act, 1954 that confers on the ''nokma'' the right to allot ''jhum'' land. However, disputes related to allotment are now referred to the Village Council instead of being resolved by the ''nokma''. Village Councils were created based on the Constitution of Village Council Act in 1958. The Village Council is intended to make each village a self-sufficient, efficiently administered unit. It is responsible for maintenance of public paths, roads, wells, tanks, etc., for registration of births and deaths and other record keeping, etc.<ref name="Dialogue2005"/>

=== Sasatgre Community Reserve ===
Since 2013, the Forest Department, Government of Meghalaya has declared 64 Community Reserves under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The Sasatgre Community Reserve with an area of {{cvt|60|ha|acre|abbr=on}} was notified on 10 July 2013. The notification gives complete control of the Community Reserve to the community to protect the flora and fauna, and the traditional conservation values and practices. All traditional rites and rituals are permitted, though hunting is not allowed. The Reserve is managed by the Sasatgre Community Reserve Management Committee.<ref name="CRNotify">{{Cite web |date=24 February 2021 |title=Community Reserves |url=https://www.megforest.gov.in/wildlife_community.html |access-date=4 November 2024 |website=[[Government of Meghalaya|Meghalaya Forests and Environment Department]]}}</ref>

==Amenities==
Sasatgre village has a pre-primary and primary school, established in 1962. As of 2011, a middle school is within {{Convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}}. For secondary and higher education, students have to commute more than {{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}}. The village has several water sources including piped and well water, springs and ponds. Mobile telephony and electricity supply are available. The village has a sports field.<ref name="CensusWestGaroA"/>{{rp|page=376–382}} There is an [[India Post]] Branch Office (B.O.) with [[Postal Index Number|pincode]] 794002.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Locate Post Office: Sasatgre|url=https://www.indiapost.gov.in/vas/pages/LocatePostOffices.aspx|access-date=30 October 2024|website=India Post, Dept. of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Govt of India}}</ref>

==Economy==
The economy is largely agrarian. In 2011, people cultivating their own or leased land comprised 87% of the main workers (those employed for >6 months in a year).<ref name="CensusWestGaroB"/>{{rp|page=150–51}} Sasatgre lies on the edge of the [[Nokrek National Park|Nokrek Gene Sanctuary-cum-Biosphere Reserve]]. Orange plantations are a feature of the village.<ref name="Sasatgre">{{Cite web |date=24 October 2024 |title=Places of Interest > Sasatgre |url=https://westgarohills.gov.in/places-of-interest/ |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=[[West Garo Hills district]], [[Government of Meghalaya]]}}</ref> Weaving of cane and bamboo products is done by households mostly for their own use, increasingly for sale to tourists. They make bamboo mats, ''kok'' (traditional baskets), and a variety of containers.<ref name="CensusWestGaroA"/>{{rp|page=10}}

=== Agriculture ===
Traditionally, Garo villages followed the ''jhum'' system of rotational cropping. In the ''jhum'' system, ''A'king'' land is owned by the community. Each year, the ''Nokma'' allots plots of ''A'king'' land to each household for pre-determined crops. After 2 years of use, a plot is left fallow for 6–8 years during which scrub forest grows. When the plot is again allotted for cropping, the scrub forest is cleared and burnt in a planned operation.<ref name="Burling">{{Cite book |last=Burling |first=R. |title=Rengsanggri |publisher=Tura Book Room, Garo Baptist Convention |year=1997 |edition=2nd |location=Tura}}</ref>{{rp|pages=27–42}}<ref name="CensusWestGaroA"/>{{rp|page=8}} This traditional cycle of 'slash-and-burn' rotational cultivation is believed to be sustainable ecologically and culturally.<ref name="JhumCurrentScience">{{Cite journal |last=Current Science Reports |date=25 February 2022 |title=Jhum for Sustainability: Agrobiodiversity in Garo Hills |journal=[[Current Science]] |volume=122 |issue=4 |pages=376}}</ref>

In the first year, the plot is used for vegetables such as sweet potato, ginger, varieties of beans, sugarcane, onions, etc. In the second year, grains such as rice, maize or millet are grown on the plot. Bananas, oranges and pineapples are also grown. Gourds and squashes are grown on frames or on the walls of houses. In some plots, cash crops such as areca, cotton and chilli peppers are planted. The planting of vegetables is somewhat random, adding variety to the diet and improving the soil health. In a few low lying plots, rice is cultivated continuously.<ref name="Burling"/>{{rp|pages=27–42}}

Since about 1970, some families took advantage of a custom that permitted planting of crops on any land not already covered by the ''jhum'' system. They constructed permanent fields in low-lying areas to grow wet rice. Some also planted pineapples, tea and areca palms. These families moved their houses away from the central village to the location of their permanent fields. The cultivators can get the district administration to survey such permanent fields. In due course, the ownership (''[[Patta (land deed)|patta]]'') is granted to the cultivators. With the ''patta'' comes the obligation to pay taxes, which is not the case with ''jhum'' land.<ref name="Burling"/>{{rp|pages=323–32}}

By 2022, due to the State Government policy of granting ownership to cultivators, only about 10% of the land was under the ''jhum'' system. This change has caused greater inequality in the village, and it may adversely affect the nutritional value of the villagers' diet and the health of the soil.<ref name="JhumCurrentScience"/>

=== Animal husbandry ===
Raising of livestock is common though secondary to agriculture. The main animals are cattle, goats, pigs and fowl.<ref name="SHB2023">{{Cite book |url=https://des.megplanning.gov.in/pub_ref.htm |title=Statistical Handbook of Meghalaya 2023 |publisher=[[Government of Meghalaya|Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Meghalaya]] |publication-date=November 2023 |location=Shillong |access-date=31 October 2024}}</ref>{{rp|page=71}}<ref name="CensusWestGaroA"/>{{rp|page=9}}

==Transport==
[[File:Main Road Northeast Sasatgre Oct24 A7CR 03736.jpg|thumb|Main road through Sasatgre towards Daribokgre]]
Sasatgre is connected to important places in the district by black-topped roads. The Meghalaya Transport Corporation buses run at infrequent intervals. Many private buses serve the district regularly. Taxis and vans are available for hire.<ref name="CensusWestGaroA"/>{{rp|page=11, 380}} The nearest railway station and airport are in [[Guwahati]], Assam, at distances of {{Convert|211|km|mi|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|195|km|mi|abbr=on}} respectively.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

== Tourism ==
[[File:Guest Building Dopatchi Sasatgre Oct24 A7CR 03227.jpg|thumb|Traditional buildings, Dopatchi Homestay]]
Sasatgre is on the edge of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve which contains the Nokrek National Park in its core. Sasatgre is a convenient base for visiting the [[Daribokgre]] entrance to Nokrek about {{Convert|7|km|mi|abbr=on}} distant. As the villagers retain many of their traditional customs, tourists can experience the tribal lifestyle in a few homestays.<ref name="Sasatgre"/><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2023 |title=Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma inaugurates Viewing Deck, Nok•Achik |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/meghalaya/meghalaya-cm-conrad-sangma-inaugurates-viewing-deck-nokachik |access-date=2 November 2024 |work=[[Imphal Free Press]]}}</ref> A local resident, Dharmen Momin pioneered homestays in Sasatgre with Dopatchi Homestay using traditional bamboo buildings. The thatched roofs provide nesting places for birds. Visitors experience Garo food, bird-watching, bee-keeping, etc.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tasnim |first=N. |date=25 December 2023 |title=A Home Away From Home: Best Eco-Friendly Homestays In India |url=https://www.outlooktraveller.com/stay/sustainable/a-home-away-from-home-eco-friendly-stays-around-india |access-date=2 November 2024|website=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook Traveller]]}}</ref> For his efforts, Momin received the Silver Indian Responsible Tourism Award 2023 in the category "Sustainability Champions: Grassroots Heroes".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Responsible Tourism Awards 2023 |url=https://www.outlooktraveller.com/irta/irta-2023 |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook Traveller]]}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
===Buildings===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="120px">
File:Shop South Entrance Sasatgre West Garo Oct24 A7CR 03322.jpg|Shop selling packaged snacks, etc.
File:Bamboo Building Stilts Sasatgre West Garo Oct24 A7CR 03308.jpg|Bamboo building on stilts
File:Bible Verse Garo Tree Sasatgre Oct24 A7CR 03318.jpg|Bible verse in Garo
File:Baptist Church Front Side Sasatgre Oct24 A7CR 03889.jpg|Baptist Church
File:Footpath Sasatgre West Garo Oct24 A7CR 03726.jpg|Footpath through Sasatgre
File:Concrete Brick House Construction Sasatgre Oct24 A7CR 03727.jpg|Concrete+brick house under construction
</gallery>

===Animals===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="120px">
File:Black-crested Bulbul West Garo Meghalaya Oct24 A7CR 03835.jpg|[[Black-crested bulbul]] (''Rubigula flaviventris'')
File:Little Spiderhunter Sasatgre West Garo Oct24 A7CR 03261.jpg|[[Little spiderhunter]] (''Arachnothera longirostra'')
File:Blue-throated Barbet Sasatgre West Garo crop Oct24 A7CR 03684.jpg|[[Blue-throated barbet]] (''Psilopogon asiaticus'')
File:Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sasatgre Oct24 A7CR 03748.jpg|[[Velvet-fronted nuthatch]] (''Sitta frontalis'')
File:Indian White-eye Sasatgre Meghalaya Oct24 A7CR 03698.jpg|[[Indian white-eye]] (''Zosterops palpebrosus'')
File:Himalayan Buzzard Sasatgre Meghalaya Oct24 A7CR 03583.jpg|[[Himalayan buzzard]] (''Buteo burmanicus'')
File:Hoary-bellied Himalayan Squirrel Sasatgre Oct24 A7CR 03529.jpg|[[Irrawaddy squirrel|Hoary-bellied Himalayan squirrel]] (''Callosciurus pygerythrus'')
File:Ventral Golden Orb Weaver Spider Sasatgre Oct24 A7CR 03892.jpg|[[Nephilidae|Golden orb weaver]] female (''Nephila pilipes'')
</gallery>

==References==
{{Commons category|Sasatgre}}
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Villages in West Garo Hills district]]
[[Category:Tourism in Meghalaya]]
[[Category:Garo Hills]]
[[Category:Biosphere reserves of India]]

Sasatgre - Revision history

Himanshuucharan: made some pg w/ refs