ASSAM AT A GLANCE

Discover Assam: The Gateway to Northeast India

Located in the heart of Northeast India, Assam is a land of breathtaking beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural traditions. Nestled at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, this picturesque state is known for its lush tea gardens, rolling green hills, fertile Brahmaputra valley, and diverse wildlife.
The capital city, Dispur, is the administrative center, while Guwahati, the largest city, is a bustling cultural and economic hub. The name Assam is thought to derive from the Sanskrit word "Asom", meaning unrivalled or unequalled-a perfect reflection of the region’s unique charm and diverse landscape.
Another widely accepted theory traces the name to the Ahom dynasty, a powerful Mongoloid lineage that ruled Assam for over six centuries. Founded in the 13th century by the Shan prince Sukaphaa, the Ahom Kingdom profoundly influenced Assam’s identity, shaping its political history, language, and traditions.
Whether you're a traveler seeking unexplored destinations or a history enthusiast delving into India’s cultural roots, Assam offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, ancient heritage, and warm hospitality.

Geography and Climate of Assam

Assam, a northeastern state of India, shares its borders with Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya. It connects to the rest of mainland India through the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck.” Geographically, Assam is located between latitudes 24.5°N to 28.0°N and longitudes 88.25°E to 96.0°E. The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with annual temperatures ranging from 6°C to 38°C, making it lush, green, and fertile year-round—perfect for agriculture and biodiversity.

Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

Jonbeel Mela

Doul Yatra

Kamakhya Temple

Gopinath Bordoloi

Economy: Powered by Tea and Oil

Assam is globally renowned for its tea industry and petroleum reserves. It is India's major tea-producing region, with lush tea gardens covering thousands of acres. Digboi, located in Assam, is home to Asia's oldest oil refinery.

A Glimpse into Assam’s Ancient History

Historically, 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 Assam

The 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.

Discover Assam: Where Monsoons Sculpt Nature's Masterpiece

Assam, 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 Wonders

Assam'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 Nature

Assam’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.

Festivals of Assam: A Colorful Celebration of Culture, Faith, and Nature

Assam, 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.

Rongali or Bohag Bihu (April) – Celebrated with great enthusiasm in spring, Rongali Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and the arrival of the sowing season. It is a time of joy, music, dance, and traditional feasts. Villages come alive with the rhythmic beats of the dhol and the graceful movements of the Bihu dance, making it the most vibrant of all Bihu festivals....more >>

Bhogali or Magh Bihu (January) – Observed during the harvest season, Bhogali Bihu is a festival of feasting and community bonding. Traditional huts called 'mejis' and 'bhelaghars' are built and later burned in celebration. People gather to share food, light bonfires, and enjoy traditional games and songs....more >>
Kongali or Kati Bihu (October/November) – A more somber version of Bihu, Kati Bihu is centered on prayer and hope for a good harvest. Oil lamps are lit in homes and paddy fields, creating a tranquil and spiritual ambiance across the....more >>

Baishagu – A Joyous New Year for the Bodo Tribe Another 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 Temple One 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 >>

Assam: The World’s Premier Destination for Tea Lovers

Welcome 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.

The Legacy of Assam Tea: A Brew with a Rich History

A Taste That Awakens the Soul

Tea Tourism in Assam: A Journey Through Green Gold

Assamese Cuisine: A Simple Yet Flavorful Culinary Journey

Assamese 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 Form

Poita Bhaat –

Komal Saul –

Pithas –

Key Demographic Data – Assam (Census 2011)

Well-known polytechnic colleges in Assam

• Assam Engineerng Institutes at Chandmari,Guwahti. Phone:- 550852, 551872
• Assam Textile Institute ambari at GNB Road, Guwahati. Phone:- 0361-544116
• Bongaigaon Polytechnic at Bongaigaon.Phone:- 42211, 23501
• Dibrugarh Polytechnic at Lahoal, Dibrugrah.Phone: 21652
• H.R.H. The Prince of Wales Institute of Engineering & Technology at Jorhat.Phone: 320074
• Indian Institute of Handloom Technology at Jawahar Nagar, Khanapara, Guwahati.Phone: 561423, 560804
• Nogaon Polytechnic at Nagoan.Fax: 03672-22032
• Silchar Ploytechnic Meherpur at Cachar Silchar.Phone: 40273, 35262
• Govt. Polytechnic Diphu, at Karbi,Anglong
• Residential Girl's Polytechnic at Pulibari,Moukhua Golaghat.Phone:284548
• Padmashhree Chandraprabha Saikiani (Formerly Girl's Polytechnic) Guwahati
• Central Institute of Technology (CIT), BTAD, Kokrajhar Phone - 277279