Nartiang Monoliths

Nartiang Monoliths is an extensive megalithic site in Nartiang village, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, about 65 km from Shillong. It contains the tallest and largest collection of monoliths in India, with menhirs (upright stones) and dolmens (flat table stones) spread across a grassy field. Erected between the 16th and 19th centuries during the Jaintia Kingdom, the stones commemorate kings, chieftains and historic events and are regarded as an important heritage and archaeological landmark.

Visitors can expect an open grassy field dotted with hundreds of upright menhirs and flat dolmens of varying heights, including the tallest monolith in India at about 8 meters. The site is outdoors with no enclosed structure, surrounded by rural landscape and village settlement. Visitors can walk among the stones, view clusters of menhirs and dolmens, read interpretive signage, and take photographs. The area is quiet and uncrowded, offering a heritage walk experience focused on megalithic architecture and Jaintia history.

The monoliths were erected during the reign of the Jaintia Kingdom between the 16th and 19th centuries. They were raised to commemorate important events, victories, and to memorialize kings and chieftains. The tallest stone, about 8 meters high and 1.5 meters thick, is attributed to U Mar Phalyngki, a trusted lieutenant of the Jaintia king, in the early 16th century. The site reflects the megalithic tradition of the Jaintia people and was the summer capital of the Jaintia kings.

The site represents the living megalithic culture of the Khasi-Jaintia people. Upright stones (Moo Shynrang) commemorate male ancestors and warriors, while flat dolmens (Moo Kynthai) represent women. The monoliths are associated with remembrance, clan identity and traditional rituals, and remain an important cultural and heritage symbol for the Jaintia community.