Jowai Jwai | |
|---|---|
town | |
)  Jowai Location in Meghalaya, India ) Jowai Jowai (India) | |
| Coordinates: 25°18′00″N 92°09′00″E / 25.30000°N 92.15000°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Meghalaya |
| District | West Jaintia Hills |
| Government | |
| • MLA | Wailadmiki Shylla (NPP) |
| • MP | Mr.Vincent Pala (INC) |
| Elevation | 1,380 m (4,530 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 28,430 |
| • Density | 77/km2 (200/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Pnar, Khasi, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 793 150 |
| Telephone code | 91 03652 |
| Vehicle registration | ML-04 |
| Climate | Cwb |
Jowai (IPA: ʤəʊˈwaɪ) is the headquarters of the West Jaintia Hills district of the state of Meghalaya, India, and is home to the Pnar, a sub-tribe of the Khasi people. It is a scenic place located on a plateau surrounded on three sides by the Myntdu river bordering Bangladesh to the south (about 50 km from the Indo-Bangladesh border). Due to its high altitude of 1365 m above sea level, Jowai experiences warm and pleasant summers with cool to chilly winters.
Jowai is an important business and education hub of the entire district, catering to local students as well as those from the adjacent parts of Assam and Bangladesh. It is well equipped with amenities like schools, colleges, hospitals, postal service, and the like. As with Khynriams, Pnars have a matriarchal society where daughters inherit the family property.
Connectivity
Jowai is well connected by roadways to Shillong, which is 64 km away. The town of Jowai lies on the National Highway 44(NH 44) which connects Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram and parts of Manipur, specifically Lamka (Churachandpur), where the Highway NH 44 is the sole link to it.
A few buses, often overcrowded with people and goods, operate along this route. The district's most popular and convenient mode of transport is the Tata Sumo and the Tata Indica that function on a shared passenger basis. The charge for traveling from Shillong to Jowai by either a Tata Sumo or Tata Indica is र100, with fairly good availability throughout the day.
The district has no rail or air links. The nearest rail service is in Guwahati, Assam, about 160 km away, serving many destinations. Umroi Airport (E.K Mawlong Airport), the nearest airport, has a service with limited flights to Kolkata.
Tourist spots
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The town is relatively quiet with respect to tourism. Most tourist attractions are a short distance from town, except for the bustling "Iaw Musiang", one of the oldest market areas in the district.
Other attractions include:
- Syntu Ksiar - A valley well irrigated by the Myntdu River. "Madan Madiah" or "Uncle's Ground" situated in the valley, has historical importance as the site of the freedom struggle's rise. Today, the ground has a monument of Kiang Nangbah, a fighter of the hill people.
- Tyrchi Falls - A waterfall located at approximately 8 km from the heart of Jowai.
- Jowai Presbyterian Church - The oldest church in Jaintia Hills, built by the Welsh Presbyterian Mission in the latter part of the 19th century, is located in town. It is one of the few structures that retains British architectural influence.
- Thadlaskein lake - A popular tourist spot, was dug by Sajar Nangli, a follower of the former Jaintia King.
- Ialong Park - Although lesser known, the ecological park has much to offer nature lovers, including a picturesque view of the Pynthor Wah valley of the Myntdu river.
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- Juwai Teer - One of the popular gambling sports in Jowai. Its origins are unknown, but this gambling sport is one a kind.[1]
Festivals and Food
Behdeinkhlam,[2] a major festival of the Jaintia, is a 4-day event taking place during the wet and rainy month of July. 'Behdienkhlam' literally means 'to drive away evils and plague'. It is a colourful festival celebrated in all parts of Jaintia Hills. Today, local Christians usually do not participate in it, but is celebrated with pomp and show amongst followers of the traditional 'Niamtre' religion. This festival is associated with a series of religious rites. Dancing takes place in the street to the accompaniment of drums and pipe playing. Although women do not participate in dancing, they have an important role to play at home by offering sacrificial food to the spirits of the ancestors.
Each locality prepares a decorative tower-like pillar structure called a rath, carried by 30 to 40 strong people to a small lake at 'Aitnar' for immersion. The festival culminates when the khnong (the most sacred tree) is brought to the centre of each locality.
In the afternoon, 'Datlawakor', a form of soccer with a wooden ball, is played between two teams from the upper and lower valleys of the Myntdu River. Those who win are believed to be blessed with a good harvest.
Other festivals include 'Laho Dance' and 'Chad Sukra'.
Meat and fish, particularly pork, are delicacies. A variety of savory pork dishes like Jadoh, Doh Khleh, Doh jem and Doh Snam, are prepared according to traditional recipes. Chicken, fresh fish, and beef are also among the mouth watering dishes prepared in a unique style distinct from usual curries. A strong smelling 'Tungtoh', made from fermented beans, and 'Tungtap', a variant of dry fish, are two of the most popular forms of local chutney.
Demographics
The major inhabitants are the Pnar people. Other inhabitant include Khynriams, War, Biates, Bhois, Marwaris, Bengalis, Nepalis.
As of the 2001 India census,[3] Jowai had a population of 28,430. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Jowai has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 77%, and female literacy is 75%. In Jowai, 17% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Religions in Jowai (2011)[4]
Politics
Governance in Ancient Jaintia kingdom was in the form of a Jaintia king (Syiem) from Bangladesh town in Jaintiapur Minister (Doloi) ruling over a specific "Elaka" (Geographical region) had been handed over under the absence of the Syiem. The Dollois held high positions in society as well as Syiem's court. With the advent of the British rule, the Syiem was ripped off his position, with the Dollois left with some limited powers. Jaintia Hills is divided into twelve Elakas, each under a Doloi (nominal ruler).
Apart from the ancient form, people of Jaintia Hills have their representatives in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly seated at the capital, Shillong. The present Member of the Legislative Assembly from 2-Jowai Constituency is Mr. Wailadmiki Shylla, National Peoples' Party (NPP).
Jaintia Hills District also has its own Autonomous Council as per the provisions given in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, known as Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council separated from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, which is seated at Jowai town itself. Jowai town has 4 Member of district council constituencies.[5] They are:
- Mr. Madonbai Rymbai (25-Amwi Khliehtyrshi MDC Constituency)
- Mr. Marki Mulieh (27-Jowai North MDC Constituency)
- Mr. Moonlight Pariat (28-Jowai Central MDC Constituency)
- Mr. A.Shullai (29-Jowai South MDC Constituency)
One member is elected from Shillong Parliamentary Seat as a Member of Parliament (seated at New Delhi). The incumbent MP is Mr. Vincent Pala, INC, a domicile of East-Jaintia Hills.
The upcoming MLA Election is scheduled to be held in 2018 followed by the MDC and MP Elections in 2019.
Institutions in Jowai
- Jowai Polytechnic
- Dr. Norman Tunnell Hospital School of Nursing
- Kiang Nangbah government college
- Khad-ar Daloi Law College
- Thomas Jones Synod College
- Northeast Adventist College
- North Liberty Higher Secondary School
- KJP Synod Mihngi Higher Secondary School
- Seinraij higher Sec School
- Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School
- Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School
- Tome Memorial Secondary School
Localities in Jowai
References
- ^ "Juwai Teer Result & Teer common number". Juwai Teer Result & Teer common number. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- ^ http://www.north-east-india.com/meghalaya/behdienkhlam-festival.html
- ^ "Census of India 2011: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
- ^ https://www.in/data/town/801545-jowai-meghalaya.html
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2 March 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2012.