CHERRAPUNJI

village, East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya state, northeastern India, located on the Shillong plateau about 35 mi (55 km) southwest of Shillong. It is noted for having the world's second highest recorded average annual precipitation, 450 in. (11,430 mm) over a 74-year period, exceeded only by the 460 in. recorded at Mt. Waialeale, Hawaii. In addition, it had the greatest recorded total rainfall in a 12-month period, 1,042 in. (Aug. 1860-July 1861), and the greatest recorded total rainfall in one month, 366 in., in July 1861. The heavy precipitation results from the village's location on the plateau's southern edge, at which point the monsoon rises up the southern slope and cools rapidly, releasing enormous quantities of condensed water. Cherrapunji was the capital of the independent Khasi states until succeeded by Shillong in 1864; it is still inhabited by Khasi tribes, who are largely Christian and who have a matriarchal social system. It serves as a trade centre for the area's agricultural products; the Chera coal mine is nearby. The population is mainly Khasi. Pop. (1981) 6,097.