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Assam-At a Glance

Presentation · October 2017

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.32797.20961

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 Assam-At a Glance
Welcome to the state of Assam

(A Video Documentary Script)

By
Prof. A. Balasubramanian*
Centre for Advanced Studies in Earth Science,
University of Mysore ,Mysore
*(Former Director: -Culture and Cultural Relations-Pondicherry University, -Educational Multimedia
Research Centre-University of Mysore)
2013

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Introduction

India is one of the mostly preferred destinations for international tourists.

Tourism is a very promising industry in India. India is a country with a large number of tourist
spots and attractive features. India is a country known for its culture, heritage, history and natural
resources. All the states and union territories have a good number of locations catering to the
domestic and international tourists. Assam is a state in northeastern India, south of the eastern
Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley. Assam is known for Assam tea and Assam
silk. The first oil well in Asia was drilled here. Assam and adjoining regions have evidences of
human settlements from all the periods of the Stone ages. The hills at the height of 1,500–2,000
feet (460 to 615 m) were popular habitats probably due to availability of exposed dolerite basalt,
useful for tool-making.

State Profile

Assam is one of the 29 states of India, situated in the country's northeast. The state covers an
area of 78,550 square kilometers with 31,169,272 inhabitants. Assam is surrounded by six of
the other Seven Sister States which is Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram,
Tripura, and Meghalaya. These states are connected to the rest of India via a narrow strip in West
Bengal called the Siliguri Corridor or "Chicken's Neck". Assam also shares international borders
with Bhutan and Bangladesh. The capital of Assam is Dispur. The primary official languages of
Assam are Assamese and Bodo. Other languages often spoken in the state include Bengali,
Nepali, Mising, Karbi and Dimasa. The state has the quality of life in the county with excellent
physical infrastructure and it has 73.18% literacy level.

Physiography (Mountain and Forest)

The antecedent river Brahmaputra is the life-line of Assam. It is older than the Himalayas. The
river with steep gorges and rapids in Arunachal Pradesh entering Assam becomes a braided river
and with tributaries, creates a flood plain. The hills of Karbi Anglong, North Cachar and close to
Guwahati now eroded and dissected are originally parts of the South Indian Plateau system. In
the south, the Barak originating in the Barail Range (Assam-Nagaland border) flows through the
Cachar district with a 25–30 miles (40–50 km) wide valley and enters Bangladesh with the name
Surma.

A significant geographical aspect of Assam is that it contains three of six physiographic divisions
of India – The Northern Himalayas (Eastern Hills), The Northern Plains (Brahmaputra plain) and
Deccan Plateau (Karbi Anglong). As the Brahmaputra flows in Assam the climate here is cold
and there is rainfall most of the month.Geomorphic studies conclude that the Brahmaputra, the
life-line of Assam is an antecedent river, older than the Himalayas. The river with steep gorges
and rapids in Arunachal Pradesh entering Assam, becomes a braided river (at times 10 mi/16 km
wide) and with tributaries, creates a flood plain.

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Climate

The climate is characterised by heavy monsoon downpours reducing summer temperatures and
affecting foggy nights and mornings in winters, frequent during the afternoons. Spring (Mar–
Apr) and autumn (Sept–Oct) are usually pleasant with moderate rainfall and temperature.
Assam's agriculture usually depends on the south-west monsoon rains.
As far as the climate in Assam is concerned, this state also has a pleasant weather. It consists of
four seasons like winter, summer, spring and autumn.
 The summer temperature goes around 35–38 °C.
 In winter the temperature reaches minimum of 6-8 °C and it experience heavy rainfall
and high humidity.
 The spring season begins from March and lasts till April.
 The autumn season experience usually pleasant with moderate rainfall. The season begins
in September and ends in October.

Fauna

Assam is one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world and consists of tropical rainforests,
deciduous forests, riverine grasslands, bamboo orchards and numerous wetland ecosystems;
Many are now protected as national parks and reserved forests.
Assam has conserved the one-horned Indian rhinoceros from near extinction, along with the
pygmy hog, tiger and numerous species of birds, and it provides one of the last wild habitats for
the Asian elephant. Kaziranga and Manas are both World Heritage Sites. The state contains Sal
tree forests and forest products, much depleted from earlier times. A land of high rainfall, Assam
displays greenery.

Flora

Assam is remarkably rich in Orchid species and the Foxtail orchid is the state flower of Assam.
The recently established Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park boasts more than 500
of the estimated 1,314 orchid species found in India.

Geology

Assam has petroleum, natural gas, coal, limestone and other minor minerals such as magnetic
quartzite, kaolin, sillimanites, clay and feldspar. A small quantity of iron ore is available in
western districts. Discovered in 1889, all the major petroleum-gas reserves are in Upper parts. A
recent USGS estimate shows 399 million barrels (63,400,000 m3) of oil, 1,178 billion cubic feet
(3.34×1010 m3) of gas and 67 million barrels (10,700,000 m3) of natural gas liquids in the
Assam Geologic Province.

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Short History

Assam and adjoining regions have evidences of human settlements from all the periods of the
Stone ages. The hills at the height of 1,500–2,000 feet were popular habitats probably due to
availability of exposed doleritic basalt useful for tool-making.

State is known for what?

Assam is particularly famous for its natural beauty. The landscape includes tea gardens, the river
Brahmaputra, and many historical monuments and temples.

Transportation

Assam, being the one of the most important cites of India, is well connected to most of the other
Cities of the Country, by highways, railways, and airways. Assam being the gateway of the
North East India, the need for development of transport and communication sector in the State is
of vital importance for speedy economic development of the region.

Airways

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi is an International Airport in Assam. Other state Airports located in
here are Dibrugarh Airport, Jorhat Airport, Lilabari Airport, Rupsi Airport, Silchar Airport,
Tezpur Airport.

Roadways

The principal function of the Public Works Department (PWD) is to de the infrastructure for-
transport & Communication of the State and Residential & Non-residential accommodation
facility in the State. The Assam PWD (Roads wing) is chiefly responsible for improvement of
road communication through construction and maintenance of roads, bridges and culverts for
speedy development of the State.

Railways

The Ministry of Railways has undertaken various developmental activities in the Railway Sector
in the State including extension of railways line to link the other States of North-Eastern States
Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram through Assam.

Time zone, Currency and No. of Districts

Throughout the India, the time zone is same of all the States i.e. Indian standard Time +5:30
The Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency
is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The new Indian rupee symbol INR is
derived from the Devanagari. The first series of coins with this new rupee symbol was launched
on 8 July 2011.

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The modern rupee is subdivided into 100 paise though this division is now theoretical; as of 30
June 2011, coin denominations of less than 50 paise ceased to be legal tender. Bank notes are
available in nominal values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and higher denominations. Coins of the
rupee are available in 1, 2, 5 and 10. Paise coins of the rupee have nominal values of 50, and
lower denominations have been officially withdrawn.
The state of Assam is divided into 32 districts. The old ones are Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Cachar,
Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Golaghat, Hailakandi, Jorhat, Karbi Anglong,
Karimganj, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Marigaon, Nagaon, Nalbari, Dima Hasao, Sibsagar, Sonitpur,
Tinsukia, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Baksa, Udalguri, Chirang.

Historical Monuments/ Architecturally Significant Bulding / Mansions

The monuments in Assam are visited by several people all over the world. Some of the most
famous monuments of Assam are Raidongia Dol, Bangalpukhari Tank and Sibsagar Tank.
 Raidongia Dol is situated in the Larua mouza near the Dihing - Barbaru Road in
Dibrugarh District of Assam. A large pond is adjacent to the dol. The dol measures about
45 feet above water and 150 feet below. There are 14 statues on the walls.
 Bangalpukhari Tank is a historical tank located to the south of Jorhat town near Na-ali,
in Assam. The history of the tank dates back to 1739 of the Saka era. In the month of
Shravan of same year, Badan Barphukan was murdered by Rupsinghh Bangal, when he
was going to take bath here.
 Sibsagar Tank is an outstanding landmark in the historic city of Sibsagar. It is a large
artificial lake, situated in the heart of the town, built two centuries ago by Queen
Madambikaand. The water level in the tank is raised slightly above ground level. It
covers an area of 120 acres and is fed by natural springs. The tank is surrounded by deep
ditches and earthen moats.

Hill stations

The most famous Hill Stations of Assam are Diphu, Umrangshu, Jatinga, Haflong
Diphu is the Head Quarter to Karbi Anglong District and 271 kms from Guwahati by road. It is
connected by N. F. Railway and State Transport Buses from Guwahati. Nearest Airport is
Dimapur 54 kms.

Umrangshu The distance from Guwahati to Umrangshu is 224 kms by road. The biggest Hydel
plant has come up under North East Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) with dams in the
Kopili river. Near Umrangshu, there is a Hot spring (GARAMPANI), the water of which is
believed to have medicinal value.

Jatinga is situated 9 kms from Haflong town, the District Head Quarter of North Cachar Hills.
Jatinga is famous for bird mystery. The migratory birds come during the month of August to
November and it becomes the ornithologist's attraction. From the elevated watch tower one can
see them yielding to their death wish and their little plumage dropping down.

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Haflong Up in the rugged terrains stands Assam's only hill station Haflong where one can see
the rainbow down below. It is the district Head Quarter of North Cachar hills District. A
beautiful big lake "Haflong Lake" is located in the heart of the Haflong town. Haflong is 345
kms by road from Guwahati and connected by N. F. Railway and State Transport Buses ply from
Guwahati.

Zoo / Parks / Jungles / Garden

Cole Park is a very picturesque city park located in the heart of Tezpur Town, Cole Park has
been recently renamed as the Chitralekha Udyan. This dream project of Mr. Cole, a former
British Deputy Commissioner of Assam, Cole Park features some of the finest specimens of
sculptural remains of the 9th century. Housing two massive stone pillars and remains of an
ancient palace, this city park also showcases a water-body in form of a lake where small rowing
and paddle boats are allowed.

Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden is also known as the 'Guwahati Zoo', the Assam State
Zoo cum Botanical Garden spread over 130 hectares of land is located within the Hengrabari
Reserved Forest area on the RGB Road at a distance of 5 kilometers from the Guwahati Railway
Station. It is a wonderful picnic spot with a good collection of wildlife which is equally enjoyed
by the adults and the children. Visited by over 500,000 visitors every year, it is one of the most
frequented tourist destinations in Guwahati.

Wildlife sanctuary and National Parks

Important wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of Assam are,

 Kaziranga National Park Lying along the mighty Brahmaputra River, the Kaziranga
National Park covers an area of about 430 sq. km. Kaziranga park is the oldest national
park in Assam. This park is known for the great one horned rhinoceros . But among the
tall elephant grass and rugged reeds, marshes & shallow pools are hidden many other
animals. These animals are very much part of the complex ecological balance of the park.
Elephants, Indian bison, Swamp Deer, Sambar, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard.
Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Hog Badger, Capped Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Jackal, Goose,
Hornbill, Ibis, Cormorants, Egret, Heron Fishing Eagle and many more.
 Manas National Park is famous for the Majestic Tigers. This park is the only Project
Tiger in Assam. The sub-Himalayan hills forms the back drop of this park. The scenic
beauty and rare wealth of wild life combine with this unique world heritage site to offer
one of the most enthralling experiences. The core area of Manas Park is 360 kms. Manas
is also noted for its population of the rare golden langur - found only in this part of the
country. They are often spotted in the tall trees. Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog and Golden
Langur are some of the rare species of animals to be found in the park apart from the
Tiger. Elephants, Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Sambar, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer
are some of the animals which are easily spotted at this park.
 Orang Wild Life Sanctuary covers 72 sq kms only and is located towards the north
bank of Brahmaputra. This park is 150 kms from Guwahati and 32 kms from Tezpur. The

6
 nearest railhead is Saloni & Rangapara is the closest railhead. The park has only a small
rest house so it is better to stay at Tezpur and visit this park.
 Pabha or Milroy Sanctuary Pabha Sanctuary spreads in an area of 49 sq. kms. This
Sanctuary was created to protect the wild water buffalo. Details can be obtained from the
Chief Conservator of forest, Wildlife, Zoo- Narengi Road, Guwahati- Assam.
 Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Slightly larger than the Pabha Sanctuary, Sonai Rupai
Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 175 sq. kms. It is located along the foothills of
Himalayas in Sonitpur District. This park combines scenic beauty with the exotic
wildlife. It is the home for Elephant, Indian Bison and many other species of birds &
animals.

Palace/Fort/Museums/Art Galleries

The most famous palace, museums, forts that are present in Assam are Rang Ghar, Talatal
Ghar

Rang Ghar is one of the most important attraction from the states of the Assam. It is considered
to be one of the most important and the oldest amphitheatre in the Asia and is well known as
Colosseum of the East. It is located in the north east region of the Tolatol Ghar that lies in the
Joysagar area of the Sibsagar District.

Talatal Ghar is known as one of the former capital of the Kingdom of Ahom. It was established
by the Ahom Empire in the period of 17th C. by the Swargeo Rudra Singha. After this they built
a palace inside the city made up of wood and the material similar to that of wood. In the later
period, his descendant Rajeshwara Singha added a few more storeys in the palace near about 7
storeys.

Tourist Spot

Haflong is a picturesque hill-station where one can see the rainbow down below. Jatinga, famous
for the unexplained phenomenon of migratory birds 'committing mass suicide', is only 9 km
away from Haflong.

Sibsagar is the historical city has 200 year old Sibsagar tank in the center. Shivadol one of the
three temples is said to the highest Shiva temple in India.

Majuli Island is situated in the midst of river Brahmaputra, this is the world's largest river
island. Over 15 Vaishnava monasteries or satras are located on Majuli. The rich diversity of wild
lives draws a lot of tourists in Assam. Barring Africa, perhaps no part of the world can boast of
such a variety of wildlife.

Hajo is the place can be called as an amalgamation of Hinduism, Islamism and Buddhism with
several famous temples; mosque built by Pir Giasuddin Aulia called Poa Mecca and the temple
of Hayagrib Madhab which houses the relics of Lord Buddha.

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Temple, Churches, Mosque, Jain

The state of Assam is famous for its beautiful temples. Some of the famous temples are
Kamakhya Temple, Nabagraha Temple, Umananda Temple, Madan Kamdev, Satra.

Kamakhya Temple This powerful Shakti Temple of Mother Goddess Kamakhya is situated on
the top of the scenic Nilachal Hills overlooking the majestic river Brahmaputra. The greatest
shrine of tantric Shaktism finds mention in the inscription of the Allahabad pillar of
Samudragupta. Devotees from all over India converge on this holy place during Ambubashi and
Manasha Puja.

Nabagraha Temple The temple of nine planets is situated on Chitrachal Hill in Guwahati,
Assam. In ancient times, it was said to have been a great centre of study of astronomy and
astrology. This is also one of the reasons why Guwahati is referred to as Pragjyotishpur or the
city of eastern Astrology.

Umananda Temple The great Shiva temple is situated on the Peacock island in the middle of
the Brahmaputra in Guwahati, Assam. It attracts devotees from all over the country during Shiva
Ratri. One can visit the temple by crossing the river by country boat plying from mainland
Guwahati.

Madan Kamdev Barely 40 kms. away from the sprawling metropolis of Guwahati, Madan
Kamdev is an enigma, a mystery, a marvel and in the words of Omar Khayam, "a veil past which
I could not see". Very little is known about the origin of these magnificent archaeological ruins.
Written history is almost silent on it, leaving wide room for conjectures and hypothesis.

Satra Founded by Sankardeva, the father of Assamese culture, the Institution of Satra is a unique
feature of Vaishnavism in Assam. Satras are basically monasteries which propogate
neoVaishnavism. They also became centres for education and dissemination of the art of
harmonius living.

Shopping / Handicraft / Malls / Business centers

Since the state is traditionally rich in handicrafts, shopping in Assam is a delightful experience.
Wide range of handicrafts is available in Assam. Assam also excels in tradition handloom
products. Assam is well known producer of exclusive silks.
 Handmade toys made from clay, cork (pith), wood and bamboo and an admixture of cloth
and mud
 Silk fabric of various types like - Muga (the golden silk exclusive only to this state), Paat,
Eri
 Handloom products like Laichampi (quilt-like material)
 Cane and bamboo work
 Decorative items in bell metal and brass
 Furniture made of bamboo and cane

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  Tribal arts, including masks bhaonas
 Products of bell metal
 Assam Tea

Festivals/ Dance / Music

The festivals that are celebrated in Assam are,

 Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu
 Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu
 Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu
 Majuli Festival
 Elephant Festival
 Tea Festival
 Dehing Patkai Festival
 Brahmaputra Festival
 Majuli Festival

Educational Hub

The most important educational hubs of Arunachal Pradesh are Assam University, Gauhati
University, Dibrugarh University, Assam Medical College, Guwahati Medical College, Assam
Agricultural University, Assam Engineering College, K.K. Handique State Open University,
Jorhat Engineering College, Jorhat Institute of Science & Technology.

Hotels

Hotels in Assam offer a wide range of choice of accommodation. A variety of hotels are located
in any tourist destination within the state. Be it five star deluxe category hotels or medium sized
boutique hotels with a distinct character, or an economy class hotel with basic amenities, a
comprehensive list of hotels in Assam cater to every budget and taste.
 Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok
 Ginger Hotel
 Hotel Nandan
 Hotel Nova
 Hotel Dynasty
 Hotel Landmark
 Hotel Vishwaratna
 Hotel President

Tourist Dept. Office / Conducted Tourist operators / Guide facility.

The most popular tour operators in Assam are,

 Directorate of Tourism – Assam
 Ashoka Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
 Assam Holidays
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  My Voyage
 Purvi Discovery (P) Ltd.
Each tourist operator has their own special guide, for describing all the information about the
specialty of the places.

Hospitality

The hospital in Assam provides a 24-hours services to the people so that they can get immediate
medical help in times of necessity. The telephone or the helpline numbers of the hospital of
Assam are largely instrumental in this context.
Some of the Premium and government hospitals that are available at any time are,
 Central Nursing Home
 City Hospital & Research Centre
 International Hospital
 Srimanta Sankardeva Hospital & Research Centre
 Wintrobe Hospital

Cinema Halls /Film Cities

 Anupama Cinema
 Pragjyoti Cinema
 Vandana Cinema
 Urvasi Cinema
 Udeshna Cinema
 Rupashree Cinema

Food Habits

Assamese cuisine is the cuisine of Assam, a state in North-East India. It is a style of cooking that
is a confluence of cooking habits of the hills that favor fermentation and drying as forms of food
preservation, and those from the plains that provide fresh vegetables and abundance of fish from
its many rivers and ponds; both of which are centered around the main ingredient—rice. It is a
mixture of different indigenous styles with considerable regional variations and some external
influences.

Safety and precautions

There are many important features of vacation. It is not an option but a compulsory measure that
has to be taken while travelling anywhere. General safety and precautions are,
 First aid tool kid is the most important one that everyone has to carry while travelling.
 Travelling at night is unsafe.
 Keep a photocopy of your passport and all other important documents in a safe place.
 Don't share taxis with strangers.
 Make a note of emergency exits, stairwells, fire escapes and emergency plans at
hotels.
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  And always have local police and ambulance number to make emergency call.

Andhra Pradesh has plenty of such tourist locations. Each location speaks in volume almost its
uniqueness. The pride of India lies in every tourist spot.

Thank you.

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