The Teenager Today – August 2019

Acclaimed as one the finest

museums in Asia, this museum can

compete with the best anywhere in

India. Its sheer size and information

in one place is a boon to anyone

looking to know more about NE

history. The layout and design

of the museum is in line with

international standards with clear

markings and safety instructions

and exit points.

In attractive glass-encased exhibits,

you will find the different types

of cultivation of the region, from

wet, jhum and terrace cultivation.

The Basketry Gallery displays the

different types of baskets each tribe

engages in making for various

purposes, from fishing to using

them for tea leaf collection.

The North East is known for

producing some great musicians

down the years who have made a

mark locally and internationally.

The Musical Instruments Gallery

features some indigenous musical

instruments, so homegrown, you

would wonder how they sound.

You could nevertheless sit back

and listen to a few melodies being

played in the room, even relax in

one of the computer chairs and

watch a film or a music video for a

few minutes.

The exhibits get more elaborate

as you walk into the Weapons

Gallery that displays a host of

locally-made weapons used for

hunting and self-defence. Side

by side there’s the very gorgeous

Costumes and Ornaments Gallery

that opens a window onto the

variety of colourful shawls which

are the pride of every tribe. You

can also view some of the rare

dances of the North East playing

on the screens.

There are exhibits that focus on the

growth of Christianity in the North

East, pioneered by the Salesians of

Don Bosco. The added attraction

once you reach the seventh floor is

the Skywalk on top of the Museum

which gives a 360 degree panoramic

view of Shillong.

The impeccable anthropological

presentation on the multiple aspects

of each state is the highlight of

the museum and one would need

around 3-4 hours to really get

immersed into reading and viewing

everything that you come across

here.

The ticket price is Rs 100 adult / Rs

50 student with ID card and Rs 100

for a professional or phone camera.

The souvenir shop sells some very

nice goodies of the North East to

take home.

Once you’re done, do take the time

to explore Shillong’s rolling hills,

pine trees, waterfalls and local tourist

attractions. Nicknamed the Scotland

of the East during British rule, one

cannot afford to miss out on the local

cuisine of sticky short-grained Joha

rice, chilli pork, river fish, pickled

bamboo shoots, chicken and dog

meat (yes, you heard it right).

Photos: Verus Ferreira

Verus Ferreira is a freelance journalist for the

past 25 years. Besides The Teenager Today,

he also contributes to the Afternoon DC.

Making of rice beer Wood carving

Cane furniture Musical instruments Cane fishing traps