The history of the Kasi (the indigenous people of Sohra) dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, these people were ruled by their Khyriem tribe "Syiems (Rajas or chiefs)" on the Khasi hill. In 1883, the Khasi Hills came under British jurisdiction. The main fulcrum of the entire superstructure of Cassie society is the matrilineal system. The original name of this city was Sohra (sohra), pronounced "Cherra" in English. The name eventually became a temporary name, Cherrapunji, which means "land of oranges", and was originally used by tourists from other parts of India. It was renamed Sohra again in its original form.