Delve into the rich and diverse Assam History Data with this comprehensive study. Explore the ancient kingdoms, cultural heritage, and historical milestones that have shaped this northeastern Indian state. Understand the impact of various dynasties, colonial influences, and significant events on Assam's development. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Assam's historical timeline, key figures, and cultural evolution, making it an essential resource for students, historians, and anyone interested in the fascinating past of Assam.

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Assam History Data

Sources of Assam  History

Tantric Literature, Buddhist literature, Assamese literature, Assamese Folklore, visitor’s account, Assamese History, Archeological studies etc.  

Earliest  Inhabitants:

The history of ancient Assam roughly covers the period from the days of the Epics to the early part of the 13th Century. The scholars call ‘Austrics’ or ‘Austro-Asiatic’ were the ancient inhabitants of Assam who were living here long before the coming of the Aryans in India, millenniums before Christ. They are said to have migrated from Austronesian and other islands of the Pacific Ocean to the Asiatic Main Land, so they are called ‘Austric’. The beautiful megaliths or columns of stone which they erected over the graves of their dead are found in different parts of Assam. They spoke the Monkhmer Language, similar to the dialect of the people of the Munda tribe who are also said to have migrated to India from Southeast Asia. They introduced the system of cultivation and are also said to have started the cult of phallic worship of which the main centre of worship is still found in the Kamakhya temple near Guwahati. The  Khasis and Jaintias are the descendants of the Austrics of ancient Assam. Probably, the Mongolian tribe entered Assam long after the Austrics had come. The Tibeto-Burman tribes of the Mongolian race were followed by the great Bodo Tribes. The earliest literature of ancient India refers to Assam as the land of Danava or Asuras which is a non-Aryan country. During the time  ‘Mahabharata, this it was called Pargjyotisha. In ‘Puranas’ and ‘Trantas’ it was known as Kamrupa. Except for Khasi, the numerous non-Aryan dialects of Assam all belong to the Tibeto-Chinese family and mainly to its Tibeto-Burman sub-family. The dialects of the sub-family which are current in Assam belong in main to three groups, viz- Kuki-Chin spoken in Manipur, Naga spoken in the east of the Naga Hills, Cachar, and the Lushai Hills, and Bodo, Which claims practically all the surviving non-Aryan Languages of the Brahmaputra Valley, Garo Hills and North Cachar, it includes among others, Kachari,  Lalung, Rabha, Mech, Chutiya, and Garo.

Pragjyotisha:

Assam was known as Pragjyotishha and later as Kamrupa, in ancient times. Regarding the origin of the Name Pragjyotisha, several theories are given, which refer to the country and the capital city. Most probably, the third theory associates the name with the astronomical importance of the country. This is mentioned in the Kalika Purana, wherein it is stated that the Brahma made the first calculation of the stars in Pragjyotisha. In this connection, it is pointed out that ‘Prag means former of eastern and Jyotish, a star, astrology, shining. Therefore, the meaning of Pragrjyotishpur may be the ‘City of Eastern Astrology’. The name is interesting in connection with the reputation that the country has always held as a land of magic and incantation and with the view that it was in Assam that the Tantrik form of Hinduism originated. The astronomical significance of the country is justified by several references to Vedic literature to its association with the solar cult and planetary worship and is confirmed by many Assamese works dealing with these subjects. According to Kalika Puran Kamrup’s area was 450 miles around the Khamakhya temple.

It is mentioned in the  ‘Jogini-Tantra’ ancient, Kamrupa kingdom had four main divisions, Viz-(i) Ratnapitha between the Karatoya and Swarnakosha (ii) Kamapitha between the river Swarnakosha to Rupahi (iii) Swarnapitha between the river Rupahi -Bharali and (iv) Saumarpitha between the river Bharali and Dikrang Rivers. From all these, it becomes clear that the Kamrupa kingdom included the present Brahmaputra Valley, Bhutan, Rangpur, Koch-Bihar, and the adjoining lands. The areas of the kingdom Kamrupa are found in the account of Chinese Pilgrim Huen-Tsang who visited the court of Bhaskar Barman in (640 A.D). The Kingdom of Kamrupa extended up to the river Karatoya in the west and included Manipur Manipur, Jayantiya, Cachar, part of Mymensing, Sylhet, Rangpur, and portions of Nepal and Bhutan (according to the Puranas). The Kalika Purana associates the origin of the word Kamakhya with the genital organ of Sati which might be bearing on the Pre-Aryan Cult of the phallus which received a new orientation of Aryan Culture.  Mythologically the origin of the name Kamrupa is expressed as follows- When Sati dies of vexation at the discourtesy shown to her husband Siva by her Father Dakshya. Siva, overcome by grief, wandered about the world carrying her dead body on his head. To put a stop to his penance, Vishnu followed him and lopped away the body piecemeal with his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’. It caused to fall on the earth in fifty-one different pieces and wherever each piece fell, the ground was held to be sacred. Her genital organ fell on the Kamagiri  (Nilachal Hill near Guwahati) and the place was later held sacred to Kamakhya (the Goddess of sexual desire). As Siva continued to do penance, the other became afraid that he would thereby acquire universal power. They sent Kamadeva, the Indian cupid to make him fall in love again to break his penance. When he succeeded in his mission, Siva became so angry that, as a result of the fiery glance of his eyes he burnt Kamadeva into ashes. At last, Kamadeva eventually regained his life and his original ‘born’ (Rupa) in Assam. And the country where this incident took place became known as ‘Kamrupa’.

Origin of the name Assam:

Before the Ahom invasion, ancient Assam was called Kamrupa. But, during the Ahom rule, it became known as ‘Assam’ which means ‘unparalleled or peerless. It is said that it was used to describe the invincible might of the Ahoms. Assam is uneven in nature. According to some, the name ‘Assam’ originated from its uneven nature. Someone argued that the word ‘Assam’ is derived from a Bodo formation like Ha-chom, meaning low-land. But there is no denying the fact that the name Assam or Assam is connected with the Shan invaders, who entered the Brahmaputra Valley at the beginning of the 13th century for the term nowhere occurred before Ahom occupation. Therefore, there is no doubt that the word is derived from the designation applied to the Ahoms. The tradition of the Ahoms themselves, which finds mention in some Assamese chronicles is that the name Ahoms is derived from the term Asama meaning ‘unequaled’ or ‘peerless’ which was first applied to them by some local tribes in a token of their admiration of how, the first Ahom king Sukapha conquered and conciliated them. It is the most widely accepted opinion. O O O. 

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Assam History Data

Some FAQs on Assam History

1. What are the major historical periods in Assam's history?

Assam's history can be divided into several major periods: the prehistoric era, the ancient period, the medieval period, the colonial period, and the modern period. The ancient period saw the rise of powerful kingdoms such as the Varman and Kamarupa dynasties. The medieval period was marked by the Ahom dynasty's rule, which lasted for nearly 600 years. The colonial period began with the British East India Company’s annexation of Assam in the early 19th century, leading to significant socio-economic changes. Finally, the modern period encompasses post-independence Assam, focusing on its development and political dynamics.

2. Who were the Ahoms, and what was their impact on Assam?

The Ahoms were a Tai ethnic group who migrated to Assam from present-day Myanmar in the 13th century. They established the Ahom kingdom, which ruled Assam for nearly six centuries, making a profound impact on the region's culture, language, and administration. The Ahoms introduced advanced agricultural techniques, built impressive architectural structures, and fostered a syncretic culture by integrating various ethnic groups and traditions. Their resistance against Mughal invasions is notable, and their administrative system laid the foundation for modern Assam's governance.

3. What was the significance of the Battle of Saraighat?

The Battle of Saraighat, fought in 1671, was a decisive naval battle between the Ahom Kingdom and the Mughal Empire. Led by the Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, the Ahom forces successfully defended their territory against the numerically superior Mughal army. This battle is significant as it marked the end of Mughal attempts to conquer Assam, preserving the region’s independence. Lachit Borphukan's leadership and the unity of the Assamese people are celebrated and remembered as symbols of valor and patriotism.

4. How did British colonial rule affect Assam?

British colonial rule, which began in the early 19th century, brought significant changes to Assam. The British annexed Assam after the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826, following the First Anglo-Burmese War. The colonial administration introduced tea cultivation, transforming Assam into a major tea-producing region. This led to the influx of migrant laborers, changing the demographic landscape. The British also developed infrastructure such as railways and roads but exploited Assam's resources for their benefit. The colonial period also saw the rise of Assamese nationalism and the struggle for independence, with notable contributions from leaders like Gopinath Bordoloi.

5. What role did Assam play in India's independence movement?

Assam played a significant role in India's independence movement. The region witnessed several movements and uprisings against British rule, including the Quit India Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement. Assamese leaders like Gopinath Bordoloi, Tarun Ram Phukan, and Bishnuram Medhi were instrumental in mobilizing the masses and advocating for independence. The Assam Congress played a crucial role in the freedom struggle, organizing protests, and participating in nationwide movements. Post-independence, Assam continued to be an active participant in shaping the newly formed nation.

6. How did the partition of India impact Assam?

The partition of India in 1947 had a profound impact on Assam. The creation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) led to significant demographic changes as large numbers of refugees migrated to Assam, altering its socio-economic fabric. The influx of refugees created challenges related to land, resources, and cultural integration. Assam also experienced border disputes and political instability. Over time, the state has managed to integrate these communities, but the legacy of partition continues to influence Assam's political and social landscape.

7. What is the cultural significance of the Bihu festival in Assam?

Bihu is the most important cultural festival in Assam, celebrated by all communities with great enthusiasm. It marks the Assamese New Year and the onset of the harvest season. There are three types of Bihu: Rongali Bihu (spring festival), Bhogali Bihu (harvest festival), and Kongali Bihu (festival of lights). Rongali Bihu is the most widely celebrated, characterized by music, dance, feasting, and traditional games. The festival symbolizes Assam’s agrarian culture, the unity of its people, and the celebration of life and prosperity.

8. Who was Srimanta Sankardev, and what was his contribution to Assamese society?

Srimanta Sankardev was a 15th-century saint-scholar, poet, playwright, and social-religious reformer who played a pivotal role in shaping Assamese culture and society. He founded the Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam, promoting monotheism, devotion to a single god (Vishnu), and social equality. Sankardev's teachings emphasized the importance of community and moral values, and he established the Satra and Namghar institutions for religious and cultural gatherings. His literary works, including the Bhakti Ratnavali and the Kirtan Ghosa, are considered classics in Assamese literature.

9. How has the discovery and cultivation of tea shaped Assam's economy and society?

The discovery and cultivation of tea in the 19th century transformed Assam into one of the world's largest tea-producing regions. The British initiated tea plantations, bringing in laborers from other parts of India, which diversified Assam’s demographic makeup. Tea cultivation became the backbone of Assam's economy, generating employment and contributing significantly to its GDP. The tea industry also led to the development of infrastructure, including transportation and communication networks. However, the industry has faced challenges, including labor disputes and the need for modernization.

10. What are some major historical landmarks and heritage sites in Assam?

 Assam is home to numerous historical landmarks and heritage sites that reflect its rich cultural and historical legacy. Some major sites include:

Kaziranga National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

Kamakhya Temple: An ancient and revered Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, located in Guwahati.

Sivasagar: The historical capital of the Ahom kingdom, featuring structures like Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, and Sivasagar Tank.

Majuli Island: One of the largest river islands in the world, known for its Vaishnavite monasteries (Satras) and cultural significance.

Manas National Park: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its biodiversity and scenic beauty.

These sites attract tourists and researchers, offering a glimpse into Assam's historical and cultural richness.

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