Shillong – The Rock Capital of India 1. Where is Shillong? Describe its geographical location. Ans: Perched at an elevation of about 1500 metres above the sea level, The Scotland of The East is the capital of the state of Meghalaya. 2. What made Shillong reach world-wide attention? Ans: Shillong’s love affair with music is a long one. It received attention for enter The Guinness Book of World Records with the largest guitar ensemble with 1,730 local guitarists playing to Bob Dylan’s popular number – Knocking on Heavens Door in 2007. 3. Write a short note on Soulmate. Local bands from Shillong have achieved success at music festivals all over the world. Soulmate has to be the most famous export though. The blues rock band was the first to represent India at the prestigious International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2007. Since then it has become one of the most respected musical acts in the countries. 4. What is the other passion the Shillongites have, apart from rock music? Shillong’s other great passion is Football. Despite being a small town with cramped space, it has some of the most picturesque football pitches in the country. On any given day, these grounds are packed with people of all age groups sharing the joy of the beautiful game. 5. What makes Shillong a must visit place? It’s not just music and cultural diversity that makes Shillong a must visit place. From the pristine Umiam lake to Mawlynnong, Asias cleanest place, to Mawsynram, the wettest place on earth, Shillong is surrounded by the most beautiful sites you will ever see. Reference to the context : “Perhaps that’s why the Scotland of the east is more popular today as the rock capital of India.” a) What’s has been called as the Scotland of the East? Ans: Shillong has been called as the Scotland of the east. b) Why is The Scotland of the East called as The Rock capital of India? Ans: Shillong’s inherent identity is closely associated with music that resonates (has an impact on the citizens) with its denizens. While Kolkata has Rabindra Sangeet, and Chennai has its share of Carnatic music, Shillong has rock and roll. That’s why the Scotland of the East is more popular as the rock capital of India.
