During the colonial period, when Shillong was the capital of Assam, the British were drawn to the region’s cool climate as a respite from the heat of the plains. As they spent more time in the area, they came across the traditional Khasi archery practices, which were deeply embedded in the culture of the local community.

The British, fascinated by the archery skills of the Khasi people, began to observe and take an interest in how these archery sessions were structured. Over time, they are believed to have introduced a betting element to the game, drawing on familiar European lottery systems and making the activity more formalized. This marks the point when the game began to evolve from a traditional skill demonstration to a more structured and regulated form of entertainment, blending local customs with colonial influences.

Thus, what was once a community-based practice gradually transformed into the Shillong Teer we know today—a game where skill, chance, and a bit of luck combine, attracting participants far beyond the Khasi hills.