Islam in Meghalaya
Islam in Meghalaya refers to the presence, historical development, and socio‐cultural impact of the Islamic faith in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Although Muslims constitute a minority in Meghalaya, making up approximately 4–4.5% of the state’s population,[1]
History
The history of Islam in Meghalaya is closely linked with the historical connections of the region with Bengal and Assam. Muslim traders and soldiers are believed to have entered the Khasi and Garo Hills during the medieval period, particularly during the expansion of the Bengal Sultanate in the 14th–16th centuries.[2]
Later, during the Mughal period and the Ahom rule in Assam, Muslim soldiers, artisans, and settlers gradually spread into the hill areas. Some of these settlers established small communities in the Garo Hills and other foothill regions.[3]
In the colonial period under the British Raj, migration of Bengali-speaking Muslims from present-day Bangladesh increased, especially to work as cultivators, laborers, and petty traders in the plains and riverine areas adjoining the Khasi and Garo Hills.[4]
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Muslims constitute approximately 4.39% of Meghalaya’s population, with a higher concentration in parts of the West Garo Hills, where they make up about 16.6% of the local populace.[5] The small community of Khasi Muslims and Marwadi also here.
According to the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute 4.4% of Meghalaya’s population, numbering around 256,000 individuals.[6] They are unevenly distributed, with higher concentrations in the Garo Hills districts and the plains bordering Assam.
The Muslim population in Meghalaya consists of different groups:[7][8]
- Bengali Muslims:- The largest community, mostly residing in Garo Hills and border areas with Assam.
- Assamese Muslims (Sheikhs and others):- Settled in pockets of Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
- Indigenous converts:-A smaller section among Khasi and Garo people who embraced Islam over the centuries.[9]
Education and Socio-economic profile
Government data and surveys suggest that the literacy rate among Muslims in Meghalaya is lower than the state average, though it has been gradually improving due to increased access to schools and madrassas in urban and semi-urban areas.[10]
A significant proportion of Muslims are engaged in small-scale trade, agriculture, and daily wage labor. In towns such as Tura and Shillong, Muslim communities are also involved in service professions, education, and government employment.
Cultural and Social Impact
Islam in Meghalaya has interacted in complex ways with indigenous tribal traditions. In many cases, the social life of Muslim communities reflects a syncretism between Islamic principles and local customs. For example, while Islamic rituals and teachings provide the basis for religious observance, some practices—such as the celebration of local festivals or cultural norms related to family and inheritance—continue to reflect the influence of Khasi and Garo traditions.[11][12]
Institutions and Organizations
A number of Islamic institutions are prominent in Meghalaya. Among the best known is the Madina Mosque in Shillong—a four-storey glass mosque noted as India’s first glass mosque, which has become a landmark of the region. It was built with the involvement of local organizations such as the Shillong Muslim Union and was spearheaded by community leaders including politician Sayeedullah Nongrum.[13][14] The mosque complex also includes an orphanage, a library, and an Islamic theological institute, reflecting the community’s commitment to education and social welfare.[14][15]
There is also an another Islamic organisation in Meghalay; North East India Sharia Protection Forum (NEISPF). Which is founded on October 23 to safeguard the Muslim rights in North East India. It's founding member is former minister Syedullah Nongroom.[16]
See also
References
- ↑ "Portrait of Population Meghalaya – Census of India" (PDF). Census of India. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ↑ Mibang, Tamo (2007). Tribal Studies - Emerging Frontiers of Knowlege. Mittal Publications. pp. 85–91. ISBN 978-81-8324-215-8. Search this book on
- ↑ Barpujari, H. K. (1992). The Comprehensive History of Assam. 3. Publication Board, Assam. Search this book on
- ↑ Allen, B.C. (1906). Assam District Gazetteers: Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Mittal Publications (reprint). Search this book on
- ↑ "Portrait of Population Meghalaya – Census of India" (PDF). Census of India. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedcensus2011 - ↑ Muslim & Arab Perspectives: International Islamic Magazine. Institute of Islamic and Arabic Studies. 1996. pp. 150–7. Search this book on
- ↑ Dikshit, K. R.; Dikshit, Jutta K. (2013-10-21). North-East India: Land, People and Economy. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 353–70. ISBN 978-94-007-7055-3. Search this book on
- ↑ Mishra, N. K. Singh and A. P. (August 2008). Global Encyclopaedic Enthnography Of Indian Muslim(3 Vols. Set). Global Vision Publishing House. pp. 405–7, 567–8. ISBN 978-81-8220-297-9. Search this book on
- ↑ Islam and the Modern Age. Islam and the Modern Age Society. 2002. Search this book on
- ↑ Roy, Jeebon (1994). Ka Niam Jong Ki Khasi. Ri Khasi Press. Search this book on
- ↑ Samiuddin, Abida; Khanam, R. Global Encyclopaedic Ethnography of Indian Muslim. Global Vision Publishing House. pp. 562–8. ISBN 978-81-8220-299-3. Search this book on
- ↑ Gupta, Saibal (19 November 2018). "First glass mosque in the country". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 "India's first glass mosque in Shillong". The Hindu. IANS. 15 October 2012.
- ↑ "The Madina Mosque of Shillong: A poetry in glass". Hindustan Times. 1 February 2023. Archived from the original on 15 January 2025. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- ↑ Network, Hub (2023-10-07). "NE's Islamic NGOs, intellectuals form new forum to fight for Muslims rights, rituals and Sharia". Hub News. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
Further reading
- Hasibor Rahman, Muhammad (2004). Muslims in Meghalaya (1st ed.). New Delhi: Kitab Bhavan. ISBN 978-81-7151-353-6. Search this book on
- Mibang, Tamo (2007). Tribal Studies - Emerging Frontiers of Knowlege. Mittal Publications. pp. 83–93. ISBN 978-81-8324-215-8. Search this book on
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