The story of Shillong Teer stretches back to the days of British colonial rule, when Shillong was designated the summer capital of Assam. Drawn by the region’s cool climate and serene landscapes, British officials regularly escaped the sweltering plains for the highlands of Meghalaya.

During their time in the region, the British took note of the Khasi people’s traditional archery practices—community-centered gatherings that held deep cultural and spiritual significance. Fascinated by the skill and social energy of these events, colonial authorities began to view the activity through a different lens, one informed by their own familiarity with lotteries and regulated betting.

Over time, they introduced changes to the informal archery sessions, adding structure, rules, and a sense of order. What had long been a communal ritual was subtly reshaped into a more formalized spectacle—part skill-based sport, part game of chance. Thus, this period marked the beginning of Shillong Teer’s evolution, blending indigenous tradition with colonial-era influences and laying the foundation for the regulated betting game we see today.