Removing red linked templates Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit |
formatting fix |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Redirect|Sohra|places in Iran|Sohra, Iran (disambiguation){{!}}Sohra, Iran}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}} | ||
{{Infobox settlement | {{Infobox settlement | ||
| Line 7: | Line 8: | ||
| settlement_type = Town | | settlement_type = Town | ||
| image_skyline = Cherrapunji.jpg | | image_skyline = Cherrapunji.jpg | ||
| image_alt = | | image_alt = | ||
| image_caption = Sohra has held the record for highest rainfall multiple times in the past | | image_caption = Sohra has held the record for highest rainfall multiple times in the past. | ||
| nickname = | | nickname = | ||
| pushpin_map = India Meghalaya#India | | pushpin_map = India Meghalaya#India | ||
| pushpin_label_position = left | | pushpin_label_position = left | ||
| pushpin_map_alt = | | pushpin_map_alt = | ||
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Meghalaya | | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Meghalaya | ||
| coordinates = {{coord|25.284|N|91.721|E|display=inline,title}} | | coordinates = {{coord|25.284|N|91.721|E|display=inline,title}} | ||
| Line 22: | Line 23: | ||
| subdivision_name2 = [[East Khasi Hills district|East Khasi Hills]] | | subdivision_name2 = [[East Khasi Hills district|East Khasi Hills]] | ||
| established_title = <!-- Established --> | | established_title = <!-- Established --> | ||
| established_date = | | established_date = | ||
| founder = | | founder = | ||
| named_for = | | named_for = | ||
| government_type = | | government_type = | ||
| governing_body = | | governing_body = | ||
| unit_pref = Metric | | unit_pref = Metric | ||
| area_footnotes = | | area_footnotes = | ||
| area_total_km2 = | | area_total_km2 = | ||
| area_rank = | | area_rank = | ||
| elevation_footnotes = | | elevation_footnotes = | ||
| elevation_m = 1430 | | elevation_m = 1430 | ||
| population_total = 14816 | | population_total = 14816 | ||
| population_as_of = 2011 | | population_as_of = 2011 | ||
| population_footnotes = | | population_footnotes = | ||
| population_density_km2 = 397 | | population_density_km2 = 397 | ||
| population_rank = | | population_rank = | ||
| population_demonym = | | population_demonym = | ||
| demographics_type1 = Languages | | demographics_type1 = Languages | ||
| demographics1_title1 = Official | | demographics1_title1 = Official | ||
| Line 44: | Line 45: | ||
| utc_offset1 = +5:30 | | utc_offset1 = +5:30 | ||
| postal_code_type = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] --> | | postal_code_type = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] --> | ||
| postal_code = | | postal_code = | ||
| area_code = 03637 | | area_code = 03637 | ||
| area_code_type = Telephone code | | area_code_type = Telephone code | ||
| registration_plate = | | registration_plate = | ||
| website = | | website = {{URL|https://sohra.gov.in/}} | ||
| footnotes = | | footnotes = | ||
| demographics1_info1 = [[Khasi language|Khasi]], [[English language|English]] | | demographics1_info1 = [[Khasi language|Khasi]], [[English language|English]] | ||
| blank_name = [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]] | | blank_name = [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]] | ||
| blank_info = {{convert|11777|mm|in}} | | blank_info = {{convert|11777|mm|in}} | ||
| blank1_name = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]] | | blank1_name = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]] | ||
| blank1_info = [[Oceanic climate#Subtropical highland variety (Cwb)|Cwb]] | | blank1_info = [[Oceanic climate#Subtropical highland variety (Cfb, Cwb)|Cwb]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Cherrapunji''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Cherrapunji.ogg|ˌ|tʃ|ɛ|r|ə|ˈ|p|ʌ|n|dʒ|i|,_|-|ˈ|p|ʊ|n|-}}), also known as '''Sohra''',<ref name=orig1/> is a sub-divisional town (Proposed District) in the [[East Khasi Hills district]] in the [[India|Indian]] state of [[Meghalaya]]. It was the traditional capital of ''ka hima Sohra'' (Khasi tribal kingdom). | |||
Sohra has often been credited as being the wettest place on Earth, but currently, nearby [[Mawsynram]] holds that distinction. Sohra still holds the all-time record for the most rainfall in a calendar month and in a year, however. It received {{convert|9300|mm|in ft}} in July 1861 and {{convert|26461|mm|in ft}} between 1 August 1860 and 31 July 1861.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/10000/greatest-monthly-rainfall- |title=Most annual rainfall |access-date=2012-05-07 |work=Guinness World Records}}</ref> | |||
The main pivot on which the entire superstructure of Khasi society rests is the matrilineal system.{{citation needed|date= | ==Background== | ||
===Etymology === | |||
The original native name for this town in [[Khasi language]] is {{Lang|kha|Sohra}} (soh-ra), which was mispronounced "Cherra" by the 19th century [[British raj|British colonisers]]. Later, the suffix ''"punjee"'', a [[Bengali language|Bengali]] term meaning "a cluster of villages", was added by people from [[Indo-Gangetic Plain|the plains]], and the name evolved into ''Cherrapunji'', meaning "land of oranges" in some interpretations, popularized by tourists from other parts of India. It has again been officially renamed to its original form, ''Sohra''.<ref name=orig1>{{Cite web |date=2007-08-04 |title=Cherrapunjee gets new name - Sohra |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/cherrapunjee-gets-new-name-sohra/story-au2KwKygLAgm0JzgSFbf3N.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> | |||
=== History === | |||
The history of the [[Khasi people]] – native inhabitants of Sohra– may be traced from the early part of the 16th century. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, these people were ruled by their tribal ''<nowiki/>'Syiems'' (rajas or chiefs) of Khyriem' in the [[Khasi Hills]]. | |||
The main pivot on which the entire superstructure of Khasi society rests is the matrilineal system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Sugato |date=December 16, 2022 |title=The Khasis: A Matrilineal Society in India's Northeast |url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/12/the-khasis-a-matrilineal-society-in-indias-northeast/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=The Diplomat |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
The Khasi hills came under British authority in 1833 with the submission of the last of the important Syiem, Tirot Sing Syiem.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} | |||
There is a monument to David Scott (British Administrator in NE India, 1802–1831) in the town's cemetery. | |||
Despite abundant rainfall, Sohra faces an acute water shortage and the inhabitants often have to trek very long distances to obtain potable water.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news | Despite abundant rainfall, Sohra faces an acute water shortage and the inhabitants often have to trek very long distances to obtain potable water.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news | ||
| first = Subir | | first = Subir | ||
| Line 79: | Line 90: | ||
}}</ref> Irrigation is hampered due to excessive rain washing away the [[topsoil]] as a result of human encroachment into the forests. Recent developments of rain-water harvesting techniques in the area have greatly helped the town and its neighbouring villages. | }}</ref> Irrigation is hampered due to excessive rain washing away the [[topsoil]] as a result of human encroachment into the forests. Recent developments of rain-water harvesting techniques in the area have greatly helped the town and its neighbouring villages. | ||
==Economy== | |||
===Education=== | |||
====Colleges==== | |||
*Ramkrishna Mission College, Sohra | |||
*[[Sohra Government College]] | |||
Sohra has the [[National Institute of Technology, Meghalaya]] near Saitsophen, which offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees. | |||
Independent schools like the [[Ramkrishna Mission]] School and government-run schools like the Thomas Jones School have been set up in and around the town. | |||
===Media=== | |||
Sohra has an [[All India Radio]] relay station known as Akashvani Sohra. It broadcasts on FM frequencies. | |||
===Tourism=== | |||
Tourism is main economic activity, and Sohra is used as a base town and central hub for tourists who visit the nearby tourist places such as the mountains, valleys, viewpoints, caves, rivers, waterfalls, and traditional bridges.{{fact|date=October 2025}} | |||
Sohra is also known for its [[living root bridges|living bridges]]. Over hundreds of years the people have developed techniques for growing roots of trees into large bridges. The process takes 10 to 15 years and the bridges typically last hundreds of years, with the oldest one, still in active use, being over 500 years old.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bridge to Nature: Amazing Indian Living Root Bridges |url=http://webecoist.com/2009/10/21/bridge-to-nature-amazing-indian-living-root-bridges/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129174355/http://webecoist.com/2009/10/21/bridge-to-nature-amazing-indian-living-root-bridges/ |archive-date=29 November 2011 |access-date=23 October 2009 |website=WebEcoist}}</ref> | |||
===Transport=== | |||
[[Shillong Airport]], 80 km north, is the only operational civilian airport in Meghalaya with the domestic flights within [[Northeast India]]. [[Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport|Guwahati Airport]], 165 km north in [[Assam]] state, is major airport for the regional, national and international air connectivity. | |||
SH-5 (Meghalaya State Highway 5) connects Sohra to Shillong, and Shillong is further connected to [[Guwahati]] by the [[National Highway 6 (India)|NH-6]]. | |||
[[File:1947-Khasi states.png|thumb|450px|Historic Khasi states in Meghalaya]] | |||
[[Guwahati railway station]], 165 km north, is the nearest railway station which connects to the rest of India. Once the under-construction [[Tetelia–Byrnihat line]] (Shillong) is completed, it will bring the rail connectivity closer to Sohra. | |||
== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
| Line 102: | Line 140: | ||
}} | }} | ||
The [[Shillong Plateau]] is an uplifted horst-like feature, bounded by the E-W Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) to the North, the N–S Jamuna fault in the west, and the NW–SE kopilli fracture zone in the east. | |||
Sohra has an average elevation of {{convert|1430|m|ft}} and sits on a plateau in the southern part of the Khasi Hills, facing the plains of [[Bangladesh]]. The plateau rises {{convert|660|m|ft}} above the surrounding valleys. | |||
Soils on the plateau are poor owing to [[deforestation]] and [[Washout (erosion)|washout]] caused by heavy rainfall. Owing to winter droughts, the vegetation in this location is even [[xerophytic]] in spite of the town's fame as an extremely wet place. Additional pressure on local [[ecosystem]]s is created by the rapid increase of the population – from a Sohra-area population of 7,000 in 1960, it grew to over 10,000 by 2000.<ref name="wondermondo">{{cite web |url=http://www.wondermondo.com/Countries/As/India/Meghalaya/Cherrapunji.htm |title=Cherrapunji (Sohra) |access-date=2010-08-29 |date=2010-08-28 |publisher=Wondermondo}}</ref> | Soils on the plateau are poor owing to [[deforestation]] and [[Washout (erosion)|washout]] caused by heavy rainfall. Owing to winter droughts, the vegetation in this location is even [[xerophytic]] in spite of the town's fame as an extremely wet place. Additional pressure on local [[ecosystem]]s is created by the rapid increase of the population – from a Sohra-area population of 7,000 in 1960, it grew to over 10,000 by 2000.<ref name="wondermondo">{{cite web |url=http://www.wondermondo.com/Countries/As/India/Meghalaya/Cherrapunji.htm |title=Cherrapunji (Sohra) |access-date=2010-08-29 |date=2010-08-28 |publisher=Wondermondo}}</ref> | ||
The valleys around Sohra, however, are covered with lush and very diverse vegetation, containing numerous endemic species of plants, including [[Meghalaya subtropical forests]]. | The valleys around Sohra, however, are covered with lush and very diverse vegetation, containing numerous endemic species of plants, including the [[Meghalaya subtropical forests]]. | ||
There are some interesting living root bridges in villages near Sohra like the [[Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge|Umshiang | There are some interesting living root bridges in villages near Sohra like the [[Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge|Umshiang Root Bridge]], Mawsaw root bridge, Ritymmen root bridge, and the Double Decker root bridge at Nongriat village. | ||
===Climate=== | ===Climate=== | ||
Cherrapunji has a mild [[subtropical highland climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Cwb''), with [[monsoon]]al influences typical of India. Although Sohra has very wet, warm summers, it has dry, mild winters. The city's annual rainfall average stands at {{convert|11777|mm|in}}.<ref name="weather1">{{cite web |url=https://www.climate-charts.com/Locations/i/IN42515.html |title=Cherrapunji, India: Climate, Global Warming, and Daylight Charts and Data |website=climate-charts.com |access-date= 11 January 2021}}</ref> This figure places it behind only nearby [[Mawsynram]], Meghalaya, whose average is {{convert|11873|mm|in}}. Sohra receives both the southwest and northeast [[monsoon]]al winds, giving it a single monsoon season. It lies on the [[windward]] side of the Khasi Hills, so the resulting [[orographic lift]] enhances precipitation. In the winter months it receives the northeast monsoon showers that travel down the [[Brahmaputra]] valley. The driest months are November, December, January, and February. | |||
Temperatures average {{convert|11.5|°C|1}} in January and {{convert|20.6|°C|1}} in August, and the annual mean is {{convert|17.3|°C|1}} | Temperatures average {{convert|11.5|°C|1}} in January and {{convert|20.6|°C|1}} in August, and the annual mean is {{convert|17.3|°C|1}} | ||
| Line 122: | Line 159: | ||
{{Weather box | {{Weather box | ||
| location = Cherrapunji (1991–2020, extremes 1902–present) | |||
| location = Cherrapunji ( | |||
| metric first = Y | | metric first = Y | ||
| single line = Y | | single line = Y | ||
| Line 130: | Line 166: | ||
| Mar record high C = 30.6 | | Mar record high C = 30.6 | ||
| Apr record high C = 28.3 | | Apr record high C = 28.3 | ||
| May record high C = 30. | | May record high C = 30.9 | ||
| Jun record high C = 29. | | Jun record high C = 29.9 | ||
| Jul record high C = | | Jul record high C = 30.3 | ||
| Aug record high C = | | Aug record high C = 30.3 | ||
| Sep record high C = | | Sep record high C = 33.1 | ||
| Oct record high C = | | Oct record high C = 32.1 | ||
| Nov record high C = | | Nov record high C = 28.7 | ||
| Dec record high C = | | Dec record high C = 25.6 | ||
|year record high C = | |year record high C = 33.1 | ||
| Jan high C = | | Jan high C = 17.2 | ||
| Feb high C = | | Feb high C = 18.8 | ||
| Mar high C = | | Mar high C = 21.4 | ||
| Apr high C = 22. | | Apr high C = 22.7 | ||
| May high C = | | May high C = 23.1 | ||
| Jun high C = | | Jun high C = 23.1 | ||
| Jul high C = 22. | | Jul high C = 22.9 | ||
| Aug high C = 23. | | Aug high C = 23.6 | ||
| Sep high C = 23. | | Sep high C = 23.9 | ||
| Oct high C = | | Oct high C = 24.0 | ||
| Nov high C = 21. | | Nov high C = 21.8 | ||
| Dec high C = | | Dec high C = 18.8 | ||
|year high C = 21. | |year high C = 21.8 | ||
| Jan mean C = | | Jan mean C =12.3 | ||
| Feb mean C = | | Feb mean C =14.1 | ||
| Mar mean C = | | Mar mean C =17.0 | ||
| Apr mean C = 18. | | Apr mean C =18.7 | ||
| May mean C = 19. | | May mean C =19.9 | ||
| Jun mean C = 20. | | Jun mean C =20.6 | ||
| Jul mean C = 20. | | Jul mean C =20.6 | ||
| Aug mean C = | | Aug mean C =21.1 | ||
| Sep mean C = | | Sep mean C =21.0 | ||
| Oct mean C = | | Oct mean C =20.0 | ||
| Nov mean C = 16. | | Nov mean C =16.9 | ||
| Dec mean C = 13. | | Dec mean C =13.8 | ||
|year mean C = | | year mean C = | ||
| Jan low C = 6. | | Jan low C = 6.6 | ||
| Feb low C = 8.7 | | Feb low C = 8.7 | ||
| Mar low C = 12.1 | | Mar low C = 12.1 | ||
| Apr low C = 14.4 | | Apr low C = 14.4 | ||
| May low C = 16.1 | | May low C = 16.1 | ||
| Jun low C = 17. | | Jun low C = 17.7 | ||
| Jul low C = 18.1 | | Jul low C = 18.1 | ||
| Aug low C = 18.2 | | Aug low C = 18.2 | ||
| Sep low C = 17. | | Sep low C = 17.6 | ||
| Oct low C = 15. | | Oct low C = 15.3 | ||
| Nov low C = 11. | | Nov low C = 11.4 | ||
| Dec low C = 8. | | Dec low C = 8.2 | ||
|year low C = 13. | |year low C = 13.7 | ||
| Jan record low C = -1.0 | | Jan record low C = -1.0 | ||
| Feb record low C = 0.3 | | Feb record low C = 0.3 | ||
| Line 185: | Line 221: | ||
| Jun record low C = 9.2 | | Jun record low C = 9.2 | ||
| Jul record low C = 10.0 | | Jul record low C = 10.0 | ||
| Aug record low C = | | Aug record low C = 9.0 | ||
| Sep record low C = 12.4 | | Sep record low C = 12.4 | ||
| Oct record low C = 7.8 | | Oct record low C = 7.8 | ||
| Line 191: | Line 227: | ||
| Dec record low C = 1.7 | | Dec record low C = 1.7 | ||
|year record low C = -1.0 | |year record low C = -1.0 | ||
| Jan avg record high C = 20.6 | |||
| Feb avg record high C = 22.2 | |||
| Mar avg record high C = 25.3 | |||
| Apr avg record high C = 26.0 | |||
| May avg record high C = 26.5 | |||
| Jun avg record high C = 26.8 | |||
| Jul avg record high C = 26.9 | |||
| Aug avg record high C = 27.6 | |||
| Sep avg record high C = 27.9 | |||
| Oct avg record high C = 27.5 | |||
| Nov avg record high C = 25.6 | |||
| Dec avg record high C = 21.9 | |||
| year avg record high C = 28.9 | |||
| Jan avg record low C = 3.2 | |||
| Feb avg record low C = 4.9 | |||
| Mar avg record low C = 8.1 | |||
| Apr avg record low C = 10.4 | |||
| May avg record low C = 12.4 | |||
| Jun avg record low C = 15.3 | |||
| Jul avg record low C = 16.4 | |||
| Aug avg record low C = 16.6 | |||
| Sep avg record low C = 15.6 | |||
| Oct avg record low C = 11.8 | |||
| Nov avg record low C = 8.0 | |||
| Dec avg record low C = 5.2 | |||
| year avg record low C = 3.0 | |||
| rain colour = green | | rain colour = green | ||
| Jan rain mm = | | Jan rain mm = 15.5 | ||
| Feb rain mm = | | Feb rain mm = 53.7 | ||
| Mar rain mm = | | Mar rain mm = 364.1 | ||
| Apr rain mm = | | Apr rain mm = 792.4 | ||
| May rain mm = | | May rain mm = 1297.1 | ||
| Jun rain mm = | | Jun rain mm = 2608.1 | ||
| Jul rain mm = | | Jul rain mm = 2665.4 | ||
| Aug rain mm = | | Aug rain mm = 1768.7 | ||
| Sep rain mm = | | Sep rain mm = 1089.7 | ||
| Oct rain mm = | | Oct rain mm = 461.4 | ||
| Nov rain mm = | | Nov rain mm = 49.3 | ||
| Dec rain mm = | | Dec rain mm = 10.2 | ||
|year rain mm = | |year rain mm = 11175.8 | ||
| Jan rain days = 1. | |unit rain days = 2.5 mm | ||
| Feb rain days = 2. | | Jan rain days = 1.4 | ||
| Mar rain days = | | Feb rain days = 2.5 | ||
| Apr rain days = 16. | | Mar rain days = 7.4 | ||
| May rain days = 20. | | Apr rain days = 16.1 | ||
| Jun rain days = 25. | | May rain days = 20.7 | ||
| Jul rain days = | | Jun rain days = 25.2 | ||
| Aug rain days = 24. | | Jul rain days = 27.8 | ||
| Sep rain days = | | Aug rain days = 24.1 | ||
| Oct rain days = 7. | | Sep rain days = 18.2 | ||
| Nov rain days = 1. | | Oct rain days = 7.6 | ||
| Dec rain days = 0. | | Nov rain days = 1.6 | ||
|year rain days = | | Dec rain days = 0.8 | ||
|year rain days = 153.5 | |||
| Jan humidity = | | Jan humidity = 69 | ||
| Feb humidity = | | Feb humidity = 66 | ||
| Mar humidity = | | Mar humidity = 68 | ||
| Apr humidity = | | Apr humidity = 79 | ||
| May humidity = | | May humidity = 85 | ||
| Jun humidity = | | Jun humidity = 92 | ||
| Jul humidity = | | Jul humidity = 94 | ||
| Aug humidity = | | Aug humidity = 92 | ||
| Sep humidity = | | Sep humidity = 89 | ||
| Oct humidity = | | Oct humidity = 80 | ||
| Nov humidity = | | Nov humidity = 70 | ||
| Dec humidity = | | Dec humidity = 70 | ||
|year humidity = | | year humidity = | ||
|source 1 = | |source 1 = India Meteorological Department<ref>{{cite web | ||
{{cite web | | url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf | ||
| | | title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020 | ||
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]] | |||
| access-date = April 8, 2024 | |||
| title = | }}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes> | ||
| publisher = India Meteorological Department | |||
| access-date = | |||
{{cite web | {{cite web | ||
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf | | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf | ||
| Line 251: | Line 308: | ||
| date = December 2016 | | date = December 2016 | ||
| page = M157 | | page = M157 | ||
| access-date = 5 February 2020}}</ref> | | access-date = 5 February 2020}}</ref> | ||
|source 2 = Tokyo Climate Center (mean temperatures | |source 2 = NOAA (humidity),<ref>{{cite web | ||
| url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/India/CSV/CHERRAPUNJEE_42515.csv | |||
| title = Cherrapunji Climate Normals 1991–2020 | |||
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] | |||
| access-date = April 8, 2024 | |||
}}</ref> Tokyo Climate Center (mean temperatures 1991–2020)<ref name=TCC1> | |||
{{cite web | {{cite web | ||
| url = https://ds.data.jma.go.jp/gmd/tcc/tcc/products/climate/normal/parts/NrmMonth_e.php?stn=42515 | | url = https://ds.data.jma.go.jp/gmd/tcc/tcc/products/climate/normal/parts/NrmMonth_e.php?stn=42515 | ||
| title = Normals Data: Cherrapunji | | title = Normals Data: Cherrapunji – India Latitude: 25.25°N Longitude: 91.73°E Height: 1313 (m) | ||
| publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency | | publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency | ||
| access-date = | | access-date = 1 December 2022}}</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Causes of high rainfall=== | ===Causes of high rainfall=== | ||
{{unreferenced section|date = December 2014}} | {{unreferenced section|date = December 2014}} | ||
Sohra receives rains from the [[Bay of Bengal]] arm of the [[Monsoon#Southwest monsoon|Indian summer monsoon]]. The monsoon clouds fly unhindered over the plains of Bangladesh for about 400 km. Thereafter, they hit the Khasi Hills which rise abruptly from the plains to a height of about 1,370 m above [[mean sea level]] within 2 to 5 km. The geography of the hills with many deep valley channels encompassing the low-flying (150–300 m) moisture-laden clouds from a wide area converges over Sohra. The winds push the rain clouds through these gorges and up the steep slopes. The rapid ascent of the clouds into the upper atmosphere hastens the cooling and helps vapours to condense. Most of the rain is the result of air being lifted as a large body of water vapour. The extreme amount of rainfall is perhaps the best-known feature of [[Orographic precipitation#Orographic|orographic rain]] in northeastern India.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Kuttippurath|first1=J|last2=Murasingh|first2=S|last3=Stott|first3=P A|last4=Sarojini|first4=B Balan|last5=Jha|first5=Madan K|last6=Kumar|first6=P|last7=Nair|first7=P J|last8=Varikoden|first8=H|last9=Raj|first9=S|last10=Francis|first10=P A|last11=Pandey|first11=P C|date=2021-01-22|title=Observed rainfall changes in the past century (1901–2019) over the wettest place on Earth|journal=Environmental Research Letters|volume=16|issue=2|pages=024018|doi=10.1088/1748-9326/abcf78|bibcode=2021ERL....16b4018K|issn=1748-9326|doi-access=free}}</ref> | |||
Sohra receives rains from the [[Bay of Bengal]] arm of the [[Monsoon#Southwest monsoon|Indian summer monsoon]]. The monsoon clouds fly unhindered over the plains of | |||
Occasionally, cloudbursts can occur in one part of Sohra while other areas may be totally or relatively dry, reflecting the high spatial variability of the rainfall. Atmospheric humidity is extremely high during the peak monsoon period. | Occasionally, cloudbursts can occur in one part of Sohra while other areas may be totally or relatively dry, reflecting the high spatial variability of the rainfall. Atmospheric humidity is extremely high during the peak monsoon period. | ||
| Line 279: | Line 331: | ||
The major part of the rainfall at Sohra can be attributed to the orographic features. When the clouds are blown over the hills from the south, they are funneled through the valley. The clouds strike Sohra perpendicularly and the low flying clouds are pushed up the steep slopes. It is not surprising to find that the heaviest rainfalls occur when the winds blow directly on the Khasi Hills. | The major part of the rainfall at Sohra can be attributed to the orographic features. When the clouds are blown over the hills from the south, they are funneled through the valley. The clouds strike Sohra perpendicularly and the low flying clouds are pushed up the steep slopes. It is not surprising to find that the heaviest rainfalls occur when the winds blow directly on the Khasi Hills. | ||
A notable feature of monsoon rain at Sohra is that most of it falls in the morning. This could be partly due to two air masses coming together. During the monsoon months, the prevailing winds along the [[Brahmaputra]] valley generally blow from the east or the northeast, but the winds over [[Meghalaya]] are from the south. These two winds systems usually come together in the vicinity of the Khasi Hills. Apparently, the winds that are trapped in the valley at night begin their upward ascent only after they are warmed during the day. This partially explains the frequency of morning rainfall. Apart from orographic features, atmospheric convection plays an important role during the monsoon and the period just preceding it. | A notable feature of monsoon rain at Sohra is that most of it falls in the morning. This could be partly due to two air masses coming together. During the monsoon months, the prevailing winds along the [[Brahmaputra]] valley generally blow from the east or the northeast, but the winds over [[Meghalaya]] are from the south. These two winds systems usually come together in the vicinity of the Khasi Hills. Apparently, the winds that are trapped in the valley at night begin their upward ascent only after they are warmed during the day. This partially explains the frequency of morning rainfall. Apart from orographic features, [[atmospheric convection]] plays an important role during the monsoon and the period just preceding it. | ||
==People== | |||
===Culture=== | |||
The native inhabitants living in and around Sohra are known as Khasi people. Their society is a [[matrilineality|matrilineal]] one. The children take on the surname of the mother.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Swer |first=Daryll |date=2023-05-29 |title=An Interesting Folk Tale Behind the Khasi Matrilineal System |url=https://www.daryllswer.com/an-interesting-folk-tale-behind-the-khasi-matrilineal-system/ |access-date=2026-01-21 |website=Daryll Swer |language=en-GB}}</ref> | |||
==Demographics== | ===Demographics=== | ||
{{Pie chart | {{Pie chart | ||
| Line 302: | Line 359: | ||
|value5 = 0.19 | |value5 = 0.19 | ||
|color5 = Gray}} | |color5 = Gray}} | ||
As of the [[2011 census of India]], Sohra had a population of 10,086, with males 48.75% of the total population and females 51.25%. It has an average literacy rate of 74%, equal to the national average of 74.5%, with a male literacy rate of 72.4% and a female one of 73.9%. | |||
Most of the people in the town overwhelmingly follow [[Christianity]], with significant followers of indigenous Niam Khasi, [[Hinduism]] and a very small [[Muslim]] population.<ref name="religion"/> | Most of the people in the town overwhelmingly follow [[Christianity]], with significant followers of indigenous Niam Khasi, [[Hinduism]] and a very small [[Muslim]] population.<ref name="religion"/> | ||
== | == Gallery == | ||
<gallery> | |||
File:NohKaLikai Falls V2 Wiki.jpg|NohKaLikai Falls Aerial View | |||
File:Nohkalikai Falls.JPG|Nohkalikai falls | |||
File:Nohkalikai falls.jpg|Seven Sisters' falls | |||
File:Bangladesh view point by Kamalapathi.jpg|Bangladesh View Point in Sohra | |||
File:Bengladesh Plains, View FromThangkharang Cherrapunjee 105.JPG|Another view of Bangladesh plains from Sohra | |||
File:Khasi tribe para dance.jpg|Khasi children c. 1944 | |||
</gallery> | |||
== See also == | |||
* [[Tourism in Northeast India]] | |||
* [[Rainfall#Wettest known locations|Wettest places on Earth]] | |||
** [[Big Bog, Maui]], in Hawaii and among one world's wettest place | |||
** [[Lloró]], in Colombia and among one world's wettest place | |||
** [[Quibdó]], in Colombia and among one world's wettest place | |||
** [[Villa Puerto Edén]], in Chile and among one world's wettest place | |||
** [[Yakushima]], in Japan and among one world's wettest place | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
| Line 325: | Line 392: | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100704080658/http://www.cherrapunjee.com/ cherrapunjee.com] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20100704080658/http://www.cherrapunjee.com/ cherrapunjee.com] | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121002052449/http://www.geox.com/amphibiox/ Interactive Film Documentary by Geox - Testing A New Waterproof Shoe In The Rainiest Place On Earth] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20121002052449/http://www.geox.com/amphibiox/ Interactive Film Documentary by Geox - Testing A New Waterproof Shoe In The Rainiest Place On Earth] | ||
* [ | * [https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/for-a-rainy-day-2/ 'For a Rainy Day', The Indian Express, 20 April 2008, by Arjun Razdan] | ||
{{Meghalaya}} | {{Meghalaya}} | ||
Latest revision as of 06:27, 21 January 2026
Cherrapunji
Sohra | |
|---|---|
Town | |
 Sohra has held the record for highest rainfall multiple times in the past. | |
  Cherrapunji Location in Meghalaya  Cherrapunji Cherrapunji (India) | |
| Coordinates: 25°17′02″N 91°43′16″E / 25.284°N 91.721°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Meghalaya |
| District | East Khasi Hills |
| Elevation | 1,430 m (4,690 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 14,816 |
| • Density | 397/km2 (1,030/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Khasi, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Telephone code | 03637 |
| Precipitation | 11,777 millimetres (463.7 in) |
| Climate | Cwb |
| Website | sohra |
Cherrapunji (/ˌtʃɛrəˈpʌndʒi, -ˈpʊn-/ (
listen)), also known as Sohra,[1] is a sub-divisional town (Proposed District) in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It was the traditional capital of ka hima Sohra (Khasi tribal kingdom).
Sohra has often been credited as being the wettest place on Earth, but currently, nearby Mawsynram holds that distinction. Sohra still holds the all-time record for the most rainfall in a calendar month and in a year, however. It received 9,300 millimetres (370 in; 30.5 ft) in July 1861 and 26,461 millimetres (1,041.8 in; 86.814 ft) between 1 August 1860 and 31 July 1861.[2]
Background[edit | edit source]
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The original native name for this town in Khasi language is Sohra (soh-ra), which was mispronounced "Cherra" by the 19th century British colonisers. Later, the suffix "punjee", a Bengali term meaning "a cluster of villages", was added by people from the plains, and the name evolved into Cherrapunji, meaning "land of oranges" in some interpretations, popularized by tourists from other parts of India. It has again been officially renamed to its original form, Sohra.[1]
History[edit | edit source]
The history of the Khasi people – native inhabitants of Sohra– may be traced from the early part of the 16th century. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, these people were ruled by their tribal 'Syiems (rajas or chiefs) of Khyriem' in the Khasi Hills.
The main pivot on which the entire superstructure of Khasi society rests is the matrilineal system.[3]
The Khasi hills came under British authority in 1833 with the submission of the last of the important Syiem, Tirot Sing Syiem.[citation needed]
There is a monument to David Scott (British Administrator in NE India, 1802–1831) in the town's cemetery.
Despite abundant rainfall, Sohra faces an acute water shortage and the inhabitants often have to trek very long distances to obtain potable water.[4] Irrigation is hampered due to excessive rain washing away the topsoil as a result of human encroachment into the forests. Recent developments of rain-water harvesting techniques in the area have greatly helped the town and its neighbouring villages.
Economy[edit | edit source]
Education[edit | edit source]
Colleges[edit | edit source]
- Ramkrishna Mission College, Sohra
- Sohra Government College
Sohra has the National Institute of Technology, Meghalaya near Saitsophen, which offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees. Independent schools like the Ramkrishna Mission School and government-run schools like the Thomas Jones School have been set up in and around the town.
Media[edit | edit source]
Sohra has an All India Radio relay station known as Akashvani Sohra. It broadcasts on FM frequencies.
Tourism[edit | edit source]
Tourism is main economic activity, and Sohra is used as a base town and central hub for tourists who visit the nearby tourist places such as the mountains, valleys, viewpoints, caves, rivers, waterfalls, and traditional bridges.[citation needed]
Sohra is also known for its living bridges. Over hundreds of years the people have developed techniques for growing roots of trees into large bridges. The process takes 10 to 15 years and the bridges typically last hundreds of years, with the oldest one, still in active use, being over 500 years old.[5]
Transport[edit | edit source]
Shillong Airport, 80 km north, is the only operational civilian airport in Meghalaya with the domestic flights within Northeast India. Guwahati Airport, 165 km north in Assam state, is major airport for the regional, national and international air connectivity.
SH-5 (Meghalaya State Highway 5) connects Sohra to Shillong, and Shillong is further connected to Guwahati by the NH-6.
Guwahati railway station, 165 km north, is the nearest railway station which connects to the rest of India. Once the under-construction Tetelia–Byrnihat line (Shillong) is completed, it will bring the rail connectivity closer to Sohra.
Geography[edit | edit source]
| Sohra, India | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climate chart (explanation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Shillong Plateau is an uplifted horst-like feature, bounded by the E-W Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) to the North, the N–S Jamuna fault in the west, and the NW–SE kopilli fracture zone in the east.
Sohra has an average elevation of 1,430 metres (4,690 ft) and sits on a plateau in the southern part of the Khasi Hills, facing the plains of Bangladesh. The plateau rises 660 metres (2,170 ft) above the surrounding valleys.
Soils on the plateau are poor owing to deforestation and washout caused by heavy rainfall. Owing to winter droughts, the vegetation in this location is even xerophytic in spite of the town's fame as an extremely wet place. Additional pressure on local ecosystems is created by the rapid increase of the population – from a Sohra-area population of 7,000 in 1960, it grew to over 10,000 by 2000.[6]
The valleys around Sohra, however, are covered with lush and very diverse vegetation, containing numerous endemic species of plants, including the Meghalaya subtropical forests.
There are some interesting living root bridges in villages near Sohra like the Umshiang Root Bridge, Mawsaw root bridge, Ritymmen root bridge, and the Double Decker root bridge at Nongriat village.
Climate[edit | edit source]
Cherrapunji has a mild subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cwb), with monsoonal influences typical of India. Although Sohra has very wet, warm summers, it has dry, mild winters. The city's annual rainfall average stands at 11,777 millimetres (463.7 in).[7] This figure places it behind only nearby Mawsynram, Meghalaya, whose average is 11,873 millimetres (467.4 in). Sohra receives both the southwest and northeast monsoonal winds, giving it a single monsoon season. It lies on the windward side of the Khasi Hills, so the resulting orographic lift enhances precipitation. In the winter months it receives the northeast monsoon showers that travel down the Brahmaputra valley. The driest months are November, December, January, and February.
Temperatures average 11.5 °C (52.7 °F) in January and 20.6 °C (69.1 °F) in August, and the annual mean is 17.3 °C (63.1 °F)
Sohra holds two Guinness world records for receiving the maximum amount of rainfall in a single year: 26,471 millimetres (1,042.2 in) of rainfall between August 1860 and July 1861 and for receiving the maximum amount of rainfall in a single month: 9,300 millimetres (370 in) in July 1861.[8]
| Climate data for Cherrapunji (1991–2020, extremes 1902–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 26.7 (80.1) |
28.9 (84.0) |
30.6 (87.1) |
28.3 (82.9) |
30.9 (87.6) |
29.9 (85.8) |
30.3 (86.5) |
30.3 (86.5) |
33.1 (91.6) |
32.1 (89.8) |
28.7 (83.7) |
25.6 (78.1) |
33.1 (91.6) |
| Mean maximum °C (°F) | 20.6 (69.1) |
22.2 (72.0) |
25.3 (77.5) |
26.0 (78.8) |
26.5 (79.7) |
26.8 (80.2) |
26.9 (80.4) |
27.6 (81.7) |
27.9 (82.2) |
27.5 (81.5) |
25.6 (78.1) |
21.9 (71.4) |
28.9 (84.0) |
| Average high °C (°F) | 17.2 (63.0) |
18.8 (65.8) |
21.4 (70.5) |
22.7 (72.9) |
23.1 (73.6) |
23.1 (73.6) |
22.9 (73.2) |
23.6 (74.5) |
23.9 (75.0) |
24.0 (75.2) |
21.8 (71.2) |
18.8 (65.8) |
21.8 (71.2) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 12.3 (54.1) |
14.1 (57.4) |
17.0 (62.6) |
18.7 (65.7) |
19.9 (67.8) |
20.6 (69.1) |
20.6 (69.1) |
21.1 (70.0) |
21.0 (69.8) |
20.0 (68.0) |
16.9 (62.4) |
13.8 (56.8) |
18.0 (64.4) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 6.6 (43.9) |
8.7 (47.7) |
12.1 (53.8) |
14.4 (57.9) |
16.1 (61.0) |
17.7 (63.9) |
18.1 (64.6) |
18.2 (64.8) |
17.6 (63.7) |
15.3 (59.5) |
11.4 (52.5) |
8.2 (46.8) |
13.7 (56.7) |
| Mean minimum °C (°F) | 3.2 (37.8) |
4.9 (40.8) |
8.1 (46.6) |
10.4 (50.7) |
12.4 (54.3) |
15.3 (59.5) |
16.4 (61.5) |
16.6 (61.9) |
15.6 (60.1) |
11.8 (53.2) |
8.0 (46.4) |
5.2 (41.4) |
3.0 (37.4) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −1.0 (30.2) |
0.3 (32.5) |
0.6 (33.1) |
3.9 (39.0) |
3.3 (37.9) |
9.2 (48.6) |
10.0 (50.0) |
9.0 (48.2) |
12.4 (54.3) |
7.8 (46.0) |
3.7 (38.7) |
1.7 (35.1) |
−1.0 (30.2) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 15.5 (0.61) |
53.7 (2.11) |
364.1 (14.33) |
792.4 (31.20) |
1,297.1 (51.07) |
2,608.1 (102.68) |
2,665.4 (104.94) |
1,768.7 (69.63) |
1,089.7 (42.90) |
461.4 (18.17) |
49.3 (1.94) |
10.2 (0.40) |
11,175.8 (439.99) |
| Average rainy days (≥ 2.5 mm) | 1.4 | 2.5 | 7.4 | 16.1 | 20.7 | 25.2 | 27.8 | 24.1 | 18.2 | 7.6 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 153.5 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 69 | 66 | 68 | 79 | 85 | 92 | 94 | 92 | 89 | 80 | 70 | 70 | 80 |
| Source 1: India Meteorological Department[9][10] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: NOAA (humidity),[11] Tokyo Climate Center (mean temperatures 1991–2020)[12] | |||||||||||||
Causes of high rainfall[edit | edit source]
 | This section does not cite any sources. (December 2014) |
Sohra receives rains from the Bay of Bengal arm of the Indian summer monsoon. The monsoon clouds fly unhindered over the plains of Bangladesh for about 400 km. Thereafter, they hit the Khasi Hills which rise abruptly from the plains to a height of about 1,370 m above mean sea level within 2 to 5 km. The geography of the hills with many deep valley channels encompassing the low-flying (150–300 m) moisture-laden clouds from a wide area converges over Sohra. The winds push the rain clouds through these gorges and up the steep slopes. The rapid ascent of the clouds into the upper atmosphere hastens the cooling and helps vapours to condense. Most of the rain is the result of air being lifted as a large body of water vapour. The extreme amount of rainfall is perhaps the best-known feature of orographic rain in northeastern India.[13]
Occasionally, cloudbursts can occur in one part of Sohra while other areas may be totally or relatively dry, reflecting the high spatial variability of the rainfall. Atmospheric humidity is extremely high during the peak monsoon period.
The major part of the rainfall at Sohra can be attributed to the orographic features. When the clouds are blown over the hills from the south, they are funneled through the valley. The clouds strike Sohra perpendicularly and the low flying clouds are pushed up the steep slopes. It is not surprising to find that the heaviest rainfalls occur when the winds blow directly on the Khasi Hills.
A notable feature of monsoon rain at Sohra is that most of it falls in the morning. This could be partly due to two air masses coming together. During the monsoon months, the prevailing winds along the Brahmaputra valley generally blow from the east or the northeast, but the winds over Meghalaya are from the south. These two winds systems usually come together in the vicinity of the Khasi Hills. Apparently, the winds that are trapped in the valley at night begin their upward ascent only after they are warmed during the day. This partially explains the frequency of morning rainfall. Apart from orographic features, atmospheric convection plays an important role during the monsoon and the period just preceding it.
People[edit | edit source]
Culture[edit | edit source]
The native inhabitants living in and around Sohra are known as Khasi people. Their society is a matrilineal one. The children take on the surname of the mother.[14]
Demographics[edit | edit source]
Religion in Cherrapunji (2011)[15]
Christianity (71.36%)
Niam Khasi (24.40%)
Hinduism (3.97%)
Islam (0.08%)
Others (0.19%)
As of the 2011 census of India, Sohra had a population of 10,086, with males 48.75% of the total population and females 51.25%. It has an average literacy rate of 74%, equal to the national average of 74.5%, with a male literacy rate of 72.4% and a female one of 73.9%.
Most of the people in the town overwhelmingly follow Christianity, with significant followers of indigenous Niam Khasi, Hinduism and a very small Muslim population.[15]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
-
NohKaLikai Falls Aerial View -
Nohkalikai falls -
Seven Sisters' falls -
Bangladesh View Point in Sohra -
Another view of Bangladesh plains from Sohra -
Khasi children c. 1944
See also[edit | edit source]
- Tourism in Northeast India
- Wettest places on Earth
- Big Bog, Maui, in Hawaii and among one world's wettest place
- Lloró, in Colombia and among one world's wettest place
- Quibdó, in Colombia and among one world's wettest place
- Villa Puerto Edén, in Chile and among one world's wettest place
- Yakushima, in Japan and among one world's wettest place
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Cherrapunjee gets new name - Sohra". Hindustan Times. 4 August 2007. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
- ↑ "Most annual rainfall". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
- ↑ Mukherjee, Sugato (16 December 2022). "The Khasis: A Matrilineal Society in India's Northeast". The Diplomat. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
- ↑ Bhaumik, Subir (28 April 2003). "World's wettest area dries up" (stm). South Asia News. Calcutta. Retrieved 21 February 2008.
- ↑ "Bridge to Nature: Amazing Indian Living Root Bridges". WebEcoist. Archived from the original on 29 November 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
- ↑ "Cherrapunji (Sohra)". Wondermondo. 28 August 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
- ↑ "Cherrapunji, India: Climate, Global Warming, and Daylight Charts and Data". climate-charts.com. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
- ↑ Guinness World Records 2005; pg-51 ISBN 0-85112-192-6
- ↑ "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ↑ "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M157. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- ↑ "Cherrapunji Climate Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ↑ "Normals Data: Cherrapunji – India Latitude: 25.25°N Longitude: 91.73°E Height: 1313 (m)". Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
- ↑ Kuttippurath, J; Murasingh, S; Stott, P A; Sarojini, B Balan; Jha, Madan K; Kumar, P; Nair, P J; Varikoden, H; Raj, S; Francis, P A; Pandey, P C (22 January 2021). "Observed rainfall changes in the past century (1901–2019) over the wettest place on Earth". Environmental Research Letters. 16 (2): 024018. Bibcode:2021ERL....16b4018K. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/abcf78. ISSN 1748-9326.
- ↑ Swer, Daryll (29 May 2023). "An Interesting Folk Tale Behind the Khasi Matrilineal System". Daryll Swer. Retrieved 21 January 2026.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 "C-1 Population By Religious Community". census.gov.in. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
Sources and external links[edit | edit source]
- cherrapunjee.com
- Interactive Film Documentary by Geox - Testing A New Waterproof Shoe In The Rainiest Place On Earth
- 'For a Rainy Day', The Indian Express, 20 April 2008, by Arjun Razdan
| State symbols | |
|---|---|
| Topics | |
| Administration | |
| Divisions |
|
| Districts | |
| Municipalities | |
