Assam Information

The ancient land of Assam was known as ‘Kamarupa’ or Pragjyotish in the epics.  The early history of Assam is believed to be of the varman dynasty.  The reign of this dynasty was extended from 400AD to the 13th century.  The kingdom of Ahom and Koch were established by the 15th century.  The Ahom kingdom was weakened due to the internal strife in the later part of the 18th century.  The Burmese seized power which prompted the British to intervene.  The British subdued the Burmese and set out to organize the administration as well as to improve transport and communication. 

Assam witnessed several separations of territories after Indian Independence.  Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram were all carved out of Assam and became separate state over the years.

Assam is located at the gateway of Northeast India.  It is surrounded by the states like Arunachal Pradesh in the North, Nagaland in the east, Mizoram and Tripura in the south and West Bengal in the west.  Assam can be broadly divided into three distinct physical units, the Brahmaputra valley in the narrow protruding south and the states hilly region separating the two valleys. 

Assam has stunning scenic grandeur with dense tracts of tropical forests, interspersed with emerald patch work quilts of paddy and lush tea gardens enriched by the flow of the Brahmaputra River.  The alluvial plains of the Assam valley enjoy an abundance of natural richness. This state is the largest producer of timber and tea in the country.  It has the oldest oil refinery in India.  Assam is the only region in the world that has its own variety of tea called Camellia Assamica.  Assam has a tea named after it.  This tea is known for a full bodied flavour and strong bright colour.  The tea leaves originate from bushes in the Assam valley in India, where the Brahmaputra river flows.  The river has deposited a rich loam over the valley and the deposited a rich loam over the valley and the area experiences both hot monsoon seasons and cool, dry winters.  Which are ideal conditions for the Assam tea bush?  Assam tea is very popular as a breakfast.

Assam General Information

Capital:  The capital of Assam is Dispur.
Districts: It has 27 districts.
Languages:  The principal languages spoken by the people are Assamese, Bodo and Kari.
State Bird
White winged wood duck is this state’s Bird.
State Flower
Foxtail orchid is this state’s flower.

The Bihus are the national festivals of Assam and there are three such festivals.  Each Bihu coincides with a distinctive phase in the farming calendar.  The Bohaag Bihu marks the New Year at the advent of seeding time the kaati Bihu marks the completion of sowing and transplanting of paddies and the Maagh Bihu Marks the end of the harvesting period.  All Assamese people, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith and belief celebrate the Bihu festivals with great fun and joy.

Assam is the meeting ground of different cultures.  The state has a large number of tribes each unique in its tradition, culture dress and exotic way of life.  From time immemorial the people of Assam have traditionally been craftsmen.  Artists, sculptors, masons, weavers, spinners, potters, goldsmiths and workers of ivory, wood, bamboo cane and hide have flourished in Assam from ancient times.  Weaving is a traditional craft that every Assamese women produce silk and cotton cloth of exquisite designs in their looms. Assam is renowned for its exquisite silk including the world famous muga silk. To sum up, Assamese culture is a rich blend of ethnic practise and ancient beliefs.