Assam: The Heart of Northeast India – Its Past, Present, and Future

 

Assam

Assam: The Heart of Northeast India – Its Past, Present, and Future

Assam is a state in northeastern India, covering 78,438 square kilometers and having a population of over 31 million. It shares borders with Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Bangladesh, and West Bengal. Assamese and Boro are the official languages. The state is divided into 35 districts and 5 divisions, with Guwahati as the largest city and state capital. Assam is known for its tea, silk, and wildlife, including the one-horned Indian rhinoceros and Asian elephant. Kaziranga and Manas National Parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The name Assam comes from the Ahom people, with a history dating back to the Stone Age. The Kamarupa kingdom was established in the 2nd century BCE, and the Ahoms ruled the region for 600 years starting from the 13th century. They successfully resisted Muslim invasions and defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat. Assam has a rich history and is known for its diverse culture, wildlife, and natural beauty.In the Colonial Era, the British took control of Assam in 1826 and cultivated the tea industry, leading to the exploitation of laborers and poor living conditions. The imposition of Bengali as the official language hindered Assamese literature and employment opportunities. Assam was initially part of the Bengal Presidency and later became a chief commissioners' province in 1912. The state played a role in India's independence movement, gaining full statehood after independence. Assam is known for its conservation efforts, including the protection of endangered species and biodiversity. The region is rich in flora and geologically abundant in petroleum and natural resources. Natural disasters like floods and earthquakes have affected the area. As of 2011, Assam's population grew significantly, with a literacy rate of 73.18%. Hinduism is the dominant religion, followed by Islam and Christianity. Assamese and Bodo are the official languages, with Assamese being widely spoken. The state is home to a variety of languages spoken by different communities.The Tai-Ahom Manuscript, also known as Buranji, is an important historical document in Assam. Approximately 9 million people in Assam speak various Bengali dialects and related languages. Still, the actual number of Bengali speakers may be higher than census figures indicate due to discrepancies in reporting mother tongues. In the Brahmaputra Valley, the primary Bengali dialect is Mymensingh, while Sylheti is predominant in the Barak Valley and Hojai districts. Assamese is the official language, spoken by 55.65% of the population, followed by Bengali (22.1%), Hindi (7.6%), and Bodo (5.13%). Indigenous tribal languages are also spoken by a significant population.The government of Assam is led by Governor Lakshman Acharya and a Chief Minister, with a unicameral Legislative Assembly. The state is divided into 31 administrative districts, with recent changes in district boundaries and new districts being added. Tai languages and other Tibeto-Burman languages are also spoken in the state, reflecting its linguistic diversity. In 2016, the BJP won the Assembly elections, forming the first BJP-led government in Assam.Assam is divided into 54 subdivisions under districts known as Mahakuma. Local governance includes district panchayats, rural panchayats, and urban local bodies, with Guwahati being administered by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation. Assam has autonomous councils such as the Bodoland Autonomous Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council. There are also additional statutory autonomous councils in the region. The state faces inter-state disputes with Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as separate statehood demands from various ethnic groups. Migration from Bangladesh has brought socio-political and economic challenges, while seasonal floods from rivers cause damage. Chronic unemployment persists due to factors like poor infrastructure. Assam's education system includes various schools with instruction in Assamese, English, or Bengali, and higher education institutions in Dispur. Nepali language is included in state educational boards. The state also hosts numerous universities, including Assam University, Assam Agricultural University, and Gauhati University. Assam faces a range of social issues, affecting its demographic stability and development.Assam is home to various educational institutions, including medical colleges such as AIIMS Guwahati, Gauhati Medical College, and Tezpur Medical College. The state also houses engineering colleges like IIT Guwahati, NIT Silchar, and Assam Engineering College. Assam's economy relies heavily on agriculture and oil, with significant tea production and oil reserves. However, the state faces challenges such as high unemployment rates due to overpopulation and a flawed education system. Agriculture, employing 69% of the workforce, suffers from outdated practices and frequent floods. The state's infrastructure includes the recently inaugurated Nilachal Flyover in Guwahati. Traditional industries like handlooms and handicrafts, as well as trade with neighboring countries, contribute to Assam's industrial sector. Efforts are being made to develop key industries, including petroleum-based industries and food processing. Despite facing challenges, Assam's economy has shown improvement in recent years, with GDP growth rates fluctuating between 3.4% and over 6% from 2001 to 2006.In Assam, tourism is driven by wildlife, cultural, and historical attractions. Assamese culture is a mix of various influences, with key milestones including the assimilation of different kingdoms and the Neo-Vaishnavite movement. Symbols like Tamulpan, Xorai, and Gamosa represent respect and cultural identity. The state hosts diverse festivals such as Bihu, Bwisagu, Ali-Aye-Ligang, and Me-Dam-Me-Phi.

Assam celebrates traditional festivals like Rongker, Doul Mohutsav, Chavang Kut, and Beshoma. Other festivals include Wanshuwa, Kherai, Garja, Bisu, and more. Durga Puja, Christmas, Eid ul-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha are also widely celebrated. The state has annual events like the Brahmaputra Beach Festival and Kaziranga Elephant Festival. Major melas like Jonbeel Mela and Ambubachi Mela are notable.

Assam's performing arts include Sattriya Dance, Bagurumba, Jhumair, and traditional music. The cuisine features rice, lentils, fish stew, meat stew, and unique dishes like khar and tenga. Rice beer and traditional alcoholic beverages are enjoyed during festivals. Asom Divas and Lachit Divas are important cultural celebrations in the state.
Assamese literature draws from ancient texts like Charyapada and Saptakanda Ramayana, with modern authors like Lakshminath Bezbaroa and Mamoni Raisom Goswami. Assam's fine arts include Mauryan Stupas and medieval paintings, and traditional crafts encompass cane and bamboo work, bell metal, silk weaving, pottery, and mask making. Assamese print media includes dailies like Amar Asom and The Assam Tribune, while broadcasting features local and satellite channels like DY 365 and News Live.