Assam History: Ancient and Medieval Periods

• Assam's history spans millennia, influenced by diverse cultures, migrations, and political transformations.
• The earliest inhabitants were likely Austro-Asiatic speakers, followed by Tibeto-Burman and Indo-Aryan migrations.

Ancient Assam (c. 350-1200 CE)

• Known as Kamarupa, it was ruled by the Varman, Salastambha, and Pala dynasties.
• In the 7th century, Hiuen Tsang visited Kamarupa during Bhaskaravarman's reign, documenting the kingdom.
• Kamarupa's core was in present-day Assam, with influence extending into parts of Bengal and neighboring regions.
• Pragjyotisha, near modern-day Guwahati, was an ancient capital of Kamarupa

Medieval Assam (c. 1200-1826)

• The Ahom kingdom was established in the 13th century by Sukaphaa, a Tai prince.
• Sukaphaa was originally from present-day Yunnan, China.
• The Ahoms gradually consolidated power, assimilating local populations and cultural practices.
• They successfully resisted Mughal invasions multiple times, most notably during the Battle of Saraighat in 1671.
• Lachit Borphukan led the Assamese forces during the Battle of Saraighat.
• In the 16th century, the Koch kingdom emerged, ruling western Assam and parts of Bengal.
• The Koch kingdom reached its zenith under Naranarayan.
• The Chutia and Dimasa kingdoms were eventually annexed by the Ahoms.
• Vaishnavite reformer Srimanta Sankardeva shaped Assam's religious and cultural landscape in the 15th-16th centuries.

Colonial Assam (1826-1947)

• The Treaty of Yandabo in 1826 marked the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War and the start of British rule in Assam.
• The British established tea plantations, leading to significant economic changes and migration of laborers from other parts of India.
• Assam became part of British India, initially administered as part of Bengal.
• Later, it became a separate province used strategically during World War II.
• The INdian National Congress advocated for greater political autonomy in Assam.

Post-Independence Assam (1947-Present)

• Assam became a part of independent India in 1947.
• Post-independence, Assam experienced political and social changes, including state reorganization.
• Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh were carved out of Assam.
• The Assam Movement (1979-1985) addressed concerns about illegal immigration, culminating in the Assam Accord.
• Insurgency and ethnic conflicts have posed challenges to Assam’s stability.
• Assam has tea, oil, and natural resources contributing to its economy.
• The state possesses a rich cultural heritage, exemplified by diverse ethnic groups, languages, and traditions.
• Assamese and Bodo are the official languages of Assam.
• Key festivals include Bihu, celebrating the agricultural cycle.
• Assam's wildlife includes rhinos, tigers, and elephants.
• Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their ecological significance.
• Agriculture remains a vital sector, with rice, tea, and jute as major crops.
• The Brahmaputra River influences the region's geography and culture.