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| • Baksa |
| • Barpeta |
| • Bongaigaon |
| • Cachar |
| • Charaideo |
| • Chirang |
| • Darrang |
| • Dhemaji |
| • Dhubri |
| • Dibrugarh |
| • Goalpara |
| • Golaghat |
| • Hailakandi |
| • Jorhat |
| • Kamrup |
| • Kamrup Metropoli... |
| • Karbi Anglong |
| • Karimganj |
| • Kokrajhar |
| • Lakhimpur |
| • Marigaon |
| • Nagaon |
| • Nalbari |
| • North Cachar Hil... |
| • Sivasagar |
| • Sonitpur |
| • Tinsukia |
| • Udalguri |
ASSAM AT A GLANCE |
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Discover Assam: The Gateway to Northeast IndiaNestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, Assam is a vibrant and culturally rich state in the northeastern part of India. Its capital, Dispur, serves as the administrative heart of this scenic land. The name "Assam" is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "Asom", meaning 'unequalled' or 'unrivalled' — a fitting title for a region defined by its diverse terrain of rolling hills, fertile plains, and meandering rivers.Another popular theory links the state's name to the Ahom dynasty, a powerful Mongoloid lineage that ruled Assam for over 600 years, beginning in the 13th century with the arrival of Shan prince Sukaphaa. Known historically as the Ahom Kingdom, or the Kingdom of Assam, it played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s cultural and political heritage. Geography and Climate of AssamAssam is bordered by the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya. It connects with the rest of India through the narrow Siliguri Corridor, also called the Chicken’s Neck. Geographically, the state lies between latitudes 24.5°N to 28.0°N and longitudes 88.25°E to 96.0°E. The climate here is tropical, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 38°C, making it lush and green throughout the year.Economy: Powered by Tea and OilAssam is globally renowned for its tea industry, producing a significant share of the world's tea exports. It is also a major contributor to India’s petroleum production, generating over half of the country’s crude oil output. Agriculture remains the backbone of Assam’s economy, with rice, jute, and sugarcane as prominent crops.A Glimpse into Assam’s Ancient HistoryHistorically, Assam was known as 'Kamarupa' and later as 'Pragjyotishpur', names that find mention in ancient Indian epics. Archaeological evidence suggests that human settlement in this region dates back to around 2000 BC. The land became a melting pot of cultures, with early inhabitants migrating from regions like Burma and China, followed by Aryan settlers from Punjab, Bihar, and North Bengal. This led to the emergence of a unique Mongoloid-Aryan fusion of cultures.The earliest known ruling dynasty was the Varman Dynasty, reigning from the 4th to the 13th century. A notable event from this era was the visit of Chinese traveler Huien Tsang during the reign of Kumar Bhaskar Varman in the 7th century. In 1228 AD, the Ahoms entered Assam and gradually established a powerful kingdom. By the 15th century, both the Ahom and Koch kingdoms had solidified their control. However, by the late 18th century, internal conflicts weakened the Ahom dynasty, paving the way for Burmese invasions and eventually British intervention. Colonial Era to Modern AssamThe British took control following the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, after defeating the Burmese forces. They introduced administrative reforms, railways, and commercial ventures like tea plantations, coal mining, and oil exploration, transforming Assam into a strategic colonial hub, especially during World War II.Post-India’s independence in 1947, Assam underwent several territorial reorganizations: 1948 – Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA) was carved out. 1963 – Nagaland became a separate state. 1972 – Meghalaya was formed. 1987 – Mizoram attained statehood. |
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Discover Assam: Where Monsoons Sculpt Nature's MasterpieceAssam, nestled in the heart of Northeast India, comes alive each year with the arrival of the life-giving southwest monsoon. This natural phenomenon drenches the lush Brahmaputra Valley and its surrounding hills with over 120 inches of rainfall annually. These generous rains not only nourish the region's vibrant biodiversity—rivaling that of the Amazon rainforest—but also bless the skies with some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever witness.The monsoon is more than just a season here—it's the soul of Assam. It transforms the landscape into a stunning canvas painted with countless shades of green, sustaining a rich ecosystem filled with exotic flora and fauna. The weather in Assam is generally temperate, marked by high humidity and heavy rains, especially during the monsoon months which stretch from late June to September. During this period, afternoon thunderstorms are a frequent spectacle, and while summers (March to June) see temperatures hovering between 35°C to 38°C, intermittent rain helps keep the heat in check—though the humidity often soars. In the hilly regions of Assam, the climate leans towards sub-alpine, offering a cooler retreat, while the plains remain humid and sultry for most of the year. Despite the beauty the rains bring, they often arrive with intensity, causing occasional flooding and other natural challenges. A Land Steeped in History and Natural WondersAssam’s journey as a part of India began after the British annexation post the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826). Today, it is globally recognized for its world-famous Assam tea, rich petroleum reserves, luxurious Assam silk, and extraordinary biodiversity.This northeastern gem has played a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species like the one-horned Indian rhinoceros, majestic Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and a plethora of bird species. Protected areas like Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, draw wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe. Once dense with Sal forests and thriving forest industries, Assam’s green cover has diminished over the decades, but its natural allure remains intact—thanks to the omnipresent Brahmaputra River. Meandering through the landscape, this mighty river, along with its tributaries and oxbow lakes, shapes Assam’s unique hydro-geomorphic identity and scenic beauty.
Exploring Assam’s Diverse Geography: A Land Sculpted by NatureAssam’s rich and varied landscape is divided into three major geographic zones, each with its own unique topographical charm and ecological importance:The Shillong Plateau – covering the lower and central Assam hills The Barail Ranges and Mizo Hills – a region of rugged, forested terrain The Alluvial Valleys – formed by the Brahmaputra, Dhansiri, and Barak rivers 1. The Shillong Plateau: Assam’s Ancient Table-Land The lower and central Assam region is dominated by the Shillong Plateau, a vast table-land comprising the Garo, Khasi, Jaintia, and Mikir Hills. Stretching from west to east, these highlands rise between 3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level, with the Shillong Peak towering at 6,450 feet—the highest point in the plateau. The Khasi and Jaintia Hills boast flatter terrains compared to the more rugged Garo and Mikir Hills, offering a spectacular combination of elevated meadows and scenic vistas. 2. The Barail Ranges & Mizo Hills: The Rugged Guardians of the South To the southwest of the Shillong Plateau lies the majestic Barail Ranges, also known as the North Cachar Hills. This mountainous chain, with narrow intervening valleys, forms a southwestern extension of the Nagaland and Western Myanmar ranges, acting as a natural barrier between the Irrawaddy-Chindwin valleys of Burma and the Brahmaputra-Meghna river system of India. Connected to this system are the Patkai, Naga, and Manipur Hills, leading into the Mizo Hills, where dramatic north-south aligned ridges and deep valleys define the terrain. These hills average around 3,000 feet in elevation, making them a haven for biodiversity and a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. 3. The Brahmaputra & Barak Valleys: Assam’s Fertile Heartlands Flowing with ageless grace, the Brahmaputra River—often considered older than the Himalayas—forms the lifeline of Assam. Entering the state from Arunachal Pradesh through deep gorges and cascading rapids, the river transforms into a braided channel that can stretch up to 16 km (10 miles) wide in places. Along with its countless tributaries, it carves out the expansive Brahmaputra Valley, measuring nearly 80-100 km wide and over 1,000 km long, forming one of the most fertile floodplains in the world. The Karbi Anglong Hills, North Cachar Hills, and the hill ranges near Guwahati—including remnants of the Khasi-Garo Highlands—are geologically linked to the ancient South Indian Plateau system, showcasing the deep-rooted geological history of the region. To the south, the Barak River, born in the Barail Range along the Assam-Nagaland border, cuts through the Cachar district, forming a verdant valley approximately 40-50 km wide before flowing into Bangladesh as the Surma River. |
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Festivals of Assam: A Colorful Celebration of Culture, Faith, and NatureAssam, the land of lush green valleys and rolling hills, comes alive with vibrant festivals that reflect the soul of its people. At the heart of Assamese culture lies Bihu, the most beloved and widely celebrated festival in the state. Symbolizing the rhythm of agricultural life, Bihu is celebrated in three distinct forms throughout the year, each marking a different phase of the farming cycle. |
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Baishagu – A Joyous New Year for the Bodo TribeAnother cherished springtime festival is Baishagu, celebrated by the Bodo-Kachari community. Taking place in mid-April, Baishagu marks the Bodo New Year and welcomes the blooming season. This culturally rich festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva, locally known as Bathou, and involves heartfelt prayers, traditional dances, and offerings of chicken and rice beer. Baishagu embodies the close bond between the Bodo people and nature....more >>Ambubachi Mela – Sacred Rituals at Kamakhya TempleOne of Assam’s most spiritually significant events is the Ambubachi Mela, held every year in mid-June during the monsoon at the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. Rooted in the Shakti tradition, it is believed that Goddess Kamakhya undergoes her annual menstruation during this period. The temple doors remain closed for three days to honor the natural cycle of the divine feminine, symbolizing the earth's fertility. During these days, agricultural activities and religious rituals are paused, and thousands of devotees from across India gather to seek blessings once the temple reopens....more >> |
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Assam: The World’s Premier Destination for Tea LoversWelcome to Assam, the world's largest tea-growing region and the birthplace of the bold and malty Assam Tea that has won hearts across the globe. Nestled in the lush valleys of Northeast India, Assam is home to over 600 picturesque tea estates, producing not only its signature black tea but also rare varieties of green and white teas—each with their own distinctive flavor profiles. |
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Best Served: Ideal as a breakfast tea, it pairs wonderfully with milk and sugar, offering a robust and energizing start to the day. Tea Tourism in Assam: A Journey Through Green GoldAssam’s sprawling tea gardens are not just centers of production—they are serene sanctuaries for travelers. Walking through these endless green plantations, with the mist rising in the early morning and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, offers a truly magical experience. Many estates also provide tea-tasting tours, colonial-era bungalow stays, and hands-on experiences with tea plucking and processing.Whether you're a tea enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a nature lover, Assam's tea gardens offer a peaceful retreat into the heart of nature and heritage. Assamese Cuisine: A Simple Yet Flavorful Culinary JourneyAssamese cuisine is a delightful celebration of simplicity, authenticity, and the deep connection between food and culture. Unlike many other Indian cuisines known for their fiery spices, Assamese food is mild, comforting, and packed with subtle yet distinctive flavors that reflect the region’s agrarian lifestyle and rich biodiversity.The Soul of Every Meal: Rice in Every FormRice is the staple food of Assam and forms the heart of every meal. From steamed rice to creative variations like: |
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Key Demographic Data – Assam (Census 2011) |
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Assam's total population : 31,205,576(Male: 15,939,443 Female: 15,266,133)
Assam's Population Growth : Growth rate (2001–2011): 17.07%(Lower than the national average of 17.64%)
Assam's Sex Ratio : 958 females per 1,000 males(Improved from 935 in the 2001 Census) Assam's Literacy Rate : 72.19%(Male : 77.85% Female : 66.27% Improved from 63.25% in 2001) Assam's Urban vs Rural Population : 86.00% Assam's Urban population : 14.00% Assam's Number of Districts (in 2011): 27 (Assam now has 35+ districts as of later reorganizations, but 27 in 2011) Assam's Density of Population : 398 persons per sq. km(Increased from 340 persons/sq. km in 2001) Assam's Child Population (0–6 years) : 4,557,401 (Boys: 2,320,504 Girls: 2,236,897) Assam's Child sex ratio : 964 girls per 1,000 boys Number of Blocks in Assam : 219 Number of Panchayats in Assam : 2489 Number of Villages in Assam : 26312 Number of Forest Cover in Assam : 35.48% |
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