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ASSAM : STATIC STATE GK

STATE MAP

Geography:

Location: Assam is a state located in the northeastern part of India.

Boundaries: It shares its borders with Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, and the international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh.


Brahmaputra River: The mighty Brahmaputra River flows through Assam, influencing the state’s geography and agriculture.

Capital and Major Cities:


Capital: Dispur (though, Guwahati is often considered the largest and most important city in the state).

Other Major Cities: Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Silchar, and Tezpur.


History and Culture:

 

Historical Significance: Assam has a rich historical background, with mentions in ancient texts like the Puranas. It was known as Kamarupa in ancient times.

Culture and Traditions: Assam is known for its diverse culture, with influences from various communities like Assamese, Bodo, Mising, Karbi, etc.


Traditional Dance and Music: Bihu is the most popular and widely celebrated festival in Assam, accompanied by traditional dance forms like Bihu dance and various traditional music styles.


Wildlife and National Parks:

Kaziranga National Park: Famous for its one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major wildlife conservation area.

Manas National Park: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Manas is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, and various species of deer.

Economy:

Tea Industry: Assam is a major producer of tea, known for its high-quality Assam tea.

Oil and Natural Gas: The state is also rich in natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas. The oil industry contributes significantly to the economy.

Language:

 

Assamese: The official language of Assam is Assamese. However, various indigenous languages are also spoken by different communities in the state.

Transportation:

 

River Transport: Given the presence of the Brahmaputra River, river transport plays a significant role in the state’s transportation system.

Road and Rail Connectivity: Assam has an extensive network of roads and railways connecting different parts of the state and the rest of India.

Festivals:

 

Bihu: As mentioned earlier, Bihu is the most celebrated festival in Assam, marking the Assamese New Year and celebrating the agricultural cycle.

Handicrafts and Handlooms:

 

Assam Silk: The state is known for its exquisite silk, especially Muga silk and Eri silk. The traditional handloom industry is an integral part of Assam’s culture and economy.

Historical Sites:

 

Sivasagar: It was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom and has historical monuments like the Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, and Talatal Ghar.

Kamakhya Temple: A famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, located in Guwahati.

 

Cuisine:

Assamese Cuisine: The cuisine of Assam is characterized by its simplicity and use of unique flavors. Some popular dishes include Assam Laksa, Khar, Assam Tea, and various bamboo shoot preparations.

Traditional Attire:

 Mekhela Chador: The traditional attire for Assamese women is Mekhela Chador, a two-piece garment. Men often wear traditional outfits like dhoti and kurta or shirt.

Social and Cultural Institutions:

 Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra: A cultural institution in Guwahati named after the saint and cultural icon Srimanta Sankardev, promoting and preserving

Assamese culture.

Assam Sahitya Sabha: Founded in 1917, it is the premier literary organization in Assam, contributing significantly to the promotion of Assamese literature.

Famous Personalities:

 

Bhupen Hazarika: A legendary musician, singer, and filmmaker, he played a crucial role in popularizing Assamese music globally.

 

Gopinath Bordoloi: The first Chief Minister of Assam and a prominent political figure in the Indian independence movement.

 

Education:

 Cotton University: A prestigious public university in Guwahati, known for its contributions to education and research.

IIT Guwahati: One of the premier engineering institutes in India, located in Guwahati.

Tourist Attractions:

 

Kamakhya Temple: Apart from its religious significance, the Kamakhya Temple is a major tourist attraction, known for its unique architecture.

Majuli Island: The world’s largest river island, Majuli is known for its scenic beauty and is a hub of Assamese culture.

Assam Accord:

 

 

 

 

1985 Accord: The Assam Accord was signed in 1985, aiming to resolve issues related to illegal immigration and provide constitutional safeguards to the people of Assam.

Social Issues:

 

 

Floods: Assam faces recurrent floods due to the Brahmaputra River, impacting agriculture and displacing communities. Flood management is a significant concern.

Language Movements:


Bengali Language Movement: Assam has witnessed language movements, particularly in the 1960s, protesting the imposition of Bengali in the state, leading to the recognition of Assamese as the official language.


Tribal Communities: Bodo Tribe: One of the major indigenous communities in Assam, with a distinct culture and language. The Bodo Accord in recent years has aimed at addressing their socio-political demands.

Tea Estates:


Tea Gardens: Assam is home to numerous tea estates producing some of the finest teas globally. Visitors often explore these estates to understand the tea-making process.


Agriculture: Jute Cultivation: Apart from tea, jute cultivation is also significant in Assam. The state contributes to the production of jute in the country.

Assamese Cinema:


Jyoti Prasad Agarwala: Known as the father of Assamese cinema, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala was a playwright, poet, and filmmaker, contributing immensely to Assamese cinema.


Biodiversity and Forests: Assam’s Flora and Fauna: The state is known for its rich biodiversity, with various species of plants and animals. The forests of Assam are home to diverse wildlife, including various species of orchids and the elusive clouded leopard. Dibrugarh:


Tea Hub: Dibrugarh is often referred to as the “Tea City of India” and is a major center for the tea industry, with numerous tea estates and factories.

Namami Brahmaputra Festival:


Cultural Celebration: This festival is an initiative to showcase and celebrate the cultural diversity of Assam, with events like traditional dance performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions.

Assam Accord and NRC:


National Register of Citizens (NRC): The NRC process in Assam, aimed at identifying illegal immigrants, has been a significant and complex issue, often intertwined with the historical context of the Assam Accord.


Assam Rifles:

Paramilitary Force: Assam Rifles, one of the oldest paramilitary forces in India, plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the region, especially along the border areas.

Traditional Crafts:

Cane and Bamboo Work: Assam is known for its exquisite cane and bamboo craft, with skilled artisans creating a wide range of products, from furniture to decorative items.

Assam Agricultural University: Agricultural Research and Education: Located in Jorhat, this university is a hub for agricultural research and education, contributing to the advancement of farming practices in the region.


Diverse Ethnic Groups: Karbi and Dimasa Communities: Assam is home to various ethnic groups, each with its unique traditions. The Karbi and Dimasa communities, for example, contribute to the cultural diversity of the state.


Assam State Museum: Cultural Artefacts: Located in Guwahati, the Assam State Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts representing the cultural heritage of the state, including sculptures, manuscripts, and traditional costumes.


Brahmaputra Literary Festival: Literary Extravaganza: This annual festival brings together authors, poets, and literary enthusiasts, providing a platform for discussions on literature, culture, and societal issues.


Assam Don Bosco University: Higher Education: This private university, with campuses in Guwahati and Sonapur, offers a range of academic programs, contributing to higher education in the state.


Barak Valley: Southern Region: Comprising three districts – Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi, Barak Valley is known for its distinct cultural identity and is an important part of Assam’s diversity.


Assamese Vaishnavite Monasteries: Satras: The state is home to Vaishnavite monasteries known as Satras, which have played a vital role in preserving and promoting traditional dance, music, and drama.


Assam Legislative Assembly: Political Hub: The Assam Legislative Assembly, located in Dispur, is the seat of the state’s legislative branch, where important political decisions are made.


Majuli – The Largest River Island:

Unique Geography: Majuli, located in the Brahmaputra River, is recognized as the largest river island globally. It is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for its unique socio-cultural landscape.


Bhut Jolokia – The Ghost Pepper:

Spicy Superlative: The Bhut Jolokia, native to Assam, held the title of the world’s hottest chili pepper for a period. It is renowned for its extreme spiciness and is an integral part of Assamese cuisine.


Digboi – Asia’s Oldest Refinery:

Petroleum Heritage: Digboi, in Assam, is home to Asia’s oldest refinery, established in the early 20th century. It has played a crucial role in the development of the oil industry in India.


Assam Tea and Tocklai Experimental Station:

Tea Research: Tocklai Experimental Station, located in Jorhat, is one of the oldest and largest tea research stations globally. It has significantly contributed to the development of the Assam tea industry.


Hornbill Festival – Celebrating Biodiversity:

Conservation Efforts: Assam hosts the Hornbill Festival, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of conserving the Great Indian Hornbill, an endangered species found in the region.


Bogibeel Bridge – Engineering Marvel:

Longest Rail-cum-Road Bridge: The Bogibeel Bridge, spanning the Brahmaputra River, is one of the longest rail-cum-road bridges in India, connecting the Dibrugarh and Dhemaji districts.


Assam Silk – Pat for Purity:

Muga, Eri, and Pat: Assam is renowned for its three types of silk – Muga, Eri, and Pat. Muga silk is particularly famous for its golden hue, while Eri and Pat silk also have distinct qualities.


Guwahati – Gateway to Northeast India:

Commercial and Cultural Hub: Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, serves as the gateway to the northeastern states. It is a major commercial and cultural center.


Sualkuchi – Silk Weaving Village:

Silk Weaving Tradition: Known as the ‘Manchester of the East,’ Sualkuchi is a village near Guwahati famous for its traditional handloom silk weaving, especially Muga silk.


Assam Accord – Addressing Immigration Issues:

Landmark Agreement: The Assam Accord, signed in 1985, aimed at addressing the issues related to illegal immigration in the state and ensuring the protection of the rights of the indigenous people.


Bihu Husori – Traditional Music and Dance:

Festive Performances: During the Bihu festival, traditional troupes known as ‘Husori’ move from village to village, performing Bihu songs and dances, adding to the festive spirit.

Assam and the Indian Rhinoceros:

Conservation Success: Assam has been successful in conserving the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, and the Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant stronghold for these majestic creatures.


Assamese Script – Assamese and Eastern Nagari:

Unique Script: The Assamese script, known as Assamese or Eastern Nagari, is used to write the Assamese language and has its distinct characters.