Have you heard of Mawkyrwat’s monolith heritage in Meghalaya?

A little over three hours from Meghalaya’s capital city of Shillong, lies a strange beauty, in complete silence. Mawbynna, a local name for the megaliths of Mawkyrduk in Mawkyrwat, Meghalaya, is a site that fills one up with strange curiosity.

Read more: All you need to know about Nartiang Monoliths.


These megaliths are carved out of large rocks, for purposes no one can fully explain or understand. But they are there.


One look at the site and one can’t help but think about the famous Stonehenge of Salisbury Plain in England.


Located in South Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya, the monolith heritage site is home to a number of tall menhirs (large human made upright stones), all placed in a neat circular pattern, just like the one at Stonehenge. The resemblance is uncanny.


Imagine this, you see vast low-lying rolling hills in front of you, sans any major vegetation or any residences. Just very tall stone structures placed firmly in a neat circle. Fascinating, isn't’ it so?



This is not Meghalaya’s only tryst with monoliths. In fact, monoliths are a big part of the rich culture and tradition of the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya. Take, for instance, the Monolith Festival that takes place in Mawphlang. The sacred grove of Mawphlang is home to many such monoliths that were once a part of various tribal rituals.


Also, the monoliths of Nartiang are a thing of beauty and mystery. The one in Nartiang is a monolith forest!


Whatever the reason for their existence may be, we now have one more stunning reason to keep visiting Meghalaya.

1. Where is monolith heritage site located?
   The monolith heritage site or Mawbynna is located in Mawkyrduk in Mawkyrwat, Meghalaya. It comes under South Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya.
2. Is there a monolith festival in Meghalaya?
   Yes, Mawphlang Monolith Festival takes place in Mawphlang Sacred Grove in Meghalaya.
3. How far is the Monolith Heritage Site of Mawkyrduk from Shillong?
   The site is approximately three hours from Shillong; about 75 km.