Home > Indian History > History of India > Princely State of Rembrai
Princely State of Rembrai
Princely State of Rembrai was a part of the states of Khasi kingdom in Meghalaya. The native ruler of the state held the title of Syiem.

Share this Article:

The Princely State of Rembrai, also known as Rambrai state, was a princely state of India that existed during the rule of the British Empire in India. In the 19th century, the region was allotted as one of the princely states of India which was managed by native princes under the indirect rule of the British authorities. The state was covered a total area of 328 sq miles and comprised of a total population of 3,151 in the year 1941. The princely state of Rembrai was included as a part of the states of Khasi kingdom in Meghalaya, located in northeastern India, south of Bhutan, which was under the rule of the British Province of Assam. The taluka of Rembrai was located towards the northern part of the Western Khasi States.

Location of Rembrai
The erstwhile princely state was bordered by the British Province of Assam in the north; by the princely state of Nongkhlaw in the east; by the princely state of Myriaw to the south; and by the princely state of Nongstoin in the west. The former native state included around 49 villages. The territory of Rembrai was under the administrative control of the States of Assam Agency.

History of Princely State of Rembrai
The princely state of Rembrai, like other States in the Khasi Kingdom, was established when villages merged together for mutual protection against the adjacent territories, namelky the villages of Domspep, Synia and Mawdoh. The native ruler held the title of Syiem. There were 2 major branches of the ruling family of the Syiem, namely the Black Syiems and the White Syiems. During the 19th century, members of both the families were elected rulers and the ruling families asserted the right to alternate in the rulership with the other Syiem branch. The Syiem was appointed by the Lyngdohs of the 3 villages. In the year 1829, the province came under protection of the British East India Company. The native ruler of the state, along with 2 ministers, took charge of the administration on one side of the Khri River, while the 3 Lyngdohs possessed jurisdictional authority of the other side.

The native ruler or Syiem of Rembrai was succeeded by his eldest brother, failing which, by the ruler`s eldest nephews, grand nephews, or cousins, in no particular order, but at all times in the female line. The princely state of Rembrai had no provision for the appointment of a female as the native ruler of the region. Although this system did not provide total claim to succession, as the Electoral College might have disqualified the heirs from the succession due to several reasons under Khasi custom and religion. Around 24 eminent individuals, including the sardars of the villages, 1 mantra and 3 Lyngdohs, recommended the nomination of the native ruler of Rembrai state. The Syiem was then decided by the people of the state.

Accession of Princely State of Rembrai
After the Partition of India and the departure of the British Government of India in the year 1947, the state was acceded to the newly independent Union of India, which also known as the Dominion of India, by the Syiem of Rembrai state. At present the territory is located in Meghalaya.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.