Assam is renowned for its captivating aspects that beg the attention of all curious young minds. With its geography of lakes, hills, mountains, and peace within the land and the people, Assam has beauty, culture, and history deep behind it. The paradise on Earth has plenty to offer, beyond the aromatic and delicious Assam tea, regarding its magnificent landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and picturesque beauty. Therefore, let us delve deeper and determine what facts about Assam make it incredible!
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Geography and Climate
A surprising fact about Assam is that it is a massive Y-shaped state inclined on its side. It has three dominant physical subdivisions: the north of the Brahmaputra River valley, the south of the Barak River valley, and the south-central part with the hilly region.
Brahmaputra River is a lifeline for Assam as it travels in Arunachal Pradesh and later enters Assam, also known as the Sadiya District. This river flows in Assam for around 450 miles and then bends south across Bangladesh.
Assam has a subtropical climate with hot summers and cool, dry winters. Weather temperatures can vary in August towards the end, and they can go as high as the nineties Fahrenheit, which is around 36 degrees Celcius.
In January, they can go as low as mid 40’s Fahrenheit, which is about seven degrees Celcius. The region is known to receive a lot of precipitation in the form of rainfall because there is a summer monsoon period experienced between June and September. Other areas of Assam are estimated to record rainfall figures of over 120 inches per year, contributing to some of the most humid rain-filled regions on earth.
Fascinating Facts about Assam History
The state of Assam boasts of a vibrant and captivating past traced over thousands of years. Numerous ancient kingdoms and dynasties, such as the Kamarupa, Ahom, and Koch, retained a significant presence in this region.
This kingdom, Kamarupa, from the 4th to the 12th century CE, was considered one of the most tribal political powers then. Furthermore, it was renowned for its elaborate administrative, aggressive, and cultural systems, which are a crucial element in Indian culture the unity in diversity of Incredible India.
Thengal Kachari, the Ahom kingdom’s dynasty, ruled the region of Assam for more than six hundred years from the thirteenth century to the nineteenth century and is considered integral in the state of Assam. The Ahoms, a branch of the Thai race, emigrated to this region and built an empire that had become very powerful and advanced. They were experts in going to war, ruling, and protecting their distinct way of life.
In the nineteenth century, Assam was annexed by the British colonial power. The British were more interested in the natural resources in the region, mainly tea. Large tea plantations were set up in Assam, which turned out to be very beneficial for the economy of Assam.
When India gained independence in 1947, Assam, at the outset, was part of the Indian Union, which was formed then. However, the state itself had gone through several rounds of redistricting in the following decades, resulting in the creation of new states – Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram – all of which were once part of Assam.
Unique Facts About Assam Economy
The state of Assam occupies a significant position on the economic scale of the northeastern part of India. A vital sector is agricultural activities, as various crops such as rice, tea, sugar cane, and jute play a substantial role in their economy.
The importance of Tea can be understood because Assam is the country’s top Tea production capital. In Assam, this industry began with the British’s introduction of ‘plantation’ tea in the Indian province in the 1820s. Assam’s black tea is also famous because of its assertive and malty taste and is shipped across the globe today.
Another fascinating fact about Assam is that the state also has a significantly developing manufacturing sector, with oil refining, petrochemicals, and fertilizers being the major industries. The state has several oil and natural gas fields that rank in the country’s topmost; hence, an essential energy sector lies in this region.
However, the landscape and ecosystem of the region have also facilitated many other activities like coal mining, tree growing, and the production of handicrafts. Many Indigenous people have crafts that involve making beautiful dishes, such as spinning, weaving handlooms, bamboo poles, and fitting works made of brass and bell metal.
Assam’s Unique Attractions
Due to its rich natural and cultural resources, Assam is an exciting place to visit. Below are some interesting facts about Assam spots:
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary: Manas is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for housing a unique variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, and the endangered golden langur monkey. Manas is also a part of the Bhutan-India Transboundary Conservation Area, which makes it an essential area for conservation purposes.
Majuli: The island of Majuli, situated at the heart of Indian river Brahmaputra, is believed to be the world’s most oversized inhabited river island. This island, famous for several Vaishnavite monasteries found here, has a great cultural mix, for instance, in making masks and the presence of Satriya dance.
Brahmaputra River Cruises: Boat rides on the massive Brahmaputra River are a significant attraction in Assam. The cruises offer an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful riverine scenery and look at the native people and animals along the riverside.
Kamakhya Temple: Kamakhya Temple, situated in Guwahati, is one of India’s ancient temples and is considered the biggest Shakti pithas. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kamakhya and is a pilgrimage center for many worshippers.
Handloom Handicrafts: The state has a rich heritage of handloom weaves, cane and bamboo products, bell metal work, and other impressive crafts. This allows visiting local markets and workshops to see the craft skills of craftsmen in the state.
Flora and Fauna
Assam boasts many plant and animal species that are simply awe-inspiring. Some of the most unique and exciting facts about Assam flora and fauna include:
Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros: This Rhinosaurus unicornis endangered species is primarily found in Kaziranga National Park, where Assam has the highest population. Almost prehistorical, they are a genuine pride of the state.
Bengal Tiger: The conservation centers of Assam are national parks, especially the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, which is of great importance to the Bengal tiger. The region is only complete with these big carnivores, which strictly belong to its trophic hierarchy.
Golden Langur: This critically endangered primate is exclusive to a minor region of Assam and Bhutan. The golden langur is one of the charming residents of the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary.
Hoolock Gibbon: The only species of ape found in India, Assams Hoolock Gibbon is threatened. These black and white nervous-looking monkeys inhabit the forested areas of the state.
Asiatic Elephant: An area where the largest land mammal – Indian Elephant is located, Assam. They are found within the trees of this state, and often, these places interfere with the population of residents.
Assam Leaf Turtle: This diminutive species of freshwater tortoise is confined to Assam’s wetlands and river systems. Its occupation is classified as endangered due to the effects of habitat destruction and illegal murder of biological resources.
Assam Peacock: This colorful bird is a variant of the Indian peacock. Its subspecies is found in the North Eastern region of India. The distinct color and pattern set it apart.
Foxtail Orchid: This beautiful orchid species grows in the Assam forests. It produces long flowering spikes that resemble a fox’s tail.
Hollong Tree: The hollong tree (Dipterocarpus retusus), endemic to Assam and the surrounding areas, is a stately hardwood tree of great economic importance.
Fascinating Facts about Assam Culture and Traditions
Assam, a state located in Northeast India, is home to and has been influenced by many ethnic and community groups, making it rich in culture. Below are some of the exciting features of the culture and traditions of Assam:
Festivals of Bihu: A series of festivals known as Bihu- Rongali Bihu, Kati Bihu, Magh Bihu-dominates the cultural calendar of Assam. Harvest festivals involve ethnic music and dance, merrymaking, and dressing in bright and elaborate costumes.
Assamese Language: Assamese is the official and principal language of Assam. This language developed from the ancient Ahom language and shares differences with regional Sino-Tibetan languages.
Performing Arts: Several folktales, myths, and legends are present in Assam’s oral literature. Most of these characters are embedded into the different communities within the state’s natural resources – animals and plants.
Satriya Culture: The Satriya Culture embodies artistic and spiritual practices initially developed in the Bhakti movement Vaishnav monasteries in Assam. These include dance, music, theater, and so on.
Ahom Architecture: The Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for 600 years, flourished and embodied a rich architectural tradition. Some of the significant Ahom relics are the Kareng Ghar (royal site), the Rang Ghar (amusement house for the king), and the Shiva Dol (Hindu – temple).
Cultural Diversity: Assam is rich in greenery, and many people and groups residing there have their language, traditions, and practices. Some notable ethnicities include the Assamese, Bodos, Karbis, Dimasas, and Michings.
Cuisine: The food of Assam has been famous all through the nation for using different flavors and materials along with locally available vegetables, herbs, spices, and mobile fermentation systems. Aroma fish curry, pork with bamboo shoots, and ‘Pitha,’ the sticky rice cake, are some of the famous dishes from the state.
Conclusion
The state of Assam can be called majestic in so many different aspects. Its picturesque views and variety of animals, deep-rooted cultures, and ancient structures always have something new to offer to this charming land. Whether it is the national parks, the colorful festivals, or the splendid history of the state, the travelers are sure to enjoy every bit of it.