Shillong Teer is an archery game that was transformed into a sport by the people of Meghalaya and their neighboring states. “Teer” literally means “arrows,” and the game originally aimed to showcase the archery skills of the Khasi people, forming a key part of their culture. Over time, however, the game evolved from a skill exhibition into a form of gambling, with people betting on the outcome of the shooting rounds.

While Shillong Teer once celebrated the art and precision of archery, its modern form has become commercialized, with people wagering on the shooters’ performance. The rise of the internet and technology has opened up the game to a much larger audience, bringing it out of the pages of history. Today, Shillong Teer not only reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage but also demonstrates how tradition can adapt to contemporary times.