Assam

History of Assam

The name "Assam" is derived from the term "Asom" which, in Sanskrit, refers to unequal or unrivalled.

The history of Assam is divided into four periods, viz. the legendary period, the early period, the Ahom period, and the modern period.

During the legendary period though Assam was ruled first by the non-Aryan peoples called Danavas and Asuras (Demon family), the Aryans also penetrated into Assam from the north-west frontier. It was during the fourth century A.D and the earliest epigraphic reference to Assam (earlier known as Kamarupa) is found in the Allahabad inscription of Samudragupta, the second Emperor of Gupta Dynasty (AD 330-80). The early period may be said to have continued till the thirteenth century when Assam had been invaded by the Ahoms (they are the off shooters of Thai or Shah Race who came from Upper Burma presently Yangoon) and from the west by the Muslims. The Muslims invaded Assam for record 17 times during the Ahom rule but could not able to establish a permanent Kingdom. Truly speaking, there was never any Muslim rule in the history of Assam.

Assam was known as 'Kamarupa or 'Pragjyotish' in the period of the Epics. The boundary of Ancient Kamarupa included around the Brahmaputra valley, Bhutan, the Rangpur (now in Bangladesh), and Koch Bihar, in West Bengal. The legend of King Narakasura (he is regarded as the son of Mother Earth otherwise his history of birth is in mystery and he is from Demon family) and his son Bhagadatta, famous rulers of Kamarupa were epicted in the Mahabharata period (at least as early as 1000 BC). As per record the human inhabitation of this area dates backs to about 2000 BC.

The population of Assam consists mainly of the migrants from Burma and China. They penetrated into Assam after the mongoloid migration. One segment of the migrants came from Punjab through Bihar and North Bengal. Thus the civilization of Assam represents a fusion of Mongol-Aryan culture.

The early history of Assam is dated back to 400 AD to 13th century during the Varman dynasty. The famous Chinese traveler Huien Tsang visited Assam during the 7th century and met the then King Kumar Bhaskar Varman. In his inscriptions he praised a lot about the social and political system of Kamrupa.

The Ahoms ventured into Assam in about 1228 AD. The first King of the Ahoms was SUKAPHA who came with eight nobles, four elephants, four hundred horses and nine thousand men, women and children. He made his first Capital in Charaideo (A glittering town in the top of the hill). By 15th century the Ahoms had established the Greater Assam ( BAR ASOM) opting serious diplomatic measures such as matrimonial alliance with the surrounded petty chiefs accepting and exchanging each other socio-cultural heritages.

The Ahom Kingdom was declined due to internal conflict during the early 18th century. The Burmese took the full advantage of the political chaos of the Assam throne and overpowered the Ahoms invoking the British intervention. The treaty of Yandaboo was signed in 1826 between the British and the Burmese to put an end of the tannery of the later. Thus the British rule had started in Assam and politically Assam became the integral part of mainland India.

The people of Assam had participated in the Indian Freedom Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. In 1947 along with the other parts of India Assam got independence from the British rule. Post independence Assamese won control of their state assembly and campaigned broadly to improve employment opportunities and the livelihood for the Assamese people.

GUWAHATI

Guwahati is Situated on the Southern bank of the mighty River Brahmaputra in Kamrup district of Assam. Previously it was known as Pragjyotishpur (The City of the eastern Light) Guwahati is the fast growing premier city and it is also the gateway to the North Eastern states of India.This city subsequently got the name Guwahati (Guwa-means beetlenut and Hat –means market in Assamese)

Places to visit :

Kamakhya Temple: The origin of Kamakhya Temple is pre Aryan situated atop the Nilachal Hill. The formost shrine of Assam, The Kamakhya is an ancient seat of Tantric and shakti Cults of Hinduism. The original temple was destroyed by the invading Muslims in their crusade against Hindu temples and idols in the early part of 16th century. Ultimately it was restored from ruins by King Naranarayan of the Koch dynasty and rebuilt in its present forming 1665 AD.

Umananda Temple : In the vicinity of Guwahati in the middle of the river Brahmaputra on an island hill stands the temple of Shiva ‘Umananda’ (also known as Peacock Island). It is also known as ‘Bhasmachal’ as the rays that emanated from his forehead reduce4d Kamdev to ashes. Within the temple are to be seen the images of Anandi Shiva Linga and a silver ox and Umananda with five faces and ten hands.

Navagraha Temple : To the extreme east of Guwahati on the Chitrachal Hills stands the Navagraha Temple (Temple of Nine Planets) is a center of Astrological and Astronomical research. The govt raised some quarters here and as a result of excavation twelve Shiva Temples have been un earthed.

Shankardev Kalakshetra : A place where Assamese history and culture is depicted in a sprawling open enclosure. It has a beautiful museum where they preserved the masks (these masks are made in Majuli island), the traditional dresses and jewellery of the entire North East India. A Namghar (Assamese prayer Hall) and an open air theatre has been constructed to perform the plays and other cultural activities during festivals.

Vasistha Ashram : This Ashram was established by the great sage Vasistha on Sandhyachal Hill. By the force of penance and meditation Vasistha, the sage had brought Ganges in three flows called ‘Sandhya’, ‘Lalita’, and ‘Kanta’. The sage Vasistha every day offered worshipped at the confluence of the three courses of Ganges. Many people assembled during eclipses (Solar & Lunar).

Guwahati War Cemetery : Built and maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The cemetery was started during the war when several military hospitals were posted in the area and was originally for burials from these hospitals. There are now 517 causalities buried in this cemetery.

» ARUNACHAL PRADESH TRIBAL TOUR

Guwahati-Tezpur-Itanagar-Ziro-Daporizo-Along-Pasighat-Dibrugarh.

» ASSAM TOUR

Guwahati-Kaziranga-Majuli-Sibasagar-Jorhat.

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Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Kaziranga National Park-Shillong-Cherrapunjee.

» GLIMPS OF NORTH EAST INDIA

Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Itanagar-Ziro- Daporizo-Along-Pasighat-Dibrugarh-Mon-Lonwa-Mokokchung-Kohima-Kaziranga- Guwahati

» HERITAGE TEA TOUR

Dibrugarh-Sibasagar-Jorhat-Kaziranga-Guwahati

» MANAS NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Guwahati or Bapeta-Manas National Park

» RHINOLAND TOUR

Guwahati-Kaziranga National Park

» SEVEN SISTER TOUR

Guwahati-Shillong-Cherrapunjee-Tezpur-Bomdila-Tawang-Diarang-Bhalukpong-Kaziranga National Park-Kohima-Imphal-Aizawl-Silchar-Agartala.

» SHILLONG TOUR WITH EXTENSION

Guwahati-Shillong-Cherrapunjee.

» TAWANG TOUR WITH EXTENSION

Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Diarang-Bhalukpong.

» WILDLIFE TOUR OF ASSAM

Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Kaziranga National Park-Gibbon Wildlife Sanctury-Jorhat.

SUALKUCHI

Sualkuchi is known to be the Manchester of the East and it is famous for the Assam Silk. This place is also known as the “Silk Village”. The ‘Muga’, the golden silk of Assam is made known to the world way back in 1662 by a French traveler Jean Joseph Tavernier. The silk was the royal fabric of the Ahom King who ruled Assam for six centuries till 1826.

Madan Kamdev Temple : Situated 35 kms from Guwahati Madan Kamdev is an archeological site where erotic sculptures are found. Is is often referred to as Khajuraho of Kamrup. Is is a complex of 24 temples. It has been presumed to be built during the period 10th to 12th century.

MANAS NATIONAL PARK :

Located in the Himalayan foothill Bhabar area in the western Assam, Manas was originally a game reserve since 1928 and become a tiger reserve in 1974. It was recognized as World Heritage Site in 1985 and declared as a National Park in 1990 with an area of 500 sq Kms and also the core area of 2600 sq kms. The Park harbours more then 20 endangered species like Tiger, Rhino, Indian Elephant, Pygmoi Hog, Golden Langoor, Golden Cat, Clouded Leopard, Loepard Cat. Jungle Cat etc. It is also an important bird area. White winged Wood Duck was recently recorder in the park.

Activities :
• Jeep Safari
• Elephant Safari
• Village Tour

TEZPUR

Modern day Tezpur, the headquarter of Sonitpur district of Assam is said to be erstwhile Sonitpur, the Kingdom of legendary King Banasura. According to the legend when Lord Krishna's army and Banasura's army fought for the rescue of Aniruddha (grandson of Lord Krishna) who married Banasura’s daughter ‘Usha’ against the will of her father there was so much bloodshed that the whole place was stained in red. This prompted to the name of the place becoming Tezpur (means the City of Blood). Modern Tezpur was founded by the British colonial administration in 1835 as the headquarters of Darrang.

Places to Visit :

Cole Park (Chitralekha Udyan) : The Deputy Commissioner of Darrang Colonel Cole in the early part of 20th century had a dream of creating a part at a naturally beautiful site by gathering the sculptures and displaying them in a prominent public place. His successor fulfilled his dream and dedicated this park to his memory. The central portion has the collection of sculptures attributed to Colonel Cole.

Da Parbatiya : The earliest and one of the finest evidence of ancient architecture of Assam is to be found at Da Parbatiya near Tezpur. It is a small stone door frame dating back to fifth-six centuries bearing some exquisite carvings clearly representing the best of Gupta Art.

Agnigarh : According to the legend the site of the fortress was built by Banasura to keep his daughter Usha in isolation. The name ‘Agnigarh’ has been derived from two Sanskrit words 'Agni’ (meaning fire) and 'garh' (meaning fortress or wall). It is a hill on the banks of the Brahmaputra river and one of the big tourist attractions in Tezpur. The view of river Brahmaputra the Kolia Bhomora Setu bridge(named after the Ahom general Kolia Bhomora) is really eye catching.

Mahabhairav Temple : This ancient Shiva Temple located in the heart of Tezpur town is believed to have been established by king Banasura in the pre-historical times. The temple was originally built of stone but renovated and built with concrete. During Shivaratri thousands of devotees around the country visit the temple and offer their prayer to Lord Shiva.

» ARUNACHAL PRADESH TRIBAL TOUR

Guwahati-Tezpur-Itanagar-Ziro-Daporizo-Along-Pasighat-Dibrugarh

NAMERI NATIONAL PARK

The Nameri National Park of 200 sq kms area is located in the Sonitpur district, bordering Arunachal Pradesh and it is also the core area of Nameri Tiger Reserve (344sq kms). It is the home of Mammals like Elephant, Tiger, leopard, Sambar,Barking deer, Hog Deer, Wild Boar,Gaur, slow loris,gaplangur,Burmese ferret badger, and over 350 species of birds including White-winged Wood Duck, Ibisbill (uncommon), Ruddy Kingfisher, Palla’sfishing eagle,Lesser Adjutant stork , Greater spotted eagle,Rufous necked hornbill, Great pied Indian hornbill, Wreathed hornbill, Long-billed Ringed Plover, Sultan Tit, and Yellow-bellied and White-throated Fantails. Another important wild life sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh The Pakhui (Pakke) wild life Sanctuary adjoins the Park on its North-Eastern point. The river Jia- Bhoroli and its tributaries namely the Diji, Dinai, Doigurung, Nameri, Dikorai, Kharietc crisscross the park. During rainy season A few jheels (during the rainy seasons) also dot the area. One can enjoy rafting in the Jia Bhoroli river in the south western boundary.

Activities :
• Nature Walk inside Nameri National Park
• Guided Bird Watching tour
• River Rafting in Jia Bharali river

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Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Kaziranga National Park-Shillong-Cherrapunjee.

» GLIMPS OF NORTH EAST INDIA

Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Itanagar-Ziro- Daporizo-Along-Pasighat-Dibrugarh-Mon-Lonwa-Mokokchung-Kohima-Kaziranga- Guwahati.

» WILDLIFE TOUR OF ASSAM

Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Kaziranga National Park-Gibbon Wildlife Sanctury-Jorhat.

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

There is a little debate regarding the originality of the name Kaziranga, there are so many number of possible explanations regarding the same. Legend says, a Karbi girl named Ranga eloped with a youth named Kazi, from Karbi Anglong. However their families did not accept their relationship and the couple disappeared into the forest and never came back again. The forest was then named after them. According to another legend, the great saint of Assam Sankardeva, once blessed a childless couple, Kazi and Rangai, and asked them to dig a big pond in the region so that their name would remain forever. One testimony of the Ahom History states that the 19th ruler of the Ahom king Pratap Singha (Siu-Seng-Pha) was passing by the region and impressed by the taste of fish and on inquiry, he was told it came from Kaziranga. However, the name Kaziranga can also also signify the "Land of red goats (Deer)", as the word Kazi in the Karbi language means "Goat", and Ranga means "Red”.

Kaziranga National Park has become synonymous with successful conservations of Great One Horn Rhinoceros (from the Greek word, "rhino" means nose and "ceros" means horn) / Unicornis (from the Latin word, "uni" means one and "cornis" also means horn) and also a home of may other threatened species including Indian Elephant (Elephant Maximus), Tiger(Panthera tigris), Hoolock Gibbon (Bunipithecus hoolock), Ganges dolphin (Platanista gangetica),Sambar (Cervus unicolor), Barasingha or Swamp Deer (duvauceli), Hog Deer, Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and Gaur (Bos frontalis)etc.

There are also over 500 species of birds have been recorder in the park including 25 specis of globally threatened category. Over and above ther are 21 rare and endangered species. In winter one can observe a large breeding population of Spot Bill Pelicans about one thousand breeding nests are found in a place which has been named as Pelican Colony in the Eastern Range.

Among the reptiles species like Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator), Indian python (Python molurus), Cobra (Naja naja) and the King Cobra are found.

Few Defining years :
1905: Preliminary notifications.
1908: Reserve Forest
1916: Game Sanctuary
1938: Open to visitors
1950: Wild Life Sanctuary
1974: National Park
1985: World Heritage Site by UNESCO
2006: Declared as Tiger Reserve.

Activities :
• Elephant Safari
• Jeep Safari
• Trekking and bird watching
• Village visit (Assamese & Mishing tribe)
• Tea Garden Tour
• Dolphin viewing in Brahmaputra River.

» ASSAM TOUR

Guwahati-Kaziranga-Majuli-Sibasagar-Jorhat

» BEST OF NORTH EAST INDIA

Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Kaziranga National Park-Shillong-Cherrapunjee.

» GLIMPS OF NORTH EAST INDIA

Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Itanagar-Ziro- Daporizo-Along-Pasighat-Dibrugarh-Mon-Lonwa-Mokokchung-Kohima-Kaziranga- Guwahati

» HERITAGE TEA TOUR

Dibrugarh-Sibasagar-Jorhat-Kaziranga-Guwahati

» RHINOLAND TOUR

Guwahati-Kaziranga National Park

» SEVEN SISTER TOUR

Guwahati-Shillong-Cherrapunjee-Tezpur-Bomdila-Tawang-Diarang-Bhalukpong-Kaziranga National Park-Kohima-Imphal-Aizawl-Silchar-Agartala.

» WILDLIFE TOUR OF ASSAM

Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Kaziranga National Park-Gibbon Wildlife Sanctury-Jorhat.

JORHAT

The name “JORHAT” or “JOREHAUT” delived from two hats or markets which subsist on the two banks of the river Bhogdoi during the 18th Century, Jorhat was the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom(erstwhile ”Rangpur”). This flourishing town was completely destroyed by the Burmese invasions in1817 till the arrival of the British in 1824 under the leadership of David Scott and Captain Richard.

There are about 135 Tea Gardens in and around Jorhat.

Places of Interests :

Jorhat Gymkhana Club: Built in 1876 by D. Slimmon, it is the oldest planter’s club in Assam and still maintains its heritage.

Tokolai Tea Research Center: The Tocklai Experimental Station, Jorhat is the oldest and the largest research station of its kind in the world.

» ASSAM TOUR

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» HERITAGE TEA TOUR

Dibrugarh-Sibasagar-Jorhat-Kaziranga-Guwahati.

» WILDLIFE TOUR OF ASSAM

Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Kaziranga National Park-Gibbon Wildlife Sanctury-Jorhat.

MAJULI

The largest inhabitant river line island in the world Majuli has been the hub of Assamese neo-vaishnavite culture and it is the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization for the past 500 years, by the revered Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva. The first vaishnavite monastery was at Belaguri in west Majuli. After that 65 Monasteries (SATRAS) were set up. Today only 22 of the original 65 are survived.

The main tribe of Majuli is Mishing. They comprise of about 47% of the population of Majuli. The term Mishing is also made up of two words- 'mi' means people and 'yassing' means fine, and that's why they call themselves fine people. Other comprises Chutias, Deoris, Sonowal Kacharies, Koches, Naths, Kaivarttas, Mattaks, Ahoms, Kalitas, Brahmins etc.

Activities :
Visit to the Auniati Satra or Monastery: Niranjan Pathak Dev had founded the Satra and it is having the collection of old Assamese utensils, jewelries and handicrafts.

Kamalabari Satra: Founded by Bedula Padma Atais a centure of ethenic art and culture.

» ASSAM TOUR

Guwahati-Kaziranga-Majuli-Sibasagar-Jorhat.

SIVASAGAR

Situaterd 369 Kms east of Guwahati Sivasagar erstwhile Rangpur is full of historic relice. Bearing testimony of 600 years of Ahom rule. Rangpur became THE 4TH Capital of Ahom Kingdom. The name of the town and the district originated from the Sivsasagar Tank and temples.

Places of interests :
Rang Ghar : An antique two storied imposing structure the Rang Ghar (‘Rang’ means enjoyment ang ‘Ghar’ means house in Assamese language)happened to be the royal sports pavilion (lile wrestling, bird fight, buffalo fight etc) of the Ahom Kings. It was constructed by the 34th Ahom king Pramatta Singha in 1746.

Tolatol Ghar : Originally constructed by the Ahom king Rudra Singha in 1699 the present palace made of bricks and indigenous type of cement constructed by King Rajeswar Singha in 1751-69). Known as the seven storied Kareng Ghar of which four were over ground and remaining three were underground, it was the Capital and the military station of the Ahom kings.

Shiva Dole : The Shiva Dole, Vishnu Dole and Devi Dole constructed by second queen of Shiva Singha known as Ambika in 1734. This reputed to be the tallest Shiva Temple in North East India. The Shiva Dole 180 feet in height and 195 feet in diameter caped by seven feet height golden dome.

Shivasagar Tank (Barpukhuri) : Constructed by second queen of Shiva Singha queen Ambika in 1734, covers an area of 129 acres. The water level of the tank never changes and remains above the level of the town all the time.

Kareng Ghar (The Gargaon Palace) : The original structure had been made of wood and stones. In 1747 King Pramatta Singha constructed the brick wall of about 5 kms.The present surviving Brick palace was rebuilt by king Rajeshwar Singha in 1752.

Charaideo Maidam : The tombs of King and Queen at Charaideo Hillock are comparable to the pyramids of Egypt. Charaideo was the first Capital of Ahom Kingdom established by King Sui- Ka- Pha. This is also the sacred burial ground of the kings and the queens of the Ahom Kingdom.

» ASSAM TOUR

Guwahati-Kaziranga-Majuli-Sibasagar-Jorhat

» HERITAGE TEA TOUR

Dibrugarh-Sibasagar-Jorhat-Kaziranga-Guwahati