From Sacred Stones to Sky Towers
By Evangeline Dkhar
Reflecting on the proposed Monolith Towers and what they mean for culture, tourism and development in Meghalaya.
For centuries, the hills of Meghalaya have spoken through silent stones. Across Khasi and Jaintia villages stand monoliths that honour ancestors, commemorate events and symbolise the collective identity of communities. Today, these cultural symbols are being reimagined in a strikingly modern form with the announcement of the proposed Monolith Towers in New Shillong. Recently unveiled by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the ambitious project proposes the construction of two monumental towers rising to a height of 123 metres at Mawkhanu in New Shillong. If completed, the structures would become the second tallest in India after the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The towers are envisioned as a state-of-the-art tourism attraction featuring elevators, restaurants and a circular glass skywalk at the summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Evening laser shows are also planned to narrate the history, culture and traditions of Meghalaya.
The proposal reflects the government’s effort to strengthen tourism as a key driver of economic development. Tourism has increasingly become one of Meghalaya’s most promising sectors, creating employment opportunities and encouraging the growth of local enterprises such as homestays, handicrafts and cultural performances. However, beyond the excitement surrounding this ambitious project, the proposal also invites a deeper sociological reflection on culture, identity and the transformation of heritage in a rapidly modernising society.
Traditionally, the monoliths of the Khasi and Jaintia communities—known locally as Mawbynna—have carried profound cultural and social meaning. Erected collectively by clans or communities, these stones commemorate important events, honour ancestors and symbolise social prestige. They are not merely physical structures placed in the landscape; rather, they represent the continuity of lineage, memory and community solidarity. In many villages across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, monoliths continue to stand as powerful reminders of the past. Their presence reflects a society where history is preserved not through written monuments alone but through shared rituals, collective memory and cultural practices.
In this context, the proposed Monolith Towers represent a fascinating shift in how cultural symbols are interpreted and presented. A structure that once emerged from community tradition is now being recreated through modern architecture and tourism development. Sociologists often describe this transformation as the commodification of culture, where cultural symbols and traditions are adapted and presented as attractions within a broader tourism economy. Yet such transformations are not unique to Meghalaya.
Around the world, cultural heritage has increasingly become intertwined with tourism development. Iconic monuments, heritage parks and cultural centres often seek to represent history while simultaneously serving as engines of economic growth. For Meghalaya, this shift reflects the growing recognition that tourism can have a powerful multiplier effect on the economy. A single landmark attraction can stimulate multiple sectors, including hospitality, transportation, handicrafts and local food businesses. For young people in the state, tourism development can open new pathways for employment and entrepreneurship that extend beyond traditional livelihoods. However, the success of such projects will depend on how closely they remain connected to the communities and traditions they seek to represent. Cultural heritage cannot be recreated solely through architecture or technology; it must remain rooted in the stories, practices and lived experiences of the people themselves.
If traditional monoliths were raised collectively by communities to honour ancestors and shared memory, an important question arises: what does it mean when a similar symbol is recreated today as a large-scale tourism landmark? Can such a monument fully capture the spirit of a tradition that once emerged from communal effort, or will its meaning evolve as it becomes part of the tourism economy?
The proposed towers are also part of a broader vision to develop New Shillong as a modern urban centre and to decongest the existing city. As Shillong continues to grow, expanding tourism infrastructure into new areas may help distribute economic activity while reducing pressure on the capital’s already strained urban landscape. In many ways, the Monolith Towers symbolise the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity in Meghalaya. They reflect a society that seeks to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing the opportunities of development and global visibility. Whether the towers ultimately become a defining landmark of Meghalaya will depend not only on their architectural height but also on the cultural depth they represent.
As the state moves forward with ambitious tourism projects, the challenge will be ensuring that while these new structures rise high above the hills, the traditions and identities that inspire them remain firmly grounded in the lives of its people.
(The writer is Assistant Professor, Sociology)
