Princely State of Langrin

Princely State of Langrin was one of the former princely states of India that was managed and supervised by a native prince under the rule of the British authorities. The princely state was under the indirect control of the British Empire in India. The state comprised of a total population of 1,355 in the year 1941. The princely state of Langrin was incorporated 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 territory of Langrin lied towards the southern parts of the Western Khasi States. The native state was bounded by the princely state of Nongstoin in the north; by the taluka of Maharam in the northeast; and by the princely state of Bhowal in the east. The region also shared its borders with the British Province of Assam in the west and south. The Princely State of Langrin was under the administrative control of the States of Assam Agency.

History of Princely State of Langrin
The native ruler of Langrin state 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 branch of the White Syiem family asserted the right to alternate in the rulership with the Black Syiem branch. The native ruler or Syiem of Langrin 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. Although this system did not provide total claim to succession, as the heirs might have been disqualified from the succession due to several reasons.

The Syiem of Langrin state was assisted by almost 5 ministers or mantris, who also served as the heads of communes. The rules that governed the succession of the native rulers in Langrin state was much different than the customs that existed in other Khasi States for the election of Syiem. The Darbar of the state contained all adult males of the princely state and were all permitted to vote in the election of the Syiems, but nominating candidates only from the Black Syiem branch.

Accession of Princely State of Langrin
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 Langrin state. At present the territory is located in Shillong.