![]() The state covers an area of 30285 sq m and is bordered by Bhutan and Bangladesh. Today there are two names for Assam; the official English name Assam and the Assamese local name Oxom. The inhabitants of Assam comprises of the migrants from Burma and China who came from Punjab through Bihar and North Bengal. Assam presents a fusion of Mongol-Aryan culture. History of Assam The name Assam has been used for more than eight hundred years from the time the Tai people first came to Assam. In the Epics, Assam was known as 'Kamarupa' or 'Pragjyotish'. In Mahabharata, the Puranas, the Tantras there are references of the kingdom known as Kamrup. The renowned king Narakaxura ruled Kamrupa from his capital at Pragjyotishpura. The early history of Assam is believed to be of the Varman dynasty. Among the early sources there are references of the visit of Hiuen-tsang, who had visited the court of King Bhaskar Varman. Geography of Assam ![]() Demography of Assam The esteemed population of Assam in 2011 is 30.57 million. The districts of Kamrup, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Barpeta, Dhubri, Darang and Cachar record the higher population. According to 2001 census the literacy rate of this state is 63.3%.the male literacy rate is 71.3% and the female literacy rate is 54.6%. In Assam forty five languages are spoken by different communities. Culture of Assam The culture of this state is a type of hybrid one originated due to the assimilation of the ethno cultural groups. This state is an intermixture of various racial stocks like Mongoloid, Indo-Burmese, Indo-Iranian and Aryans. Assam has a large number of tribes. The majority in Assam are the Vaishnavas. Other religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam etc. are also found in Assam. Bihu is the national festival of Assam. It is celebrated in three parts during a year with great pomp and grandeur by all Assamese, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Education of Assam ![]() Administration of Assam The current chief minister of Assam is Tarun Kumar Gogoi. He is elected in the year 2011 from the Indian National Congress. The legislative structure of Assam is unicameral and consists of 126 members. The members are elected for a period of 5 years. Since the Indian Independence, Congress has been in power from 1947 to 1978. After which the Janata Party came to power but this government did not last for two years and again Congress came back to power and ruled till 1985. They were again succeeded by the AGP (Asom Gana Parishad). Since then (1985) the Congress and the AGP had been in power alternatively. ![]() The economy of Assam is mainly agricultural. There is a widespread practice of traditional farming techniques and low practice of modern techniques. About seventy five percent of the population depends on agriculture and sixty nine percent of the work force in the state is engaged in agricultural activities. Rice is the staple diet of the people. Most of the people are engaged in the cultivation of rice. Other agricultural products cultivated are pulses, jute, tea and fruits. Sugarcane, potatoes, cotton, oil seeds and coconut are also produced in large amount. One of India's few oil regions; Assam produces more than half of the nation's Tea. There are around right hundred tea estates in Assam. Tourism in Assam Assam comprises of many tourist places in and around it. Assam is considered as pilgrim's paradise. Kamakhya temple in Guwahati is very popular pilgrimage. Kaziranga National park and Manas national Park are important wild life parks. In this state trekking, motorcycle tours and Brahmaputra cruise are some outdoor activities with which the travellers can indulge themselves. (Last Updated on : 07-01-2016) |
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Assam, Indian state