Shillong has been the Capital of Assam since 1874,with a temporary break from 1905 to 1912,when the Government Secretariats were functioning both from Dhaka, now the Capital of Bangladesh, and Shillong. Henry Hopkinson, Commissioner of Assam in 1864.In that very year the headquaters of the District Officer of the khasi Hills were transferred from Cherrapunjee to Shillong.Shillong’s picturesque set
ting and salubrious climate were found very suitable for sanatoria and holiday home of the British civilians, who were tormented by heat in the plains. It was also considered an ideal situation for the establishment of a military cantonment to keep vigil on the entire North East. Termed as “Scotland of the East”, Shillong is situated at a height of 5,000 feet on the plateau of gentle hills. Cool colonnades of tall pine trees clad with whispering green leaves glistening in the sun surround the city. On its bosom lie several lovely waterfalls – Spread Eagle falls, Elephant Falls, Beadon Falls etc. sprightly dancing down from their hilly heights.