Assam general knowledge: History, Culture, Districts & Economy etc. Assam is one of the north-eastern states of India. Rich culture, diverse geography and a vibrant history are the characteristic properties of this beautiful state. Tea, wildlife, and the mighty Brahmaputra River are part of this. A state of immense significance in the history of India as well as the economy of the nation.
1. General Information
Name of State: Assam
Capital: Dispur
Largest City: Guwahati
Official Language: Assamese
Total Area: 78,438 sq km
Population (approx.): 35 million (2021 estimates)
State inducted into Union: 26 January 1950
State Animal: One-horned Rhinoceros
State Bird: White-winged Wood Duck
State Flower: Foxtail Orchid
State Tree: Hollong
2. Geography
Assam lies bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Nagaland and Manipur to the east, and Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Bangladesh to the south. The state also harbors one of the world’s biggest rivers, Brahmaputra.
Major Rivers: Brahmaputra, Barak
Mountain Ranges: Assam is essentially a valley state of rivers but it does possess some hill ranges like the Khasi Hills and Karbi Anglong.
National Parks:
- Kaziranga National Park (World Heritage Site)
- Manas National Park (World Heritage Site)
- Nameri National Park
- Orang National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pobitora, Sonai Rupai, and others.
3. History of Assam
Ancient History: Assam was known as ‘Pragjyotishpura’ in ancient times, mentioned in epics like the Mahabharata. Later, it was known as ‘Kamarupa’ during the medieval period.
Ahom Dynasty: The Ahom Kingdom was founded by King Sukaphaa in the 13th century, though they ruled Assam for around 600 years. This time is notable for stability, administration innovation, and especially for resisting the Mughal invasions.
Colonial Era: The British annexed Assam after winning the First Anglo-Burmese War, after the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826.
Post-Independence: The state of Assam existed only in 1950, after Indian Independence. In fact, many northeastern states, such as Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram were part of Assam.
4.Cultural Activities
Celebrations
Bihu: It is the most significant festival, with which the Assamese people welcome their New Year by music and dance.
Durga Puja: The festival is celebrated in great pomp and show, especially in urban areas like Guwahati.
Ambubachi Mela: It is the major religious festival that is held at Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati.
Patriotic Traditional Dance: Bihu is the folk dance form that embodies the central essence of Assamese culture.
Music: The Assamese traditional music consists of Bihu songs, Zikir, and Dehbisar Geet.
Local Diet: The Assamese dish consists of rice, fish, meat, and leafy green vegetables. Some other notable dishes include Masor Tenga (sour fish curry) and Pitha (rice cakes).
5. Districts of Assam
Assam is divided into 35 districts, each having its identity, territory, and history. Here is the complete list of districts:
- Baksa
- Barpeta
- Biswanath
- Bongaigaon
- Cachar
- Charaideo
- Chirang
- Darrang
- Dhemaji
- Dhubri
- Dibrugarh
- Dima Hasao
- Goalpara
- Golaghat
- Hailakandi
- Hojai
- Jorhat
- Kamrup Metropolitan (Guwahati)
- Kamrup Rural
- Karbi Anglong
- Karimganj
- Kokrajhar
- Lakhimpur
- Majuli (World’s largest river island)
- Morigaon
- Nagaon
- Nalbari
- Sivasagar
- Sonitpur
- South Salmara-Mankachar
- Tinsukia
- Udalguri
- West Karbi Anglong
6. Economy
Assam’s economy primarily caters around agriculture and its boundless natural resources.
Agriculture: Tea, rice, mustard seeds, and jute are the main products. Assam is one of the world’s largest tea producers.
Industry: Apart from tea, Assam is also known for oil fields such as Digboi, which is the oldest operating refinery in the world .
Tourism: Kaziranga National Park that is home to one-horned rhinoceros, Majuli, which is the largest river island in the world, and the colorful Bihu festival.
7. Famous Personalities from Assam
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika: Maestro singer, music composer, and film maker of Assamese origin.
Gopinath Bordoloi: First Chief Minister of Assam after independence and a freedom fighter.
Hima Das: Indian sprinter also known as the “Dhing Express”.
Ranjan Gogoi: Former Chief Justice of India.
8. Trivia & Fun Facts
Largest Tea-Producing Region in the World: Assam alone produces more than half of the country’s total tea production.
Kaziranga National Park: World’s largest habitat for one-horned rhinoceroses.
Majuli Island: The largest river island in the world lies on the Brahmaputra River.
Digboi: Home to the world’s oldest functional oil refinery.
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