Princely State of Nonglwai

The Princely State of Nonglwai was one of the native states of India during the rule of the British Empire in India. During the 19th century, the territory was appointed as one of the princely states of India under the indirect rule of the British Government and was managed by native princes. The state comprised of a total population of 363 in the year 1941. The princely state of Nonglwai 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. It was one of the least developed areas amongst the Khasi Hill States. The territory of Nonglwai lied towards the central region of the Eastern Khasi States. The native state was surrounded by the princely state of Mawphlang in the north; by the taluka of Khyrim in the east; by the princely state of Cherra in the south; and the princely state of Lyngiong to the west. The Princely State of Nonglwai was under the administrative control of the States of Assam Agency.

History of Princely State of Nonglwai
The native ruler of the state of Nonglwai held the title of Sardar. The local chiefs or Sardars of the princely states of Nongwlai, Dwara Nongtyrnem, Pamsanngut and Mawdon were elected by all the people for a specific period. The qualifications of the family were not essential for the selection of the Sardar of Nonglwai. The local rulers of the native state attended the darbars of the princely state of Nongstoin till 1901. The native ruler of Nonglwai was succeeded by his eldest brother, failing which, by the ruler`s eldest nephews, grand nephews, or cousins, in no particular order. Although this system did not provide total claim to succession, as the heirs might have been disqualified from the succession due to several reasons under Khasi custom and religion.

Accession of Princely State of Nonglwai
The last Sardar of the princely state of Nonglwai acceded the territory to the newly independent Union of India after the political withdrawal of the British Government of India from the country on 15th August 1947. After the nation was divided between India and Pakistan, the native rulers were given the choice of acceding to either the Dominion of India or the Dominion of Pakistan. The native ruler of Nonglwai decided to merge with the Republic of India. At present the region is a part of Meghalaya.