SHILLONG

city, capital of Meghalaya state, northeastern India. The city is located on the Shillong Plateau at an elevation of 4,990 feet (1,520 m). Shillong first became prominent in 1864, when it succeeded Cherrapunji as the district headquarters; in 1874 it was made the capital of the new province of Assam. An earthquake destroyed the city in 1897, necessitating its complete rebuilding. The North East Frontier Agency's headquarters were in Shillong until that region became the union territory of Arunachal Pradesh in 1972. In that year Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya, which had been newly created out of territory that was formerly within the state of Assam. Shillong is one of the largest cities in northeastern India and is an important trade centre for agricultural products. Its research stations include dairy farm, fruit, and silkworm-growing institutions; it also has the Pasteur Institute and Medical Research Institute and two hospitals. The Barp ani hydroelectric station lies a few miles to the north. Pop. (1991 prelim.) city, 130,691; metropolitan area, 222,273.