Rosaville - Neo-colonial architecture
in a planter's hill station
For the British planter community of Assam, Shillong was an idyllic
weekend jaunt. Cool, moist and with a temperate climate throughout
the year, hilly Shillong probably reminded those old British folk
of the Highlands of Scotland.
Naturally Shillong has its share of English cottages and colonial
buildings amidst the beautiful flower gardens and natural green
that the palce is famous for.
Rosaville was built in 1935 by the late Raibahadur Kanaklal Barua,
a prominent citizen of Assam and one who served as a member of
the Viceroy's Executive Council. The house was named after his
daughter, Rosa. A most endearing piece of neo-colonial architecture,
Rosaville's interiors- immaculately appointed with period furniture
and numerous bric-a-brac exude the charm and warmth of a very
living past.
Where women rule the roost
The indigenous Khasia tribal people are unique in that they follow
a matriarchal system of society. In other words, men marry and
come to stay in their wives' homes. They soon settle down to a
life where she goes to work and, she inherits the property. Catch
a glimpse of all this and a lot more -colourful and chunky Khasia
handcrafted jewellery, textiles and artefacts - during your sojourn
in Shillong.