Ancient Assam History PDF

ANCIENT ASSAM HISTORY In ancient days, Assam was known as Pragjyotisha and later as Kamarupa. Theories regarding the origin of the name Pragjyotisha 1. A branch of people called Chao-Theius of China migrated to India at a very early period and occupied three important centres – in the east in Assam, in the centre in the present Bareilly district and in the north-west in Afghanistan. In India they came to be known as the Zuhthis and the three centres they occupied, were later on named as Prag-Zuhthis, Madhya-Zuhthis and Uttar-Zuhthis respectively. The word Zuhthis was subsequently transformed into the Sanskrit for Jyotisha. This theory is not supported by sufficient evidence. 2. As mentioned in the Kalika Purana, that Brahma made the first calculation of the stars in Pragjyotisha. Prag means former or eastern and Jyotisha, a star, astrology, shining. Pragjyotishpur may therefore, be taken to mean the “City of Eastern Astrology”. Theories regarding the origin of the name Kamarupa 1. The word Kamarupa has been derived from an Austric formation like Kamru or Kamrut, the name of a lesser divinity in Santali which justifies the association of the land with magic and necromancy. It is said that the word symbolises a new cult, namely the worship of the mother goddess kamakhya and in exaltation of it, the land was rechristened. 2. Gopatha Brahmana narrates the story of Kamadeva’s revival in this land, after his destruction by the fiery glance of Siva. Theories regarding the origin of the name Assam 1. It is derived from the word “Asama” meaning uneven as distinguished from the Samatata or the level plains of Bengal. 2. The word Asama (peerless) may be a later Sanskritisation of an earlier form of Acham. In Tai, ‘cham’ means “to be defeated”. With the prefix a, Assam would mean “undefeated”, “conquerors”. The name once applied to the people was subsequently applied to the country as well. 3. Assam is derived from a Bodo formation like Ha-chom, meaning low land. Traditional rulers and early history Mahiranga Danava The earliest known king of ancient Assam was a non-Aryan named Mahiranga Danava. His capital was at Mairanka, which may be identified with a hill called ‘Mairang Parvat’ still existent at a distance of seven miles from Guwahati on the GS road. He was a Kirata chief (The Kirāta is a generic term in Sanskrit literature for people who had territory in the mountains, particularly in the Himalayas and Northeast India and who are believed to have been Sino-Tibetan in origin). Mahiranga Danava was succeeded by Hatakasura, Sambarasura, Ratnasura and Ghatakasura. Ghatakasura was killed by Naraka, who then founded a new line of kings. Page - 1 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Naraka’s legend and its historicity Born of the Mother Earth, Prithvi through Vishnu in his boar incarnation. He is also called Bhauma (born of earth). He was left on the sacrificial ground of king Janaka of Videha Goddess Prithvi impersonated herself as a nurse, Katyayani, and looked to the child’s upbringing. With the help of his real father Vishnu, he subsequently became the ruler of Pragjyotisha, ousting Gatakasura. He made his capital at Pragjyotishpur and made it “inaccessible even to the gods.” This is perhaps the earliest settlement of Aryans in Pragjyotisha. He erected a temple for Kamakhya on the Nilachala hill, excavated a tank and constructed a road to the temple in a single night. Lord Krishna killed him and placed his son Bhagadatta on the throne. Bhagadatta Bhagadatta was the son of Naraka. Legends state that Bhagadatta gave his daughter Bhanumati in marriage to Durjyodhana Bhagadatta participated in the great Mahabharata war on the side of Kauravas. He was celebrated as a powerful warrior-king “not inferior to Chakra (Indra) in battle”. He is called “the mighty king of the Mlechchhas” and described as the”best wielder of the elephant squad”. He was killed by Arjuna in the Kurukshetra war. A number of epigraphs mention that Bhagadatta was succeeded by Vajradatta. What was the exact relation between them cannot definitely be ascertained. Bhismaka His kingdom is called Vidarbha, which traditions located in the region of Sadiya. His capital was at Kundina, situated on the bank of the river Kundil, which flows through Sadiya. Bhismaka had five sons and a beautiful and accomplished daughter named Rukmini. Bhismaka wanted her to marry Sisupala. Rukmini wanted to marry Krishna. On the wedding day, Krishna carried her off in his chariot to Dwaraka defeating the crowd of princes present in the wedding. This story has been narrated in the Bhagavata and the Vishnu puranas as well as in the Rukmini-Harana of Sankardeva. The Chutiyas trace their descent from Bhishmaka. Banasura Contemporary to Naraka. His capital city was Sonitpur. The Siva temple of Mahabhairab (Tezpur) is attributed to him. Bana had many sons but only one daughter named Usha. The story of Usha’s gandharva marriage with Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna, with the help of Chitralekha, Usha’s artist friend, and subsequent capture of confinement of Aniruddha and his final release by Krishna (Hara Hari Yuddha) is narrated in a well-known Assamese poetical work Kumara Harana by Sankaradeva. Page - 2 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 The great battle where Bana was defeated by Krishna is said to have been fought in the modern site of the Tezpur bil. Bana’s grandson Bhaluk made his capital at Bhalukpong near Balipara at the foot of the Aka hills. The Akas claim their descent from this prince. Varman Dynasty Sources – Dobi grant, Nidhanpur Grant, Nalanda seals of Bhaskarvarman. Pushyavarman (c. 355 – 380 AD) Pushyavarman was the founder of Varman dynasty. Assumed title - maharajadhiraj (it implies that he was independent) In the Allahabad pillar prasasti of Samudragupta, the name of Kamarupa occurs as a frontier kingdom along with Davaka whose kings owed allegiance to Samudragupta. Although the name of the Kamarupa king was not mentioned in the Allahabad pillar, it was identified with Pushyavarman. Pushyavarman was succeeded by his son Samudravarman (c. 380 – 405 AD). Balavarman - I (c. 405 – 420) Samudravaraman was succeeded by his son Balavarman-I. His daughter, princess Amritaprabha, married to king Meghavahana of Kashmir. Amritaprabha is said to have been accompanied by her father’s preceptor, a Tibetan Buddhist monk named Stunpa. It indicates that Buddhism entered Kamarupa as early as the 5th century AD. This Stunpa erected a stupa in Kashmir called Lo-stupa. Amritaprabha also erected in Kashmir a lofty vihara for the benefit of the foreign monks called Amritabhavan. Kalyanavarman (c. 420 – 440) It is believed that Kalyanvarman brought Kapili valley under his control and ousted its king and sent a diplomatic mission to China. Referred to as Yu-Chai (with the eye or the face like the moon) in Chaina. Mahendravarman (c. 450-485) Kalyanavarman was succeeded by Ganapativarman, Mahendravarman and Narayanavarman. Towards the end of the reign of Skandagupta, it is possible that Mahendravarmana shook off the last vestiges of Gupta influence of allegiance He was also the first Kamarupa king to perform Aswamedha yajna. Bhutivarmana (c. 510 – 555) Bhutivarman conquered lands in Pundravardhana to the west of the Trisrota in between 545-550 AD and donated lands to more than 200 families of Brahmans in the Pundravardhana bhukti (roughly north Bengal). Page - 3 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Thus Bhutivarman became the first king of Kamarupa to extend the western frontier of the kingdom beyond the river Karatoya. Bhutivarman was succeeded by Chandramukhvarman and Sthitavarman. Sthitavarman’s son and successor Susthitavarman was renowned as Mriganka. The Harshacharita describes him as a powerful monarch. Later Gupta monarch Mahasenagupta defeated him. As a result of the defeat, Kamarupa lost Pundravardhana. Susthitavarman had two sons – Supratisthitavarman and Bhaskaravarman. Supratisthitavarman had a premature death and after a very short reign, he was succeeded by Bhaskarvarman. Bhaskarvarman (c. 594 – 650) A new era Bhaskarabda began from 594 AD (coronation of Bhaskar Varman). Also called Kumara Raja as he remained unmarried. He sent his ambassador Hamsavega to meet Harshavardhan with a proposal to form an alliance with Harshavardhana. Bhaskar Varaman also sent a painting to Harsha called as “Paat aru Tulika”. They together defeated Sasanka of Gauda. Gauda with its capital city Karnasuvarna came to the possession of Bhaskara. To celebrate the occasion, Bhaskara issued from his victorious camp at Karnasubarna the famous Nidhanpur grants reconfirming the land-grants made by Bhutivarman in Pundravardhana. Visit of the reputed Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang to Kamarupa in 642-43 AD. During Hiuen Tsang’s farewell, Bhaskara gifted him a cap of skin to protect him against rain and cold (Ho-la-li). Hiuen Tsang’s account of Kamarupa Hiuen Tsang has left a valuable account of Kamarupa (Si-yu-ki). ○ “the country of Kamarupa is about 10,000 li (nearly 1700 miles) in circuit. ○ The capital town is about 30 li. ○ The people cultivated the jackfruit and the coconut. ○ The climate is soft and temperate. ○ The manners of the people are simple and honest. ○ The men are of small stature and their complexion dark yellow. ○ They adore and sacrifice to the Devas and have no faith in Buddha. ○ Bhaskar Varman is of the Brahman caste (which is not actually correct). Though he has no faith in Buddha, yet he much respects Sramanas of learning. After hiuen Tsang’s visit, darkness again fell on ancient Assam. From 7th to 12th century, the ancient Assam history is studied based on some Copper-Plate inscriptions. This period is hence also called Copper-plate period. Bhaskara perhaps died a celibate leaving no successor to the throne. ➔ A descendent of Narakasur, named Salastambha killed Avanti Varman of Varman Dynasty and established the Salastambha dynasty in 8th century - “Assam History” by Padmanath Gohain Barua. ➔ After the death of Bhaskar VArman, one of his relative Avanti VArman who was well known as Salastambha founded Salastambha Dynasty in Kamrup - E.A. Gait ➔ Salastambha and Avanti VArman was the same person - Dr. P. C. Choudhury Page - 4 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Salastambha Dynasty Salastambha shifted the capital to the present Tezpur area and named it after the name of his tutelary deity Hataka or Hetuka Sulin as Hatakeswara or Haruppeswara. Salastambha was succeeded by a line of 20 kings ending with Tyagasingha. Sri Harshadeva (c. 725 – 750 AD) The Pasupati epigraph of the Nepal Licchavi king Jayadeva II mentions a king named Sri Harshadeva, who has been described as Gaudradi-Kalinga-Kosala-pati. Harshadeva’s marriage alliance with the Nepal king Jayadeva II helped him in leading the campaigns. His conflict with the western Chalukyas is hinted in the Samangad epigraph of Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga dated 752 AD. Finally Harshadeva was overthrown by Yasovarman. Harshadeva was succeeded by Balavarman-II and Pralambha or Salamgha. Pralambha was succeeded by Harjaravarman. Harjaravarman (c.815 – 835 AD) Harjaravarman has left us with two inscriptions – the Hayunthal grant and the Tezpur Rock epigraph. Harjara was the first of the Kamarupa kings to assume high-sounding epithets like Maharaja-dhiraja Parameswara paramabhattaraka. Harajara built a lofty temple for Hetuka Sulin in the capital city at Haruppeswara. Excavated big tank called Harjarapukhuri in Tezpur. Vanamalavarmanadeva (c. 835–865 AD) Vanamala, like his father, was a devout worshipper of Siva and abdicating the throne in favour of his son Jayamala, he fasted unto death, evidently under the influence of religion. Jayamala (c. 865 – 885 AD) Jayamala was also known as Virbahu. Attacked by a fatal disease, he considered the world vain and man’s life a water-drop and abdicate the throne in favour of his son Balavarman-II Balavarman-III (c. 885 – 910 AD) He was the last important ruler of Salastambha Dynasty. Tyaghasinga (c. 970 – 990 AD) The last ruler of Salastambha dynasty. He died childless and his officials appointed Brahmapala (a governor under the Salastambhas) as their king. Note: Page - 5 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Salastambha Dynasty ruled for more than three hundred years Kamarupa witnessed the zenith of her military power and glory during this period. During this period, Sankaracharyya, the great Vedantist reformer of South India, came to Kamarupa to enter into a debate with the prominent Tantrik Scholar Abhinava Gupta. Pala Dynasty Brahmapala (c. 990 – 1010 AD) The first elected king of Assam. Brahmapala has left us no record but in the epigraph of Ratnapala he is described as a great warrior, though simply called Maharajadhiraja. Ratnapala (c. 1010 – 1040 AD) He left us Choratbari grant, Bargaon grant and Sualkuchi grant. Ratnapala had beautified and well fortified the city of Hadapyaka (probably later name of Harupeswara) and renamed it as ‘Durjaya’ or the ‘impregnable one’. Indrapala (c. 1040 - 1065 AD) We have two records of him - Gauhati grant and the Guakuchi grant. Marriage alliance with the Rashtrakutas. Gopala (c. 1065 - 1085 AD) He has left us the Gachtal inscription. His mother was a Rashtrakuta princess named Rajyadevi. Harshapala (c. 1085 - 1095 AD) Dharmapala (c. 1095 - 1120 AD) (Khonamukhi grant, Subhankarapataka grant and Pushpabhadra grant) The last important ruler of the dynasty. The famous Kalika Purana was written under his patronage. Towards the end of his reign, Dharmapala shifted his capital city to Kamarupanagar (North Gauhati). Jayapala (c. 1120 - 1138 AD) Jayapala was defeated by king Ramapala of Bengal. This event is mentioned in the Ramacharita by Sandyakara Nandi. But it appears that Ramapala did not occupy or conquer Kamarupa proper but only snatched away her possessions in North Bengal over which he appointed Tingyadeva as a ruler. Later kings Vaidyadeva, succeeded Tingyadeva. Page - 6 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Vaidyadeva became the first Gauda ruler to conquer Kamarupa. Initially he was a feudatory ruler under the Palas of Bengal, but after the death of Kumarapala, he became independent. He left us the Kamauli grant. Successors of Vaidyadeva It is not known who succeeded Vaidyadeva. The Tabaquat-i-Nasiri mentions that Prithu or Viswasundaradeva was the king of Kamarupa at the time of the invasions of Bakhtiyar Khilji (1205-06) Administration of Ancient Assam Seven component parts of a state were known to the kings of Kamrupa. The kalika Purana lays importance on these elements and calls them Rajyangam. These components are - King, minister, territory, fort, treasury, army and ally. Central administration Monarchy was the normal form of government. Chief title used by the rulers of ancient Kamarupa was maharajadhiraj. Often, divinity was attached to the kingship. Ideal duties of the king - Welfare of his subjects His own and his family’s protection To protect and maintain Varnasrama Dharma Learning and expansion of Arya Dharma To patronize learning and promote art and culture King was advised by a council of ministers. The actual strength of the Council is not known. Inscriptions refer to the ministers as mantris, amatyas and sachivas. A set of officers helped the king. It included the Rajaguru (royal priest), Bhisaka (Physician), Mahadvaradhipati (chief warden of the palace), Mahapratihara (head chamberlain) etc. Local administration The administrative divisions are in line with the Guptas. The Bhukti was perhaps the largest division. The mandala, appears to be the next administrative division. Mandala was probably a collection of many visayas, the next administrative division. The lowest unit of administration was the grama or village. Inscriptions also mention small divisions like pataka, konchi and palli. Military organisation The king was probably helped by a war minister. Under him there was a Commander-in-Chief or general. The division of the army was the traditional four fold one - ships, elephants, horses and infantry. The army personnel were recruited from all classes of people including the Brahmanas. The chief weapons of war were Page - 7 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 ○ asi(sword), ○ parasu(axe), ○ khatvanga (spear) and ○ gada (mace) as well as ○ the bow and arrow. The assam tribes have always been expert archers and they used to poison their arrows with aconite. The Doobi grant mentions Chakra (wheel), discus, javelin, sharp arrows and other deadly weapons. ○ Surprise attack such as lying in ambush and then suddenly falling upon the enemy was the chief strategy of the Assam tribes. Religion Saivisim Sakti worship ○ The temple of Kamakhya on the Nilachala hill is a famous Sakta shrine in India. ○ Another noted centre of Devi worship was the temple of Tamreswari at Sadiya, where the goddess in her Kesai Khaiti form was propitiated with sacrifices even of human beings. ○ Sun worship - According to Taranatha, before the introduction of Buddhism, the people of Kamarupa were sun-worshippers. There are remains of a sun-temple at Sri Suryya pahar in Goalpara. The recent architectural findings at malinithan in the lower Siang district of Arunachal contain beautiful images of the Sun-god. ○ Vaishnavism - Naraka traced his descent from the Boar incarnation of Vishnu. Vishnu as Hayagriva is still worshipped in Assam in the temple of Hayagriva madhava at Hajo. ○ Buddhism - Kamarupa was a stronghold of Vajrayana of Tantrik Buddhism and most of the Vajrayana siddhas are associated with this land. Art and architecture: The materials used for their construction were stone, brick and clay. The existing remains include architecture and fortifications, sculptured designs, icons and a few specimens of painting. Evidences revealed that the sculptural art of Assam was started from the Gupta time. The Daparbatia temple of 5th-6th century A. D was the earliest example of the sculptural art of Assam. The carving door frame bears the characteristic feature of the early Gupta School of sculpture Da-Parvatiya (Sonitpur) The door jambs of Da Parbatia Temple are ornamented with the figurines of 2 Hindu mythological Goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, who are seen standing with grace and dignity and have garlands in their hands as a sign of welcoming people inside the temple. Deopahar / Deopani The classical features like transparent drapery, limited jewellery, drooping eyelids, finely polished body were found in this new style. Besides, sculptures were carved out on black sand stone. Some other characteristic features such as the round face with thick lips, broad and pointed nose, long ears, broad forehead, long hair and thick eyebrows, and broad shoulder are illustrated. Page - 8 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Akshaiganga One of the shafts of the pillars from the site show design resembling the Chalukyan style. Gosaijuri Stone pieces from Gosaijuri in Nogaon showing yavanika and other designs are similar to the art of southern India and even of Sri Lanka. Madan Kamdev erotic postures of Madan Kamdeva temple are very similar to the sculptures of Khajuraho. Haygriva Madhav Temple The Kalika Purana composed in the 11th century CE in Kamarupa talks about the origin of this form of Vishnu and his final establishment in the hill of Monikut. The present temple structure was constructed by the King Raghudeva Narayan in 1583. According to some historians the King of Pala Dynasty constructed it in the 10th century. Some Buddhist believe that the Hayagriva Madhava temple, best known in the group of Hindu temples, is where the Buddha attained Nirvana A most striking feature - the continuous row of elephants carved on the lowest level of the temple walls - a structure akin to the stone cut temple of Ellora. MEDIEVAL ASSAM HISTORY Invasion of Muhammad-bin-Bakhtiyar Khalji (1205-06) The account of the expedition is based on that given in Tabaquat-i-Nasiri by Minhaj Uddin Siraj. Muhammad-bin-Bakhtiyar Khalji, was the governor of Bihar under Qutb-ud-din Aibak In 1202 AD, Bakhtiyar occupied Lakhnauti (Bengal) and three years later he launched a campaign of territorial expansion to the east with his eyes fixed on the distant countries like China, Tibet or Turkestan. Starting from Devkot towards the close of the winter of 1205 AD, he proceeded with an army of 10 to 12 thousand well equipped horsemen. He managed to get the services of a Mech chief whom he converted to the Islamic faith and christened as Ali Mech. His army was defeated by the then Kamrupa rule Prithu or Viswasundaradeva Bakhtiyar, with a few of his best mounted soldiers, managed to reach the opposite bank and to return to Devkot but only to die soon afterwards. Kanai Barasi Rock of North Gauhati records - “On the 13th of Chaitra, in the Saka year 1127, the Turks coming into Kamarupa were destroyed”. Invasion of Ghiyasuddin Iwaz Khalji (1227) Ghiyasudddin Iwaz Khalji, the governor of Bengal under the Delhi Sultan Iltutmish. He led the second expedition to kamarupa in 1227 AD. In the meantime, Iltutmish’s son Nasiruddin invaded Bengal. Hearing the news, Iwaz hurried back to Bengal, but he was defeated and put to death. Nasiruddin then ruled over Bengal and during this period he killed Prithu and placed his successor Sandhya on the throne on the condition of paying annual tribute. Page - 9 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Invasion of Tughril Khan Sandhya formed an alliance with the Chutiya king of eastern Assam through wedding ties. He occupied certain portions of Gauda and assumed the title Gaudeswara. Tughril Khan, governor of Bengal marched against him in 1257 AD. The Sultan was killed and his army defeated. Sandhya shifted his capital from Kamarupanagar to Kamatapur (founder of Kamatapur) Thenceforth the Kamarupa king assumed the title Kamateswara or Kameswara. The rulers in succession of Sandhya were Sindhu Rai, Rup Narayan and Singhadhvaj. Later Singhadhvaj was killed by his minister Pratapdhvaj. Dharmanarayan and Durlavnarayan At the death of Pratapdhvaj, the throne was seized by his cousin Dharmanarayan. The kingdom was divided -, Durlabhnarayan taking the northern and eastern parts along with the city of Kamatapur and Dharmanarayan (his uncle) retaining the rest which included Rangpur and Mymensingh. After the conclusion of the treaty, Dharmanarayan sent 14 families of learned Brahmanas and Kayasthas to the latter’s kingdom, with Kayastha Chandivar, the great - great - grandfather of Sankardeva as the leader. Durlabhnarayan (1330-50) gave Chandivar the title Devidasa and also lands to settle at a place called Bordowa. The famous Assamese poets - Harihar Vipra, Ram Saraswati (popularly known as Kaviratna Saraswati) and Hema Saraswati adorned his court. Note: version of K Hema Saraswati - Prahlad Charit, Hara-Gauri-Sambad (a umarasambhavam by Kalidasa). Ram Saraswati - Jayadratha Vadha Harihar Vipra - Babrubahanar Yudha, Lava-Kushar Yudha, Tamradwajar Yudha Invasion by Sikandar Shah (1362) Durlabhnarayan was succeeded by his son Indranarayan. Sultan Sikandar Shah led an expedition to Assam. Arimatta Indranarayan’s inability to resist the Muslims paved the way for the rise of the Bhuyans. One of them, Arimatta or Sasanka killed Indranarayan and usurped the throne of Kamata. Khen line of kings and invasion of Hussain Shah Niladhvaj Khen uniting the strength of several Bhuyans, established his authority over the whole Kamata. The dynasty founded by Niladhvaj was called Khen dynasty which had three kings only Niladhvaj succeeded by his son Chakradhaj. Page - 10 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Bengal sultan Barbak Shah led an expedition to Kamata, but was defeated by the Kamata ruler. Nilambar succeeded Chakradhvaj. Bengal Sultan Alauddin Hussain Shah led a campaign. The territory upto hajo was annexed to the domain of the Sultan. This is the first success of the Muslims in the history of medieval Assam. The Sultan set up his son Daniel as the ruler of Kamata. The Bhuyans made a united attack on Daniel’s garrison and destroyed it to the last man. The Buranjis also mention the names of Masandar Ghazi, Kalu Dewan and Sultan Ghiyasuddin, who were possibly other generals of Alauddin Hussain Shah. Ghiyasuddin is said to have built a mosque at Hajo and was buried near it. He had been exalted to the position of a saint by the local muslims, who consider this place oa-Mecca (one-fourth of Mecca) and they still visit it to pay their homage to the saint. as P The Chutiyas and their kingdom Birpal, who was originally the head of sixty Chutiya families, was the founder of Chutiya kingdom. He claimed his descent from a legendary king named Bhismak. Birpal’s son Gaurinarayan, or Ratnadhvajpal was one of the most powerful of the Chutiya kings. He established his capital at Ratanpur on the north bank of the Brahmaputra and assumed the name Ratnadhvajpal. Ratnadhvajpal sent an embassy to the Kamateswara, evidently Sandhya, asking him his daughter to give in marriage to a Chutiya prince, Vijaydhvajpal. Ratnadhvajpal sent one of his sons to Gauda for higher education. Unfortunately the Chutiya prince died there. The corpse was sent to Ratnadhvajpal, who was then engaged in building a city at Sindhukshetra on the bank of the Kundil river, where it was cremated. From that time onward the place came to be known as Sadiya, where the permanent capital of the Chutiyas seels to grow up. The last powerful ruler of the Chutiya kingdom was Dhirnarayan or Dharmadhvajpal Dhirnarayan was succeeded by his son-in-law nitipal, who had married the Chutiya princess Sadhani by winning a marriage archery contest. Nitipal was the last ruler of Chutiya kingdom. During his rule, Chutiya kingdom was annexed to Ahom Kingdom by Suhungmung in 1523 AD. The Kacharis and their Kingdom According to certain traditions, there were two branches of Kacharis, ○ one ruling at Sadiya and ○ the other on the south bank of the Brahmaputra with capitals at Dimapur, Maibong and Khaspur. ○ The southern branch of the Kacharis claimed their esent from Ghatotkacha, son of Bhima, through the Kachari princess Hedamba or hidimba. The Kacharis are known under different names - Mech, Dimasa, Bodo or Bodo-fisa. The Kacharis were defeated by Suhungmung or the Dinihgia Raja, in 1526 AD Thenceforth the Kachari kings were called thapita sancita of the Ahoms. Page - 11 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 The Kacharis then moved downwards and established their headquarters at Maibang on the bank of the Mahur river. The Kacharis were conquered by the Koches in 1562 and Kamalnarayan (aka Gosain Kamal) was appointed governor of Cachar. The Koch kingdom The progenitor of the Koch royal family was one Haria Mandal, a resident of the village Chikanagram in the Khuntaghat pargana in the Goalpara district. Haria mandal’s son Bisu (Biswa Singha) subjugated the neighbouring Bhuyans, after which he declared himself king in 1527 AD. His kingdom was called Koch Behar with its capital at Kamatapur. Biswa Singha died in 1540 AD. Naranarayan Biswa Singha’s eldest son Malladev became king and assumed the name Naranarayan. He made his brother Sukladhvaj his commander-in-Chief, who was also given a new name, Sangram Singha. He was popularly known as Chilarai (the ‘Kite King’), Ahoms were defeated by the Koch kingdom during the rule of Naranarayan. The Koch army conquered the whole of the nort-eastern India within a brief period of about 4 years (1662-65). It is to be noted that the Koches did not annex these conquered territories, but were satisfied to secure their allegiance and tributes. Chilarai was attacked by small-pox and died sometime between 1572-75. Chilarai had a son named Raghudev. Naranarayan was blessed with a son named Lakshminarayan. Naranarayan divided the kingdom into Koch Bihar (Lakshminarayan) and Koch Hajo (Raghudev). Naranarayan died in 1587. Naranarayan rebuilt the temple of Kamakhya with bricks in 1565. Sankaradeva, a subject of the Ahom kingdom who started this movement failed to get support from the Ahom government and, therefore, moved to the Koch kingdom for shelter and support. It is under the patronage of the Koch government that he founded the institute of Satra in order to propagate his teachings. Naranarayan’s court was adorned with scholars ○ Sankaradeva and Madhvdeva ○ Prurshottam Vidyabagish, who compiled a grammar, Ram Saraswati, who made valuable renderings of the Mahabharata, ○ Ananta Kandali, the translator of the Bhagavata, ○ Sridhar who made Assamese renderings of astrological works ○ Bakul Kayastha, who made Assamese renderings of Arithmetic by Lilawati in verse. Gohain Kamal Ali, from Koch Behar to Narayanpur in the present Lakhimpur district, constructed by his brother Gohain Kamal. Ralph Fitch, a Portuguese traveller visited the Koch kingdom during his reign. Page - 12 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Sankardeva and Neo-Vaishnava movement in Assam Sankardeva Born in 1449, in Alipukhuri of Nagaon Father - Kusumbar Bhuyan and mother - Satyasandhya Brought up by grandmother - Khersuti Got enrolled in the tol of Mahendra Kandali. At the age of 21 years, in 1470, married Suryavati and a daughter was born named Manu. At the age of 32 (1481), Sankardeva went on pilgrimage. He returned after 12 years, at the age of 44. He laid the foundation of Neo-Vaishnavism in Assam The first Satra set up by Sankaradeva - Bordowa in about 1494 AD. But Vaishnavas soon confronted the hostility of the Brahmanas (the then Ahom King Suhungmung was greatly influenced by Brahmanism) Sankardeva and his followers migrated to the Koch kingdom in 1546 and made their settlement at Patbausi near Barpeta. The Koch king Naranarayan was greatly impressed by the saint’s personality and assured him of safety in the propagation of Vaishnava creed. Sankardeva used Brajawali language to propagate his religion. Neo-Vaishnavism Sankaradeva taught qualified monism of absolute surrender to one supreme God and advocated the Dasya attitude of Bhakti, in which the votary is to consider himself as the servant of God. Also known as Eka-Saran-nama dharam, Mahapurushiya dharma or Bhagawati Dharma. The four principles of Neo-Vaishnavism in Assam are - Guru, Deva, Bhakta and Nama. Sankardeva taught equality of all human beings and accepted disciples from all religions, tribes and professions Page - 13 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 ○ Chandsai - Muslim ○ Govinda - Garo ○ Paramananda - Miri ○ Jayananda/ Jayaram - Bhutia ○ Narottam - Naga ○ Narahari - Ahom ○ Srirama - Kaivarta ○ Madhava - Potter ○ Damodar - trader. Structure of vaishnavite organization Satra is the most important organ The eclesiastical order of Satra consisted of - ○ Satradhikar - Popularly called Gosain or Mahanta ○ Bhakats - Celebate devotees were called kewaliya bhakat ○ Sisyas Other important functionaries are - ○ Bhagwati - recited and expounded the Bhagawata ○ The Pathak - read the religious texts ○ Deori - distributed man-prasad ○ Bharali - Store keeper ○ Hatimota - who summoned the disciples in the Hatis (cells where they lived) ○ Gayan - singer ○ Bayan - players of musical instruments. Page - 14 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Ahoms Sukapha - Rise of the Ahoms SUKAPHA (1228 – 1268): Sukapha belonged to the Chan/ Shan branch of the Tai or Thai family of South East Asia As a result of a dispute with one of his brother he left his home in Mong Mao in 1215. He proceeded towards Patkai through Hukawng Valley (Burma), crossed Daikam Hills, then river Khamzang and stopped near Nangyang Lake. There he subjugated the Nagas. In 1228 he reached Namrup (Brahmaputra valley) and Tipam and set up his head quarters. In 1253 he permanently established his kingdom in Charaideo (Sivsagar) In his administration, Sukapha was assisted by two ministers - Burhagonain and Borgohain. Buranji writing started in Assam He died in 1268. SUTEUPHA (1268-81): Sukapaha was succeeded by Suteupha He extended his western boundary up to Namdang During the reign from Subinpha to Supimpha, there was no extension of Ahom Kingdom SUBINPHA (1281-93) SUKHANGPHA (1293 – 1332) SUKHRANPHA (1332 – 1364) SUTUPHA (1364 – 1376) SUDANGPHA (1397 – 1407) Also known as Bamuni Konwar The first official entry of the Hinduism to the Ahom court The worship of Vishnu continued along with Ahom deity Chom-Cheng (Chomdeo) SUJANGPHA SUPHAKPHA SUSENPHA SUHENPHA Page - 15 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 SUPIMPHA SUHUNGMUNG (1497 – 1539): Also known as “Dihingia Roja” as he shifted his capital to Bakata, on the bank of the river Dihing. Assumed the Hindu title “Swarganarayan” Adopted Saka Era in place of the Ahom system of calculation by cycle of 60 years A new Minister’s post was introduced – “Barpatra Gohain” in 1504. the first buranji in Assamese entitled Sri Sri Swarganarayan Maharajar Janma Katha was written, wherein the Ahoms were assigned the origin from the Aryan god Indra. In 1523, Chutiya kingdom was annexed to Ahom kingdom and the officer called Sadiya Khowa Gohain was appointed to administer it. Phrasenmung - the first Sadiya Khowa Gohain Last Chutia king Nitipal’s queen Sadhani, who preferred death to rurrender, committed suicide by throwing herself from the top of the Chandangiri hill. Rikkhvan ceremony was performed to celebrate the victory. In 1536, Kacharis revolted against Ahom. Their king Detchung was caught and beheaded. Whole Dhansiri Valley along with the Kachari possessions up to the Kalang River were annexed to Ahom kingdom. The administration was placed under a new officer called “Marangikhuwa Gohain”. In 1532, Turbak Khan invaded Assam. He was defeated and killed. First use of firearms by Ahom. The first ever census took place during his reign. Suhungmung met his death in 1539 as a result of a conspiracy hatched by his eldest son Suklenmung Mula Gabharu was the wife of an Ahom General who lost his life in the battle during Turbak Khan’s Invasion. After his death, Mula Gabharu, seeking revenge and to defend her country, lead the army and fought with exemplary bravery and perseverance and caused major damage to the invasive Muslims. However, she laid her life during a direct engagement with the General of the Invaders Turbak. SUKLENMUNG (1539-1553): He was popularly known as “Gorhgayan Raja” as he shifted his capital to Gorgaon. Gorgaon Pukhuri and Naga Ali were built under his reign. He placed the deity of Chom-Cheng (Chomdeo) in a separate temple outside the palace, but inside the campus SUKHAMPHA (1553 – 1603) Also known as “Khora Raja” Ahoms sustained defeat in the hands of Koches in the battle of Dikhou and Handia in 1562. SUSHENGPHA (1603 – 41) Also known as Pratap Singha. Also called Buddhi Swarganarayan and Burha Raja Fight with Kacharis in 1606 and with Mughals in 1615 once and again. He replaced Ahom Kotokis (messangers) by Brhamans Two posts were introduced – Barbarua (Mumai Tamuli) and Barphukan (Langi Panisiya) Mumai Tamuli Barbarua started Paike System. Page - 16 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Built Chandika temple at Chaygaon. Treaty of Asurar Ali, 1639 - the Barnadi on the north bank of the Brahmaputra and the Asurar Ali, on the south, were fixed as the boundary between the Ahom and the Mughal territories. Paik System - ○ Derived from the word ‘Padatika’ (foot soldiers) ○ every adult male between the age 16 to 50 was registered as a paik ○ Four paiks (later three) formed a unit called got ○ Paiks were also organized into professional khels ○ The paiks were broadly divided into two classes - kanri and chamua. The regular peasantry, which was bound to give its service to the State as a soldier in times of war and as a labourer in times of peace was called kanri paiks. Peasants of good birth or relative affluence were called chamua paiks. SURAMPHA/BHAGA RAJA(1641-44) NARIYA ROJA /SUTYIMPHA (1644-1648) JAYADHWAJ SINGHA / SUTAMLA (1648-1663) Mir Jumla’s invasion in 1662. Jayadhvaj Singha took to flight to Namrup (that is why he was called Bhaganiya Raja). Treaty of Ghilajharighat in 1663 (January 22). Offered his daughter to the Mughal harem (Nang Se or Ramani Gabharu was given in marriage to Azamtara, son of Aurangzeb). Died in November 1663. CHAKRADHWAJ SINGHA (1663-1669) He was the cousin of Jayadhwaj Singha and also known as Charing Raja. Lachit Barphukan, son of Momai Tamuli Barbarua, was made Barphukan. Guwahati was recaptured with the assistance of Lachit Barphukan and Atan Buragohain Mughal army under Ram Singha came to Assam in 1669. UDAYADITYA SINGHA (1669-1673) Ahom name Sunyatpha (1669 - 73) Battle of Alaboi Battle of Saraighat in 1671 When Ahom soldiers were retreating, Lachit, in spite of his illness, rushed into the thick of the Mughal fleet with six war-vessels. Mughals were defeated. RAMADHWAJ SINGHA Udayaditya Singha’s younger brother (Ramdhvaj Singha/ Siklampha) hatched a conspiracy against him, and in league with Debera (alias Lechai) Hazarika, poisoned him to death. Page - 17 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Later Debera managed to cause Ramadhvaj Singha poisoned to death and put Suhung on the throne. SUHUNG Suhung was assassinated after a short reign of 21 days only. Debera put Gobar on the throne GOBAR Debera and Gobar both were killed by Atan Buragohain. SUJINGPHA SUDAIPHA Parvatiya Raja (owing to his residence at Charaideo Paravat) LORA ROJA / SULIKPHA (1679 – 1681) Lachit was succeeded by his elder brother Nimati alias Laluk Sola as the Barphukan. Lalok Sola Barphukan appealed for Mughal help to make him the king of Assam, in return he surrendered Gauhati to the Mughals. King Sudaipah and Aton Burhagohain along with his sons were executed. The Barphukan then brought in a fourteen year old prince named Saru Goahin / Sulikpha / Ratnadhvaj Singha Episode of Jaymati Laluk Sola Barphukan’s main target of attack was Gadapani, son of Gobar. Spies were sent out on foot to gather information of Gadapani, who had been roaming about incognito. Gadapani’s pregnant wife Jaymati was therefore brought to the court and interrogated, but she refused to say anything about her husband’s whereabouts. She was then tortured to death at Jerenga pathar. This noble sacrifice of Jaymati for the cause of her husband and hence for her country is still held in great esteem by the Assamese. GODADHAR SINGHA (1681 – 1696) Also known as Gadapani. Changed his attitude towards Satras. False kewalia Bhakats are punished Built Dhodar Ali was constructed Battle of Itakhuli (near Sukleswar) – 1682 Manas was decided to be the boundary between Mughal and Ahom Founder of Tungkhungiya dynasty Patron of Sakta Hinduism. Built temple of Umananda First ruler in North East to introduce land survey. Page - 18 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 “Do not appoint persons of low social ranks in high offices. Do not trust persons with foreheads smeared with horizontal lines (the Sakta Brahmanas). Do not entertain the courtiers with female-dancers dancing to the tune of drums”. - Gadadhar Singha on his deathbed. RUDRA SINGHA (LAI) (1696 – 1714) Expedition against Kacharis and Jayantias. Ordered Vaishnava Gossains to have their headquarter in Majuli. Received Auniati Gossain as his religious preceptor. Synod of Garhgaon (1702) - debarred the Sudra Mahantas from initiating the Brahmanas. Introduced five new khels – Katoky, Kakati, Bairagi, Khaund and Doloi. Court poet – Kaviraj Chakraborty who composed “Sankha-sur-badh” and translated Abhijnanam Sakuntalam and Brahma-Vivatra Purana. He built- Joydoul and Jaysagar. He also built Kharikatiya Road, Durbariyam Road and Meteka road. He built Namdang bridge. SIVA SINGHA (1714 – 1744) He was initiated by Krishnaram Bhattacharya (Parbatiya Gohain) He was a weak ruler and relied heavily on astrology. ○ Bor Roja – Phuleswari/ Pramateswari. Died in 1731. Built Gaurisagar Tank ○ Bor Roja – Drupadi/ Ambika. Died in 1738. Built Shiva Doul and Sivasagar tank ○ Married Sarbeswari or A nadori. RAMATTA SINGHA (1744 – 1751) Built Rang Ghar (originally built with bamboo during the rule of Rudra Singha) Also built Singhaduar at Gargaon, Sukleswar and Redreswar Temple at Guwahati RAJESWAR SINGHA (1751 – 1769) Sent the army to Manipur to help king Jai Singh in his fight against the Burmese.(Lata Kata Ran) Manipuri Queen – Kuranganayani Kirtichandra Barbarua (Gendhela) ordered to burn the Buranjis writteb by Numali Borgohain. He built Kareng Gharat Gargaon, Basistha Ashram, Navagraha Mandir, Chitrachal Mandir, Har-Gouri Devalya and Talatal Ghar. LAKSHMI SINGHA (1769-1780) Moamoriyan rebellion in 1769 Lakshmi Singha fled to Guwahati Moamorinan’s placed their nominee Ramakant on the throne. Laxmi Singha reinstated on the throne after one year. Ragha, the Barbarua, was killed by a Huchari Party on 14th April, 1770.. Ramakanta escaped, but later captured and put to death. Page - 19 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 GAURINATH SINGHA (1780-1794) Second Moamoriyan rebellion 1782. British send troop under Thomas Welsh for his help in 1792 KAMALESWAR SINGHA (1795 – 1810) CHANDRA KANTA SINGHA (1810 – 1818) Conflict between Purnananda Buragohain and Badan Barphukon. First Burmese invasion 1817. The first Assamese-Burmese encounter took place at Giladhari. In 1819 Badan Chandra was assassinated and Chadra Kanta Singh was replaced by Purnadar Singh PURANDAR SINGHA (1818- 1819) Second Burmese invasion 1819. (Burmese commander Ata Migi) Chandra Kanta Singha was once again restored to the throne CHANDRAKANTA SINGHA (Second term) Third Burmese invasion (1821) Patalong, under whose supervision a fort was being built at Jeyposr, was killed. Chandra Kanta fled to Guwahati The Burmese placed an Ahom prince, Jogeswar Singha on the throne. The period from 1821 to 1824 is called period of Burmese rule First Anglo- Burmese war (1824 - 26) War was declared on the 5th of March 1824. On 24th February 1826 treaty of Yandabo was signed between Burma and English. ○ King of Ava (Burma) renounced all his claims over Assam ○ Gambhir Singh was recognized as the ruler of Manipur Company made separated agreements with Raja Govindra Chandra of Cachar and Raja Ram Singha of Jaintia MODERN ASSAM HISTORY Establishment of Company rule David Scott was appointed the “Agent to the Governor General for Eastern frontier from Cachar in the south to Sikkim in the North” in 1823 In 1828, British permanently annexed lower Assam. Scott was entrusted with the responsibility to administer lower Assam and Captain Neufville was appointed as political agent to Upper Assam with his HQ at Biswanath. Page - 20 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Uprising against the British by Ahoms First uprising 1828 - Gomdhar Konwar and Dhanjay, a former Borgohain. Gomdhar Konwar surrendered and was given 7 years imprisonment. Dhanjay was captured, but later escaped to Naga hills Second uprising Second attempt was made by Eyang Gomandeo, an Ahom prince. It ended prematurely as he fell into a trap of the subehdar of Sadiya Third uprising. 1829 - Dhanjoy Aided by his two sons Harakanta and Haranath, his son-in-law Jeuram Dulia Barua, Peoli Phukan (son of Badan Barphukan), Duram Dihingia Barua and Krishnanath and Singphos. Rupchand Konwar was projected as the future king of Assam. Peoli Phukan and Jeuram Dulia Barua were hanged in August, 1830. Purandar Singha - The last Ahom ruler Purandar Singha was reinstated on the throne in Upper Assam (region lying east of Dhansiri River in the South bank of Brahmaputra and the region lying east of Biswanath in the north of Brahmaputra); HQ - Jorhat Treaty of Gauhati was signed in 1833. Purandar Singha ruled till 1838. It was annexed to British India in 1838. Annexation of Cachar and Jayantia There was a clash between Manipur and Cachar the king of Cachar, Govind Chandra was assassinated he had no descendant and Cachar was annexed in August 1832 to the British Empire Similarly Jaintia was also annexed in 1835 Indian National Movement and Assam Maniram Dewan Born in 1806 in Sivsagar He worked in the ministry of Purandar Singha till it was annexed by the British. Revolt of 1857 In 1857, there were two main regiments stationed in Assam: ○ Assam Light Infantry Battalion under Major Hannay - HQ: Dibrugarh ○ Assam Light infantry Battalion - HQ: G auhati. Maniram Barua, goaded Kandarpeswar Singha (grandson of Purandar Singha) to raise the standard of revolt. The revolt was suppressed. Maniram Dewan and Peoli Barua were hanged (26 february, 1858). Kandarpeswar Singha was put under surveillance. Page - 21 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 The first language issue 1836 - Bengali was declared as official language. Initially assamese had no problem with it - ○ Haliram Dhekial Phukan - ‘Assam Buranji’ in Bengali ○ Maniram Dewan - ‘Buranjir Vivek Ratna’ in a corrupt form of Bengali Situation changed after recruitment of Bengalis in government offices. Anandaram Dhekial Phukan wrote pamphlet using the pseudonyms ‘A Native’, where he strongly defended the Assamese language. Missionaries also supported the cause of Assame language First Assamese journal ‘Orunudoi’ was published in 1846 (Dr. Nathan Brown - editor) 1873 - Assamese was made the official language. Peasants’ revolts The Phulguri uprising (1861) First peasant movement in Assam Causes - ○ Ban on opium cultivation ○ Increase in land revenue ○ Rumours that cultivation of tamul (areca nut) and pan (betel vine) would be made taxable Lt. Singer was beaten to death and his body was thrown into the river Kalang by the crowd The Rangia uprising (1893-94) Causes - ○ Enhancement of revenue ○ Supply of government opium On 24 December, 1893 Ragia Bazar was looted by the protestors. The Patharughat uprising (1894) About 2000 rayats assembled in front of the rest house of Anderson, the Dy. Commissioner of Darrang, to lodge their protest against the enhanced rates of assessment. Police open fired, which brought death to fifteen and severe injury to many rayats. Local political Associations Jorhat Sarbajanik Sabha Founded in 1884 under the initiative of Jagannath Barua President - Raja Naranarayan Singha, Secretary - Jagannath Barua Assam Association Founded in 1903 President - Prabhat Chandra Barua Page - 22 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Vice President - Jagannath Baruah General Secretary - Manik Chandra Barua Headquarter - Guwahati First session - Dibrugarh, 1905 The Literary Associations Assam Desh Hitasini Sabha Formed in 1885 at Sivsagar through the efforts of Priyalal Barua Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha Formed in 1888 Published a monthly journal called Jonaki ○ First issue - 1889 ○ First editor - Chandra Kumar Agarwala. Swadeshi Movement After Bengal partition, the new province of Eastern Bengal and Assam was placed under J. B. Fuller who assumed charge as Lieutenant Governor of the new province at Dacca. Important leaders of Swadeshi movement in Assam - Ambikagiri Raychoudhury, Govinda Lahiri etc. Political development in Assam 1911 - Bengal partition annulled 1912 - Assam got a provincial Council of its own. ○ No. of members - 34. (13 nominated, 21 elected) ○ The Legislative Council of Assam first met on 6th January, 1913 at 11 am at Shillong. ○ It was presided over by Sir Archdale Easle, the Chief Commissioner of Assam. ○ The prominent members (non-official) of the council were - Kammini Kumar Das, Manik Chandra Barua, Padmanath Gohain Barua, Tarun Ram Phukan, Ghanashyam Barua, Radha Binod Das, Muhammad Saadulla and Raja Prahat Chandra Barua ○ Many leaders resigned from the assembly because of lack of power like Tarun Ram Phukan, Radha Govinda Das (Sylhet) and Phani Dhar Chaliha. 1916 - Assam Student Conference was organized ○ President of the first session - Lakshminath Bezbarua 1920 - Non-cooperation movement was launched by Gandhi (and INC) ○ At that time, the general secretary of Assam Association was N. C. Bordoloi 1921 - Mahatam Gandhi’s first visit to Assam ○ 2nd - 1926 ○ 3rd - 1934 ○ 4th - 1946 1921 - Assam Pradesh Congress Committee was formed ○ First President - Kuladhar Chaliha ○ Secretary - Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Page - 23 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 1921 - Chargola tragedy ○ Hundreds of Tea garden labours of Chargola and Longai valley of Karimganj lost their lives in a protest in May, 1921. 1922 - NCM movement was called off Two-member committee of Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya came to Assam to study the political situation in Assam. Swarajist party was formed in Assam with Tarun Ram Phukan as the President in 1923. ○ Swarajist won 13 seats out of 39 in Assam provincial election of 1923. ○ Swarajists formed a colition government (Assam Nationalistic Party) in Assam with help of independent candidates. 1926 - Swarajist Party withdrew from Assam Government. 1926 - 41st INC session was held in Pandu, Guwahati (1926) under the Presidentship of SS Srinivas Iyenger. ○ Tarun Ram Phukan was elected as a member of CWC for 1926-27 1930 - Civil disobedience movement launched. ○ Tarun Ram Phukan did not support this movement. ○ Rohini Kumar and N. C. Bordoloi were unenthusiastic. ○ Bishnu Ram Medhi took the responsibility of launching CDM in Assam. ○ From Assam, Liladhar Barua joined the famous Dandi March ○ Puspalata Das along with Sarla Saxena, Punyaprabha Barua and Jyotsna Mazumdar organized the Mukti bahini. ○ Rani Gaidinliu played major role in the Civil Disobedience in Assam. ○ Then the Director of Public Information, JR Cunningham issued Cunningham circular in Assam to restrict participation of students in the movement. 1935 -Government of India Act ○ Assam legislature became bicameral ○ Legislative council - 22 members. Legislative assembly - 108 members. 1937 - Syed Mohammad Sadulla formed government on 1st April, 1937. (first Chief minister of Assam) ○ Basanta Kumar Das was elected the first speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly ○ Sadulla Submitted resignation on 13th September, 1938 ○ Ambika Giri Roy Choudhury, founded ''Assam Sangrakshini Sobha'' (later renamed as Assam Jatiya Mahasabha) 1938 - Bopinath Bordoloi’s first ministry. ○ Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (5th President of India and only President of India from Assam) was also a member of Bordoloi’s ministry. ○ Bordoloi’s ministry resigned on 17th November, 1939. 1939 - Sadulla’s second ministry ○ Sadulla supported British’s war effort. ○ Students protest ○ “Gauhati Day” was observed for Anti-War demonstration. ○ Sadullah, in the wake of several no-confidence motion, submitted resignation on 12th December, 1941 1941 - 1st Governor’s rule in Assam ○ Governor - Robert Neil Reid ○ 25th December 1941 - 24th August 1942 Page - 24 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 1942 - Quit India movement ○ Sadullah formed the third ministry. ○ Women wing of APCC was formed in September 1940 with Puspalata Das and Amritprava Das as joint secretary. ○ Mrityu Bahini was formed in 1942. ○ Kanaklata Barua and Mukunda Kakati were shot dead in Gohpur. ○ In Sibsagar, the individual Satyagraha movement was started by Moulana Tayebulla, the President of the Asom Pradesh Congress Committee. ○ Kushal Konwar was arrested on the ground of derailing a train in Sarupathar (Golaghat) and later hanged on 15th June 1943. 1946 - Gopinath Bordoloi’s second ministry 1946 - Cabinet mission plan ○ Assam was put under Group C - Bengal and Assam. 1946 - Muslim League formed a secret organization in Bengal and Assam by the name of “ Banglo-i- Islam”. The purpose of this organization was to mobilise Muslim youths for a separate state Pakistan. 1947 - Mountbatten Plan ○ On 6th and 7th July of 1947, a referendum was held in Sylhet district of Assam after which Sylhet was included in East Pakistan with 56% vote. Post independence history of Assam The first governor of Assam was Sir Akbar Hydari The first chief minister of Independent Assam was Gopinath Bordoloi Gopinath Bordoloi (1946 – 1950) Gauhati University was established (1948) Gauhati High Court was established (1948) Guwahati station of All India Radio was established (1948) Bishnu Ram medhi (1950 – 1957) First Five-Year Plan was started Panchayat system of governance was introduced The he went on to become the governor of Madras Bimala Prasad Saliha (1957 – 1970) 63rd Session of Congress in Guwahati (1958) Saraighat Bridge was constructed (1963) Noonmati oil refinery was established (1962) Language revolt of Assam (1959-60) Official Language Act (1960) Mahendra Mohan Choudhury (1970 – 1972) Bongaigaon Petrochemicals Jogighopa Paper mill Page - 25 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Silghat (Nagaon) Jute factory Sarat Chandra Singha (1972 – 1978) Capital shifted to Guwahati from Shillong (1973) Golap Borbora (1978 – 1979) First non-congress government in Assam (Janata Dal) Jogendr Nath Hazarika (September – December, 1979) President’s rule imposed in Assam for the first time (12th December, 1979 – 13 January, 1980) owing to the – Assam Agitation ASSAM AGITATION / ASSAM MOVEMENT (1979-1985) Between 1948 and 1971, there were large scale migrations from Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) to Assam. In 1978 Hiralal Patwari died, requiring a by-election in the Mangaldoi Lok Sabha Constituency to fill his seat. During the process of the election, observers noticed that the number of registered voters had grown dramatically. AASU demanded that the elections be postponed till the names of foreign nationals were deleted from the electoral rolls. The Assam Agitation developed from there. December 10, 1979, Khargeswar Talukdar, the 22-year-old general secretary of Barpeta AASU Unit, was beaten to death and thrown into a ditch next to the highway at Bhabanipur. Talukdar has been honoured by the Assam Movement as its first Martyr. AASU observes 10 December every year as Swaheed Diwas. In 1983, Indira Gandhi government passed Illegal Migrant (Determination by tribunal) Act, popularly known as IMDT Act. ○ It provided special protections against undue harassment to the “minorities” affected by the Assam Agitation. Under the IMDT Act, the burden of proving the citizenship or otherwise rested on the accuser and the police, not the accused. This was a major departure from the provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946. (The Act was challenged by Sarbananda Sonowal in courts. It was struck down by the Supreme Court of India in 2005 in Sarbananda Sonowal v. Union of India.) Negotiations took place between the government and AASU-AAGSP during 1984-85. Finally Assam Agitation ended with the signing of Assam Accord in 1985 between then PM Rajiv Gandhi and the leaders of Assam Movement. Assam Accord Accord between AASU, AAGSP and the Central Government on the Foreign National Issue (Assam Accord), 15 August 1985 1. The Government have all along been most anxious to find a satisfactory solution to the problem of foreigners in Assam. The All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parished (AAGSP) have also expressed their keenness to find such a solution. 2. The AASU through their Memorandum dated 2nd February 1980 presented to the late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi, conveyed their profound sense of apprehensions regarding the continuing influx of Page - 26 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 foreign nationals into Assam and the fear about adverse effects upon the political, social, culture and economic life of the State. 3. Being fully alive to the genuine apprehensions of the people of Assam, the then Prime Minister initiated the dialogue with the AASU/AAGSP. Subsequently, talks were held at the Prime Minister’s and Home Minister’s level during the period 1980-83. Several rounds of informal talks were held during 1984. Formal discussions were resumed in March, 1985. 4. Keeping all aspects of the problem including constitutional and legal provisions, international agreements, national commitments and humanitarian considerations, it has been decided to proceed as follows: Foreigners Issue 5.1 - For purposes of detection and deletion of foreigners, 1.1.1966 shall be the base data and year. 5.2 - All persons who come to Assam prior to 1.1.1966, including those amongst them whose names appeared on the electoral rolls used in 1967 elections shall be regularised. 5.3 - Foreigners who came to Assam after 1.1.1966 (inclusive) and upto 24th March, 1971 shall be detected in accordance with the provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order 1964. 5.4 - Names of foreigners so detected will be deleted from the electoral rolls in force. Such persons will be required to register themselves before the Registration Officers of the respective districts in accordance with the provisions of the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 and the Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1939. 5.5 - For this purpose, Government of India will undertake suitable strengthening of the government machinery. 5.6 - On the expiry of a period of ten years following the date of detection, the names of all such persons which have been deleted from the electoral rools shall be restored. 5.7 - All persons who were expelled earlier, but have since reentered illegally into Assam shall be expelled. 5.8 - Foreigners who came to Assam on or after March 25, 1971 shall continue to be detected, deleted and practical steps shall be taken to expel such foreigners. 5.9 - The Government will give due consideration to certain difficulties expressed by the AASU/AAGSP regarding the implementation of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983. Safeguards and economic development 6. Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the culture, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. 7. The Government take this opportunity to renew their commitment for the speedy all round economic development of Assam, so as to improve the standard of living of the people. Special emphasis will be placed on education and science and technology through establishment of national institutions.6. Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the culture, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. Other issues 8.1 - The Government will arrange for the issue of citizenship certificates in future only by the authorities of the Central Government. Page - 27 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 8.2 - Specific complaints that may be made by the AASU/AAGSP about irregular issuance of Indian Citizenship Certificates (ICC) will be looked into. 9.1 - The international border shall be made secure against future infiltration by erection of physical barriers like walls, barbed wire fencing and other obstacles at appropriate places. Patrolling by security forces on land and rivering routes all along the international border shall be adequately intensified. In order to further strengthen the security arrangements, to prevent effectively future infiltration, an adequate number of check posts shall be set up. 9.2 - Besides the arrangements mentioned above and keeping in view security considerations, a road all along the international border shall be constructed as to facilitate patrolling by security forces. Land between border and the road would be kept free of human habitation, wherever possible. Riverine patrolling along the international border would be intensified. All effective measures would be adopted to prevent infiltrators crossing or attempting to cross the international border 10 - It will be ensured that relevant laws for prevention of encroachment of government lands in tribal belts and blocks are strictly enforced and unauthorized encroachers evicted as laid down under such laws. 11. It will be ensured that the relevant law restricting acquisition of immovable property by foreigners in Assam is strictly enforced. 12 - It will be ensured that Birth and Death Registers are duly maintained. Restoration of Normalcy (Clause 13 to 15) Syda Anowara Taimur (December, 1980 – June, 1981) One and only Muslim Chief Minister of Assam One and only Woman Chief Minister of Assam Kesab Chandra Gogoi (January, 1982 – March, 1982) Father of former CJI Ranjan Gogoi. Post Assam Agitation 1983 - in the election held in 1983 Congress form the government under Hiteswar Saikia 1985 - Assam Accord was signed 1985 - For the first time in the history of Assam, Assam gana Parishad (AGP), a regional party, formed the government under Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. 1990 - President's rule was imposed in the state Spell of president rule in Assam ➔ December, 1941 - November, 1942: Governor’s rule for want of majority of any party ➔ October 1945 - March, 1946: Governor’s rule for want of majority of any party ➔ 12 December, 1979 - 6 December, 1980: President’s rule ➔ 30 June, 1981 - 13 January, 1982: President’s rule ➔ 19 March, 1982 - 27 February, 1983: President’s rule ➔ 27 November, 1990 - 30 June, 1991: President’s rule 1991 - The Congress form the government under Hiteswar Saikia as the Chief Minister 1996 - After the death of hiteswar Saikia on 22nd April 1996, Dr Bhumidhar Barman took charge as the acting Chief Minister for a few days Page - 28 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 1996 - AGP from the government led by Prafulla Kumar Mahanta 2001 - 2006 - 2011 - Congress party headed by Tarun Gogoi got elected thrice to form the government 2016 - BJP late National democratic Alliance won a majority of seats in the Legislature with 86 seats, followed by congress with 26 seats and AIUDF with 13. Sarbananda Sonowal of BJP became the chief minister of Assam. Assam Legislative Assembly 1861 - Under Indian Council act 1861 - Assam did not have its own democratic institution 1905 - Assam was tagged with East Bengal and the institution was then called Legislative Council of eastern Bengal and Assam, which started functioning from December 18 1906. 1909 - The council had a strength of 40 members out of which Assam was allotted 5 seats 1909 - Assam was granted a legislative council under the Government of India Act 1909 1912 - Assam was reconstituted into a chief commissioner’s province. 1913 - The Assam Legislative Council came into being with strength of 34 members - 13 nominated, 21 elected. The Legislative Council of Assam first met on 6th January 1913 at 11 a.m. at Shillong, which was presided over by Sir Archdale Easle, the chief commissioner of Assam. 1919 - under Government of India Act 1919 the strength of the Legislative Council was reached to 53 members with effect from 1st April 1921 - 41 elected 12 nominated. 1935 - The Government of India Act 1935 provided for a Legislative Assembly in each province and as a result the legislature in Assam became bicameral. the Assam Legislative Assembly have the strength of 108 members and all of them were elected members 1947 - Assam Legislative Council was abolished and Legislature of Assam became unicameral strength of Assam Legislative Assembly (post independence) ○ 1952 - 57: 108 ○ 1957 - 62: 105 ○ 1967 - 72: 114 ○ 1972 - 78: 126 (it has continued till date) Note: ❏ The Assam Legislative Assembly has so far 19 speakers ❏ Late Babu basanta Kumar Das was the first speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly ❏ The present speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly is Hitendra Nath Goswami ( 14th Assam Legislative Assembly) Page - 29 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Assam Geography Page - 30 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Physiographic division Brahmaputra Valley Avg. width of the Brahmaputra Valley: 80 km Catchment area – ○ Tibet: 2,93,000 sq.km ○ India and Bhutan: 2,40,000 sq. km ○ Bangladesh: 47,000 sq. km Avg. width of the river: 5.46 km. Avg. annual discharge: 20,000 cumec. (approx.) Fifth largest in the world w.r.t. discharge Avg. dry season discharge: 4420 cumec Avg. slope in Tibet and Arunachal: 2.82m/km Avg. slope in Assam: 0.1 m/km The drainage area lying in India is 194413 sq.km The drainage area is nearly 5.9% of the total geographical area of the country. The culturable area of the sub-basin is about 12.15 M. ha The culturable area is 6.2% of the culturable area of the country. Page - 31 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Bridges over Brahmaputra ❖ Saraighat Bridge (Rail cum road bridge) Location: Kamrup Opened: 7th June, 1963 Length: 1.29 Km. Company: Hindustan Construction Company Page - 32 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Cost: 10.6 Crore ❖ Kaliabhomora Bridge (Road bridge) Location: Tezpur - Kaliabor Opened: 14th April, 1987 Length: 3.015 Km. Company: Hindustan Construction Company Cost: 80 Crore ❖ Naranarayan Setu (Rail cum road bridge) Location: Jogighopa (Bongaigaon) Opened: 15th April, 1998 Length: 2.3 Km. Company: The Braithwaite Burn and Jessop Construction Company Limited(BBJ) ❖ New Saraighat Bridge (Road bridge) Location: Kamrup Opened: 29th January, 2017 Length: 1.5 Km. Company: Gamon India Limited ❖ Bogibeel Bridge (Rail cum road bridge) Location: Dhemaji - Dibrugarh Opened: 25th December, 2018 Length: 4.32 km Longest rail cum road bridge in India Asia’s 2nd longest rail cum road bridge 5th longest bridge in India Company: HCC ❖ Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola-Sadiya) (Road bridge) (OVER LOHIT) Location: Dhola-Sadiya (Tinsukia) Opened: 26th May, 2017 Length: 9.15 Km. Company: Navayuga Engineering Company Page - 33 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Barak Valley Karbi Hills / Mikir Hills Part of Meghalaya plateau Average height of this plateau is 600 m. Dambukso (1,363m) Singhasan (1359 m) North Cachar Hills Borail range – highest hill range of Assam The highest peak of Assam – Laike peak (1959 m) Assam census data Area: 78438.08 Sq. km (16th in India, 2.39% of total territory of India) Population: 3,12,05,576 (15th in India, 2.58% of total population of India) Density: 398/ Sq. km (India - 382) Urban/ rural population 14% / 86% Sex ratio: 958 (PER 1000 MALE) 49% (India – 943) SC/ ST: 6.85% / 12.41% Literacy rate: 72.19% (M77.85% / F 66.27%) Page - 34 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Soils The soils of Assam may generally be divided into four groups - Alluvial soils - extensively distributed over the Brahmaputra and Barak plain Piedmont spoils - confined to the northern narrow zone along the Himalayan foothills. These soils comprise the Bhabar and Tarai soil ○ Bhabar Soil - in the narrow Bhabar zone along the Assam Arunachal border extending east up to the river Subansiri ○ Tarai Soi - just south of the Bhabar soils extends up to Dihang river in some disconituous narrow patches Hill soils Page - 35 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 ○ Red sandy soils - distributed covering a narrow belt along the Assam-Meghalaya border, the Karbi Plateau, souther parts of Barail ranges of the N. C. Hills disctirct and some parts of the foothills along the eastern border of the Cachar district. ○ The red loamy soils - occur in the narrow southern foothill belt running alons the Assam’s border with Arunachal and Nagaland and also in the southern fringes of the Karbi Plateau and the Barail hills of N.C. Hills district. A few patches of these soils trending nort-south are also found along the Assam-Mizoram border. Lateritic soil - occur almost entirely over the N. C. Hills district covering some parts of southern Karbi Plateau while few patches are confined to eastern margin of the Hamren sub-division of Karbi Anglong district, southern border of Golaghat district and the northern part of the Barak plain along the foothills of the Barail range. Climate The state of Assam lies in the region of monsoon climate of the subtropical belt. The Himalayan ranges standing on the north and east of the Brahmaputra valley protect the area from the chilli code means of the given region in winter and obstructive and moist wiens going from the south west in summer. the cloud brought by the Southwest monsoon that passes over the southern Hills including the Meghalaya plateau precipitate in the Brahmaputra valley. The depression at the eastern end of the Himalayas permits the north-east monsoon during post winter months and has an influence on the precipitation of the valley. Under varying intensities of the weather elements and resultant weather conditions Assam normally experiences four climatic seasons - 1. Pre monsoon: The pre monsoon begins in the early part of March and continues up to the end of May. in this season marked atmospheric instability develops and severe thunderstorms occur, sometimes preceded by dust-raising squalls. It favours the cultivation of tea, jute and ahu rice. 2. Monsoon: the monsoon sets in by the last week of May or in early June and it lasts up to September or the first part of October. 70% of the total annual rainfall occurs during this period. This is the most important season during which sali rice, the principal crop of the state is cultivated. 3. Retreating Monsoon: The south-west monsoon withdraws sometimes in between the last part of September and first part of October and continues up to the middle of November, when fogs commonly occur. 4. Dry Winter: the winter season begins in the middle of November and continues up to the end of February. This season is characterised by low temperature, regular morning fogs and very little amount of rainfall. December and January are the driest months and generally, January is the coldest month. Page - 36 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Biodiversity The total area covered by forests in Assam is 39.2% of the total geographical area of the state. But reserved forest area covers 22% of the total geographical area of the state. The highest concentration of forests in the state occurs in Karbi Anglong (450893 ha, 43.64%) and N.C.Hills (187070 ha, 38.55%) The lowest concentration occurs in Bongaigaon district (5354 ha, 17.09%) Forests types - Forest in Assam can be classified into three types ○ Evergreen ○ Semi-evergreen ○ Deciduous and degraded scrub The protected area network comprises of 3925 sq. km. (5% of total geographical area of Assam) World Heritage Site Manas national Park (1985) Kaziranga National Park (1985) Biosphere Reserve Manas BR (1989) Dibru-Saikhowa BR (1991) Project Tiger Manas National Park (1973) Nameri National Park (2001) Kaziranga National Park (2007) Page - 37 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Elephant Reserve Sonitpur Elephant Reserve Dihing-Patkai Elephant Reserve Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve Dhansiri-Lungding Elephant Reserve Chirang Ripu Elephant Reserve Ramsar Site Deepar Beel Page - 38 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Page - 39 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Page - 40 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Page - 41 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Other Wildlife sanctuary ❖ Nambor – Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary (Golaghat) and Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary (Karbi Anglong) - Famous for Hot water springs ❖ Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary (Marigaon) - World's highest density of One horned Rhino ❖ Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary (Udalguri) - Constituted especially for the protection and conservation of Hispid Hare and Pigmy Hog. ❖ Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary (Kamrup) - The only Ramsar Site in the State Page - 42 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Social Forestry The social forestry programme was launched in Assam in 1980-81. Objectives - 1. To meet the requirement of leaf-fodders, fuel wood and other forest products including small timber of the local people 2. To help the effort of individuals producing fuel wood, fodder and other forest products 3. To extend forest to all categories of land without affecting the ownership and also to bring a sense of responsibility for protection maintenance and care of forest 4. To provide employment and economic upliftment of the present and future generations particularly in the rural sector, and 5. To ensure maintenance of ecological balance. The people & the population The first race to settle in Assam was Austrics (entered through the sea routes), then followed the Mongolians (entered through the Patkai hill range via Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan) and finally came the Aryans (entered via north-west route). According to Final Population totals of 2011 census, the population of Assam stands at 31205576. Nagaon is the largest district, population wise (9.07%), followed by Dhubri (6.25%), Sonitpur (6.18%) and Cachar (5.57%) Kamrup (Metro) has the highest population density (13313) followed by Dhubri (896) and Barpeta (742). Dima Hasao is the most sparsely populated area (44). Baksa has the highest sex-ratio (974) followed by Udalguri (973), Chirang (969), Lakhimpur (968) and Marigaon (967). Dima Hasao has the lowest sex-ratio (932). Literacy rate is highest in Kamrup (Metro) (88.71%) and lowest in Dhubri (58.30%) Religion - ○ According to the 2011 census, 61.47% of the people of Assam are Hindus, 34.22% are muslims and 3.7% are Christians. ○ Others - Jainism (0.1%), Buddhism (0.2%), Sikhism (0.1%) Language - ○ Assamese (48.8%), Bengali (20.05%), hindi (5.8%), Bodo (2.8%), Nepali (2.1%) Natural Resources Mineral Resources Crude oil The commercial discovery of oil was made in 1889 at Digboi. Digboi refinery commissioned on 11th December, 1901. Earlier it was owned and operated by Assam Oil Company Limited The management of the Digboi Oil field was taken by Oil India Limited in 1981. Page - 43 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Digboi refinery has been termed as the ‘Gangotri of Indian Hydrocarbon Sector”. Other oilfields - ○ Naharkatiya Oilfield - discovered in 1953 ○ Moran Oilfield - discovered in 1956 ○ Rudrasagar Oilfield - Oil was struck at Rudrasagar field by ONGC in 1960 ○ Lakowa Oilfield - Discovered in 1965 Refineries - 1. Digboi refinery - 1901 (capacity - 3 lakh tonnes) 2. Noonmati refinery (Guwahati refinery) - 1962 (capacity - 1 million tonnes) 3. Bongaigaon refinery - 1979 (capacity - 1.35 million tonnes) 4. Numaligarh refinery (Accord refinery) - 1999 (capacity - 3 million tonnes) Natural Gas In Assam almost all the petroleum producing areas of the Upper Brahmaputra valley, especially Naharkatia, Moran, Lakwa and Rudrasagar, contain ‘associated natural gas’. The important industries so far built up on the basis of the natural gas of Assam are - Namrup Fertilizer Factory, Namrup Thermal Power Project, Assam Gas Company. Bongaigaon Refinery also uses natural gas as raw material to produce various chemicals. Coal The first coal mining in the region was started in 1865 at the Makum coal fields under the initiative of H B Medicate. Coal fields of Assam - ○ Tinsukia district - Makum Coal field, Saraipong Tarajan Coal Deposits, ○ Dibrugarh/Sivsagar - Dilli-Jeypore Coal Field ○ Karbi Anglong - Sheelveta, Koilajan ○ N. C. Hills - Garampani, Khota Arda Coal Deposit, Dithor Coal Deposit, Since, the coal mines (Nationalisation) Act of 1973, the North Eastern Coal Field Limited (NECFL) of Coal India Limited has been operating in the Makum and Dilli-Jeypore Coalfield area with nine mining leases spread over an area of 62 sq. km. The mining lease areas are - i. Baragolai ii. Lekhapani iii. Tirap Coal grant iv. Namdang Coal grant v. Dilli vi. Jeypore vii. Bimalapore viii. Koilajan Mining lease and ix. Sheelveta. Limestone Limestone deposits in Assam ○ Karbi Anglong - Dillai parbat, Sheelveta, Koilajan ○ N C Hills - New Umrangsho, Juipahar, Umrangsho. Page - 44 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 ○ Bokajan cement factory is based on the lime stone reserve of Koilajan Assam has only one large Cement factory in Bokajan (Karbi-anglong) The factory started production in 1977. Clay Pottery clay (Kumaramatti) - occurs throughout Assam Fire clay - in Ledo and Namdang area, the fire clay occurs with the coal seams. The fire clay deposits of Sheelveta and Koilajan were also investigated by DGM (Directorate of Geology and Mining) China clay or Kaolin - Bering relatively pure clay, it is used in ceramic industry. Deopani, Sheelveta and Silanijan (all in Karbi Anglong district) have good Kaolin deposit Lithomerge(white clay) - Silanijan in Karbi Anglong. Fuller’s earth - used by the washer man to clean clothes. Occurs at Subankhata (Kamrup). It can bleach vegetable oil but is not suitable for petroleum refining. Drilling clay - it is of so fine consistency that when mised with water, it forms a kind of emulsion and remains in suspension for a long time with very little treatment. It is found at Mathurapur of Sivsagar district. Sillimanite deposit The wonder rock that can be used without processing. Recent discovery in Karbi Anglong. Feldspar Chiefly used in manufacture of glass, pottery, ceramic glaze, enamels, vitreous enamels etc. Occurs at Hahim (Kamrup) and Rangchali (Karbi Anglong). There is a promising occurrence of feldspar near Pancharatna of Goalpara district. Gold Alluvial gold occurs in many rivers of Assam such as - Subansiri, Dikrang, Sissi, Dihing, Dibong and Noa-Dihing. Besides these rivers, placer gold is also represented from all the other tributaries of the Brahmaputra River in Upper Assam Iron ore Occurs at - Chandardinga (Dhubri), Len Gupara (Goalpara), Kumri (Goalpara) Quartz Hahim (Kamrup), Sheelveta and Rangchali (Karbi Anglong) Mica Mainly two types of mica occur in Assam - ○ Muscovite - Borduar Reserve Forest of Kamrup and Dholamura Hills of Goalpara district Page - 45 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 ○ Lithium (lepidolite) - Chakrashila Hills Agriculture About 63% of the State’s working orce are engaged in agriculture and allied activities. The State has a gross cropped area of about 40.60 lakh hectares (2015-16), more than 79% accounting for foodgrain crops. Principal food crop of Assam is rice. Cash crops - jute, tea, cotton, sugarcane etc. The main crops Rice - it is the most important foodcrop of Assam and is cultivated all across the state. Rice is cultivated in the state in two seasons - Sali rice during summer and Ahu and Bao during winters. From last few years another type of rice called Bodo rice is also cultivated in the state. Wheat - Presently, more or less it is grown in all the districts of Assam. It is grown as Rabi crop (November - March). Leading states - Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Dhubri. Maize - Maize is cultivated in the state by the farmers for their own consumption and not commercially. Leading districts - Karbi Anglong and Dima- Hasao. Pulses - Pulses are the second most staple food in Assam after rice. These are Rabi crops. Oilseeds - A variety of oilseeds is produced in the state like mustard, sesamum, castor, groundnut etc. Soybean - Karbi Anglong, Marigaon, Barpeta. Potato - Assam produces the highest quantity of Potato in North East India. Cash crops Jute - the required condition for jute cultivation (high rainfall and high temperature) are filled by Brahmaputra and Barak valley. The state produces about 81% of total jute cultivation in NE India and second in rank among the states of India after WB. Cotton - Second most important producer of cotton in North East. Mainly two hill districts of Karbi-Anglong and North Cachar Hills have favourable climate and physiography for cotton cultivation Sugarcane - it is widely produced in the districts of Golaghat, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Nagaon, Kamrup, Nalbari and Barpeta. Based on raw materials, a sugar mill in Baruabamun gaon in Golaghat district and another near Kampur in Nagaon district were established. Rubber - Rubber plantation started in Assam for the first time in 1960s / 1970s. Presently, as many as 15-20 plantations are cultivating rubber in Assam. Coffee - Assam is the second important state in NE India for coffee production after Nagaland. Most of the coffee gardens in Assam are located in Karbi-Anglong and Dima Hasao districts. Gunjang is the largest coffee garden in Assam. Tea - Tea is the main cash crop of the state. Thousands and lakhs of people in the state are dependent economically on tea. The state produces largest amount of tea in the country. About 17% of the workers of Assam are engaged in tea industry. Tobacco - it is done in very small quantities by the farmers for domestic use. Page - 46 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 Industries Tea Industry Tea in Assam was discovered by Rober Bruce in 1823. The drink was locally known as Fanap. 1834 - The then Governor General formed a committee to examine the possibility of commercial cultivation of tea. 1839 - A company known as the Assam Company was formed to take over the experimental holdings of teh EIC administration over the tea gardens established in Assam till then. Nazira was the HQ of this company until it was shifted to Calcutta in 1965. 1839 - A private British Entrepreneur started a tea garden near Chabua (Dibrugarh) 1840 - A group of British planters formed Assam Company at Nazira for commercial plantation of tea in a large scale. 1859 - Jorhat Tea Company was formed Assam produces the largest quantity of tea among all the Indian states. Assam alone produces more that 50% of India’s tea production and about 1/6th of the tea produced in the world. 1911 - Toklai tea research centre was started (Jorhat) 1970 - Tea Auction centre was established in Guwahati. This is the world’s largest CTC tea auction centre and the world’s second largest in terms of total tea About 17% of the workers of Assam are engaged in tea industry. The government has secured a Geographical indication for the tea produced in the state. As a result “Assam Tea” is known as “Assam Orthodox Tea”. Details Covered in Assam Economy Transportation and Communication Roads The road network - 58202 km ○ National Highway - 3900 km ○ State Highway - 2530 km ○ Major District Roads - 4379 km ○ Urban Roads - 1615 km ○ Rural Roads - 37030 ○ Roads under panchayat and other Non-PWD roads. National Highways passing through Assam 1. 31 Boxirhat Jalukbari Page - 47 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 2. 31B North - Salmara Jogighopa 3. 31C Srirampur Rakhaldubi 4. 36 Nagaon Lahorijan 5. 37 Jogighopa Saikhowaghat 6. 37(extn) Saikhowaghat Santipur 7. 37A Kuwaritol Mission Charali (Tezpur) 8. 38 Makum Lekhapani 9. 39 Numoligarh Dimapur 10 51 Paikan Bazengdoba. 11 52 Baihata charali Jonai. Dirok Rupai 12 52A(extn) Gohpur Assam-Arunachal Border. 13 52B Barbarua Kulajan. 14 52B(extn) Kanubari in Assam NH-37 near Bogibeel Bridge approach. 15 54 Silchar Lailapur. 16 54E Doboka Silchar. 17 61 Assam-Nagaland Border Jhanji. 18 62 Dudhnai Bhagmara. Page - 48 SPM IAS Academy, Prachya Bharati College Building, Nayanpur Rd., Ganeshguri, Guwahati - 05 Phone - 6901259799/9864174653 19 152 Pathsala Indo- Bhutan Border. 20 153 Lekhapani Jairampur. 21 154 Dhaleswar Bhairabi. 22 53 Jiribam Badarpurghat. 23 44 Malidhar Churaibari. 24 151 Karimganj Sutarkandi. Railways The railway route length in Assam at the end of 2016-17 was 2440.39 km (broad gauge) Till the end of March 2016, Assam shares only 3.7% of the total railway route length of the country. Air Transport Airports in Assam Chabua Air Force Station - Dibrugarh Dibrugarh Airport - Mohanbari Jorhat Airport - Rowriah Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport - Borjhar (Guwahati) North Lakhimpur Airport - Lilabari Rupsi India Airport - Dhubri Silchar Airport - Ku

Ancient Assam History PDF

Document Details

Tags

Related

Summary

Full Transcript

Upgrade to continue