Assam History

A HISTORY OF ASSAM

Preface

In the northeastern part of India, Assam is a state of much diversity and has unique character. It has a long history, inhabited by people of many caste and creeds with different language and culture. It is indeed a difficult task to cover these diverse facts of history, geography, literature, culture, economics and industry and so on in this endeavor. Therefore only the important facts are covered in this attempt to give a bird’s eye view of Assam and pen down a general picture so that glimpses of facts and figures can be seen at a glance. Therefore, there may be many omission and deletion of the facts and figures for which the author beg his apology. The mighty river Brahmaputra is flowing through the state from east to west with many tributaries and streams. River Barak is also flowing through Barak valley of Assam. It is surrounded by Himalayan hill track and Patkai hills. The state is rich in minerals (coal and oil), agricultural products such as tea, paddy etc. The first oil in Asia was discovered in Assam. Assam is the pioneer in producing tea in India. Assam also affected by insurgency and other problems. To cover all the happenings in one book is very difficult. However, it has been tried to cover the facts and figures as much it is possible in a nut-shell.

EARLY HISTORY

Entire north eastern region except Manipur, Tripura and Sikkim, was parts of Assam. There is no proper history and evidence of pre-historic days of the region. However, the antiquity of human habitation in Assam is established from the findings of various stone Celt used by the Neolithic people. These stone Celt discovered in various parts of Assam are kept in different museum such as Indian Museum at Kolkata, in Pitt river Museum at Oxford 385 numbers of such stone Celt from various parts of Assam are kept. These Neoliths as well as linguist and morphological evidences proves that ancient inhabitant of Assam were Austria and not Dravidian (Dravidian came at a later stage). In the prehistoric days, there was human habitation in the foot hills (most probably to avoid floods), Mon- Khmer ( Khasi, Synteng group- Jaintia or Pinar) may be the first known settlers in this region and they might migrated from Malaysia and Burma ( now Myanmar) in 2500 BC or a little earlier. The second groups of settlers in this region are Bodos, Naga, Monpas, Sherdukpen,Mising, Deuris and Karbis (migrated from Tibet or South China). After 500 BC, Indo-Aryan (Kalitas not Brahmins) from North India migrated to this region. At the same time there was migration from Gangetic valley of Bengal to Barak valley. All of the above speaks different language or dialect of Indo-Aryan, Austro-Asiatic or Tibeto-Burma origin.

Ancient Assam: It was known as Pragjyotishpur and later Kamrupa. The earliest mentioned of city of Pragjyotisha is found in Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is stated in Ramayana that Amrutaraja, the founder of Pragjyotispur perform his austerities in the bank of the Kausika or Koshi. It appears from the Buddhist record and Greek accounts of the 14th century BC, that the southern boundary of Pragjyotispur was the Lohita Sagara, the western boundary was the river Kousika and the northern boundary was the Bhutan hill and parts of Nepal.In Mahabharata, it has been described that Bhagadatta, the king of Pragjyotispur participated in the Kurukhetra war along with soldiers and elephants in favor of Kurava. In the Allahabad Pillar which was built by Samudragupta in the 4th century, the name Kamrupaand Davaka (Nowgaon) wereinscribed there.Kalikapuran (10th century) and Yogini Tantara (16th century) the two ancient invaluable books were supposed to be written in this region (Assam) only. According to Kalikapurana, when Narak was the King of Kamrupa, his friend Bana was the king of Sonitpur (presently Tejpur, monumental remains are still there) and his kingdom covered present Darrang, Sonitpur and Lakhimpur district of Assam. About the same time, at the extreme eastern end there was an independent kingdom named Vidarbhva.

Many dynasties had ruled Assam in the past which are mentioned below:

  1. The Varman Dynasty: The real political history of ancient Assam begins with Varman dynasty.Pushyavarman (between 355-380 AD as he was contemporary to Samudragupta) born in lineage of Naraka-Bhagadutta was the first Indo-Aryan king of Assam. Bhutivarman, Samudravarman, Balavarman, Kalyanavarman, Mahendravarman, Bhutiavarman, Susthitavarman and Vaskarvaman (600-650 AD) were few of the kings who ruled Kamrup or Pragjyotishpur (then Assam) from third century to early part of sixth century.Amritaprava, daughter of Balavarman was married to Meghavahana, a Kashmiri prince. During Balavarman’s time Kamrupa was extended to Davaka and Kapili valley (comprising possibly present Nowgaon, Karbi-Along and North Cachar District). Kalyanvarman extended the empire of Kamrup to south-East Bengal up to the sea and he was the first king to perform Aswamedhyogya in two occasions. Bhuitavarman was a powerful king who conquered Pundravardhana (North Bengal) (sometimes between 545-550 AD) and also extended his empire to Sylleth, Tripura and the other region. But duringSusthitavarman time Pundravardhand was lost to gupta king Mahasenagupta. Vaskarvarman was the most powerful king of Varman dynasty. During his time Pundravardhana was not only recovered, he conquered Guda also and come into his control its capital Karnasuvarna. During that period Kamrup was a centre of learning and attracted students from outside. The country was advanced culturally also. Houen Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim visited kamrup during this time in 643 AD and stayed in the capital for two months. The pilgrim speaks highly about Vaskarvarman about his noble qualities and referred him as the supreme lord of the Eastern India. He also mentioned that the sea route to China was under control of Kamrup.

  1. The Salastambha Dynasty: Vaskarvarman was celibate through out his life for which there was no immediate successor to his throne. At his death an anarchical situation arose, taking advantage of it non-Aryan chief Salastambha usurped the throne. Some historian are in the opinion that Salastambha was the same Madhaba as mentioned in Hara-Gauri-Sangbada and Avantivarman is the same person. Chinese referred Avantivarman as “King of Eastern India”. Salastambhas reign tentatively placed between 655 to 675 AD and there were twenty one kings in his dynasty who ruled Kamrupa. The sixth king of the dynasty Harshadeva (725-50 AD) was the most famous, being credited with lordship of Guda, Odra, Kalinga and other land. It is recorded in thePasupati epitaph of Nepal King Jayadev-II that Harshadeva was a lord of these land and gave marriage his daughter Rajyamatiin to this king. For a short period, during Harshadev reign Kamrup Empire was extended from Sadiya in the east up to Ajyodhya in the west, Himalaya in the north and Bay of Bengal, Ganjam in the south. It appears that after conquering Kalinga and Kosala, Harshadeva made an expedition to the south and was defeated by the Chalukya, the Karnataka King, Kirtivarman-II. Soon after he was over thrown and killed by Yasovarman of Kanauaj.Harshadeva was succeeded by his son Balavarman-II (750-765 AD) who was also a powerful monarch.Pralambha and Harjaravarman were the successive kings after Balavarman-II. Harjaravarman built a shiv temple and stately buildings at the capital Haruppeswara (Now Tezpur) and the big tank named Hajarapukukhuri in Tezpur bears his patronage to arts and architecture and attention to the public work.Hajaravarman’s son Vanamalavarman (835-865 AD) was perhaps the last powerful king of Salastambha dynasty. During his reign, recovered Kamrupa’s lost possession of Pundravardhana. He also built a Shiv temple by the side of the temple built by his father. Vanamala, a devout worshiper of Lord Shiva abdicated the throne to his son Jaymala (865-885 AD) and he fasted unto death. Jaymala’s son Balavarman-III (885-910 AD) was made land grant in different parts of his kingdom as done by some of his predecessors. There is no any mentioned about the successor of Balavarman-III and a gap between Balavarman-III and Tyagasingha, the last king of the family. They rule during the period (910-970 AD).

  1. The Pala Dynasty: Tyagasingha most probably died childless without having a successor to the throne, but the officers of the kingdom avoided the rebellion that might be arisen due to his heirless death by choosing Brahmapala who was a Bhauma (of Naraka’s race) to the throne. Towards the close of Tygasinha reign Pundravardhana passed to the hand of the ruler of Bengal. The western boundary of Kamrupa was again regressed to the river Koratiya. Brahmapala (990-1010 AD), the first king of pala dynasty abdited the throne to his son Ratnapala. Ratanapala (1010-1040 AD) shifted the capital to Pragjyotishpur and fortified the capital. He defeated the Guda king Rajyapala. He was also good in trade and commerce and made his kingdom a place of learning and education. His son Indrapala (1040-1065 AD) defeated Kalyanchandra of Bengal, and regain Pundravardhana. He married Rajyadevi, a Rashtrakuta princess. Gopala (1065-1085 AD), Harshapala (1085-95 AD) were the subsequent kings. During Harshapalareign Jatavarman, king of East Bengal snatched away a part of Pundravardhana. However the successive king Dharmapala (1095-1120 AD) recovered the lost part of Pundravardhana from the Bengal King. He also extended the capital to present North Guwahati. During the reign of Jaypala (1120-1130 AD), Mayana, the general of Ramapala, king of Bengal, attacked and defeated Kamrupa and there by lost the possession of North Bengal. Bengal king placed Tingyadeva as his vassal king in that aea. When Tingyadeva rebelled, Rampala’s son who was then ruled Guda, sent Vaidyadeva to suppress him. Vaidyadeva not only suppressed Tingyadeva but also conquered Kamrupa and decleared his independence in 1138 AD.

  1. Later Kings of Kamrupa:There was no definite information about the successor of Vaidyadeva. Rayarideva was probably a feudatory of Vaidyadeva fromDarrang area who helped Vaidyadevaduring the invasion of Vijaysena of Bengal. In the war Vaidyasena died, but Rayari deva resisted the invasion and established himself as an independent king of Kamrupa. After Rayarideva the successive kings were Udayakarna and Vallabhdeva. During Vallabhdeva reign Lashmansena, the son of Vallabhsena of Bengal invaded and defeated him. But his successors Viswasundardeva immediately recovered his kingdom and establish his independent status. He was also known as Prithu or Barthu and was a very powerful king. He defeated and destroyed entire army of Muhammad Bin Bakhtiar in 1205-06 AD and also overthrows Sultan GhiyasuddinIwasKhiliji in 1227 AD. However, he was finally defeated by Nasiruddin, the son of Iltutmish in 1228 AD. Nasiruddin established Sandhya as a tributary king of Kamrupa. However, after the death of Nasiruddin, Sandhyathrew of his allegiance to the Turkish ruler of Bengal. At this juncture, the Bhuyan chief of Kamrupa joined Sandha who brought the Kamrup kingdom uptoKaratoya and also beyond and assumed the title Gudeswar. He thrawt the invasion of Kamrupa by Malik Yuzbeg alias Sultan Mughisuddin in 1257 AD. During his time, the capital was shifted to Koch Vihar he assumed the title Kametaswar and the kingdom named to be Kamata or KamrupKamata. He had given his daughter marriage to Ratnadhvaja, the powerful king of Chutia of Sadiya. He was followed by his son Sindhu (1260-85AD) and grandson Rupanarayan (1285-1300 AD). The last king on this line was Singhadhvaja (1300-05 AD) who lost his kingdom to Pratapdhvaja (1305-25 AD). At the death of Pratapdhvaja, the throne of Kamatapurwas sized by his nephew Dharmanarayan. This usurpation was challenged by the Bhuyan chefs but he subjugated them all. He shifted his headquater to Dimla in the district of Rangpore. He possibly conquered a portion of Guda, as he assumed the title Gudeswara. Meanwhile, Durlabhnarayan, the son of Partapdhvaja, the legal claimant of the thorne, with the help of Bhuyan chefs challenged the authority of Dharmanarayan and occupied the eastern part of Kamata. He established his headquarter at Garia near modern town of Koch Vihar. This was followed by long and protracted warfare. At last the peace is established and war was concluded in 1330 AD on the settlement that Durlabhnaryan took the possession of Northern and eastern part of Kamatapur including the city of Kamatapur and Dharmanarayan took possession of the rest including Rangpore and Mymensingh. Durlavnarayan was a great patron of learning.His court was adorned by famous Assamese poet HariHarBipra, Ram Swaraswati and Hem Swaraswati.

Durlaunarayan was succeeded by his son Indranarayan (1350-65 AD) who assumed the title of PanchaGudeswara. This indicates that he wrested the western part of Kamata which fells into the hand of Dharmanarayan. After Indranarayan the history is uncertain. Possibly towards the end of the Indranarayan’s regime, some unruly elements raised their hand and Indranaryan himself may have been killed by some adventurous upstart who is usually identified as Sasankaalias Arimatta. Arimatta was possibly a related nephew of Indranarayan and as because he becomes king by killing his paternal uncle; he has been condemned as a patricide in popular tradition of Assam. He shifted his capital to a place near Betna.Phengua, probably a relative of Indranarayan challenged him but he was killed by Arimatta.

The account relating to the successor of Indranaryan, especially Arimatta is very conflicting. According to one account given in KamruparBuranji, Arimatta was the descendent of Dharmapala, who came from Guda. Dharmapala was succeeded by Ratnapala,Sompala and PrtapSingha, one after another. PratapSingha was the father of Arimatta and his capital was at Kanyak (at present Pratuppura) near Biswanath in Sonitpur district. PratapSingha who was also known as Ramchander and Bhalukpung, being offered his wife Chandraprava (Arimatta’s mother) to the river god Brahmaputra, floated in a make-shift boat. A Brahimin recovered her and she gave birth to Arimatta in his house. Arimatta was grown up in the Brahmins house and had an adventurous character. In course of his military exploit he killed his father Pratpsingha, not knowing his identity.

Another legend says Ramchandra had a beautiful wife who was impregnated by Brahmaputra and gave birth to a son named Arimatta. This prince founded a kingdom further west and defeated many other chiefs. At last he came into conflict with Ramchandra and killed him, not knowing of his relationship with him untill late.

According to other accounts he accidentally shot his father with an arrow which he had discharged at a deer. In any case, the sin of patricide is generally attributed to him, and many stories are told of his vain efforts to atone for the sin which he had unwittingly committed. It is not certain where Arimatta ruled, but most of the accounts place his kingdom in Lower Assam.

His capital is said have been at the Baidargarh, near Betna in Kamrup, where a high embankment forming a square each side of which is about four miles long, is still in existence. He was attacked by a king named Phengua, and an embarkment is still known as Phenguagarh in the DhumdhumaMauza. Phengua was at first defeated, but he then engaged in an intrigue with Arimatta’s wife Ratnamala, and with her aid spolit the bow-strings of Arimatta’s soldiers, defeated and slew him, and took possession of his capital. He put Ratnamala to death, saying she had been unfaithful to her late husband, she would probably be false also to him if he were to fulfill his promise and marry her.

Arimatta’s son Ratna Singh continued the war, and eventually overcame Phengua Raja and killed him. He afterwards lost his kingdom, owing, it is said, to the curse of a Brahman, with whose wife he had carried on an intrigue. In the SahariMauza in Nowgong are the remains of an old fort with high embankments know as the Jongalgarh. This is alleged to have been the capital of JongalBalahu, another son of Arimatta, who was defeated by the Kacharis and drowned himself in the Kallangriver.

The history of Arimatta is shrouded in mystery, and many legend cluster round Arimatta. According one account Arimatta was descendant of the famous king Bhagadatta, son of Naraka. Bhagadatta was followed by Dharmapala and Chandrapala. Arimatta was said to be son of Chandrapala (Dr. P.C.Choudhury-‘The History of Civilization of the people of Assam to the twelfth century A.D.’). The Rajas of Rani and Dimarua both claim to be descended from him, as well as from Naraka and Bhagadatta. According to K.L. Barua, Arimatta’s another name was Gajanka and he usurped the throne of Indranarayan who ruled at Kamatapur, Arimatta defeated Phengua and slew him. He also overthrew Ramachandra, a local chief ruling somewhere in the Darrang District. Arimatta was succeeded by Ratnasinha alias Sutaranka, and Mriganka and their kingdom extended as far as the Karatoyariver on the west.

Relying on the account of KaviratnaSaraswati, K L Barua approximately fixed the dates of the rulers of Arimatta’s line in the following orders:

Arimatta, 1365-1385 A.D
Sukaranka, 1385-1400 A.D
Sutaranka 1400-1415 A.D
Mriganka,1415-1440 A.D

  1. Khan or Khen Dynasty:During the rule of successor of Arimatta, the Bhuyans raised their hands in different parts of the Kingdom. When the last kingMigranka in line of Arimatta died childless, the throne occupied by Niladhvaj Khan (1440-60 AD), who rebuild the capital Kamatapur and assumed the title Kamateswar. The dynasty founded by Niladhvaj is known as khan or Khen. As per the Assam Buranji, Niladhvaj and his successor ruled Singimari region up to the bank of Brahmaputra opposite Hajo. Niladhvaj had been succeeded by his son Chkradhvaj (1460-80 AD) and Nilambar (1480-98 AD). Taking advantage of the anarchical situation at Bengal, Nilambar occupied a part of North Bengal. However, he was defeated by Bengal Sultan Allauddin Hussain Shah (1493-1517 AD) in 1498 AD and over thrown him. This is the end of Khen dynasty. Sultan Allauddin Hussain Shah after defeating Nilambar left his son Danial with a garrison. After the death of Danial, Musunder Ghazi ruled Kamrup and during his time, Sultan Ghiyasuddin Aulia, built a Muslim colony and a mosque at a hilltop at Hajo. Then the Bhuyans united and became more powerful and attacked the Muslim garrison in 1501 AD at Hajo and made the region free from Muslim yoke till about 1515 AD when Koch came to power.

There is some opinion that no authentic document has been found after Pala dynasty till now. However it is certain that the about the close of the 12th century Kamrup was shrank to the small kingdom of Kamata, which also further disintegrated probably at the death of Indranarayana to small principalities ruled by a class of pretty land lord called Bhuyans. In the eastern and central Brahmaputra valley, a number of mongoloid tribe likeChutias, Moran, Borahis, Kacharis etc., founded there own independent kingdom. The aboriginal inhabitant of the region shifted to other near by places like Khasi and Jayantias to the south to present Meghalaya, NC hills and Sylhet of Bangladesh.

In old Assamese manuscript called Buragohain Vangsawali the boundaries of different kingdom exist at that period of time (medieval era) is mentioned as under

Slno

Name of the Kingdom

The political Boundaries

North

South

East

West

1

Moran

BuriDehing River

DIsang River

Sufry River

Brahmaputra River

2

Barahi

Disang River

Dikhow River

Nagahat

BarahiFika

3

Chutia

Mountain

BuriDihing

Brahmaputra River

Sisi River

4

Kachari

Dikhow River

Hills

Hills

Dhansiri

5

Bara BhuyanTeritories

Mountain

Brahmaputra River

Sisi River

Gang Bihali

The different kingdom who ruled Assam from 4th century to 18th century is shown in Annexure-I.

MEDIEVAL PERIOD

Medieval Period: As mention earlier the history of medieval period of Assam is uncertain after Pala Dynasty. From some studies and investigation it seems that during this period the Kacharis become powerful and advanced to the boundary of present Kamrup. This might be the reason that owing to the power of Kacharis, the Kamrupa king shifted his capital from Guwahati then Pragjyotishpur to the west to Kamatapur.

  1. Kachari Kingdom:The earliest Kachari settlements were in the foothills of the Himalayas. From there they moved to the Brahmaputra valley with their Capital at Khamru>Kamruli or Khamruba>Kamrupa (Khamruba means start first to establish the place). There is a legend that the Kacharis are the offspring of Ghototkacha, the son of Bhima of Mahabharata. Bhima during their exile married toHidimbi, sister of Hidimba, the Kachari King.Ghototkacha fought for Pandava in Kurukhetra war where he was killed by Karna. Sir Edward Gait in his History of Assam, 1906 is of the opinion that the Kachari were the aborigines or earliest inhabitants of the Brahmaputra valley.Once they were become more powerful and spread their kingdom up to the sea in south and Brahmaputra in the north including Sylhet, Mymensing, Assam etc. Most independent tribal communities in this region are of Kachari origin. The Boro, Rabha, Sonowal, Thengal, Dimasa, Garo, Hajong, Deori, Sutiya, Tiwa or Lalung, Trippra, Mech, Rukkini Barman of Hailakandi and Karimganj etc. are all of Kachari origin. After hundreds of years of rule in the Brahmaputra valley, a bulk of this race due to socio-political turmoil, were believed to have migrated south of the Brahmaputra and settled in the areas of the present Sadiya of Assam after crossing the mighty river Brahmaputra. This section is now known as ‘Dimasa’ etymologically ‘the children of the great river’ (Di = water, ma = big, sa = children). The founder of Kachari kingdom at Sadiya was Manik who was succeeded by his son in law Mukta.At that time Kachari kingdom was extended to Dikhowriver.

Facing Ahom aggression, they further migrated toward south, on to the Dongsiri>Dhansiri valley and established their capital at Dimapur presently in the state of Nagaland after a short stint at Kachomaripathar about forty kilometers from Dimapur near Golaghat. It was here that the DimasaKachari undertook an arduous task of state building and flourished for several hundred years till 1536 when they shifted their capital to Maibang at the present day district of DimaHasao District of Assam. Historical relics of DimasaKachari royaldome still exist in and around Dimapur, particularly in the Dimapur fort called KachariRajbari show that the Kachari at that period had attained a state of the result of bricks making. Among the large tanks PodumPukhuri, Bangle Pukhuri, BamunPukhuri, Raj Pukhuri, JorPukhuri and others still survive to this day. It is said in one folklore that during the fight with Ahom, The DimasaKachari King had dumped gold and other precious metals in some of these tanks and believed to have told his subject that long after he left, a day would come when a male Mithun would come from the hills and dig up this gold by its horn, which would weigh mound (about 240 kg) and that would be the time when DimasaKachari rise again and prosper.

The Dimapur reign of the seven hundred years (i.e. 835 A.D to 1854 A.D.) extended along the southern bank of the Brahmaputra, from the Dikhowriver in the east to Kalang in the west and Dhansiri valley. Historian are not in the position to tell the exact date of establishment of the DimasaKachari capital of Dimapur. They presumed that the caiptal of Dimapur was established in 10th century. Dimapur was said to flourishing at its full heights. For, it must have taken at least seven hundred years for the King to build his state.

The glorious Rule of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom at Dimapur capital from time immemorial from the epic age, but it began with the advent of the Ahoms in the upper Brahmaputra by the close of the fifteenth century. The expansionist behaviors of the Ahom lead to constant hostilities between the two. Thus in the year 1490 the major battle was in which the Ahoms were completely routed and their Chief Chuhenpha was humiliated and forced to sue for peace. However peace did not last for long as the Ahoms intruded into the Dimasa Kachari territory and set up a fort at Morangi (near the present Jorhat) and thus the battle ensued in 1526 AD and the Ahoms were again totally defeated and pushed back beyond the Dikhow river, which became the natural boundary between the two principalities for some years. Meanwhile when the Ahoms kept on consolidating their army, the DimasaKachari, emboldened by previous successes, became complacent and neglected the security affairs of their country. Taking advantage of this, the Ahoms forgot their numerous humiliating defeats in the past and again broke their peace treaty with the DimasaKachari and set up a fort at Morangi and thus another battle ensued and the DimasaKachari were finally defeated due to superior number of army. A DimasaKachari folk tale says that the Ahom army rode on cows during this battle, which shocked the Kachari army, since killing cows would be defilement. After defeating the Kacharis monarch Khunkradao Raja, the Ahoms installed Dehtsung, the king’s brother, as Dimapur King on condition of allegiance to the Ahoms ruler. However, within a few years the DimasaKachari king revolted and refused to pay tribute to the Ahom ruler and thus another battle became inevitable and in 1536 another fierce battle was fought. The DimasaKachari King was defeated. The survivors of the ruling clan along with loyal subjects thereafter shifted their capital to Maibang.

From Dimapur, the royal family of Kachari in their last lag of migration moved to Khaspur of Kachar district of Assam. The DimasaKachari Kingdom finally annexed by the British East India Company along with Assam following Yandabu Treaty.

Rulers or Kings of Kachari:

  • Dimapur Capital reign: • Virochana (835 – 885) • Vorahi (885 – 925) • Prasanto alias Prasadao (Chakradwaj alias Khamaoto)[4] (925 – 1010) • Uditya (1010 – 1040) • Prabhakar (1040 – 1070) • Korpoordhwaj (1070 – 1100) • Giridhar (1100 – 1125) • Beeradhwaj (1125 – 1155) • Surajit (1155 – 1180) • Ohak (1180 – 1210) • Makardhwaj Narayan (RanaPratap alias Raogena)[5] (1210 – 1286) • Bhopal (1286 – 1316) • Purandar (1316 – 1336) • Bicharpatipha alias Prakash (1336 – 1386) • Vikramadityapha alias Vikaranto (1386 – 1411) • Mahamanipha alias Prabal (1411 – 1436) • Manipha (1436 – 1461) • Ladapha (1461 – 1486) • Khunkhora alias Khorapha (1486 – 1511) • Dettsang alias Dersongpha (1511 – 1536)

  • Maibang capital reign: Nirbhay Narayan (1540-1550) • Durlabh Narayan or Harmesvar (1550-1576) • MeghaNarayana (1576–1583) • Satrrudaman (Pratap Narayan, Jasa Narayan) (1583–1613) • Nar Narayan (1613-1625) • Bhimdarpa Narayan (BhimbalKonwar (1625-1637) • Indraballabh Narayan (1637-1655) • Birdarpa Narayan (1655-1681) • Garurdhwaj Narayan (1681-1686) • Makardhwaj (1686-1692) • Udayaditya (1692-1699) • Tamradhwaj Narayan (1699–1708) • Queen Chandraprabha (1708-1710) • Suradarpa Narayan (1710-1730) • Dharmadhwaj Narayan (Harischandra Narayan) (1730-1735) • Kirichandra Narayan (1735–1745) • Gopichandra Narayan (1745–1757)

  • Khaspur capital reign: Harischandra II (1757–1772) • Krishnachandra Narayan Hasnusa (1772–1813) • Gobindchandra Narayan Hasnusa (1813–1830 till of 14 August) • TularamSenapaty(Thaosensa)(Died 12th October,1850)

CHUTIA KINGDOM: The origin of chutia kingdom is still not very clear. Some historians believes that Chutias belong to the great Bodo race and entered Brahmaputra valley from North and North Eastern side. There is a legend that Raja Bhismak was the ancestor of Chutias and the capital of his territory Kundilwas near present Sadiya. The daughter of Bhismak, Rukmoni was very beautiful and she was married to Lord Krishna. According to great historian Sir Edward Gait, the founder of the Chutiya kingdom is said to have been a chief named Bir Pal, who claimed decent from the mythological Bhismak, and ruled over sixty families settled in a hill called Sonagiri in 1187 AD. His son Sonagiri Pal alias Gauri Narayan expanded the kingdom covering nearby hills (Rangalgiri, Nilghiri, Chandragiri etc,) and up to the plains by defeating King named Bhadra Sen of Swetagiri in 1224 AD. He built the capital at Ratanpur and assumed the name Ratnadhvaj Pal. It is alleged that he subjugated Nayapal and even marched to Kamatapur and made an alliance. The raja of that country gave his daughter marriage to him. He was followed by nine kings of his line. The chuitia kingdom ruled in the area mainly on the north bank of Brahmaputra from Subansiri in the west and up to the foothill in the east. Ahom king emerges in Assam in 1228 AD. There was conflict between Ahom and Chutiyas. In 1376, Ahom king Sutuphaa was killed by the Chutiya King. The 8th King of Chutiya Dhirnarayana or Dharmadhujpal in his old age handed over the Kingdom to his son-in –law Nitai or Nityapal as his son was young. Due to incompetence of the king there was internal dispute in Chutia Kingdom. In 1522 AD Ahom King Suhungmung alias Dihingia raja defeated and killed Nityapal and placed Sadiakhowa Gohain to rule the Chutia Kingdom. Chutia chiefs fled to the near by hills and involved in Guerilla warfare with the Ahoms, However in 1673 Chutiyas fall under the domination of the Ahom Kings, finally accepting the over lordship and are absorbed into their state.

AHOM KINGDOM:

The Ahoms are migrated from their homeland Maulaung that is a land of shans and Ahom belongs to shans. In 1215, Sukhapa started his journey for finding a new land for them and in 1228 AD he reached Khamjand with eight nobles, nine thousand men, women and children, two elephant, three hundred horses. He crossed Khamangjung river and then after crossing Nongnyang lake (28 KM south of Margherita) moved to DangKaorang, Khamhangpung and then to Namrup. He further bridged Sessa River and ascended Dihing to reach Tipam. He stayed at Tipam for a period and Tipam may be regarded as first capital of Sukapha at Assam. In 1236 AD, he left Tipam and reached Mungklang Chekhru (Abhaypur), he stayed there for several years. There was heavy flood in 1240 AD in that area. He then descended Brahmaputra and reached Habung. He stayed at Habung for two years doing cultivation. For the heavy flood, in 1244 AD he again crossed Brahmaputra and reached mouth of river Dikhow and stayed at Ligirigaon. In 1246 AD he moved to Simaluguri and stayed few years there. He then moved to Charideo in 1253 AD and established his first permanent capital. The neighboring countries at that time were Moran ruled by King Badancha and their territory was in between Dangari and Dibru River. The other prominent neighboring countries besides Moran were Barahis (king Thakumtha). Sukapha fought with these tribes and defeated them; however he treated them as friend and gave equal status. Sukapha for efficiently ruling the country entrusted the administration to two of his main nobles Borgohain and Buragohain who are next to the King. Sukapha died in 1268 AD.

After the death of Sukapha, his son, Suteupha succeeded him who ruled for thirteen years and died in 1281 AD. During his regime, the Kacharis abandoned the country east of Dikhow River. Subinpha, the son of Suteupha, ruled the Ahom kingdom from 1281 AD to 1293 AD. He distributed his subjects in equal proportions between Borgohain and Buragohain. Nothing remarkable was happened during his regime. Sukhangpha, the son of Subinpha, ascended to the throne in 1293. By this time Ahom had greatly increased in number, not only by natural growth, but also by inclusion of other tribe into their own fold and probably by additional immigrants from their own old land Maulung. Gaining strength the Ahom fought several wars with the Kamata King and eventually become the master of Brahmaputra valley. To avoid wars, Kamata king gave marriage his daughter Rajani to the Ahom king. Sukhangpha, died in 1332 AD.

Sukrangpha, the eldest of the four son of Sukhanpha ascended to the throne. He soon became unpopular and his half-brother Chao Pulai whom he appointed as Charingia Raja to look after the area as chief hatched a conspiracy against him. On knowing that his plot had been detected by the king, Chao Pulai fled to Kamata Raja for shelter and help. Kamata Raja agreed to help him and marched to Athgaon and then to Charing. However, Sukrangpha instead of confrontation, made negotiation with Chao Pulai. According to some source, Chao Pulai’s conspiracy was instigated by Borgohain, but other source said that Borgohain poisoned the king’s mind against Chao Pulai. Revealing the truth the king wanted to punish Borgohain but he concealed himself till the king forgiven him and taken back. Sukrangpha died in 1364.

Sutupha, the brother of Sukrangpha ascended to the throne after his death. During his reign, there was frequent dispute with Chutiyas. In 1376 AD, the Chutiya king visited Ahom Kingdom, met Sutupha at Chaparguri, and invited him for a pretended reconciliation to a regatta on the Safrai River. Chutiya king enticed him without attendant at his own barge and there treacherously murdered him.

After Sutupha’s death no suitable successor to the throne was found by the great nobles, therefore Borgohain and Buragohain rule the country for four years. In 1380 AD, after finding difficulty to govern the country without a king, the nobles ascended Tyaokhamti, the third son of Sukhanpha to the throne. The first thing the king has done is made an expedition to chutiya kingdom to take revenge for treacherous killing of Sutupha. Tyaokhamti had given the charge to the elder of his two wives to look after the state of affairs in his absence. There was no good relation between two wives and elder one thought that the king used to give more importance to the younger one. Taking advantage, the elder wife constituted an enquiry for a false allegation against the younger one and punished her with a death penalty and to be beheaded. However, the ministers seeing her pregnant, instead of killing her, set her to drift on a make shift raft on the Brahmaputra. On returning victorious from chutiya kingdom, Tyaokhamti found that his younger wife had been killed. He constituted a fresh enquiry and found that his younger wife was innocent. He was under the influence of his elder wife and could not take action against her. This act of his failure and also failure to prevent the elder wife in committing numerous acts of oppression irritated the nobles so much. As a result of which they caused him to be assassinated in 1389.

The nobles again found that there was no suitable successor to the throne and they ruled the country without a king for eight years. Thao Cheoken went across the Brahmaputra for trading, suddenly he saw Sudangpha in a Habung Village, on enquiry he found that Sudangpha was the son of the younger wife of Tyaokhamti who was drafted in a raft on Brahmaputra. She was rescued by a Brahmin in a Habung village. However, while giving birth to his son she died. Sudangpha was brought up by the Brahmin with his other two children. Thao Cheoken informed the matter to Buragohain, after verifying the matter and consulting with the other ministers; Sudangpha was brought to the capital and ascended to the throne.

Sudangpha who was also known as Bamuni Konwar because he was brought up in a Brahmin family, ascended to the throne at his very early age of fifteen, in 1397 AD. He built a town at Dhola, but afterwards made his capital at Charguya near the Dihing River. Brahmanical influence in Ahom was initiated by him as he was brought up in that environment. He brought the Brahmin family of Habung to the capital and gave them responsible position. The old Brahmin was made his confidential adviser and under his influence many Hindu rites and ceremonies began to be observed.

The Tipam chief, dissatisfied with the new regime, hatched a plot against the young king. The matter came to the knowledge of the king. However, Suangpha did not immediately react for this, instead he made a plan. He invited all the Tipamia Chief for a festival organized for celebration for catching elephants in numbers. When festivities were in full swing and all suspicion had been allayed, suddenly overpowered the Tipamia chiefs and killed them.

Having thus disposed all his active enimies, Sudangpha endeavored to conciliate rest of the Tipamia chiefs by marrying the daughter of one of their chiefs named Khumtai. The girl however, had already become enamoured of a Tipamia named Tai Sulai. In one occasion, Tai Sulai having dinning with the king and taking some advantage sent a ring to the king through a servant, The matter was came to the knowledge of the king but before taking against him he fled to Surumpha, the King of Mukang for help and shelter. The latter sent his Borgohain with a huge army against Sudangpha. Sudangpha he himself resisted the invader near Kuhiarbari I Tipam and defeated them. However, he was slightly injured by a spear during this war. The enemy was persuaded by Ahom Borgohain and made a treaty that Patkai would be the boundary between the two countries and there will be peace and no war. The treaty was conducted at the bank of Nongnyang Lake and the statutes of the two Borgohains were encrypted in the rock. Thus, Tai Sulai being deprived by Surmpha, the king of Mukang, took asylum at the kingdom of Kamata. An expedition was sent with the leadership of Borgohain to the Kamata kingdom to invade.But the Raja of Kamata averted the war by giving marriage his daughter Bhajani to Sudangpha along with other things like two elephant, horses, servants, gold and silver jewelries etc. Sudangpha devoted rest of his reign in subjugation of Tipam, Khamjang Aiton Naga Tribes, whose chiefs had again refused to pay tribute. However, with the help of Nara Raja, they were come under control. Sudangpha died in 1407 AD.

Sunjangpha, the son of the late king ascended to the throne, nothing remarkable had happened during his reign. He died in 1422. Then one of his sons, Suphakpha became the next thing. His reign also became uneventful. He died in 1439 AD.

Susenpha, a son of Suphakpha from a Tipamia princess ascended to the throne. During his reign, an expedition was made against the Tangsu Naga in retaliation to the raids made by them. The king who led his troops in person, attacked and routed the Nagas, but the Ahom lost one hundred forty men in the battle. He was a good king; under his rule people were contended and prosperous. He ruled for forty nine years and died in 1488 AD.

Suhengpha, the son of Susenpha ascended to the throne after his death. At the commencement of hostilities by the Tangsu Naga (they cut off head of a Borgohain), war was renewed with them and defeated them. In 1490 AD, war broke out with the Kacharis; the Ahom army was defeated at Dampuk on the bank of Dikhu with the loss of the commander and one hundred twenty men, many more wounded. The Ahom sued for peace, offering marriage of one princess to the Kachari king with two elephant and servants. Suhengpha was assassinated in 1493 AD by some men of the Tairungban clan while engaging them to repair the palace. It is said that they were punished by the king for stealing paddy from Royal granary, in retaliation to that they killed the king with sharp bamboo. According to some accounts the murder was instigated by the Buragohain.

Supimpha, the son of slain Suhenpha ascended to the throne and immediately tried to trace the murderer of his father. However, Buragohain happened to be annoyed by this act of the king as he was targeted as one of the suspects. It is said that one of the wives of Supimpha happened to see a Naga chief and praised his beauty in the king’s hearing. The king went incensed for that and sent her to the Naga Village. At that time she was pregnant and gave birth to a boy. Supimpha died or may be assassinated in 1497 AD.

Suhungmung, the son of Supimpha ascended to the throne at Charguya with great ceremony. His reign showed marked expansion of Ahom territories and also of their sphere of influence. There was also increased influence of Brahmins which is shown by the fact that the king assumed the Hindu title Svargya Narayan, But he was better known as Dihingia Raja as he built his capital at Bokata on the bank of Dihing. To save the capital from inundation, embankments were constructed in Bank of River. In 1504 Aitonia Nagas revolted, Borgohain and Buragohain were made in charges in an expedition against them where they were defeated. Nagas acknowledge the supremacy of Ahom by offering their daughter of their chief for marriage with the king and four elephants. They also obliged to pay the yearly tribute in the form of axes, gongs and amber.

In 1510 AD an enquiry was made to ascertain the number, condition and the distribution of people and they were divided into different clans. In 1512 AD, Habung country was annexed.

In 1513 AD, The chutiya Raja Dhir Narayan (some says Chandra Narayan in 1516) invaded Ahom kingdom, however he was defeated by Ahom and Chutiya’s lost heavily in that encounter. Shungmung took possession of Mungkhrang and of the country surrounding Namdang and he built a town there. Dhir Narayan now invoked the aid of the Raja of Mungkang, who at first disposed to help him. He was however, dissuaded by a Banpara Chief, and eventually sent presents t Shungmung and made an alliance with him. As they failed to get assistance to fight with the Ahom, Chutiyas remained silence and no effort was made to recover their lost territories for several years. In 1520 AD Chutia attacked Ahom fort at Mungkharang and killed the commander, the garrison fled to their safety. Chutiyas reoccupied and ruled this tract of the country. However two years had been elapsed without any attempt to recover the fort, Then Suhungmung equipped a fresh expedition against Chutias near the mouth of Sessa River and defeated them, not only recovered the lost territory but also further advanced to the mouth of the Tiphao river where a fort was erected. In 1523, the Chutias again tried to siege this fort, however faced with a stubborn resistance from Ahom. Shungmung rushed to the place with strong reinforcement and defeated Chutiyas and they were utterly routed. Chutias sued for peace by offering valuable presents. However Shungmung refeuse this and asked for the heirloom of the Chutia king, the golden cat, the golden elephant and the golden umbrella. These being refeused, the war was continued. They were pushed back up to the Kaitara hill (beyond Sadia) by the Ahom who had crossed the river on a bridge of boats to reach Sadiya. Chutias made a feeble resistance at this hill by rolling heavy stones. Observing that it would be difficult to win from the frontal war, Ahoms made a surprise attack from the back and then Chutias fled hastily to Jangmungkham (Mathadang). Ahom followed and met them there who defeated them and killed the king and his son. Chutias then gave away and fled. Ahom took a great number of prisoners including almost all-royal family except the main queen who preferred death instead of captivity. There is a saying that the valuables and the heads of the Chutia king and his son buried at the doorstep of the temple at Charideo so that Ahom king might walk over them whenever he entered the temple.

The whole Chutiya country was then annexed and an officer, Sadiya Khowa gohain was appointed as chief to look after the area. In order to strengthen his position three hundred Ahom families along with twelve officers of Gharfalia clan were settled at Sadiya. Another contingent of the same clan was settled at the bank of Dihing. The royal family along with the leading chutia men was deported to Pakariguri, while a number of Brahmans, blacksmiths and other artisans were taken from Sadiya to Ahom Capital. Then Suhungmung returned to Charideo and perform a ritual in honor of the victory of the expedition.

Sadiya Khowa Gohain is again attacked by Phukangmung, a chief of the neighboring hill tribe. However, he was defeated and slain, but not before killing one of the Ahom commander with his spear. Another local self who intended to make trouble also subdued. In 1525 AD, Suhungmung marched to Dihing in person and appointed officer to administer the frontier provinces of Habung , Dihing and Banlung.

After knowing that the son of the wife of Supimpha who was deported to Naga Village (and that moment she was pregnant) was growing up at Naga Village, he brought the boy and appointed him as Borpatra Gohain creating the new post equivalent to Borgohain and Buragohain. These two main functionaries objected to this and refused to part with any men under their control. The king however overcame this difficulty by allotting to the Barpatra gohain the Barahis, Chutiyas and Morans, who had not been placed under any of the gohains.

In November 1526 AD, Suhungmung marched against the Kacharis via Dhansiri up to Barduar where he built a Bathing Ghat. He then went to Marangi and spent few nights there and ordered to construct a fort with bricks. He then advanced to Maiham where he had to face the Kacharis, at the initial stage, Ahom was defeated with the loss of forty men, however later, Ahom overpowered Kacharis with heavy causalities.

In 1527, Chutias again revolted, however they were overpowered but during disturbance Dihingia Gohain lost his life. In the same year first Muhammadan invasion recorded in Ahom history. Ahom attacked the enemy and sent them back as far as Burai River and captured few horses and cannon. Suhungmung proceeded to Sala and sent a force to take possession of Duimunisilia. A fort was constructed at the mouth of Burai River and a detachment was posted at Phulbari. After making these arrangements the king returned to his capital. In 1529 AD, he again went to Sala and made expeditions down the Kallang and up the Bharali. He then went to Narayanpur and after that returned to Dihing. At the year’s end Chutias were again revolted, however they were defeated in several occasions on the Chandangiri and Dangthang hills, and bank of Brahmaputra, Dibong and Kundil Rivers.

In 1531 AD, the Ahom again erected a fort at Morangi which caused dissatisfaction to Kachari Raja Khunkhara. He sent his brother Detcha to drive them out. But the Kachari’s were defeated and one of their Commanders was killed. In order to punish Khunkhara for this attack and enchrocement elsewhere Suhungmung proceed to Dhansiri and halted at the junction of Dhansiri and Doyang. A night attack was made at a place called Nika which was taken to their custody. Then they proceed to Dengnut where they divided to two divisions. One division proceeded via left bank and other by the right bank of Dhansiri. Another battle was fought with the Kacharis and they were defeated and persuade them up to their capital Dipapur. The King along with his son fled from the capital and set a prince Detsung in his place. He also gave his sister to the Ahom king along with numerous presentations.

Muhammadans renewed their invasion again who had advanced through Brahmaputra with fifty vessels. Ahom fought with them at Temani and defeated the Muhammadans, their commander fled on horse back leaving their vessels. Garrisons were placed at Sala on the bank of Dhansiri and at Singiri and Borparta gohain was made the in-charge of it. Soon after, the Muhammadans attacked with a large force but they were defeated by Ahoms and pushed them back as far as Khagarijan (Nowgaon), their commander Bit Malik was Salin. Suhungmung was very much impressed with Borpatragohain for this achievement and gave a beautiful girl to marry and hold a ceremony in his honor.

Again, in April 1532, Tabark, a Muhammadan commander with thirty elephant, thousand horses, thousands of soldiers and large number of artilleries invaded the country and camped at Singiri just opposite to Ahom fort. On hearing that Suhungmung sent reinforcement to Singiri under the leadership of his son Suklen and himself proceed to Sala. However, Ahom could not resist the Muhammadan force and they proceed to Koliabar and halted there for the rainy season. The invader again defeated Ahom in the battle at Ghiladhari. In March 1533, a naval engagement near Duimunisila resulted in a great victory for the Ahoms. Two of the Muhammadan commander Hangal and Taju were slain. Next day, Turbak was reinforced with six elephant, hundred horses and five hundred soldiers. The invader now took their position at Dikrai and waited there. Ahom attacked them and pushed them to Koratiya River. In this battle Turbak fell to a spear and there was heavy loss on their side despite the defeat. Hussain Khan also caught and put to death. For commemoration of the victory, Ahom built a temple and excavated a tank there.

In 1534 there was a very severe outbreak of cattle diease and a great number of cattle died.

In 1535 and 1536 there was hostility by the Khamjang, Tablung and Namsang Nagas which were dominated by the king’s son Suklen. In the same year, the Dihingia raja defeated the Bara Bhuyans and ransacked their territory and made them feudalistic chiefs.

In the meantime the Kachari Raja, Detsung, had again shown hostility for which an Army troop was sent against him and the king himself accompanied the troop up to Marangi. The force had advanced through Hamidi to Banphu. From there the troop divided into two divisions and moved upward through both bank of Doyang River. The troops defeated the Kacharis, and they fled suffering a heavy loss. Destung at first took refuge in a fort on the Daimari hill, but on the approach of Ahoms, who advanced to Dhansiri, he fled to first Lengur and then to the capital Dimapur. The Ahoms continued to move forward up to the capital Dimapur, but by the time they reached there, Destung had again fled. His mother and three princesses were found in the city. Mother was put to death however, princesses were sent to the Ahom Palace. Destung was pursed to Jangmarang where he was at last taken and put to death. Thus Ahom brought the Kachari kingdom covering Dhansiri and Kapili valley under their regime.

In 1537, Koch King Bisva Singh and his brother visited Ahom Raja. In the same year, Suhungmung sent an envoy to Manipur raja to maintain good relationship.

The relation between king Suhungmung and his son Suklen became strain due to some issues, particularly for the matter that Suklen wanted to take himself the three Kachari princess captured at Dimapur and vigorously offended when his father wanted to asserted his right to them. Moreover, there was a dispute between father and son over a cock fight. Suklen already been suspected of treachery during Muhammadan war. He managed a Kachari Servant named Ratiman who crept into the kings bed room and stabbed Suhungmung when he was sleeping. The assassin was caught and killed by the palace guard before he managed to escape.

Suhungmung eventful reign of forty two years is regarded as one of the notable period of Assam history particularly for the following reasons:

  • Ahom dominions were extended by him in all direction.

  • The Chutiyas were subjugated and their country was brought under control of Ahom by appointing an officer Sadiya khowa Gohain at Sadiya and another at Dihing. He also settled some Ahom families in those localities.

  • Hostility and raids of Nagas were dominated and took measures to avoid reoccurrence.

  • The power of Kacharis was broken and their capital at Dimapur occupied twice. A permanent official known as Morangi Khowa Gohain was appointed to look after the lower valley of Dhansiri and greater part of Nowgaon which they annexed.

  • Three Muhammadan invasions were successfully repulsed.

  • The social condition of the people also attended, he divided the people into clan according to their profession. Artisan were imported from the Chutiya country and else where and settled,

  • The use of fire arm was introduced

  • Assamese calander year Saka was introduced.

  • The Neo Vaishnavat reformation introduced by Shri Shri Sankardeva promulgated.

Suklengmung after assassination of his father (he was the prime suspect for that) ascended to the throne. His first act was to assign’s brothers put to death to avoid any complicacy for suspicion for assassination of his father. He shifted capital from Charideo to Gargaon, therefore he was also known as Gargaia raja. In his early years of his reign, he frequently visited the country of Kacharis which was recently taken for bringing them under proper control. Finding that a few Bara Bhuyan chiefs created disturbances, for which his effort had affected, took them all near to his capital that he could always have surveillance on them.

At that moment of time, the Koch king Nar Naranaryan becoming most powerful ruler in this part of India and there was series of conflict between Ahoms and Koch. In 1546, the Koch force under the leadership of Sukaladhaj who was known as Chilarai was the king’s brother and a famous warrior, advanced as far as to Dikrai River along the north Bank of Brahmaputra. Ahom was defeated in a battle at Dikrai and many of their soldiers were killed and the remaining fled to Kharanga where they assembled and marched to Kaliabor. A second battle was fought there without much resistance. The Ahom took position at Sala, where they fought their third battle and lost heavily. They lost twenty of their chief officers. Then the invader was left undisturbed with possession of the area they had occupied. While engaging these operations the Koch built a road (approx. 560 KM) from their capital at Koch Bihar to Narayanpur (South West of North Lakhimpur sub Division) which they fortified. Suklengmung mustered all his available forces and took up a position at the bank of Pichala River which was fortified. They surrounded the Koch soldiers and many of them were killed and thus regain the lost territory and return to the capital in triumph. In 1548, there was a terrible earthquake. In the same year there was a conspiracy against the king by Dighalmar Handiqe which was detected and the conspirator was killed. Soon afterwards the Banpara Nagas requested for help to fight with the Banchang Nagas. The king provided the help and defeated the Banchang Naga and imprisoned their chief. There was a Chutia revolt in 1552 AD as mentioned in the history. In the same year king died.

During the reign of Suklengmung, a tank was constructed at Gargaon and a road was built from Bar Ali to the Naga hill through Gadhuli Bazar Mouza which is known as Naga Ali. He was the first to introduce the coin system in Ahom dynasty.

After the death of Suklengmung, his son Sukhampha, ascended to the throne. He was also known as Khora (lame) Raja owing to having hurt his foot during hunting of elephant shortly after his accession. A plot was framed by seven of the princes against the king which was detected and caught all of them. However, at the behest of Borgohain they were left without any punishment. They rebelled again in 1559 AD, this time all of them were caught and put them to death. In 1552 AD, an expedition was made against Aitonia Papuk and Khamteng Naga and defeated them. But on return they were caught in an ambush by the Bhuyans and lost many of their soldiers. In 1560 a Bhuyan chief, known to be grand son of Pratap Raj, rose against the Ahom. Few other Bhuyan chief joined him. A war was fought at the mouth of Dikhow where the Bhuyan Chief was slain.

Buragohain, Aikhek was appointed as Commander in chief. In order to guard invasion from the west, elaborate fortifications were erected at Boka and Sala and permanent garrisons were put in those places. In 1562 AD, a dispute occurred between Ahom and Koch as the later pillaging over the Ahom territory while going for expedition against Kacharis. Koch army under the commandership of Tipu ascended the Brahmaputra and sailed up to DiKhu. On advancement of Ahom force they returned to Handia River where they fought against the Ahom and defeated them. In the following January the great warrior Chilarai himself made an advance against the Ahoms and routed them in a battle at the mouth of Dikhow. The king Sukhampha along with his nobles fled to Charaikharang at Namrup On his victory, Chilarai entered the Ahom capital Gargaon and camped there. Sukhampha deputed Aikhek Buragohain to negotiate with the Koch general Chilarai who was then stationed at Gargaon after occupying. On agreeing to pay a great quantum of gift as war indemnity and also hostage of numbers of sons of nobles and chiefs, Chilarai return to his country keeping a Garrison at Narayanpur for control of their occupied territory at north bank of River Brahmaputra.

Soon after the return of Koch general from Gargaon, the king Sukhampha returned to the capital with his nobles and ordered an enquiry to find out the lapses on their part. On enquiry it was found that there was gross neglect on taking action against defense of the country and found Aikhek Buragohain responsible for that. He was dismissed and one Kankham was appointed in his place. Strict order was given to repair and strengthen all the forts and a new fort was constructed at Dikhow. The army was reorganized and strengthened. Soon after, Narayanpur was recovered from Koch. Sala was then occupied and a strong fort was constructed there. In 1564 AD, the hostages taken by the Koch were returned. There is saying that the Koch king Narnarayan was defeated by the Ahom king in the game of dice for which he returned the above. There might be other reason for that, at that very moment of time, the Emperor of Gaud was offensive of the Koch kingdom and therefore to make a good relation with the Ahom king he took the above action. Koch artisan and potters were also accompanied the hostages who had skill of making idols of Durga and other Hindu deities.

In 1563 AD, the Chutiyas made a raid into Namrup and Tipam and the Tipam raja had to flee. In consequence, Bor Handique marched to the Sadiya and defeated the Chutias, killing thousands of them and taking three thousands as prisoners. In spite of this lesson, the Chutias raided again in 1572 AD, this time also another punitive expedition were made and heavy losses had to suffer by the Chutias.

There was an attack to invade the country by an unknown king may be Paman or Thikman known as Dhekeri Raja in 1563 AD. He was accompanied by two rebelled sons of Ahom’s Dekaraja. Ahom sent a force to attack them and they were defeated in the battle at Murabhaga. Dhekeriraja fled by boat leaving elephants and weapons which were possessed by the Ahom. In the battle, one of the sons of Deka raja was killed and the other was captured, later he was also put to death.

In the next month another expedition was made against unknown king or Chief Bhela Raja and defeated the raja and occupied the capital by the Ahoms. In July of the same year the Koch commander again laid an expedition against Ahom and stationed at the bank of Brahmaputra for two month. Then the Ahom attacked and defeated them decisively. Koch had given no further trouble until 1570 AD when Tipu along with one Bhitarual made an expedition against Ahom. Ahom in return sent their force and attack them at the mouth of Dhansiri. Koch was defeated and suffered heavy loss of their man and weapons.

To suppress the rebellion and hostility of Naga, several expeditions were made against them by Sukampha. In 1569 AD, against a Naga named Phusenta and in 1573 against Aitonia Naga and in both occasion Ahom defeated them.

In 1574 AD, there was an epidemic of small pox and claimed many lives.

In 1576 AD, Nara Raja of Mungkang advanced with his army to Khamjang. Ahoms entrenched them at Pangaro, to avoid any hostility made a treaty with them that Sukhampha would pay Rs 16,000 rupees to Nara raja and in return he promised to give his daughter marriage to Sukhampha. The money as per the treaty was paid but Nara raja instead of his daughter sent his sister to Sukhampha for marriage. Knowing the fact, Sukhampha sent three of his men to abduct the daughter. However, they were caught and Nara raja was very much annoyed for this, for this reason he attacked Namrup and defeated Ahoms. But in the subsequent encounter with the Ahoms at Sessa River, Nara Raja was defeated and fled to his own country.

In 1577 AD three men namely Gabharu Naik, Bardado and Barkath rebelled against the Koch King Naranarayan and took shelter in Ahom kingdom with 1400 men. Sukhampha accorded them protection and settled them at Gajala. To reconcile in 1585 AD, the Koch king Raghu Deb gave his daughter Sankala in marriage to Sukhampha, with a dowry of two elephant and a hundred domestic help. Sukhampha in return gave to Koch raja twenty two elephants and twelve horses.

In 1596 AD there was another earthquake that rocked the country. One of the king’s palaces was collapsed in this earthquake.

Sukhampha was died at Khowang after a reign of 51 years in 1603. (As per some historian he died in 1611AD after a reign of 59 years.). He married a number of wives and there were various scandals at the harem. He was very unlucky, he lost his leg soon after ascending the throne, three of his palaces destroyed or collapsed, epidemics spread in his country claiming many lives, destroying cultivation by flood and a swarm of locusts.

The propagation of Neo-Vaishnavisim founded by Shri Shri Sankardev and his disciple Madhabdev spread all over the country and they also travelled through out the country and established many Satras.

Susengpha, one of the three sons of Sukhampha, succeeded him after his death. He was also known as Buddha Svarga Narayan and popularly known as Pratap Singha. His nick name was also Burha Raja.

Soon after ascent of Pratap Singha to the throne, there was a conflict with the Kacharis. At that time Jaintia raja Jasa Manik had a bed term with the neighboring Kachari Raja Pratap Narayan and made an attempt to embroil with the Ahom king, he offered his daughter in marriage with Ahom king aon Kachari country. The Ahom king Pratap Singha sent messengers to Kachari King Pratap Narayan to ask for his ascent but the later refused to give it having came to despise the power of Ahom after their defeat by Chilarai. Moreover, shortly after ward the Kachari king made a raid on a village inside the Ahom boundary. In retaliation to that, Pratap Singha sent a force against the Kachari King in June 1606 AD. The troop went to Kallang then to Raha. After that they went to Kapili and defeated a Kachari chief on road. Later on they proceeded via Hanan to Satgaon and defeated Kacharis at Dharamtika. The main body of Kacharis retreated to Maibong leaving a garrison at the junction of Kopili and Maradoyang rivers. The Ahom made an assault on the fort but the kacharis repelled that. In October 1606 AD, Pratap Singha led a fresh force and fortified at Demalai. In November, the Jaintia princess was brought to Raha and then to Ahom country. Pratap Singha returned to his capital, however, he withdraw majority of his force from Nogaon but a strong garrison was left at Raha. Sunder Gohain was made the in charge of the fort. Akhek, son of Suder poisoned his mind against the king who became indifferent to his duties. Knowing this slackness and for the threat very often given by Sunder Gohain to attack the country if demanded tributes were not paid to them, Bhim Darpa, the eldest son of Kachari King Pratap Narayana made a night attacked and killed Suder gohain and many other Ahoms were killed, others fled from the fort.

Pratap Singha was annoyed receiving the disastrous news from Raha, however considering the renewed hostilities of the Muhammadan, he decided not to continue struggle with the Kacharis which might weaken his force against the Muhammadans. To maintain a friendly relation with them he sent a specific message to the Kachari King that the attack by Suder Gohain is not as per his order; Gohain disobeyed his order and made that attack. Pratap Narayan however convinced with the explanation and asked for an Ahom princess for marrying, He was given a daughter of the chief nobles who was escorted by Buragohain up to the Kachari’s capital. Akhek Gohain who was made commander of the Ahom force at Diakhow mukh, soon after came to the knowledge of the king that he was the main responsible for the Raha disaster. Being dismissed Akhek Gohain fled to north bank, then to Eastern Koach Kingdom and then to Muhammadan governor of Bengal.

In 1608 AD, Pratap Singha married Mangaldahi, the daughter of Parikshit, the king of Koch Kingdom. In 1615 AD, Bali Narayan, the brother of Parikhit, after the defeat by the Muhammadan, fled to Ahom Kingdom. Pratap Singha cordially received him and gave him shelter. At the same time, a Muhammadan trader was killed at Koliabar considering him to be a spy. The then Bengal govorner Shekh Qasim, to take a punitive action against Ahom, sent a force under the commandership of Saiad Hakim and Said Aba Bakr with ten thousand soldiers on foot and horses, approx. four hundred large boats. Sattrajit, the son of a Zamindar of Dhaka accompanied the force. Earlier Sattarjit was rewarded for the help rendered by him during the expedition against Parikshit, the Koch King and made thanadar of Pandu and Gauhati. Akhek gohain also accompanied the Muhammadan force.

The invader reached Kaliabor through Kollang River and they met the Ahom at the mouth of Bharali. Ahom could not resist the invader who was victorious in the first battle. They did not follow up their victory. However, Pratap Singha, the Ahom king sent a fresh force to the mouth of Bharali. In the meantime on assurance of pardon Akhek Gohain deserted the enemy camp and helped in planning for attacking the invader. The invader was attacked suddenly at night both in land and water by boats and they were heavily defeated heavily. Both of their commanders were killed in the battle, many soldiers were taken into custody, Sattajit’s son, who was among the prisoners, was sacrificed to the goddess Kamakhya. Pratap Singha returned to his capital after the victory.

Bali Narayan was installed as tributary king at Darrang with the title Dharma Narayan. His capital was established at south bank of Brahmaputra and made a part of Darrang. The promise of pardan made to Akhek Gohain was revoked and he was given a death penalty.

In November 1617 AD, Pratap Singha proceeded towards Hajo with a large force acompanied by Dharma Narayan and other few Chiefs. The combined force of Pratap Singha attacked Pandu and took possession of it by defeating the Muhammadan who retreated to Hajoo after the defeat at Agiathuti. Pratap Singha fortified Pandu. The Muhammadan commander Abdssalam reported the state of the affairs to the Nwabab of Dacca seeking for help. The Nawab sent his brother Muhiuddin for the assistance along with thousands of horses, two hundred boats and thousands of Soldiers. Meanwhile Ahoms continued to occupy the positions they had occupied. The King Pratap Singha ordered that to postpone further action against Muhammadan till receipt of fresh order from him. But observing the movement of horses and soldiers of the enemy some hot headed commanders attacked the Muhammadan at Hajo. Ahom were defeated and their Buragohain was taken as prisoner along with loss of many soldiers and weapon. On hearing this, King Pratap Singha was annoyed and ordered an enquiry. For disobeying kings order death penalty was given to many. Bar Gohain and Saringia Raja were deprived from their offices and confined in the pigsties. One Langi Panisiya who was distinguish for rallying the fugitive soldiers after the defeat at Hajo and restoring order amongst them, was appointed as Bar Phukan, the newly created post to administrate the acquired area west of Kaliabor as a recognition for his good work. Another new post Bar Barua was created to govern the area east of Kaliabor including area which is not covered by the jurisdiction of Borgohain and Buragohain amd appointed Mumai Tamuli in this post.

In September 1619, Mussalmans renewed their hostilities and besieged Dharma Narayan in his fort at south bank of Brahmaputra. Pratap Singha sent a force to Dharmanarayan for reinforcement and stationed near to Muhammadan for six weeks. After that Ahom made an attack defeating the Muhammadan who fled to Hajo. After the battle, Dharma Narayan and a number of frontiers chief including Dimarua and Hajai again made their submission to Pratap Singha. Dimarua raja’s ancestor was Panthesvar, a tributary chief of Kacharis. But owing to the oppression by the Kacharis, he fled with his followers to Naranarayan, the Koch king. Nara Narayan established him at the boundary of Jantia with the jurisdiction of the area inhabited by 18000 people. However, his son Chakradhvaj was imprisoned for not obeying and reluctant to pay the tribute. But at the intervention of Raghudev, the king’s nephew he was released and he was again put to his principality when Raghudeb became the ruler of Eastern Koch Kingdom. His descendent Poal Singh, Ratnakar and Prabhakar paid tribute to Koch king Parikshit, the son of Raghudeb. Prabhakar was attacked and imprisoned by Jaintia King Dhan Manik. Prabhakar seek help from Kachari King for his release. On refusal of the request of Kachari King to release Prabhakar, the kachari King attacked Jaintiapur and defeated Dhan Manik. Prabhakar was released. Prabhakar’s son Mangal who succeeded him sought and obtained the protection of the Ahom Kingdom. Pratap Singha also attempted to induce the Raja of Koch Bihar against the Muhammadans for a common cause but his overtures were rejected.

Frequent wars against each others made all of them tired, Lashmi Narayan, the King of Koch Behar with the consent of Nawab of Dacca, sent one Biro Kazi to Pratap Singha to offer his service as mediator. But Biro Kazi was kept in confinement. Sattrajit, who was the thanadar of Pandu was a cunning man and his character was doubtful. Some how, he could establish a good relation with the Borphukan and also tried to make a relation with Pratap Singha, the Ahom king through him. Sattrajit evaded paying tribute to Muhammadan and he had apprehension that if there would be peace between Ahom and the Muhammadan, it would be in danger. Therefore, he tried to void such attempts. The Nawabab of Dacca sent fresh messengers to PratapSingha for the peace talk. However, Sattrajit and Borphukon managed to send them back without obtaining an audience of Pratap Singha and misinformed him about the messengers. At this juncture, Masu Gobinda was found conspiring against the king who fled to Luki. Sattrajit promised to arrest him but instead of doing so, he gave him warning and helped him to escape to Bengal. This greatly enraged Pratap Singha; he sent an order to Barphukon to arrest Statarjit. At Umananda Island in the Midst Of Brahmamaputra, a meeting was arranged where Borphukan allowed Sattrajit to depart. The king was informed the fact and he also came to know the duplicity in the matter of envoy from Dacca; Borphukan was chained and imprisoned in a dungeon and starve to death. Neog succeeded him as Barphukan.

The relation between Ahoms and the Muhammadan was again became strained after several years following incident of attack to expand the boundary by Dhirnarayan which was supposed to be at the instigation of Sattrajit. Moreover, other friction was that few Muhammadans were killed in the Ahom territory and Pratap Singha pleaded that he was not aware of the fact and if at all it was done, it was done without his knowledge. A defaulting fiscal officer of Nawbab named Harikesh was given shelter by Prtap Singha and refused to returned him on the ground that few of the fugitive also given shelter by the Nawab who were not returned. A force was sent in 1635 by Nawabab to take Harikesh in their custody which was defeated by the Ahom near the Bharali River.

Pratap Singha then took an expedition against the Muhammadan. He also united the chiefs of Dimarua, Hojai, Barduar and other frontier track to join him in the expedition against the enemy. He also could convince the chief of about ten thousand cultivator soldiers settled by Qasim Khan in Kamrup to be attached in their expedition. His troop now take possession of Muhammadan fort i.e. Deomiha, Bantikot, Chamaria and Nagarbera, after that they entrenched themselves at Paringa at the bank of river Kulsiand at Niubiha which had been evacuated by the Muhammadan garrison on their Approach. They also conquered Hajo defeating Muhammadan where Muhammadan suffered heavy loss. In the meantime, Abdussalam, the governor of Hajo made an urgent request to the Nawbab Islam Khan to sent reinforcement to assist him in protecting them from Ahom invasion. Nawbab sent one thousand horses and one thousand matchlock men along with few hundred boats, arms and ammunition etc under the commandership of Zainul Abidin. On arrival of the reinforcement the Muhammadan attacked the Ahom force and defeated them in two occasions, one at Agiathuti and other at Sarighat, destroyed their camps and besieged. When the news of their defeat came to Pratap Singha, he dispatched strong reinforcement, on arrival of which Ahom once again attacked Muhammadan force and advanced their force, retreating Muhammadan up to Sualkuchi. Abdussalam sent orders to Zainal Abidin to join him at Hajo, leaving the fleet in charge of Muhammad Salih Kambu, Sattarajit and Majha Bayazid. The same night the Ahoms with approx. 500 boats attacked the Muhammadan fleet and gained a decisive victory killing Muhammad Salih and Bayazid was made prisoner. Some historian’s opinion is that Sattrajit was a traitor, he informed Ahoms about the movement of Muhammadan leader. Ahom was victorious over Abussalam and he was injuired during this war. Hajo was acquired by Ahom and Abdussalam agreed to surrender and sent his brother with considerable portion of their force to the Ahom camp. Ahom arrested all of them and placed before the king Pratap Singha who ordered to settle them in various places in the country. The leaders settled at Silpani and other places. The slaves and general soldiers were distributed amongst the Ahom officers as slaves. Zainal Abidin with rest of the garrison refused to surrender instead they attacked Ahoms. All of them were killed in the battle.

After the victory over Hajo, lots of plunder had taken place and the invader demolished a brick building which the Muhammadan constructed. Muhammadan leader sent pearls and other valuables to the king through Barphukan hoping that they would get some favour from the king on their surrender. However Barphukon misappropriate it and it was never reached to the king. Borphukan also had taken fifty weaver families from Sualkushi and settled them at the northern part of his territory instead of sending them to upper Assam. On finding there irregularities and offences the king arrested him and put to death.

Soon after, there was attacked at the remaining Mussalman garrisons in Kamrup and Goalpara which were captured in turn and their yoke was thrown away. Chandra Naryan, a son of Prakishit, the king of Koch Bihar and founder of Bijni dynasty, with the aid of Ahom established at Hatishila in Karaibari on the south bank of Brahmaputra. Many of the zamindars on the north bank made their submission to the Ahom king.

On the other hand, before these events occurred, Nawabab of Dacca had collected huge force and proposed to march in person in relief of Abdussalam. As his presence was required at that moment of time at Dacca, he could not accompanied, instead he sent his brother Mir Zainuddin with the huge force. It was a long and tedious journey and before they could reach Assam, the fall of Muhammadan already taken place, but these happenings did not disheartened him and he at once took vigorous steps to regain their supremacy in lower Assam. According to some accounts, Pran Narayan, the Raja of Koch Bihar, accompanied him and marched towards Chandra Narayan. Before any attack by the invader, he fled to a safer shelter with his sons. All the other Zaminder in Goalpara on the south bank submitted to the invader. He then crossed the river to the North bank. After obtaining the submission of the noted zamindars on the north bank, he proceeded to Dhuburi. He found Sattrajit there who was proved to be treacherous in many an occasion and made him prisoner and sent him to Dacca where he was imprisoned and later executed.

Meanwhile Ahom strengthen their force to repel the advancement of Muhamaddan. They took position at Jogighopa at North Bank and at Hirapur at the opposite bank of the river Brahmaputra and their fleets anchored in the mid stream between these two forts. Several rounds of fights took place and at the end Ahom were defeated. In one of these fights, Chandra Narayan was killed. The Muhammadan then crossed Manas River, established their camp at Chandankot and waited for the rainy season to over. Their forces by that time augmented due to the inclusion of remnant of old garrison and levies of their zaminders who returned to their loyalty. A fleet of five thousand soldiers sent under the commandership of Muhammad Zaman, the Faujader of Syleth to eject the Ahoms from the south bank. After accomplishing that, the same officer sent with strong contingent to reinstate Uttam Narayan in his zamindari at Barnagar on the Manos. He croosed the Pomari river and advanced to Barnagar, waited at Bishenpur for rainy season to over. During this course of time, there were several encounters took place with Ahoms who ultimately retreated to Chothori at the foot of Bhutan hill. Soon afterwards, on receiving reinforcement, the strength of the Ahom soldiers became approx. forty thousand and they advanced to Kalapani adjacent to Bishenpur where Muhammad Zaman had been camping. They made several night attacks to the Muhammadan and by erecting palisades surrounding their camp tried to cut-off supplies to the camp. As the rainy season was over Muhammadan at Chandkot marched to Bishenpur to unite with the other troop. However, Ahom General wanted to resist this unification, on receiving additional twenty thousand forces, they attack Muhammad Zaman at Night probably at the night of 31st October 1637. Though the Ahom was victorious at night, the Ahom suffered huge loss in the next morning. The enemy killed their four thousand soldiers and several generals and Ahom lost huge arms and ammunition. They retreated to Pomari.

The Muhammadan now united their forces and three weeks later attacked Ahom from the three sides at Barpeta where Ahom lost heavily. Many of their soldiers and leaders killed, imprisoned and later killed, lost arms and ammunitions and the remnant fled to Sarighat where Pratap Singha was encamped. Muhmmadan captured the Agiathuti fort and after defeating Ahom they took the possession of Sarighat fort. Then they occupied the Kajali fort where Dimarua Raja along with a chief named Hari Deka gave little resistance. Ahom sent a small reinforcement to help them, though they were initially victorious, later on the Muhammadan defeated them. Then they fled to Kaliabor, which was the rallying point for the Ahoms.

Muhammadan sent a force against Dharma Naryan, who along with his two sons fled to Singiri Parbat. However, all of them were killed. Now, whole of the Kamrup was under Muhammadan, Mir Nurllah of Harat appointed as Thanadar, with his headquarter at Guwahati.

In 1638, the Muhammadan accompanied by the king of Koch Bihar Pran Narayan, ascended the Brahmaputra and encamped at the mouth of Bharali. The Ahoms entrenched themselves in the opposite bank. Muhammadan started hostilities, which were dominated by the Ahom. Initially Ahom made a proposal of peace and agreed to supply elephants, aloes-wood and other article, Bor Baruah; the commander of Ahoms later on opted to fight then agreeing to pay tribute. In the battle, Ahom defeated the Muhammadan and reoccupied the Kajali fort. Due to prolong campaign, the resources were exhausted, for which Bor Baruah initiated a treaty with the Muhammadan and as per the agreed treaty, Bar Nadi on the north bank and Asurar Ali on the south bank were fixed as Boundary between Ahom and Muhammadan territories. For next twenty years, there was no dispute between two territories.

The Kachari king Bhimbal died in 1637 and his son Indra Ballabh succeeded him. He sent a envoy to Pratap Singha seeking friendship. His advances were coldly received by the Ahom king as it was thought that the letter written by the Kachari King was not in sufficiently respectful terms.

Pratap Singha died in 1641 AD after a reign of 38 eventful years. Though much of the time he had to engage in war with the Muhammadan, he could achieved some distinction in internal organization of the country. A census of the people was carried out and they were divided into clan, officers were appointed for efficient administration. Many roads, embankments, tanks and temples were built. The towns of Abhyapur and Mathurapur were built. Embankments were constructed to protect from enemy at Lahdoigarh and capital Ghargaon. He also built an embankment known as Dopgarh to protect from Naga. Forts were erected at Samdhara, Safrai, Sita and may other places. A stone bridge was constructed over Darika River along with many bamboo bridges. Many markets were established, trade was flourished in his reign. The Brahmin influence was gradually increased in his reign, Shiv temples were constructed at Dergaon and Biswanath and land were granted for maintenance of the Brahmins. Brahmins also instigate the King against Mahapurukhia, the follower of Sankar deva and several of their high priest or Gosain put to death. He was an able administrator and maintained his authority in all branches of administration. Bhuyans were dominated with heavy hand. Like all other Ahom kings, he was also keen of catching wild elephants. He had a distinction of having thousand elephant.

During his mortal illness, three of his sons, Surumpha, Sutyinpha and Sai, attended Pratap Singh. The youngest son had an intention to ascend to the throne by killings his brothers soon after the death of his father, for which he hired some armed men and waited for the opportunity. However, the plot was surfaced, disarmed and ejected the conspirators. After the death of Pratap Singha, the chief nobles offered the throne to Sutyinpha, as he promised in earlier occasion, Sutyinpha preferred to offer the throne to his elder brother Surampha. Thus, Surampha ascended to the throne. Soon afterward Sai conspired against him and after detection; he was arrested and put to death.

Surampha was immoral and destitute person. He first co-habited with one of his father’s wives. Subsequently he fell in love with another married woman of chetia clan. The husband was poisoned and killed and took her to the harem. She adopted a nephew of her first husband and at her instigation; the king declared the youth as heir apparent and broke the promise while ascending the throne that his successor would be Sutyinpha or his son. The boy was soon died and accused one of the Sutyinpha’s sons for poisoning him. Sutyinpha was accordingly ordered to surrender and he was deprived from all of his belongings. At the instigation of his paramour the king again ordered the chief nobles to offer one of their son to be buried along with his adopted child. All these act of Surampha annoyed the nobles who decided to reinstate Sutyinpha to the throne disposing Surampha. Surampha was taken to a remote place in a hill where he was poisoned. As Surampha was deposed from the throne, he was known as Bhaga Raja. There was a heavy flood in the country in 1642 AD.

Sutyinpha, ascended to the throne in 1644 AD and he was usually known as Naria Raja because of his illness (He also suffered from curvature of spine and known as Kekura). His first act was to put to death to those officers who he suspected that they had conspired against him in ascending the throne. Soon after, one of his wives and sister of Buragohain poisoned his mind against that the son of his chief queen, daughter of Bar Patragohain conspired against him along with her father. The son in question who invited for a dinner, poisoned to kill. Borpatragohain was also executed and his daughter was deposed from chief Queen. Then the woman, who did this mischief, was conferred as chief queen. She also tried to poison the mind of the king against another son named Khahua Gohain and made unsuccessful attempt to murder him.

In June 1646, an expedition was sent against the Dafalas to subjugate them. However, they were defeated and returned without success. The king was very much annoyed and dismissed Buragohain and Borgohain who were the commanders in this expedition. A second expedition was sent in the next January and Dafals were then defeated and there was full submission by the hill peoples. In the same year, the Tipam Raja who withheld the payment of the tribute was arrested and put to death. Khamting Naga who rebelled against Ahom was dominated.

There was dissatisfaction amongst the people against the king for various reasons and the nobles alienated against him. Mainly because the son of the chief queen Kukure Khowa Gohain who was indifferent, he was cruel to the peoples and insulted the nobles in many an occasion. The king did not try to repress him even after the advice of his nobles. He could not attend the public meetings regularly due to his illness and became very unpopular. In 1648, he was depsed by the nobles headed by Buragohain. The son of the Buragohain, Sutamla was ascended to the throne. A few days later Sutyinpha was poisoned, the chief queen and her son was killed and buried together, (Some says that chief queen was buried alive).

Sutamla assumed the Hindu name Jayadhvaj Singha and also known as “Bhagania RAJA”. There was good relation between the Dafalas, Kacharis and the Muhammadan with the Ahoms the leader of whom felicitated the king in his accession. The Jayantia king also did so and he requested Sutamla to return back Dimarua and Kuphanali but his request was rejected.

In 1647, The Jayantia raja seized one Ahom trader and refused to release him, Sutamla retaliated this by arresting a number of Jayantia trader at Sonapur. This act made relation between Ahom and Jayantia sour for eight years. After that at the behest of Jayantia king a friendly relation was established through the Borphukan at Guwahati.

Jaydhavaj Singha had to face many conspiracies, which were detected, and the conspirators were heavily punished. In one of the occasion Buragohain was found involved in the conspiracy, he and the fellow conspirators are punished barbarously to death. On another occasion, Borgohain was found in helping some person to escape. He was force to eat the flesh of his son and put to death.

In 1650, an expedition was made against Lakma Naga and after several attempt they were defeated and made the Naga chief to submit and agreed to pay tribute.

In 1655, the Missing (Miris) made a raid and killed two Ahom. The force sent against them, killed three hundred Missing, and burned twelve of their villages. They made their submission to Ahom and agreed to pay the tribute.

In 1658, Paramata Rai rebelled against his grand father Jasa Manta Rai, the king of Jaintia and he asked for assistance from one of the chief Gova Raja. However, the chief refused any help to him for which as revenge, Paramata destroyed four of his village. The Gova raja supposed to ask for assistance from kachari raja, but as per the advice of Ahom official that Ahom being the paramount power of the region, he should asked for help from Ahom instead of Kacharis, he had approached Jaydhavaj Singha for the assistance. As per the advice of the king, Borphukan established Gova raja at Khagarijan (near Nowgaon).

In 1658, the Moughal emperor at Delhi Shah Jahan became sick, there was slackness in administration and the constant wars weaken the Moughals. Pran Narayan, the king of Koch Bihar took this advantage and raid Goalpara, two of the Chief fled to Beltala where Jaydhavaj Singha gave them shelter. Mir Luthfullah Shivazi, the Muhammadan Faujadar of Kamrup and Haju gave some resistance to the Koch invasion, but later on, he was defeated and retreated to Guwahati.

In the meantime, the Ahom King Jaydhavaj Singha also took this advantage and proceeded towards Guwahati with a strong force. However, the Muhammadan Fujadar Mir Luthfullah Shivazi fled to Dacca before Ahom force reached Guwahati. Pran Narayan gave a proposal that North bank of Brahmaputra what they have already possessed would retain by them and the south bank would belong to Ahom. Jaydhavaj Singha rejected the proposal and checked the advancement of Koch. They marched against the Koch and defeated twice before driving them across Sankosh River. Thus, the whole Brahmaputra valley was under control of Ahom.

Mir Jumlah became governor of Bengal; he also conquered Dacca defeating Price Shuja. Jaydhavaj Singha sent an envoy to Mir Jumlah to inform him that they would return their territory, which they have occupied only to protect from possession by the Koch and he was prepared to handover it to any of his officer whom the governor might send for the purpose. In some account it is said that Mir Jumlah sent an envoy to Jaydhavaj Singha demanding Guwahati, the latter replied that Guwahati was taken possession by the Koch and not by the Ahom and hence Koch –Behar had to be conquered before Guwahati could be taken. Rashid Khan, an officer was accordingly deputed to take back the territory. On his approach, the Ahom abandoned Dhuburi and fell back beyond Manas River. However, sensing a snare Rashid waited for reinforcement instead taking possession of the track the Ahom had abandoned. On hearing the news of the retreat of Ahom troops, the king was annoyed and made two Phukons responsible for it and they were arrested. Baduli Phukon was then made Neog Phukon and Commander in Chief. He also ordered to strengthen the Jogighopa Fort and to construct a new fort at the opposite bank of Brahmaputra. He also written a letter to Rashid Khan to withdraw his force. Rashid Khan reported the matter to Mir Jumlah who by that time invaded Koch Behar but failed to capture the King of Koch Behar Pran Narayan who fled to Bhutan. He left a garrison of five thousand at Koch Behar and then on 4th of January 1662, he step forward for invasion of Assam with a large contingent. Rashid khan joined him at Rangamati. It was a tedious and difficult journey in dense jungle and numerous rivers.

With much delay, Mir Jumlah reached Jogighopa with a force of twelve thousand horses and thirty thousand foots. At that time, in the Ahom fort at Jogighopa was affected by an epidemic (might be Cholera) and there were a feeble strength of twelve thousand men. The invader easily overpowered them. Mir Jumlah then divided his army in to two divisions, one marched along the south bank of Brahmaputra and the other on the North bank after crossing Manas River, and he was in this division. Many European, mainly Portuguese were there in his troop.

On receiving the news of their defeat at Jogighopa, Jaydhavaj Singha immediately dispatch a large reinforcement to Sarighat and Pandu, however the Muhammadan arrived before them. There was defection and confusion amongst the Ahom officers mainly for the appointment of Manthir Bezdoloi Bharali Baruah as Parvatia Phukan as Commander of lower Assam who was a storekeeper and Kyastha by caste. Without any engagement Ahom surrendered the Sarighat fort to the invader, a large force of Muhammadan occupied the fort and many of the Ahom soldiers were killed. The troop at the North bank fled to Kajali knowing that under commandership of Rashid Khan a large force was in advance to attack them. Muhammadan occupied Guwahati on 4th February 1662. They also occupied the fort at Beltala after a night attack.

When message of the defeat was reached Kajali, the panicky Ahom force left Kajali and moved to Samdhara, at the mouth of Bharali River. An effort was made at Samdhara to resist the advancement of the invader for which they strengthen the Samdhara and on the opposite bank Simlagarh forts. They divided the force into two parts, one part remain in Samdhara under commandership of Bheba and Borgohain accompanied by Tipam raja, Barpatragohain etc, and other part moved to south bank under commandership of Bhitarual Gohain and assisted by Bar Phukon, Sadiya Khowa Gohain etc. After occupying Guwahati where Darrangia Raja also made his submission to them, the Muhammadan force proceeded for Gargaon, the capital of Ahom Kingdom. The entire Muhammadan force then moved to south bank near Samdhara. On 28th February 1662, they reached near to the Simlagarh fort and camped there. They made several night attacks on Ahoms. After initial resistance, the Ahom fled leaving their arms and ammunition in the hand of enemy. Mir Jumla found that the Simlagarh fort was wellbuilt and Ahom could give more resistance but out of many other causes, the timid leader might be the main cause of their early submission. Due to fall at Simlagarh, the Ahom force at Samdhara fort left after destroying all gun powder in their possession so that enemy could not get that. Mir Jumla kept a garrison of his army at Samdhara and appointed a Muhammadan officer as Fujadar of Kaliabor. After Kaliabor, the terrain on the south Bank of the river was hilly, therefore the armed fore advanced through a plain road which is within a little distance from the Bank. Ahom took the advantage of it and attacked their river fleet with few hundred boats. After hearing the sound of cannon, a force was dispatched to the bank for assistance of the fleet. Observing the advancement of the Army, the Ahom fleet again fled to safer places. Muhammadans persuaded them and few of them were captured (Approx.300 boats were captured). The march was then continued to Salagarh and the Ahom evacuated it without any resistance. Here few Ahom officials approached Mir Jumlah for peace treaty, however he refused it on the ground that this was not a sincere effort and a process of gaining time.

The Ahom force under commandership of Bargohain on North Bank also move backward evacuating the villages with the intention that the enemy would not get any supply or help from the villagers if they would follow them. Mir Jumlah dispatch his forces to face the Ahom force on the north bank intermittently but their main force advanced up the south bank.

When Jaydhavaj Singha realized that his army was going to fall, he advised the commanders of both the bank to unite at Lakhau or Lakhugarh. On 9th March 1662 Mir Jumlah arrived Lakhugarh. The Ahom force could not give any resistance and they were easily defeated. Lakhugarh was situated at the confluence of Dihing and Brahmaputra.

Revealing the situation ahead, Jaydhavaj Singha arranged thousand boat to carry his valuables and fled to first to Charaideo and then to Taraist along with Bar baruah and Bar Phukan. He advised Buragohain and other officers to remain at Gargaon. At Charideo the king held a council at which there was a consensus that it was impossible to resist the Muhammadan and decided to send an envoy for peace treaty. Mir Jumlah again rejected the proposal of treaty and advanced to Gargaon to occupy, Bargohain fled to Tira and many other officials took shelter at Majuli. Jaydhavaj Singha move further to Tipam and then to Namrup. At that time, Dihing was shallow and Mir Juhumla could not take his fleet from Lakhugarh and preferred to stay there. On 17th March, 1662 Mir Juhumla reached Gargaon and occupied the palace. He captured all the remaining valuables. Muhammadan occupied a number of villages whose inhabitant began to submit to the new ruler. Nawbab also established a mint to make the money and stuck the name of Delhi Emperor. Nawab intention was to return to Lakhu and to wait there during rainy days. However, there was early break up of monsoon and it was impossible to return to Lakhu with all valuables and belongings to be transported by newly trained elephants. They decided to camp at Mathurapur, a high land and seven miles southeast of Gargaon.

Mir Jhumla made some outpost besides Mathurapur, on the north of Gargaon, Ramdang and Trimohini (at the confluence of Dikhow); on the south Daspani and Silpani at the foot of Tiru hill; on the east Abhaypur (16 miles from Gargaon) and on the west side Gajpur and Dewalgaon on way to Lakhu. He also established several posts westward from Lakhu to Guwahati. As the rainy season progressed, the Nwabab faced difficulties as movement became difficult and the Ahoms taking advantages of the rain cut-off their communication and supplies. Ahom made frequent attack at their outpost causing heavy causalities. Mir Jhumla closed the entire outpost and brought them back either to Mathurapur or Gargaon. Epidimic spread at Mathrapur, therefore Mathurapur camp also withdrawn and taken to Gargaon. Jaydhavaj Singha also returned to Salaguri adjacent to Gargaon. The Ahoms renewed their attack on Muhammadan at Gargaon. In one occasion, they burnt down several houses and in the other, they entered a Bamboo fort erected by the Muhammadan and occupied half of the Gargaon. They also cut off any supply to the Muhammadan camp for which there was acute shortage of food. The soldiers could not eat properly, became mentally upset and willing to return to their home.

Ibari Hussain who was the incharge of the fleet at Lakhu withdraw the forces from Dewalgaon when he heard that Mir Jhumla was isolated at Gargaon, took offensive against Ahom forces at Majuli and prevented them to take any action against their fleet. He also maintain Kaliabor post and beyond on the bank of Brahmaputra and established constant communication with Guwahati. Towards the end of September, rain ceases and communication became better. Ibari Hussain re-established the Dewalgaon post and got messengers through to Mir Jumlah. After three unsuccessful attempts to bridge the Dikhow River, it was succeeded and large quantities of supplies of all kind sent to Gargaon from Lakhu. The Muhammadan camp at Gargaon then re-energized. Jaydhavaj Singha and his nobles again fled to Namrup. On 10th November Mir Jumlah took his force down the Dilli River in north east of Gargaon, fought against Baduli Phukan and routed Ahom in stiff engagement. Baduli Phukan now submitted to Mir Jumllah and many other officers followed him. They made a plan to trace down the fleeing Ahom king, Baduli Phukon was made incharge of it, and large force was attached to him. He was also made Subedar to rule the land between Gargaon and Namrup. They decided to proceed by the way of Salaguri to Tipam. However, there was no luck for Mir Jumlah, all the odds happened again. Owing to the famine at Bengal, all supplies had to be stopped. Moreover, Mir Jumlah fell seriously ill and could not move on his own. Due to the circumstances, he compelled to agree to the proposal of peace by the Ahom King Jaydhavaj Singha, which was as under:

  1. Jaydhavaj Singha to send a daughter to the emperial Herem

  2. Twenty thousand tolas of gold, six this quantity of silver and forty elephants to be made over at once

  3. Three hundred thousand tolas of silver and ninety elephants to be supplied within twelve months

  4. Six sons of the chief nobles to be made over as hostages pending compliance with the last mentioned condition

  5. Twenty elephants to be supplied annually

  6. The country west to the Bharali river on the North Bank of Brahmaputra and of Kallang on the south, to be ceded to the Emperor of Delhi

  7. All prisoners and the family of the Baduli Phkan to be given up

After executing the treaty, Mir Jumlah on 9th January 1663, to the immense joy of his army ordered to return to Bengal. The main body of the army marched down the south bank of Brahmaputra up to Singri Parbat where they crossed the river and continued their journey down the North Bank. Mir Jumlah could not move on his own and carried by a Palki from Gargaon to Lakhu, then by boat from Lakhu to Koliabor. From there a Palki again carried him to Kajalimukh. All the soldiers were tired because of the tedious jouney and they had to travel almost without food, water only. On 7th of February 1663, there was terrible lightining and thunder, followed by earthquake which lasted for half an hour and the army was frightened. From Kajali they resumed their journey to Guwahati. Rashid khan was installed as Fujadar at Guwahati against his will. Mir Jumlah’s health condition began torelapse at Kajali and became seriously ill by then. They had to abandon the proposal of expedition to Koch Kingdom (Pran Singh reoccupied Koch Kingdom by defeating the Muhammadan) aod instead of that they proceeded to Dacca. Mir Jumlah died on 30th March 1663 before reaching Dacca.

After the deportation of the Muhammadan, Jaydhavaj Sinngha returned to Bokota. At first he dismissed and punished Bar Gohain and others who were found guilty for the war. As a precauationary measure, he built a strong hold at Namrup and kept some of the valuables there. In November 1663, he suffered from a serious illness and after ninedays of suffer he died.

Sutmala, popularly known as Jaydhavaj Singha was very much under the influence of Brahmin and he was a deciple of Nirajan Bapu. The king installed Niranjan Bapu as the first Gohain of Auniati Satra. On hearing the fame of Banamali Gohain of Koch Bihar, he invited him and gave land at Jakhalabandha for installation of Satra. At the instigations of the Brahamins, many Mahapurukhia leaders (followers of Sri Sri Sankardeva) were prsecuted or killed. The private life of the king is not of good repute. He had an affair with the sister of one of the queen whom he married at the advice of his father in law and assassinated her earlier husband. He also installed paternal uncle of the queens as Phukon of Kajalimukh. He allowed to rule by the two sisters and what they deed or say was the law. The public works done during his reign were construction of road from Ali- Kekuri to Namdang, the Seoni Ali, the Bhomuraguri Ali and dug a tank at Bhatiapara.

Mir Jumlah during his invasion of Assam, accompanied by a writer named Shihabuddin who wrote about Assam describing the people and country of that moment of time (included as Annexure-III).

Jaydhavaj Singha had no son to ascend to the throne. However, there is confusion amongst the historian. According to some, he had two sons but they were not considered eligible for the throne. Even the confusion is there in case of Chakradhvaj Singha also who succeeded Jaydhavaj Singha. As there was no suitable successor of Jaydhavaj Singha after his death, the nobles decided to phace Saring raja on the throne. According to some historian, he was the brother, for someone he was the cousin and again for some one he was the grand son of previous king.

The new king named as Supungmung as per Ahom and Chkradhvaj Singha as per Hindu. The Jayantiya raja sent envoys to congratulate him and the Darangia Raja who sided for Muhammadan during Mir Jumlah’s invasion sent his delegates to congrulate so that the friendship thus sustained. In the meantime, two Muhammadan officials arrived with presents (originally meant for Jaydhavaj Singha) and with a reminder that the balance of the indemnity was not paid which were overdue. However, the king told them that their master also not obeyed the treaty as the boundary problem was not solved and the prisoners of the war were not returned. On receving the message, Aurangzeb agreed the settled the boundary by releasing the newly acquired land which was not included in original Koch kingdom. Even after that, the king did not agreed to pay the dues. Rashid Khan, the Fauzadar at Guwahati sent messengers, but they were not received properly, instead of giving royal treatment, they were treated as general audience and informed that the dues could not be paid as there was no money in the exchequer and elephants were not trained properly for which it was not possible to transfer.

Chakradhvaj Singha came to know that Neog Phukon and few others involved in reasonable correspondences with the Muhammadan. They were arrested and put to death.

In 1665, the Banchang Nagas attacked the Banpara Nagas and the later seek help from the Ahom king. A force was sent against Banchang Nagas and after several attempt overpowered them and they submitted to the King. Miris aideded by Dafalas and Deori Chtias had collected a force of 7500 men and rebelled against the Ahoms, The king sent a huge force against them. On seeing the strength of the force, they fled without giving any fight. Their villages were ransacked and took captive who were found in the village.

There was an unprecedented draught in the country in 1665.

In the early part of 1667, Syed Feroze Khan, who had succeeded Rashid Khan as Fuzadar of Guwahati, sent a strongly worded letter to Chakradhvaj Singha to pay the balance dues (It is said that the Ahom king sent elephants in lieu of money and the value of the elephant were considered as Rs.2000 each. Thus, the estimated balance was a sum of Rs.1,12,000). By this time, Chakradhvaj Singha was extremely busy in repairing the the forts at Samdhara and Patakallang. He also engaged in restoring his army for gaining strength so that it can defend any enemy from attacking the country. On receiving the letter of Syed Feroze Khan, he made up his mind instead of paying the balance dues he would fight and convened a meeting with his nobles and officers to discuss the issue and briefed them his intention. The nobles tried to dissuade him explaining the consequences of the previous war and considering the improverished condition of the people. The king realized the fact and accepted the suggestion of the nobles. The necessary preparations were made and in August 1667, a well-equipped force was sent to Guwahati against the Moghul. The commandership was entrusted to Lachit, the son of Bar Baruah and conferred the title Bar Phukan. At the first assult, the force took over the Muhammadan out post at Kajali on the south bank and Basbari on the north bank. Many Muhammadan soldiers made prisoners and the arms, ammunition and the horses thus came to their possession were sent to Gargaon. The Ahoms constructed at Kajali and Latasil and continued their advance to Guwahati. They won several enganments but lost at Barandi it did not affect their main mission i.e. expedition to Guwahati. Guwahati and Pandu were taken to their possession after two months of engagement. The prisoners were massacred; the arm- ammunition and other valuables were sent to the kings. The cash receieved were distributed amongst the soldiers.

In early November 1667, a number of ships with reinforcement received by the Muhammadan and renewed their war against the Ahoms. This time also they were defeated in several occasions and threw them from Agiathuti fort and retreat at Manas. At Manas, they fell to the Ahom very badly. Ahom soldiers surrounded them, many of them were slain, others made prisoners; the officers were sent to Gargaon, however, the general soldiers were slaughtered very badly.

The inscriptions at Kanai Barasi Boa rock near Mani Karneswar Temple at Kamrup and an old canon at Silghat depict the victory of Ahom over the Moghuls.

The king was overjoyed for the success and showered with presents at his general. The fort at Sarighat and Pandu were strengthened and Guwahati was choosen as headquarter for administration of the conqured territory. A survey of the country was carried out and census of the population was taken.

In 1668, the Muhammadan started hostility at Rangamati and a raja named Indra Daman was apparently in command. His force was first defeated at Kakphak on the south bank of Brahmaputra, however he again came in person with reinforcement and this time Ahom fell back to Sarighat. Indra Daman was defeated at Sarighat and he retreated to Jakhalia.

The news of defeat of Feroze Khan against Ahom was reached Aurangzeb, the emperor of Delhi in December 1667. He at once decided to send a commandable force against Ahom and made Raja Ram Singh as its commander of the imperial army. A force from Bengal joined them as reinforcement. Rashid Khan who was the ealier Fuzedar of Guwahati also accompanied him. A huge force consisted of 1800 cavalry, 30000 infantry and 15000 archers from Koch Bihar etc took sufficient time to reach Rangamati in February 1669. By that time, Ahoms were not competedly prepared to resist the enemy’s advance. Therefore, for gaining time, the king sent messanger to Raja Ram singh to know why he wanted to attack the country. In reply, Ram Singh told that the Ahoms did not follow the agreement of the boundary and they had encroached their territory. As per the agreement, the boundary was Bar Nadi at North bank and Asur Ali in the south and Ahom were asked to give up the area they have already encroched. On receving the reply of Ram Singh, (by this time preparation to resist the invasion of the Muhammadan was almost completed) Chkaradhvaj singha informed that instead of leaving the land, he would rather fight. The first two battles were fought near Tezpur and in both the occasion Ahom lost. But subsequently the Ahom gained a naval battle, soon after they attack the muhammadan fort at Rangmahal and Ram Singh was compelled to retire to Hajo where he quarrelied with Rashid Khan. Being the Fuzadar of Guwahati, Rashid Khan was the supreme commander; therefore, he did not want to behave him as subordinate. Moreover, Ram Singh suspected that Rashid Khan might pass information to the enemy and therefore he ordered to oust him from the camp. Soon after Muhammadan were again defeated in land as well as water near Sualkuchi. Ahoms also won in the battle near Sessa, there after they attacked Agiathti camp and massacared it. However, soon after Ram Singh attacked the Ahoms and routed them with heavy losses. Bar Phukon hurried to the Agiathuti with reinforcement but they were resisted by the Muhammadans and lost all of their ships and obliged to retreat. Raja Ram Singh now wanted negotiation of peace. The Ahoms also tired of wars and hostilities was suspended for some time.

Soon afterward, Chakradhvaj Singha died (in 1669). His reign was full of war and hostilities. Therefore, he did not get time for the public work; only new road from Teliadanga to Jhanjimukh was constructed.

The brother of Chakradhvaj Singha Maju Gohain ascended to the throne. He assumed the Ahom name Sunyatpha and Hindu name Udayaditya Singha and married his deceased brother’s wife.

The negation for peace continued and Ram Singh had given a condition that old boundary should be maintained. Bar Phukan at Guwahati expressed his concurrence, however, it would also require concurrence of the King to finally accept it. The proposal was sent for concurrence of the king. Ram Singh on receiving the reinforcement as well as suspecting the intregrity of their concurrence advanced with his army to Sitamari and dispatched a force to Darrang. On the other hand, the King Udayaditya Singha prepared to renew the war. He ordered Bura Gohain to move to Saraighat from Samdhara with 20000 men. The Muhammadan advanced to meet them and a dual engagement occurred where Ahom won the land battle but their Navy was lost and retreat to Barhila. For which the land force of Ahom had to fall back. Bar Phukan had joined with more ships and attacked the Muhammadan. This time Ahom became victorious in Land as well as Naval. The Garo and the Raja of Rani joined the Ahom force. A series of encounters took place. In March 1671, Ram Singh who became so weakened by the repeated attack and losses he retreat first to Haran River afterwards to Rangamati.

On hearing, the news of deparature of Raja Ram Singh and the Muhammadan fore, the King Udayaditya loaded the Borphukon with presents. Hadira, opposite Goalpara was then became the Ahom’s frontier outpost. Chandra Narayan,son of Mahendra and grand son of Bali Narayan was installed as Tributary king of Darrang on north bank of Brahmaputra and Gandharvanarayan as Raja of Beltola. Bar Baruah and Bar Gohain were given the responsibility of defence particularly upper Assam. He also dominated the rebellion of Dafalas who refused to give the tribute by sending a force.

After the end of hostility of the Muhammadan, the king instituted enquiries against the officers and prominent man suspected to be involved with Muhammadan and disloyal to Ahom cause. Those who found guilty were arrested and deported to a place near Namrup for imprisonment. One such person was Chakrapani, a priest and descendent of Vaishnava reformer Sankar Dev, suspected to be part with Muhammadan. However, he could not be punished as he already crossed the frontier. The king heard of this man as very pious and learned, wanted him to be in his country, He somehow persuaded him and settled at Samaguri granting land and later on he made him his spiritual preceptor. He ordered his officers and people to follow him and many did so. However, some of the nobles were offended; they persuaded the brother of the king for a conspiricy against him. The king detected the conspiracy, ordered to arrest his brother, and closed all the gates of the capital. In one midnight, the brother appeared before one of the gate from his hideout and entered the capital. He killed Bar Barua and other officials who were not a party to this conspiracy. In the next day, Udayaditya was taken to Charideo and poisoned him. His three wives were put to death. Chakrapani, the priest was impaled and set adrift on a raft on Dikhow River. All the events were taken place in 1673.

The main achievement of the reign of Udayadity Singha was the eviction of Muhammadan from Kamrup and construction of strong fortification at Guwahati. Ahom had acquired the knowledge of making canon by this time. In 1671, the treasure house at Hilikha, which contains large amount of gold and silver, was burnt due to the carelessness of Bharali Baruah and punished for his carelessness.

Since the death of Chakradhvaj Singha in 1670, in the next eleven years i.e. up to the accession to the throne by Gadapani in 1681, seven king not one of whom died natural death. This period was a period of suspicion, conspiracy and internal clash.The conspirator of Udayadity Singha was then ascended to the throne and assumed the Ahom name Suklampha and the Hindu name Ramdhvaj. He rewarded the mastermind of the conspiracy, Debora alias Lachai with the post of Bar Baruah. Immediately after, Bar Gohain set a plot to install Saringia Raja to the throne. However, it was discovered and both of them were executed. Ramdhvaj was seriously ill and the nobles had to think for a successor. Both the kings brother, rajas of Tipam and Namrup; the son of the chief queen, Ladam and the son of Udayaditya were the probable candidate for the throne. Majority of the nobles were in favour of Udayaditya’s son except Bar Baruah who had an apprehension that his position would be in great danger if he became king. Debora Bar Barua determined to do everything he could to prevent it to be happended. With this intention, he collected a band of armed man. However, the king misunderstood it to be plan of conspiracy against him. The king therefore ordered to arrest Bar Baruah. Bar baruah was alert, and he killed the man who was sent to arrest him. He also killed some other officers whom he suspected to be his enemies. Finally, in March 1675, he caused the king to be poisoned.

The nobles then decided in favour of Udayadity’s son to the throne without the consent of Bar Baruah. Bar Baruah with his armed man sized his chief opponents and put them to death. He then installed a prince from Samuguri named Suhung as the next king. He took one of the widows of Jaydhvaj Singha as chief queen who was the sister of Bar Phukan. Tipam raja who was one of the contender to the throne, raised and army and marched towards capital. Bar Baruah intercepted him, defeated him and executed. Bar Baruah also killed many of his private enemises. King began to realize that he is the puppet king in the hand of Bar Baruah and sought means to kill him. However, Bar Baruah came to know about the intention from one of his servant and the king was assassinated. He was the king for only 21 days.

Bar Baruah then installed a prince named Gobar and he was the son of Saranga Gohain and grandson of Sukengmung or Gargya Raja. Bar Baruah sent one message to Bar Gohain who was then stationed at Guwahati, to send Bor Phukan to the capital. Bor Phukan intercepted the messanger; suspecting a danger to his life, he induced Bargohain and Sangrai Bura Gohain against Bar Baruah and to end the terror reign created by him. They raised an army contigent and marched them against Bar Barua. Bar Barua advanced to meet them, but when his enemy had approached, his troop deserted him. He also tried to flight; however, he was captured and executed. Gobar raja also captured and put to death and he was in the throne for barely a month.

The nobles then had a prolong discussion and decided to install a prince of Dihingia clan named Sujinpha, a son of Namrup raja and a descendant of Shungmung, the Dinhingia raja. He had seen the conspiracy against his predecessor; he was very much frightened for the probable conspiracy and wated to be vigil. Cannons were posted at the city and the roads were lined with soldiers, He also insisted to take oath by his officers. Many of them were so incensed by this act and for not having confidence on them; they entered in to a conspairacy with the Buragohain against him. The king survived an attempt to kill him in dead night and many of his conspirators. However, he could not capture Buragohain who fled to Guwahati. The King tried to induce Buragohain to return with a promise of pardon. Buragohain then arranged a force against the king and marched towards the capital at Gargaon. He himself advanced to Sinatali where he met and defeated a force sent by the king and proceded towards Gargaon. The king was seized, and his eyes were put out and stoned to death in July 1677. Of the king’s four sons, the eldeast Dighala managed to escape, the second was blinded and deported to Namrup; the rest two are put to death.

The nobles requested Buragohain to be the king; however, it was refused by the Ahom preist to do so because he was not of royal blood. He therefore obtained the approval of the nobles to ascend to the throne, a prince of his choice who was Khamcheo of Parbatiya clan of Charideo Parbat. He ascended to the throne, assumed the Ahom name Sudaipha and Hindu name Parbatia Raja as he was from Parbatia clan, and hailed from Charaideo Parbat. As Buragohain favoured him to ascend to the throne and observing the fate of his predecessors, to get confidence and to please Buragohain he married his daughter. The king also gave him a high status and landed properties. Buragohain took this advantage and exherted his supremecy. All these matters aroused the jealousy of other officials. At Buragohain’s instance the Bar Barua who had a sour relation with him, was dismissed and fearing his personnel safety fled to Srighat. Next, out of disgrace Banamali Phukon as revenge wanted to assassinate the king. He sneaked to the palace and in the darkness, by mistake killed the mother instead of King. He then fled to Tamulihat. Buragohain’s next victim was Bor Phukan whom he belived that he had not shown his subordination to him and sought for an opportunity to oust him. Bor Phukon realized the situation and he thought that appealing to the king would worthless. He therefore made correspondences with the Nawabab of Bengal who decided to send a force under the commandership of prince Muhammad Azam in the following February to take possession of Guwahati which Bor Phukon agreed to handover. The plot was divulged by the king and raised an army to counter that. The King Sudaipha divided the force into two divisions, one division was stationed at Chintamony and other sent to resist the Muhammadan force. However, it was too late; Guwahati was already handed over early in March 1679. All the nobles were dissatisfied with the administration and activities of Sudaipha and the Buragohain, allied to Bar Phukon who raised a force against the king. He advanced towards the capital, met little or no resistance and most of the officials joined him. The official who had oppose his advancement were killed. The King Sudaipha was also apprehended and put to death. By November, 1679 Bor Phukan was the master of the whole Kingdom. He also did this with the consent of a prince Sulikpha and wanted to ascend him to the throne. Sulikpha was of tender age at the time of ascending the throne; He assumed the Hindu name Ratnadhwaj Singha but he was popularly known as Lara Raja. He was the puppet king and Borphukon behaved like a King. He also dressed as a king and took most decision by himself. The immediate action of Bor Phukan was the execution of Buragohain who was apprehended and put to death. Bor Phukan’s fate was also not so favourable. Due to his overweening arrogance, other nobles were against him and he was assassinated. His three sons and two of his brothers were also killed. The third brother Bhatdhara Phukan (who was at Kaliabor) escaped by a timely flight to Muhammadan territory. He had asked for assistance of Muhammad Azam and from few local chiefs against the Ahom king to take a revenge for his brother’s death. He got some assistance but it was not sufficient to fight against the Ahoms. Lara Raja to ensure against any probable threat of conspiracy to the throne killed or mutilated the descendents of former kings or any suitable candidate for the throne. However, Godapani, the son of Gobar Raja.was escaped and succeeded to elude from his pursuers. His wife, Jaymati was tortured at Jerengapathar to divulge his where about.

Lara Raja was the most unsatisfactory king who had no knowledge of good administration and lack of aptitude of public affairs. Inspite of above, his tyrannical conduct made all his nobles dissatisfied and expressed resentment against him. In July 1681, Bar Phukan openly espoused Gadapani for the resons that he is the son of Gobar Raja and he was known for his personnel vigour and energy. The nobles also accepted the idea and tried to install Godapani who was then living in concealment, to the throne. The king prepeared to resist it but he had no real supporters. As the rebel advanced to the capital, all the supporters deserted him. He was arrested and deported to Namrup. Afterwards knowing that he tried to intriguing to recover the throne, he was put to death. In this reign, Dauki Ali was made.

On ascending the throne, Gadapani assumed the Ahom name Supatpha and the Hindu name Godadhar Singha and made his capital at Borkola. His first act was to strengthen the army to fight against the Muhammadan to recover Guwahati. The Ahom force advanced against the Muhammadan and captured the forts at Kajali and Bansabari. They had the great naval victory at the mouth of Barnadi where all most all Muhammadan force fall in the hand of Ahoms. This caused the Fauzadar of Guwahati helpless and without any further resistance, he fled. The Ahom persuaded him upto Manas. From then, Manas was the boundary between the two countries. Bhatdhara Phukan who fled to the Muhammadan camp and instigated them against Ahom was arrested along with his son. His son was killed and compelled him to eat his son’s flesh and later on, he was put to death.

Godadhar Singha was an able administrator. There was anarchy and internal dispute during his predecessor’s days and the nobles also got the upper hand due to the ignorance and inefficiencies of the king. Godadhar Singha took over the rule in his hand. In the process, he dismissed and punished Bar Phukan, Bura Gohain, Bar Baruah and few other officers and appointed suitable persons in their posts. There were conspiracies against him, which were detected, and conspirators were severly punished with death penalty.

In 1685, the Missing raided and burnt the house of Sadiya khowa Gohain at night. Gadhadhar Singha sent a force to take punitive action against them. They were defeated, a few of them were killed and a large number were taken as prisoners. Sadiya Khowa Gohain was dismissed for his apathy during this operation. Godadhar also dominated several Naga rebellions during his reign.

The neo-Vaishnava sects, founded on teaching of Shri Shri Sankar Deb, had then attained a remarkable dimension. The followers of neo-Vaishnava, on advice of their Guru, the Gosains of Satras abstained from eating meat of swine, cattle etc, and strong drinks, which the king thought that this act would weaken his subjects. More over, the followers exempted themself from assisting in the construction of road and tanks and other public works. This caused serious embracement to the king and the Sakta Brahmin took the advantage and exaggerated the matter in King’s ear. The king had a personnel grudge against some of the leading Gosains for refusing him shelter during his days of hiding and for dissuade Bar Phukan in favour of making him king instead of Lara Raja. He therefore decided to break their power, ordered them to deport to Namrup and put to death. The Auniati Gosain, Keshab Deb, escaped this fate by hiding in a Chutiya Village, but Ram Bapu, the Gosain of Dakhinpat Satra was captured and deprived of his eyes and his nose. The king also harshed to the Bhakats or disciples, higher caste, such as Ganak, Kyastha and Kalitas were left alone but those of lower caste were hunted down. Many of them were taken to unknown destination and engaged as labourer on roads; others were mutilated or put to death. Later on, the king realized his fault and stopped doing so, restitution were made in all cases where people had been wrongfully despoiled.

Gadadhar Singha died in February 1696, after a reign of fourteen and half years. Besides good administrator, he was also remembered for his public works. During his reign only, Dhodar Ali, Aka Ali and other roads including two stone bridges were built. He was a patron of Sakta Hinduisim, at his initiation Umananda temple at Peacock Island opposite to Guwahati, was built. He also introduced the system of copper plate in recognition of donating land to the temple or Brahmana. A new system to survey the country was introduced by him and surveyors were brought from Koch Bihar and Bengal.

Gadadhar Singha survived by his two sons. The eldest son ascended to the throne by assuming the Ahom name Sukhrungpha and the Hindu name Rudra Singha at Gargaon. The new king wanted to reverse the policy taken by his father against Neo- Vaishnava sect. Those of them who were Brahman were allowed to resume their old position with a condition that their headquarters should be at Majuli. The Auniati Gosain Keshab Deb was specially honoured; he recalled him from his hide out and appointed him as his spiritual preceptor.

Rudra Singha was anxious to build a palace and a city of Brick. As no artisian was available in the country, he brought Ghanasyam, the architect from Koch Bihar. Under the supervision of Ghanashyam, many brick buildings were constructed at Rangpur adjacent to Sibsagar. On completion of the works, he was highly rewarded by the king and he wanted to return to Koch Bihar. However, accidently, it was found a document consisting of full account of the country and its inhabitians in his possession. Suspecting him as a spy of Muhammadan, Ghanasyam was arrested and put to death.

Due to the detoriated internal condition of Ahom, there was slackness in administration and monitoring of different activities and affairs. Owing to this weakness, the Kachari king showed their reluctancy in hounoring the supremecy of the Ahom Kingdom. At last, Tamradhvaj, who was the Kachari king at the time of ascending the throne by Rudra Singha, bodily asserted his independence. The King Rudra Singha sent two strong forces against him, one under Bar Barua to enter kachari country by the way of Dhanshiri valley with a strong force of 37,000 and another under Pani Phukan by the way of Kapili valley through Raha with 34,000 strong force. Bar Baruah started from Sala at the latter part of 1706, on the road, he met with the Nagas who gave much trouble to them and required to engage his force to dominate them. The Ahom force without much difficulties and ressistance captured Namaria fort on Nomal hill, Latha hill, Amlakhi and reached the Kachari capital Maibong that was occupied by Ahom without any resistance. Bar Barua also occupied Mahur which was situated a little north of Maibong.

In the meantime, Pani Phukan with his force proceeded down the Kallang to Raha. They had to make their way through the thick jungles so it took considerable time to cover the distances. The Kacharis at first want to resist the invader but observing their strength they fled to Maibong instead repelling them. On their way to Maibong, they had occupied without any resistance Salgaon, Lambur, Dharmapeur village (where a temple of Goddess Kamakhya was there) and Demera. At Demera, a garrison was established of 3000 man. By that time, Bar Baruah already occupied Maibong. Later on, Pani Phukon advanced to join Bar Barua at Maibong.

At Maibong, the troops suffered from the pestilential climate and many including Bar Baruah were sick. Moreover, their provisions were running short and the force was not willing to advance further. The King Rudra Singha was at Raha by that time and ordered the force to advance to Khasdpur. Bar Baruah who was seriously ill returned to Demera, however he died on road. Pani Phukon and his force obeying the king’s order proceeded towards Khaspur and reached Sampani. At the end of 1707, the King was persuaded to abandon the mission of occupying Khaspur. He recalled Pani Phukan, who brought back the whole force, after demolishing the brick fort at Maibong. Paniphukon fortified Demera and placed a strong garrison. However, the garrison could not last long, due to illness there was increasing rate of mortality amongst the troop, the king ordered them to withdraw.

While these events were in progress, Tramadhvaj, the Kachari king fled to Bikrampur (in the District of Cachar) and he sent an urgent appeal to Ram Singh, the king of Jaintia for his assistance against the Ahom to resist their invasion. The Jaintia king accordingly in the process of acquiring his Army, at that moment of time a second message came from Kachari King that the assistance as requested no longer required because Ahoms already left their country. Jaintia king was annoyed of the fact and thought that as Ahom had already dispersed the Kachari king, if he could seize the Kachari King in person he would become the master of the Kingdom. With this intention, he went to Mulagul and invited the Kachari king with his keens for a friendly meeting at Balesvar. Tamradhvaj was arrested and kept in confinement with his family members at Jaintiapur. The Jaintia king also attacked the Kachari frontier forts at Bandsil and Ichamati and taken possession.

Tarmadhvaj managed to send a message to Ahom king with the hand of a Bairagi describing what had happened to him, begged pardon for his past misdeed and requested him to release him from the clutch of his captor the Jaintia Raja. Rudra Singha, the Ahom king was satisfied with the submissive motive of the Kachari king. He immediately sent a directive to the officer in charge at the Ahom out post at Jagi to send word to Jaintia king Ram Singh demanding immediate release of his captive, through the tributary chief Gova Raja.

Ram Singh refused to comply, however his nobles were not a party to that, the realized the strength of Ahom and the impending danger from their attack. Ahom king closed the market at Gova on which Jaintia were largely depended and geather strength to his army for invasion of Jaintia country at the end of rain. In December 1707, two forces were sent against the Jaintia king, one under Bar Baruah with 43000 men who had to march through Kapili valley and the Kachari Kingdom; the other force under Bor Phukan with adequate strength who had to march through Gova and Jaintia hills.

Bar Baruah reached Sampani without many difficulties where he received deputation of many prominent Kacharis who assured him the safety from the Nagas. With much precaution, they went to Bikrampur. The Jaintia out posts at Balesvar, Dalagaon and Mulagul were easily taken. From Mulagul, Bar Barua sent a message to the Ram Singh to release Tarmadhvaj and his family, which he did, and requested Bar Baruah to stop his advances and to advise Bor Phukon who was also nearing Jaintiapur from the other side to do so. However, Bar Baruah did not stop his march to Jaintiapur. Ram Singh tried to resist the advancing Ahom force and placed cannons on the walls. However, on approach of Ahom instead of giving fight, he prepared to flight along with his valuables. But, the nobles diid not allow him to do so and compelled him to surrender to Bar Baruah, the Ahom Commander. Both the king, Tamradhvaj and Ram Singh were in the custody of Ahom.

Bar Phukan, on the other hand, started his march from Jagi to Gova and conciliate the chiefs by presents. They got the feeble resistance of Jaintia at Hatibandha at 19 miles from Gova. On seeing the huge force of the invader they retreat. Ahom foce had to fight with the Jaintias at Athitbhaga, Buritikar hill and at the bank of Borpani and Jaintias were defeated in all cases. Jaintia had offered to release the Kachari king if they returned to Gova, Ahom turned down their offer and advanced to Jaintiapur to meet Bar Barua and his troop there.

Rudra Singha ordered that the two captive king to be produced before him. They were taken in two different routes. Tarmadhvaj was taken through Maibong and Ram Singh across Jaintia hills. He was also ordered to bring back the Ahoms who were fled to Khaspur during the invasion of Mir Jumllah. A contingenment of army under Bar Baruah and Bar Phukan was directed to remain at Jaintiapur. These orers were carried out in February 1708 and envoy was sent to Mati Ullah, the Fuzadar of Sylhet informing him that Kachari and Jaintia Kingdom were under the domain of Ahom. The Fauzadar replied courtiously.

The Jaintia nobles were in party to release the Kachari king but they were not prepared to allow the Jaintia king to be taken by the Ahom in their custody and their indendence to be subverted. They thefore approached Bordoloi, Raja of Khairam and the chief of 200 independent Khasi villages to help them to expel the invader. They first attacked the eight garrisons of Ahom, which were kept by Bor Phukan on his way to Jaintiapur. The Jaintia occupied the three garrisons; the rest resisted the first attck. However, due to exhaustion of arms, ammunition and other provisions, Ahoms bound to retreat and the Jaintias occupied all the garrisons. They also attacked the small detachment that had carried the copper image of Goddess Jaintesvari to Rudra Singha, defeated them and recovered the image.

On hearing the attack of Jaintia, Rudra Singha promptly sent a reinforcement of four thousand men under the commandership of Buragohain and they stationed at Demera. A combined force attacked Jaintia but they could not achieved the deceive win because the Jaintias dispersed when they were attacked and returned to harass the Ahoms on their way back to the camp. However, Ahom destroyed many villages around Nartung. On hearing the news of Jaintia’s attack, Bar Barua and Barphukan at Jaintiapur, despatched a force to assist the garrison in the south of Jaintia Hills. This operation was successful, but both the commander thought that survival at this difficult place during rainy season would be dangerous. Therefore, they returned to Gova with all their forces and valuables gathered at Jaintaiapur after destroying many villages and killing many people. The king was dissatisfied and wanted to punish Bar Barua and Bor Phukan for leaving Jaintiapur, however at the intervention of the nobles they escaped from getting any punishment. At that moment of time, both Kachari and Jaintia Raja were under custody of Ahom at Biswanath but they were kept separately. At first Kachari king, Tamradhvaj was clled to the Ahom Darbar where he made a submissive reply. The king allowed him to return and provided escort by the Ahom soldiers up to Demera where he met his own men from Khaspur.

Similarly, a few days later the Jaintia king Ram Singh was also called to the Ahom Darbar and told him that if his nobles would appear and make their submission, he would be allowed to return to his kingdom. However, the nobles afraid to appear in person and sent a submissive note to Rudra Singha. The king did not satisfied with the note and insisted for personnel appearances of the nobles. In the mean time, Ram Singh suffered from illness and died. His son who was also in captive agreed to give marriage two of his sister to Ahom king and he was allowed to return to his kingdom.

Then Rudra Singha prepared for an expedition to Muhammadan country. However, his intention was not clear for which he wanted this expedition, it might be for glory that he wanted to achive and inclusion of a portion of holy Ganga in his territory. His mission was not fulfilled, as the preparation for the war was in progress; he died in August 1714.

In the seventeen event full year of his reign, he not only engaged in war against Kacharis and Jaintias, Rudra Singha deed many public works. The Brick city of Rangpur and two stone bridges over Namdang and Dimu were constructed. The great tank at Jai Sagar and the temple at the same place were constructed in memory of his mother Jaymoti. A tank and temple was constructed at Rangnath. Kharikatia, Dubariya and Meteka roads were constructed. He had given much attention to spread education and imported many artificers from Bengal and established schools for Brahmin. He was inclined to Hindusim and became an orthodox Hindu. Later he became a disciple of Krishnaram Bhattacharya, a Brahmin from Nadia District of Bengal,

He was survived by five sons after his death- Siba Singha and Pramata Singha by one queen, Barjana Gohain by another , Rajeswar Singha by the third and Lakhi Singha by the fourth queen. Lakhi Singha was dark in complexion and disliked by his father.

At the time of the death of Rudra Singha, his eldest son Siba Singha was also at Guwahati, he proceeded to Rangur immediately where he ascended to the Throne assuming the Ahom name Sutanpha. He gave up his father’s idea of conquering the Muhammadan country. However, as per his father’s advice he became a disciple of Krishnaram Bhattacharjya. He also installed Bhattacharjya also known as Parbatia Gohain as the chief preist of Kamakhya and gave away a huge landed property as donation.

In January 1717, a force was dispatched to dominate the Dafals who had started to raid again in the Ahom territory. They were defeated and an embankment was made at the foothill to restrict their movement. There was no further raid or war in his reign.

The king was under complete influence of Brahmins and astrologers. In 1722, he was alarmed by their prediction that his rule would not last long and there would be famine if he continued his rule. He therefore made his chief queen Phuleswari as ‘Bor Raja’ to rule the country. She assumed the name Pramateswari (One name of the Durga) and she was more inclined to sakta Hindu than the king was. She forced the subjects to follow the rituals of Sakta Hindu for which many of them are offended by her action particularly the Vashnavaits, the Morans; they incuding the Mahantas refused to worship Godess Durga as worshipped by Sakta Hindus. This was one of the main causes of Moamoria revolution at a later stage.

Phleswari, the Bor Raja died in 1731. Thereafter, the king married her sister Deopadi and made her Bor Raja who had assumed the name Ambika. She also died in 1738 and then another queen Enadari who was renamed as Sarveswari became the Bor Raja. The King Rudra Singha himself died in 1744.

As Rudra Singha was inclined to Sakta Hindu, he erected many temples and gave away many landed properties to the Brahmins. For his patronage only Hindu became the prominent religion in the country. The Ahom priest Deodhai and Bailung were offended for this act and tried to continue the Ahom rituals.

During his reign, Dhai Ali, the tanks and temples at Gaurisagar, Sibsagar and Kalugaon were constructed. Survey were conducted at Kamrup and Bokota. It was recorded that four European named Bill, Godwin, Lister and Mill visited Rangpur during Siba Singha’s reign.

After the death of Siba Singha the nobles decided to install his brother and second son of Rudra Singha to the throne. Pramata Singha ascended to the throne and assumed the Ahom name Sunenpha. Soon after, a conspiracy was detected and culprits were punished.

In 1745, Survey and census were carried out in the country. New building and masonary gate at Gargaon were constructed. At Rangpur Rangghar, at Guwahati Rudreswar and Sukeswar Temples were constructed. He was very kind and considerate ruler. He died in 1751 after a eventful and prosperous reign of seven years.

Rudra Singha’s third son, Barjana Gohain was not considered for the throne as he was pitted with smallpox. He left the kingdom to his brother and fourth son of Rudra Singha, Rajeswar Singha who ascended to the throne assuming the Ahom name Surampha. His first action was to exile Barjana Gohain to Namrup. There was conflict between the Ahom and Hindu astrologers on the place where the new king should reside. Ahom astrologers preferred that the king should live at Taimung but Hindu astrologers wanted that he should live at Rangpur. Though the king first built his place at Rangpur, a similar palace had constructed at Taimung also.

Rajeswar Singha was an able person to rule the country; however, he devoted his time in pleasure and fun and delegated the administration of the country in the hand of Bar Barua, Kirti Chandra Gandhela. Bar Baruah was unpopular amongst the nobles for his overbearing character. At that time, Numali Bar Gohain wrote a history where an apprehension had been mentioned about the purity of his decent. Kirti Chandra not only stopped the publication of that history but also collected all the available history for scrutiny. If any objectionable was found in the book, it was burnt. These proceeding added to his unpopularity and tried to assassinate him, but the attempt was failed. Conspirators were caught and punished.

In 1758, who had never been properly subdued, committed several raid at Ghiladhari. To prevent the Dafalas from entering the Ahom territory, an embankment was made at the foothill. The Dafalas immediately reacted and sent a representation to the king with presents and the captives. The king Rajeswar Singha was not satisfied with that and arrested the members of the representation. In retaliation, Dafalas took few Assamese as captive. Later on after negotiation and exchange of captives, an agreement was made to maintain the peace.

In July 1765, it was decided to attack Mikirs (karbi) to control them; two forces were sent against them, one thrugh Chapanala and other through Kapili and Jamuna. The operation was successful, the Mikirs were defeated who agreed to pay the tribute and asked forgiveness for their misdeed.

In November 1765, Rajeswar Singha sent a messanger to call Kachari Raja Sandhikari who refused to receive him. Then the king sent Bar Barua with a force to Raha. Knowing that Ahom force had arrived Raha, the Kachari King accompanied by Jai Singh, the King of Manipur made a visit to the Ahom king. On his submission, the Kachari king was allowed to return to his country. Jai Singh asked for help from the Ahom king against the Burmese who had already attacked Manipur and occupied it. After the approval of nobles, the king sent a force through the hill track at the south of Charideo. But they had to abandon the expedition due to the extreme difficulties for dense forest and Naga attacks.

In November 1768, a second force was dispatched by way of Raha and Kachari country accompanied by Jai Singh. This time they reached Manipur and geathered a Naga force on the road. They attacked the Burmese and ousted from Manipur Kelemba who was installed by the the Burmese to rule Manipur. Jai Singh for the help tendered by the Ahom, presented valuables to Rajeswar Singha and gave his daughter in marriage.

In October 1769, a Moran named Ragha, a self-styled Bar Barua, organized aforce against Ahom Kingdom. His force attacked the royal force on north bank of Brahmaputra and defeated them in several occasion. The King greatly alarm with this, consulted with the nobles. Though Bura Gohain had an opinion of sending a messenger to Ragha Moran for reconciliation, the other nobles gave a consensus decision that the king should flight to Guwahati. The king so, he left Rangpur before arrival of Ragha and reached Sonarinagar. On arrival Rangpur and knowing the depature of the king, sent a force to capture him. The king was captured at Sonarighat and brought back to Rangpur where he was kept in captivity. Barjana Gohain thought that as per the promise he would be ascended to the thorne and hastened to the capital. However, he was arrested along with his sons and put them to death. His wives and daughters were distributed amongst the Moamoria leaders.

Ragha Moran then wanted Bangan to be the king; however, Bangan’s father Moamoria Gohain installed RamaKanta, a son of Moran Chief Nahar as King. His other two sons made the rajas of Namrup and Saring. Other insurgent leaders were rewarded with high offices. Ragha became the Bar Barua and kept the main power with him. All gohains are compelled to acknowledge the supremecy of the Moamoria gohain and exorted money from them on various pretexts.

There was no any activity against the new king for several months but subjects still honour the dismissed officers of the Ahoms. The matter annoyed Ramakant very much and decided to kill the officers and the king. However, this news reached the ears of Ahom leaders who organized to overthrow the present king before it was too late. By that time, many insurgent leaders returned to their home for which Ramakant’s strength became less and facilitated the Ahom leaders to act as per their plan. In April 1770, on the night before Bihu, gheraoed the house of Ragha Moran and he was assassinated. However, Ramakanta was escaped as because he fled to safe shelter but his family and relatives including his father were put to death. Many of the Ramakant’s officers were caught and put to death.

Lakshmi Singha was brought back to the throne. The Moarias were severely punished and their gosling was tortured and impaled. Ramakant and many of his followers were caught and put to death; the rest fled to Namrup.

The severity of punishment raised fresh rebellion of Moamoria which was led by Chungis of Namrup. A force was sent against them; however, they were not completely dominated. After several engagements, they fled to deep jungle for safeshelter and constructed a fort there. At the initial stage they used to give some trouble from the safe shelter, but at the later stage no such disturbances were made by them and allowed to live peacefully in their shelter. Lakshmi Singh survived two successive attempt of internal conspiracy, conspirators were detected and put to death.

In December 1774, Kalita Phukon was dismissed for either alleged complained of exactions made by the people of Narayanpur or as per the advice of chief nobles who belived that kalita Phukan spoke evil of them to the king. Kalita Phukon then fled to Tamulbari on the north bank of Lohit and proclaimed himself the king assuming the name Mirhang. He collected a force and erected a fort at Kechamati. A force was sent against him, on reaching the force Kalita Phukan was deserted by his force and he was caught. He managed to escape by bribing the captors and sought asylum in Dafala land. However, Dafalas refused it and he was recaptured and executed.

In 1779, a Nara of Khamjang who fled from his country and given shelter at Sadiya, raised a body of Chutias and headed a local rebellion killing Sadiya khowa Gohain. On arrival of royal reinforcement, his associates were fled to the forest and they were hunted and killed.

As the health condition of Lakshi Singha deteriorated, his eldest son was made successor of the throne. He died in 1780 at the age of 67. He was never a strong king and his reign was completely shattered by Moamoria’s rising. He was a follower of Hinduisim. However, after the restoration to the throne Ahom preist Deodhai tried to influence him to follow the Ahom ritual as they alleged that all the evil happenings were due to adsorption of Hinduism instead of original Ahom ritual. However, he was not convinced and continued to follow Hinduism. He built many temples and excavated the Rudrasagar tank.

The downfall of Ahom Kingdom

The jubaraj, the eldest son of Lakhi Singha, Gaurinath Singha ascended to the throne assuming the Ahom name Suhitpangpha. He caused the other princes of the blood to be multituted, in order to make them inefficient for the succession. He made Bar Baua as his chief adviser. He had a bed term with Bargohain, poisoned the king’s mind against him, and alleged that bar Gohain was opposing Gaurinath in ascending the throne. For this cause, Bargohain and many of his relatives were beheaded. Soon after, the king for taking important decision without consulting him also dismissed Bar Barua and deprived him from all of his possession.

He regarded the Moamorias as his greatest enemy and left no opportunity to oppress them. For which fresh rebellion occurred and at night in April 1782, when the king returned from a fishing expedition, Moamorias attacked the king, however, he escaped but his companions were killed. The insurgents then tried to set fire the town and timely action by Burgohain saved from the disaster. Then the insurgents went to Rangpur for their subversive activities and killed whom they met on their root. All the officers at Rangpur fled to a safer place; however, Burgohain chased them and dispersed them out.

There was a suggestion that there should be some relaxation in oppressive actions against Moamoarias, which will lessen the rebellion activities. However, the king instead of relaxation doubled the retaliatory activities against them. The newly appointed Bar Barua fueled to the vindictive and cruel nature of the king. A general massacre of the Moamorias was taken place, thousands including women, children were killed, and four sons of the deposed Bar Barua who was suspected to be cognizant to this rebellion were blinded. These vindictive activities fanned the flames of dissatisfaction and encouraged to hatch conspiracy against him. The first was by a Mahanta at Joysagar belonging to Jakhalabandha Gohain’s family. He was caught and blinded; his three followers were put to death. Next to that to that, the Morans at the Far East broke out rebellion under the leadership of Badal Gaonburah and they were easily dispersed.

In February 1786, the Moamoria revolted at the north bank of Lohit River, a force was sent to subdue it. However, the force flocked with the rebel. The King sent a fresh force against and made an engagement with the rebel near Garai mari bil where the royal troop was defeated. The king requested for help from chief of Rani, Luki and Beltala, He also dispatched a force to Pahumara in Majuli. The Moamorias responded by acquiring Garmur Satra and then they proceeded towards Guwahati. The royal troop was defeated and the remaining royal force at North Bank crossed Lohit and Dihing rivers and joined Buragohain. There were several fight between Royal forces and Moamorias and ultimately Moamorias reached Rangpur.

The panic-stricken King Gauri Nath Singha along with the few nobles fled to Guwahati. Purnanda Bura Gohain with Barbarua and few others remained behind and tried to resist the Moamoria force. On reaching Guwahati, the king found that Bor Phukan had already arranged a force against the rebels, which was dispatched under Pani Phukan immediately for reinforcement of Buragohain. However, before the reinforcement arrived, Moamorias defeated the royal force under Buragohain and taken possession of Gargaon. The Buragohain then retreated to Kaziranga River and met the reinforcement, which was under Pani Phukon and sent from Guwahati. Buragohain then attack the rebels in several occasion and defeated them. But soon afterward, Pani Phukon and his force were caught in a night battle by the rebel and the force under Dhekial Phukan was so demoralized that they dispersed due to misunderstandinf the force under Pani Phukan to be the rebels. However, Buragohain could resist the advancement of the rebels. He constructed a line of forts along the Namdang River, from Bar Ali to Kharikatia Ali which helped in resisting the rebels until March 1788. On that moment of time, a son of Rajeswar Singha named Pat Konwar collected a force, then he attacked and defeated the Moamorias in several occasion and occupied Sibsagar. However, it was short lived, rebel overpowered Pat Konwar, after arresting, he was put to death.

Bura Gohain some how managed to resist the advancement of the rebels at Namdang. On reaching fresh reinforcement from Guwahati, Buragoain again attacked the rebels. In the initial stage, he was successful, but afterwards he was reteated to Guarisagar by the rebels. However, at that moment of time, the provisions were dilapidated and the soldiers were dying of starvation and illness. Buragohain then decided to retreat first to Taratoli and then to Desoi. He erected a fort at Desoi and placed Japara Gohain as commander of the fort. Buragohain then proceeded to Rajanikhat, west of Kacharihat. Soon after Japara Gohain declared himself as independent denying Buragohain. He was arrested and after removing his eyes imprisoned him. After a halt at Sungighat and Charibahi, Buragohain moved to Jorhat. He established an out post at Melang, which was destroyed by Moamorias. Gurinath Singha managed to send four hundred Bengal mercenaries as reinforcement to Bura Gohain, with the help of which a fort was erected at Teok. Due to onset of monsoon, Bura gohain retreated to the bank of Desoi River. The Moamorias advanced to Kokila River; however, they were attacked by the royal force and repulsed back. They then changed the tactics, preferred to abstain from regular fighting and started Guerilla war. They also harassed the inhabitants by frequent raids and the locals had to convince their supremacy.

At this moment of time, several rajas had appeared. Moamorias established a man of weaver caste as chief of north bank of Lohit River at Japaribhita and at Majuli a man named Haulia. At Bengmara, the Morans acknowledge one Sarbananda as their chief; while at Sadiya, Khamtis became dominant, a Raja and Deka Raja were established to rule. At Ranagpur, the main body of Moamorias placed Bharat Singh on the throne and appointed one Sukura as Bar Barua.

Gaurinath Singha finding no other way requested the neighboring kings for assistance. The Kachari King and Jaintia King refused to help him. However, the Manipuri king considering the help rendered by the Ahoms in earlier occasion, decided to help him, He sent a strong force and led the force by himself, which met Gaurinath Singha at Nagaon. The force then proceeded for the assistance of Buragohain. The Manipuri king went to attack Moamarias at Rampur; however, he was defeated and repulsed back. He returned to Manipur leaving thousand soldiers with Buragohain but they were not found suitable for the purpose.

After the meeting with the Manipuri King, Guari Nath Singha stayed for some time at Nagaon. The followers of the king irritated the villagers with constant demands and other acts of oppression for which they began to revolt, which was led by one Sinduri Hazarika. An attack was made on the king who fled to Kallang River and took shelter at Auniati and Dhakhinpat satra. He ultimately fled to Guwahati. At Guwahati also he had to face fresh trouble. Sometimes ago he treacherously dethroned the tributary Raja of Darrang Hangsa Narayan for unproved charge of sedition and put the raja to death. He then installed as Chief Bishnu Narayan, one of the family member instead of Krishna Narayana, the son of the deceased raja Hansa Narayan. For this injustice, Kishna Narayan approached Mr. Doughlas, the commissioner of Koch Behar, for the help of the British to install him as chief by removing Bishnu Narayan. However, Doughlas offered to help him with a condition that his estate should be the vassal of British. Krishna Narayan denied the offer and gathered some Hidusthani and Bengali soldiers from Bengal, drove out Bishnu Narayan, and proclaimed to be the independent raja of Darrang. He also annexed the North bank (North Guwahati).

Gaurinath Singha finding no other way approached Mr. Lumsden, the collector of Rangpur for his help. At that of moment of time, Mr. Raush, a merchant of salt and stationed at Goalpara, was working for collection of mercenaries for Buragohain, also wrote on his behalf. The matter was referred to Lord Cornwallis, the Governor General, he realized that the trouble had started with the help of the force from Bengal under his territory, therefore he ordered those gangs to return to British territory considering that on their return problem would be solved. They refused to return, and therefore it was decided to expel them by force.

Accordingly, in September 1792, British sent six contingents of force each consist of sixty sepoys towards Goalpara under Captain Welsh. At that moment of time, the present Goalpara town was under East India Company by virtue of acquiring Bengal by them from Mohamadan in 1765. Mr Raush, the only foreigner at Goalpara, was there from 1768. Governor General advised Capt. Welsh to report about the situation on reaching Goalpara and not to take any further action without informing him. However, Capt. Welsh reached Goalpara on 8th November 1792 and discussed with Mr. Raush from which he came to know that the situation was grave. Without waiting for advice of the Governor for gaining time, he decided to proceed towards Guwahati for the help of King Gaurinath Sangha. He wrote to the Governor informing about his decision and the prevailing situation for which he compelled to take such decision. On 16th November 1792 they proceed towards Guwahati. The British force met Gaurinath Singha who fled from Guwahati along with his troop three miles ahead of Nagarberra hill. On 21st November Ahom noble Bar Barua joined the force along with his troop. Raja of Rani also joined the combined force on 23rd November 1792 at Hatimora. Then they made a night expedition to Guwahati keeping the King Gaurinath Singha there. The force overpowered the Bairagi at his house and proceeded towards Krishna Narayan. There was a respectful negotiation with Krishna Narayan and with the mercenaries’ leaders who pleaded for their salaries and for their land at Bengal which were attached. This expedition was to return of the mercenaries to Bengal which were brought by Krishna Narayan and there by helping Gaurinath Singha to retain his power. At that moment of time, the upper Assam was under the Moamoria rebels. However, Gaurinath Singha was a weak king and demoralized by the activities against him. He perceived that he could not stand alone against his enemies and asked for assistance against his enemies from the British and wished to be a loyalist and place himself in the hands of the British Government for that act of their help.

The king Gaurinath Singha’s petition was referred to Governor General with a request that additional contingents of force and other materials would required to be sent if it is permitted to extend the operation as requested by the king. Lord Cornwallis, in his reply informed that before any final decision of expedition against the rebels, the king should try to pacify his rebels by adopting conciliatory measures. He also suggested reconciling with Krishna Narayan for his submission and informed that his remaining force would be useful in future operations.

Before any decision of expedition reached from the Governor, Capt. Welsh had to take action against Krishna Narayan for trifling with him. At the dawn of 6th December 1792, Capt Welsh crossed Brahmaputra and attacked Krishna Narayan at Ashraklanta Hill where Krishna Narayan was defeated with huge casuality, He fled to the east of Bar Nadi. Then a force was sent under Lieutenant Williams against Krishna Narayan. Many of the Krishna Narayan’s soldiers were killed and the rest fled to Bhutan.

It was found that the effort of Capt. Welsh to induce Gurinath Singha to conciliate his numerous enemies by the act of clemency was frustrated. On the contrary, the king with his vindictive disposition and the evil advice of Bar Barua and other nobles killed and mutilated many, imprisoned many others. Capt. Welsh ordered to arrest Bar Barua and Soladhara Phukan. He also dismissed Bar Phukan and a new Bar Phukon was appointed to rule the lower Assam on behalf of the King on depriving temporally the king from all administrative power. He also placed over a hundred attended at king’s disposal for his service so that he became complacent. He also issued two manifestoes, one for the people stating that in future justice would be righteously administered and it is fixed certain days for hearing complaints and grievance redressed; the other for the chief and nobles inviting them to Guwahati for discussion to improve the deteriorated conditions of the country. Gaurinath became more tractable and signed an agreement consenting to the following matters:

  • The dismissal of Bar Barua and other official who were proved guilty of treachery or oppression

  • The abolition of all punishments extending to death except after a regular trail

  • The convocation of all the chiefs and nobles at Guwahati for taking measures for reestablishment of king’s authority and good governance of the country in future

  • Proclaiming general amnesty

The Bengal mercenaries were found to be oppressive to the public and responsible for giving information of movement of Capt. Welsh to their old master Darrang raja Krishna Narayan, All of them were deported to Rangpur.

Krishna Narayan induced by the effort of combined force of the Ahom royal and the British, agreed to returned to Guwahati with his remaining force in May 1793. The Bengal mercenaries were sent to Rangpur, after his submission and agreement to pay a sum of Rupees fifty six thousand as an annual tribute installed Krishna Narayan as Darrang raja at Mangaldoi.

As per the request of Capt. Welsh a reinforcement of six more companies of sepoys were sent from Bengal only to reach Guwahati in last part of April 1793. It was decided to remain stationed at Guwahati during the rainy days and in consolidating King’s position in lower Assam. However, the task was proved to be difficult than anticipated. In spite of general amnesty, the chiefs and the nobles were not obliged to the king. It was found that the dismissed Bar Barua and Soladhara Phukan were the culprits who were intriguing them causing the mischief. They were deported to Rangpur, which resulted favorably. Soon after three great gohains signified their adherence to Capt. Welsh and similar response were received from chiefs and other nobles.

After the rainy days at the end of October, an advanced force was sent to Kaliabor under Lieutenant Macgregor with the intention of establishing the base camp for the raid against Moamorias. The necessary materials and equipments were sent and the influence of banditti who influenced the communication between Guwahati and Goalpara were suppressed.

It was ready for the operation against Moamorias, however, for the lethargy of Gaurinath Singha who was also an opium addict had a doubt that the strength of the British force was not sufficient against the mighty Moamorias and delayed the process. He wrote to the Governor that he was no longer capable of transacting business with his officers; therefore, Capt. Welsh might be permitted to employ his troop at his discretion. He also agreed to pay a sum of Rs. 300000 per annum for maintenance, which would be collected by Bar Phukan under his control and by Bar Barua from rest of the Ahom domain. In consultation with Bar Gohain, Barpatra Gohain and Solal Gohain, Capt. Welsh appointed Pani Silia Gohain as Bar Baruah and two of the princes who were escaped of mutilation, appointed as Saring Raja and Tipam Raja. He then wrote a letter to the Moamoria chiefs calling them to settle their difference with the king and warned them otherwise they would be responsible for the consequences. However, the letter never reached the chiefs.

In January 1794, all the forces advanced to Kaliabor. Then Lieutenant Macgregor was again sent ahead. He reached Debargaon on 11th February 1794 and at that moment of time Bura Gohain was at Jorhat holding the fort against the insurgents. On 14th, he paid a three-day visit to Buragohain at Jorhat for a discussion and returned to Deboragaon. Moamorias came to know about the visit of the British and immediately attacked Jorhat. Bura Gohain with his small strength of force resisted the rebel and requested Lieutenant Macgregor for the help who immediately sent his troop in two groups and he accompanied the second group. The combined force though small in number was succeeded to retreat the huge force of Moamorias.

The news of these events reached Capt. Welsh on 23rd of February and he at once proceeded with all of his force except one contingent stationed at Kaliabor to guard the stores. They reached Deboragaon on 8th March and another letter was dispatched to Moamoria chiefs asking them to settle the difference with the king. However, this letter also not received by the chiefs. Then an advance force was sent under Lieutenant Irwin who reached a place about twelve miles from Rangpur. The Momarias attacked them furiously at that place; however, the British force defeated them near the brick bridge on Namdang River. On 18th March Capt. Welsh joined the advance force and marched to Rangpur evacuating all the enemies. The Moamorias fled from Rangpur leaving valuables and large food grain which were sold; these were distributed amongst the soldiers with due permission from the king. Gaurinath Singha. On his arrival at Rangpur on 23rd of March, a darbur was instituted in presence of all his nobles where Capt, Welsh was also present who enquired the king about the possibility to govern the country if the British force would be withdrawn. The king expressed his inability and the nobles had the same opinion that unless the Moamorias were completely dominated, there would be anarchy after removal of British Force. Before utilizing the force, Capt, Welsh insisted Gaurinath Singha to write to Moamorias for a peaceful settlement and assured amnesty. After one month also no reply had been received against that letter which implied that Moamorias were never going to submit. On 19th April, he then sent his British Force against Moamoria to meet them at Bagh mara near Rangpur. By that time he received an order from the Governor prohibiting further offensive operation and accordingly the advanced force was recalled to Rangpur.

Sir John Shore had taken the charge of Governor General from Lord Cornwallis in December 1793 who had a different policy- Non interference is the keynote to new administration. He advised Capt. Welsh to return to British territory on or before 1st July 1794 and not to take any offensive action. Capt. Welsh was a very able administrator and warrior. Gaurinath Singha and others requested Governor General to advise Capt, Welsh to stay back with his troop as it would be anarchy if he would allowed returning, the Moamorias would attack soon and also there would be rebellion in other places. However, the Governor did not agree to the request and advised to return soon. In the meantime, Moamorias gathered their force and arrived at the bank of Dikhow with an intention to attack Rangpur as soon as the removal of British force. Capt. Welsh took a last chance, on 5th of March at about 2 AM they crossed Dikhow and attacked the Moamorias who fled to right bank of Darika River. The British force then chased them and dispersed them from there causing heavy causality. After few days, Capt. Welsh with his troop started their return journey and reached Guwahati on 30th May 1794. At Guwahati, many of his followers and beneficiaries requested him to stay back, but the order of the governor was imperative and the expedition reached British territory on 3rd July 1974.

Gaurinath Singha knew that he could not resist the Moamorias, if they happened to attack Rangpur, therefore, with his chief nobles deported to Jorhat, capital of the kingdom at that time. Moamorias gathered their force and occupied Rangpur without any resistance. The vindictive mind of Gaurinath Singha again insisted him to the mischief. He took action against the officers and others who had been befriended or protected by Capt. Welsh. Bar Barua who was nominated by Capt. Welsh stripped off his belongings and dismissed from his post. The king also barbarously murdered the Bar Phukon accusing him as disloyal. The same fate also shared by Solal Gohain. The Bairagi who had led an attack on king at Guwahati, was beheaded. The revenge also had been taken who were believed to be entangled with the Moamorias. There was suspicion and lawlessness in the country and weakened the administration in the kingdom. At Guwahati a Bengali mercenary named Hajara Singh took charge of Bar Phukan. However, some mercenary brought from Bengal killed him. At upper Assam under the leadership of Bura Gohain a troop of Army was formed in the style of Britsh Army. The troop could resist Moamorias from their invasion. However, in 1794, Khamtis occupied Sadiya removing Sadiya Khowa Gohain. Gaurinath Singha did not live long; he suffered from a mortal illness and died on 19th December 1794. Buragohain concealed the news of the death of the king and called Bar Baruah to the capital, disguising it to be a king’s order. He then arrested Bar Barua, his most powerful rival and killed him. After that, only the death of the king was declared.

Gaurinath Singha was the most incapable king of Ahom dynasty. In his regime due to anarchy, the people had suffered a lot. The king was vindictive, for his autocracy gave rise to Moamoria rebellion and there was no unity amongst the Ahom. The fear and suspicion over ruled the peace and harmony. The downfall of Ahom kingdom began from his reign.

Purnananda Bura Gohain then ascended his choice Kinaram, a descendant of Gadhadhar Singha to the throne. He assumed the Ahom name Suklingpha and Hindu name Kamaleswar Singha in 1795. He appointed his father as Saring Raja. He left the administration of the country in the hand of Buragohain who was the architect in ascending to the throne. Buragohain was an efficient and capable energetic noble, who could only resist the invasion of Moamorias without any assistance from other nobles. On getting a freehand from the king, he made a clean sweep of the nobles and others who opposed him earlier and devoted his everything to improve the anarchy situation of the country. He raised a disciplined troop towards the end of reign of Gaurinath Singh, which he now extended and made them more efficient. However, the condition of exchequer was poor; it was difficult to pay salaries to the sepoys. He pleaded the satradhikars, the spiritual leader at the stras to donate for the cause.

Soon after Kamaleswar Sigha’s accession, with an intention to regain Kamrup, Raja of Koch Bihar provided secret aid and instigated two brothers, one Hara Dutta and other Bir Dutta of Kamrup to raise their voice against Ahom. They gathered a band of Kachari, Punjabi and Hindustani refugees to form a force and declared themselves as independent ruler. Whole part of North Kamrup and a part of South Kamrup fell into their hand. They even killed the British of Goalpara, Mr. Rush who was in a business trip to Darrang. Bar Phukan unable to receive any help from upper Assam, raised a Hindustani force and sought help from rajas of Beltala and Dimarua. He crossed Brahmaputra and attacked the rebel. They defeated the rebels in several occasion and arrested the fleeing brothers to put to death. Bar Phukan was rewarded with the title Pratap Ballabh.

In the same year, the Dafalas and Moamoarias revolted on the north Bank of Brahmaputra and even crossed the river to Silghat. At that place, they met the royal force who defeated them very badly killing majority of them. At that time, Bura Gohain was busy in restoring Rangpur, which was in a bad shape due to the damages during the civil wars. After completion of the restoration work, Buragohain crossed the river near present Tezpur and attacked Dafals who made their submission to the throne. He then moved to Garmur where he defeated several rebels and put to death Phophai Senapati and several other leaders. After that, he proceeded to the mouth of Kherkatiasuti and attacked the Moamorias. Pitambar Mahanta was captured and put to death. However, Bharat Singh might be identical to the man whom the Moamorias installed as king at Rangpur in 1791 was escaped. The prisoners were deported to Khutiapota.

In 1799, Moamorias again revolted at Bengmara under leadership of Bharati Raja, An expedition was sent against them and defeated them killing many of them including their leader. From that time onwards Moamorias did not disturbed further in the eastern part of Assam.

At Sadiya, Khamti and Singphos were occupied and established themselves there. An engagement was sent to free Sadiya from their clutch. They were attacked; first Singhos were defeated in 1798. Many of them were killed including their Burah Raja, their prisoners were deported to Rangpur, Desoi River at north of Jorhat and Titabor where they settled. In 1800, the royal force defeated the Khamtis. It is told that Khamtis were helped by Abors, Phakials and Missing in the war. After the defeat in the hand of Ahom, Khamtis disappeared from Sadiya until the collapse of Ahom power in the reign of Chandrakanta.

Buragohain was making continuous effort to bring back the fugitive cultivators who fought for Moamorias, he even assured that they will be pardon for their past misdeed. However, few of them only returned to their home, many of them were stayed at Kachari and Jaintia kingdom where they had fled for shelter. They preferred to stay in those countries. There were long correspondences between Buragohain and Kachari and Jaintia Raja. However, both the rajas did not want to send back their new subjects. The envoy of Jaintia Raja Ram Singha was retuned on the ground that the letter, which he had carried to the Ahom king, contained disrespectful words, which was not acceptable. Buragohain sent a force against Kachari King Krishna Chandra to recover the fugitive cultivators settled in the area between Mikir hills and Jamuna River at Dharmapur. The force then assembled at Raha and proceeded towards Jamunamukh. The combined force of Moamorias and Kacharis prevented the advancing Ahom force and defeated them. The combined force proceeded to Nagaon and burnt few villages. Then strengthened by numerous fresh accessions to their force the combined force again attacked the Ahoms. They were defeated, many of their soldiers lost their lives and they forced to retreat to Guwahati. On hearing the defeat of his troop, the Bura Gohain called the forces stationed in the eastern districts and sent them against the combined force of Moamorias and Kachari. They defeated the combine force at Nagaon who fled to Kallang and then to Raha. The Ahom force drove them from Raha and ascended Kopili and Jamuna then to Dabaka. They destroyed all the hostile villages and killed many of them. At that moment of time, a dispute broke between Moamorias and Kacharis for which some of the Moamorias deserted to join the Ahom force. They were settled at Bebajia near Nagaon and the remaining Moamorias preferred to return to their old home. The remaining Kacharis were fleeing to Khaspur and Jaintia Paragana.

In the same year, Moran Moamorias under the leadership of Sarbananda Singha revolted and established himself at Bengmara. A force was sent against them and defeated them at Bihating. They retreated to Solongaguri where they faced great hardship during rainy days. Many of them suffered from fever and dysentery. The Moran Moamorias then made their submission and they were settled at Ghilamara. A guard was posted to observe them there. In the meantime, Moamorias sent one Ramnath Bar Barua asking help from the Burma king. At first he was not agreeing for any assistance, but after repeated request he sent force against the Ahoms twice and they were successful in each operations. The watchful Buragohain then left Sarbananda Singha to became the chief and gave him the title Bar Senapati and advised him to collect revenues on his behalf.

By that time at Darrang, his relative Samudra Narayana superseded Krishna Narayana and he was vested the responsibility to look after the encroachment of Bhutanis as it was alleged that they occupied up to Kamala Ali.

In 1810, there was an epidemic of small pox and Kamaleswar Singha succumbed to death after suffering from that disease. After a disgraceful period of Gaurinath Singha’s rule, the period of Kamaleswar Singha for fifteen and half years was peaceful and prosperous. But the credit goes to the able Bura Gohain, who skillfully dominate Moamorias and brought peace and prosperity to the country. He was the first administrator in Ahom dynasty who raised a separate Army contingent as done by the British instead of the old system of calling out of villagers to serve as soldiers. Buragohain only rebuilt Rangpur to its original condition. He also built Jorhat Town as the capital of Ahom and dug Bhogdoi River for water supply; constructed many roads for better communication.

Bura Gohain nominated Chandra Kanta, the brother of the late king as his successor. He assumed the Ahom name Sudinpha and Hindu name Chandra Kanta Singha and ascended to the throne. By that time, he was still a boy, could not take much part in administration of the country. Bura Gohain, on behalf of him looked after all the activities without attempting to malign his name and harm to the throne. He took around the king with him to important places so that public became confident and used to give due respect to Ahom monarchy.

To prevent from arising any internal rebellion, Bar Phukan suggested becoming a tributary to British Government following the example of Koch Bihar. Bura Gohain discussed the matter with other nobles who did not agreed to the Bar Phukan’s proposal.

Chandra Kanta grew up; he had an intimacy with one Satram of his age and son of an Ahom astrologer and became great friend. The king used to hear the advice of his friend Satram instead of the nobles. Gradually Satram became more powerful, sat by the side of the king, and offered his advice during discussion. The nobles raised objections but in vain. Satram, thinking to obtain supreme power planned to assassinate Buragohain. However, the plot was detected and all the conspirators were arrested and put to death except Satram who fled to the king for shelter. On assurance from Buragohain that Satram would not face death penalty Satram was allowed to surrender. He was then deported to Namrup where a Naga killed him (some thought that Buragohain insisted for the murder).

After death of Bar Phukan, one Badan Chandra was appointed as his successor. However, he was not a suitable candidate for the post and his appointment was most disastrous to the country. He started oppression and used to give severe punishment with filthy causes. His sons were also more dangerous than he was. They even killed the subjects for their fun. The situation became so grave that Bura Gohain decided to remove Badan Chandra from his post. This decision was strengthen when the Bura Gohain came to know that Badan Chandra also involved in the Satram’s conspiracy against him. Men were sent to arrest him, however he got the advance information from his daughter who had married to Buragohain’s son, Badan Chandra escaped to Bengal for asking help from the British. He went to Kolkata and persuaded Governor General to send an expedition against Bura Gohain. However, it was not agreed.

Badan Chandra made a friendship with a Burmese agent at Kolkata and through him; it was possible to contact the Burmese king at the court of Amarapura and pleaded him to send a force against Buragohain. Badan misrepresented Buragohain to be a ruthless ruler who had made misery to the subjects and it was not agreed first by the Burmese king because it was an internal matter. However, after repeated persuasion, Burmest king agreed to the request of Badan. In 1816, an Army of about eight thousand soldiers was sent against Ahom. On the road, the Chiefs of Mungkong, Hukong and Manipur joined the force and by the time they reached Namrup, the strength of the Army was doubled. Buragohain sent a force to resist them and they met them at Ghilaidhari where they were defeated by the Burmese force. It was very unfortunate for the Ahoms that the Bura Gohain died at that critical juncture (some says he committed suicide). Buragohain’s son was made his successor and it was decided to continue the war and sent a force to resist the advancing Burmese. This time also the invader defeated the Ahom at Kathalbari and continued their advance burning the villages and killing the peoples. New Buragohain seeing the fate, advised the king to flee to Guwahati, which he refused thinking that he would reconcile with Bar Phukan and Burmese force and preferred to stay there. But Bura Gohain himself fled to Guwahati. The Burmese now occupied Jorhat and reinstated Bar Phukan in his position. Bar Phukan installed Chandra Kanta as a puppet king and took all the charges himself. He first put to death all the relatives of Bura Gohain. The Burmese returned to their country in 1817 taking valuables with them. Soon after the departure of the Burmese force, Barb Barua was against the Bar Phukan; the king’s mother also joined hand with Bar Barua and instigated a foreigner Subedar Rup Singh who assassinated Bar Phukan. Message of death of Bar Phukan was sent to Buragohain at Guwahati, inviting him to return to Jorhat. However, Buragohain was not in favour of Chandra Kanta to continue as King and invited Brajanath, a great grandson of Rajeswar Singha who was residing at Silmari, to ascend to the throne. Barjanath agreed to the proposal and joined Buragohain who advanced to Jorhat with Hindustani mercenaries and local soldiers. Chandra Kanta fled to Namrup keeping Deka Phukan in-charge at Jorhat. In February 1818, Bura Gohain entered Jorhat and killed Deka Phukon. Brajanath was ineligible for the throne as he suffered mutilation; therefore, his son Purandar Singha was ascended to the throne.

The friends of assassinated Bar Phukan fled to Burma to request the king to send a force against the Bura Gohain briefing him the recent happenings. The Burma King dispatched a fresh force under the commandership of a General named Ala Mingi. In February 1819, they reached Assam. Bura Gohain sent a force to resist them at Nazira but the invader defeated them who retreated to Jorhat. Purandar Singha at once fleded to Guwahati, invader reinstated Chandra Kanta as a puppet king. The real authority of administration was vested to Burmese commander who was engaged in hunting down Bar Barua and Buragohain and their kins. They also sent a force to Guwahati to arrest Purandar Singha but he could manage to escape to Silmari of Rangpur District of British territories. Purandar Singha requested East India Company for their assistance against the Burmese. Then Buragohain tried to defend from the advancing Burmese force. However, his soldiers were quietly dispersed seeing the strength of the Burmese and the invader occupied Guwahati easily. Bura Gohain then fled to Kolkata where he pleaded the Governor General to assist him to recover Guwahati and his country from the clutch of Burmese. However, the Governor General did not agreed to his request stating that British were not interested to take action in internal matters. Burmese and Chandra Kanta also requested the Governor to return the fugitives. Governor also had given a deaf ear to them also.

The Burmese appointed one Kachari named Patal in the vacant position of Bar Barua after his death. Soon Patal was found to be unsuitable for the post and put him to death. Chandra Kanta also felt unsafe in the hand of Burmese so in April 1821 he quietly fled to Guwahati and then to British territory. Burmese requested Chandra Kanta to return, however, the later denied it. For which the Burmese put great number of his followers to death. Chandra Kanta retaliated by killing the Burmese Officers who had gone to persuade him. The breach was now become firm and prominent; Burmese began to attain more power after Chandra Kanta’s departure to British territory. The only portion of old Ahom kingdom, which was not under the influence of Burmese, was the land between the Buridehing and Brahmaputra inhabited by Moamorias under the leadership of Bar Senapati.

Burmese force and their followers were in large numbers and it was difficult to manage them in one place. Therefore, they distributed the force in small detachments through out the country. Chandra Kanta taking this opportunity, collected some force, regained the possession of Guwahati, and advanced up stream. Burmese then organized a force, divided them in three parts, one in the south and the other in North bank, the third by boat and advanced to Guwahati. Chandra Kanta thought that with his weak force could not resist the huge Burmese force, he therefore again fled to Bengal. The Burmese force massacred the villages on their ways. Burmese also made submission of Darrang Raja. In the following year, Chandra kanta collected another force of approximately two thousand soldiers; mainly Sikhs and Hindustani, taking opportunity of reduced Burmese force reestablish his authority in the western part of his old domain. In the meantime, Purandar Singha was engaged in collecting force at Duars at Bhutan. Mr. Robert Bruce, who was at Jogighopa for long time helped Purandar Singha in collecting the force and arranged arms for him as per advice of British officer. In May1821, this force with Mr. Bruce in command entered the country from Duars, However, by that time, the area was under Chandra kanta and his force defeated Mr. Bruce’s force and compelled to join him in Chandra Kanta’s force against the Burmese. In September 1821, Chandra Kanta sustained a defeat in the hand of Burmese and fled to cross the boundary. However, with the help of Mr. Robert Bruce who fought against the Burmese and reoccupied Guwahati in January 1822.

On the north bank, Burmese Force was harassed by the repeated attack by Purandar Singha’s force from Bhutan. Then the Burmese Commander wrote to Governor General complaining against the supply of arm and ammunitions including other help provided by them to the Ahom princes and demanded their extradition. However, the Governor did not pay any attention to their letter; they only kept Buragohain in temporary custody as punishment for delay in handing over the letter.

Chandra kanta’s success was not last long. In the spring of 1822, the Burmese commander Mingi Maha Bandula with large reinforcement attacked the Ahom force of Chandra kanta at Mahgarh where Ahom was defeated heavily with the loss of approximate fifteen hundred soldiers. Chandra Kanta fled to the British territory. The Burmese commander wrote a warning letter to British Officer Commanding at Goalpara, not to give shelter and protection to the fugitives otherwise they would attack with a strong force and arrest him. British also replied strongly by sending a strong reinforcement from Dhaka. An order also sent to the Commissioner of Rangpur, David Scott that Chandra Kanta and his men should be traced, disarmed and to be taken to a safe place from the boarder. However, they could not be traced, the Burmese disobeying the strength of British, crossed the boarders destroyed several villages. Their harassment and arsons were gradually become extreme through out the country that there was no certainty of lives. They were also ruthless against women. A few locals also started arsons and harassment pretending them to be Burmese. Due their harassments, many fled to neighboring countries like Jaintia, Manipur and other countries.

Chandra Kanta was convinced of the Burmese request to return to Jorhat from their explanation that Josgewar Singha was installed to the throne only because of his refusal and now if he would accept their invitation, he would be reinstalled as King. On his arrival at Jorhat Chandra Kanta was arrested and put him in custody. In the meantime, Mingi Maha Bandala returned to Burma with his force due to shortage of provisions. The Burmese installed a governor named Mingimaha Tilwa to rule the country removing Jogewar Singha from the throne in June 1822.

THE BURMESE WAR

Burmese Governor then ruled Brahmaputra valley of Assam and he had an intention to occupy Cachar (Barak Valley). British therefore sent a detachment of approximately sixteen hundred soldiers to Syleth to protect Cachar from Burmese invasion. On their arrival, it was found that Burmese forces were in the neighborhood. One about four thousand soldiers were advancing from Nowgaon through North Cachar, another marching through Jaintia hill and the third already stationed at South Cachar from Manipur.

The moment before, the Kachari King Gobinda Chandra was taking shelter in British Territory as three Manipuri brothers Chaurjit Singh, Gambhir Singh and Marjit Singh, deposed him (later Churajit fled to Syleth due to quarrel with his brother Gambhir); all of them were aspirant of the throne of Manipur. Manipur was then under the possession of Burmese. Gobinda Chandra requested the British to reinstate him by disposing the Manipuri occupiers. However, he did not get a positive response from the British and requested the king of Ava for his assistance. This might be the main reason of Burmese invasion of Cachar. In reply to the protest that was addressed to them, the Burmese Commander stated that they had received order from their king of Ava to reinstate Gobindra Chandra as King of Cahar and to arrest the three Manipuri Chiefs who ousted him.

On confirmation that the Burmese force would occupy Cachar, the British commandant determined that the three forces of the Burmese would not be allowed to meet. In 17th January 1824, British force proceed towards Bikrampur where the Burmese force from Nagaon had stockade there and then attacked them. The Burmese force fled to the hill and then to Manipur, the British did not persuade them due to their inadequate strength, instead they returned to Badarpur. The Burmese force from Jaintia side then arrived Jatrapur, which was at a distance of eight miles from Badarpur and they had erected stockades at both banks of Barak including a bridge that connected both the banks. There was a separate detachment of Burmese who came from Manipur was at Kila Kandi in the south east of Cachar also. The Burmese force gradually forwarded their stockade towards the British force on the north Bank and on approaching them, Burmese attack the British force. However, the Burmese force was defeated, the force from Nogaon side retreated to Nagaon. The British then marched against the Manipur force and attacked them at Dudapatli. However, they could not succeed to assault the strong Burmese force and retreated to Jatrapur. After receiving reinforcement, the British force planned for the fresh attack but the Burmese already retreated to Manipur owing to heavy lost to repel the British attack and having trouble in maintaining huge force due to shortage of provisions. The British also went to the contentment at Sylhet leaving only a detachment of local Rangpur infantry in Cachar.

The formal declaration of war was on 5th March 1824. A force was gathered at Goalpara against the Burmese to depose them from Brahmaputra valley. The force proceeded towards Guwahati on 13th March to reach there on 28th March 1824. The Burmese had erected strong stockades near Guwahati. However, their strength was greatly reduced as a major portion was withdrawn to Burma, a section was sent to Cahar for their engagement there and a few deserted the force. Considering that, it would not be possible to stand against the British force they retreated to Mara mukh. On their way to Mara mukh they were brutally militated which was observed by the British on their way to Mara mukh. Mr. David Scott. The agent of British Governor general in Eastern Frontier who accompanied the British force in the expedition against Burmese at Cachar , wanted to join the troop in Brahmaputra valley with three companies. They crossed the Jaiantia hill and reached Nagaon; a section was stayed at Nagaon, the rest moved westwards to Guwahati.

Not observing any activities by the British, the Burmese force in April 1824 advance as far as Kaliabor and made a stockade at Hatbor. British sent a force form Guwahati against them who without waiting for the attack retreated to Rangaligarh. A small detachment of British force was then kept at the stockade. The Burmese then made a second attack on the stockade, the British not only defended the attack but also caused a heavy loss to the enemy. The Burmese then retreated to Mara Mukh.

Colonel Richards, the British commander, had established his headquarter at Kaliabor. However, due to the shortage of provision and uncertainty of supply for onset of monsoon, he returned to Guwahati. Taking the advantage of it, the Burmese reentered Kaliabor then to Nagaon and Raha. They took revenge to the local inhabitants for showing their friendly disposition to the British and started indescribable atrocities such as burnt some of them in oil or flayed alive, gathered in assembled place like Namghar and burnt them altogether etc. The remnant fled to safer places, many died in starvation and diseases.

As the rain stopped at the end of October 1824, the British force then began their advances in two Divisions by boat, one through Kallang and the other through the main River Brahmaputra. The detachment through Kallang surprised several Burmese detachments at Raha and elsewhere. The Burmese Governor narrowly escaped at Nagaon. The British force then captured Kaliabor and then in January 1825 they occupied Mar Mukh, from there they sent detachment in many direction to fight against the Burmese in various stockades near Mar Mukh and British force was successful. Finding no other alternative, they retreated to Jorhat. There also they found themselves in difficult position, their governor Buraha Raja was assaissanated by one rival leader known as Shan Phukan. It was difficult to resist the advancing British force by the Burmese, hence they burnt down all the stokade4s and fled to capital Rangpur. The British force reached Jorhat on 17th January and then they proceed to Gaurisagar and reached on 25th January. On 27th of January, Burmese attacked the British force on Namdang Bridge and the British defeated them. On 29th January 1825, Colonel Richards proceeded towards Rangpur and the Burmese tried to defend their invader with great force. Burmese were defeated in this engagement and they bound to send one Buddhist priest Dharmadhar Brahmachari, a native of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and brought up at Ava, to negotiate terms with the British for surrender of Rangpur. As per the negotiation, the Burmese force would retire to Burmese territory and abstain from any aggression on their retreat. Colonel Richard compelled the Burmese force to agree to the terms as the British force occupied all the forts and there was no way to escape. Shan Phukan and about seven hundred of the garrison surrendered before the British and the rest approximately nine thousand were sent to the Boarder. However, many of them dropped off in their retreat to stay at Assam.

The surrender of Rangpur and ejection of Burmese to their own territory did not solve the whole problem. The country was in the state of anarchy and in the frontier, the disobedience is out most Prominent. The Singphos in particular during the occupation of Burmese attacked the helpless Assamese also took thousands of them as servant for which the eastern part of the country had a deserted look. The Sinphos also shut up the Sadiya Khowa Gohain within his stockades and attacked Bar Senapati in his own territory. Both of them requested the British for their help. British had sent force in their help but the Singphos desisted from any attack on them by entering to a negotiation. In the meantime, in June 1825, a Burmese contingent of about six hundred joined the hand of Singphos. Captain Neufville led a party of 57th Native infantry against them up the Noa Dehing River. In several encounter the British defeated them heavily and expelled the Singphos from the villages around Bisa. The Singphos then submitted and the Burmese made their final exit from the country. In the course of these encounters, the British freed thousands of Assamese from the captivity of Singphos.

Meanwhile on removal of main British troupe from Cachar, Burmese took the advantages and occupied the stockades at Talain, Dudpatli and Jatrapur. In June 1824, the British under Colonel Innes took the possession of Jatrapur; however, the Burmese at Talain Stockade repelled them. British then waited until the end of the rainy season and during this time, they collected seven hundred soldiers to strengthen their force. The Burmese then left the Talain Stockade as most of their soldiers suffered from diseases and evacuated the Dudpatli stockade before any attack. The British then tried to construct a road in this difficult terrain without success and abandoned the idea.

On the other hand, Gambhir Singh arranged his force of Kacharis and Manipuris, the British provided the necessary arms to them. On 17th of May 1825, he left Sylhet for Manipur along with Lieutenant Premberton who volunteered to join the expedition. The force reached the valley of Manipur on 10th June. On their arrival, the Burmese retreat from Imphal and near by villages to a place Undra, 10 miles south of Imphal. The Burmese did not stay long there, as the force of Gambhir Singh advanced they left the place and ultimately they retreated to their territory.

Gambhir Singh due to scarcity of provision and uncertainty of supply during rainy season returned to Sylhet keeping a skeleton of Army to guard. On 10th of December 1825, Gambhir Singh set the journey and reached Manipur within a fortnight. He found that there was no Burmese around. However, a detachment of Burmese was there at a stockade at Tammu, located at Southeast corner of the valley. Gambhir Singh cut off the water supply to the stockade for which the Burmese bound to retreat. The capture of a second stockade on the bank of Ningthi River freed the Manipur from the occupation of Burmese. They also recovered many Manipuri who had carried by the Burmese as slaves.

The Anglo-Burmese war which formally started in 5th March 1824 continued for nearly two years causing heavy causalities on both side. The British were in commanding position by the end of 1825. After their victory at the Battle of Danubyu in April 1825 that killed Burmese commander-in-chief Gen. Maha Bandula, the British consolidated their gains in Lower Burma, Rakhine and Taninthayi coasts as well as in Assam and Manipur. The British demanded that the Burmese recognize “the independence of Manipur” and “desist from interference with Assam and Cachar”, “cede Rakhine and its dependencies”, receive a British Resident at the Court of Ava, and pay an indemnity of two million pounds sterling. Yangon and Taninthayi would be held until the indemnity was paid. A peace negotiation was initiated in September 1825 at Ngagyaungbinzeik, 20 miles north of Pyay with the above-mentioned demand from the British side. However, the Burmese did not agreed to the demand and offered the following from their side.

  1. Would give up any claim to Assam and Manipur
  2. Objected to the British choice for the future Manipuri raja
  3. Would cede the Taninthayi coast but not Rakhine.

As the British did not part with that, the negotiation failed and the Burmese decided to fight on. In November 1825, the Burmese forces under Maha Ne Myo mainly consisting of several Shan regiments, made a daring push to recapture Pyay and nearly succeeded. However, by early December, the British had won out and defeated the final effort by the Burmese.

By the beginning of 1826, the British were making steady advances towards Ava. They captured the ancient city of Pagan on 8 February, and on 16 February, the village of Yandabo, less than 50 miles away from Ava.

Now, Burmese had no other alternatives but to sue for peace and there was no scope of negotiation and had to accept what the British had demanded. The Burmese king Bagyidaw sent a delegation, consisting of one American, one English and two Burmese ministers, to meet the commander of British forces, General Sir Archibald Campbell. The treaty was made at Yandabo, which was signed by Gen. Campbell from the British side and Governor of Legaing Maha Min Hla Kyaw Htin from the Burmese side on 24 February 1826. It is known as treaty of Yandabo (Annexure-IV), as per the condition of the treaty Assam and Manipur were freed from Burmese. The Assam became a province under the Governor General of British and Gambhir Singh became the king of Manipur.

The British Rule (1826-1947)

In accordance with the treaty of Yandaboo, 1826, the Burmese king of Ava surrendered his claims over Assam and the neighboring states of Cachar, Jaintia and Manipur hills to the British government. After the treaty, the British declared that they had no intention of ruling the country; and that they had only come to expel the Burmese. British government might take control of the whole area under their governance, but they preferred to continue the policy of conciliating the neighboring chiefs and tribes. Gambhir Singh was the main force behind the driving of Burmese from Manipur; therefore, he was resorted as king at Manipur. Raja Ram Singh, the king of the Jaintias was confirmed in his possession, both in the hills and in the tract on the north bank of Surma River. Already on 6th March1824 at Badarpur David Scott, the Agent to the Governor-General, North-East Frontier, had entered into an alliance with Raja Gobind Chandra of Cachar under which the British would return his kingdom; and he would pay a tribute of Rs 10,000 per annum for the protection of his country.

The problem of Brahmaputra valley was different. The valley was affected by the invasion of the Burmese for their inhuman torture and oppression. The Burmese took thousands of people as slaves, many were killed and many died in starvation and diseases. The population was reduced to half and there was famine and pestilence. There was no unity amongst the princes and nobles and always arose dispute and enmity amongst them, for which the Burmese could invade the country. Considering the fact that if any of the prince would given to rule, there would be hostility and anarchy, the British decided to govern the Brahmaputra valley except Sadiya and the area between Buri Dehing River and Brahmaputra inhabited by Moamorias (Mattak, Moran etc.) However, some authority thinks that the British had an inner intention to annex the countries in gradual process, which they did in later stages after settling the hostility and improvement of the situation. During Burmese invasion, this moamoria area was well protected by their chief Bar Senapati. His capital was almost at the center of his domain at Rangagara at the bank of Dibru River. This area was left in semi-independent state and executed a treaty between Bar Senapati and British in May 1826 to pay a nominal tribute by him. He was allowed to rule and collect the revenue. At Sadiya, the chief of the Khamtis was allowed to rule. He did not have to pay the tribute but had to maintain a British force of two hundred men. The Singphos, who occupied the level area of the country extending from Moamarias boarder across Noa Dehing and Tengpani Rivers, were also made submission to the British. The British allowed to rule by their chief without paying any tribute. However, the chief of Bisa required providing a force of eighty men as and when required. He also required providing any information that was happening at the Patkai hill track.

In November 1823, the management of frontier area was entrusted to David Scott, who was appointed as Agent to the Governor General for whole of eastern frontier from Cachar and Sylhet in the south and Sikkim in the north. He was at the same time Special Civil Commissioner of North –East Rangpur, i.e. Goalpara and Garo Hills and Judge of Circuit and Appeal in the Zila of Sylhet. He had to perform his new additional duty without having adequate staff. He was relived from direct administration of upper Assam on appointment of an Assistant, initially Colonel Cooper and subsequently in 1828 Captain Neufville who was distinguished as Intelligence Officer during Burmese war. The office was initially established at Sibsagar Rangpur) then afterwards shifted to Jorhat. The administration of lower Assam was directly under control of David Scott and after repeated request Captain Adam White was deputed to help him. Captain Neufville brought his Cuttak regiment, which was raised at Cuttak by him in 1817 to Assam.

With the improving situation, martial law was lifted from Upper Assam in 1828. Now, the entire Brahmaputra valley came under civil administration. The revolt of Gomdhar Konwar followed by a conspiracy led by Dhanjay Pealia Bargohain expressed anger against the British. Therefore, Scott recommended the restoration of monarchy in Upper Assam rather than its annexation to the British dominion. Accordingly, after his death, his successor Mr. T G Robertson in 1833, enthroned the Ahom prince Purandar Singha as the Raja of Upper Assam. The British signed an agreement with the King that: (i) the Raja would pay a sum of Rs 50,000 annually as tribute; (ii) the Raja would act according to the advice of the British Political Agent; and (iii) the Raja would be protected against any foreign aggression. David Scott, made a reform to the administrative and revenue system of Assam. He tried to remove the persisting evil system such as slavery, lawlessness, barbarous punishments etc and introduced a new legal system. Scott’s principle was to retain the old system as far as possible and implement new rules as little as possible. Therefore, the ‘Paik’ and ‘Khel’ system which was practiced by the Ahoms, was decided to retain in Upper Assam. The Barbarua was appointed to collect the tax. In Lower Assam, the ‘Pargana’ land division system was retained; each Pargana was placed under the charge of a Choudhury to collect taxes. Payments were accepted in cash. Professional tax, rent tax, stamp duties were among the various taxes imposed on the people of Lower Assam. To maintain law and order, the British Police system was followed. It consisted of one Daroga, one Jamadar and a number of constables. For Judicial administration, the post of Barphukan was retained. Civil cases were placed under him. Some Panchayat Courts were also present to solve petty civil cases. All the work done by Scott was for the welfare of Assam. It was David Scott who steered the administration of Assam through one of the most crucial period of her history. He successfully faced all difficulties to lay a foundation of the British rule in Assam. Although in some cases he failed, but he was by far the best among all British administrators.

David Scott was an able administrator admired by all. He died at a tender age of forty-five on 20th of August 1831, and buried at Cherrapunji and at tomb of his burial bears an inscription, which is mentioned in Annexure-V. The British thought that it was not advisable to withdraw completely the British rule that might led to hostility and anarchy as before but they do not want to resort to permanent annexation. Therefore, they introduced an intermediate policy to install a native ruler in one part and retain the administration in their hand in the other part, which would help in exercising their control in the part ruled by the native in case the situation demanded. As mentioned in the earlier, after deliberation, British wanted to install Purandar Singha in the eastern part of the country as per the recommendation of David Scott. Mr. T G Robertson, the successor of David Scott, also recommended Purandar Singha after observing him and in 1833 Purandar Singha became the ruler of whole upper Assam except Sadiya and Mattack area. He had to execute a treaty with the British to pay a stipulated tribute to them. The British government would continue to maintain direct political relation with the chiefs of Mattak and at Sadiya and other hill tribes. They also continued to keep a garrison and a political officer at Sadiya. Jorhat was made the capital of the new state thus formed.

In 1834, General Jenkin (then Captain) succeeded Mr. Robertson as Commissioner and agent to the Governor General. During his period, the British portion of the valley was divided to four districts i.e. Goalpara, Kamrup, Darrang (including Biswanath) and Nagaon. The boundaries of the districts were fixed and the capitals of the Districts were established. For Nagaon, capital was first shifted to Rangpur and then to Purani Godum and ultimately returned to Nagaon. For, Kamrup, the area included on both bank of Brahmaputra, from Manas River in the west and Bar Nadi in the east and capital was established at Guwahati, which is also the Headquarters of the Commissioner, Assam. For Darrang, initially capital was Mangaldoi and then shifted to Tezpur or Purapur. Goalpara including Garo hills but excluding the eastern Duars was a part of British territory by virtue of annexation of Mugal Emperor in 1765 by the British and it was administrated from Rangpur. When David Scott became the commissioner of Assam, Golpara was already in his jurisdiction, only eastern Duars was included with Goalpara District. Goalpara was also remained as the capital of the district.

The legal positions of these four districts was defined by Act II of 1835, by this act all functionaries employed in these 4 district under the control and superintendence of the Sadar Court in civil and criminal cases, and on the Bengal Board of Revenue in revenue matters. The provision of this act also extended to the other part of Assam after a few years. In 1837, a set of rule known as the Assam Code was drawn up for regulations of procedures in civil and criminal cases. However, there was no such directive in case of revenue business, but a local officer was directed to conform as nearly as provisions of Bengal regulation. British also tried to improve trade and communication system of Assam.

At the same time, a regiment of eight companies was raised with the locals mainly Rabha, Kacharis and few others and the Headquarters was established at Guwahati. The strength of Assam Light Infantry was reduced from twelve to ten companies. The newly raised regiment also utilized for police duty. The main object of raising this regiment was protection from attack from Bhutan and employed at the outpost at Darrang bordering Bhutan. However, the local people observed that the behaviors of these soldiers are worse than the Bhutia invaders. The regiment was raised in the similar way the force raised in the Surma valley. The defense of the Surma valley was entrusted to a force called Sylhet Local Battalion, later on Sylhet Light Infantry with the Headquarters at Sylhet. The force was raised in1824 and recruited mainly from the Manipuris who fled and settled at Syhlet or Cachar during the invasion of Burmese. Two companies of this force were stationed at Silchar and later in Cherrapunji also.

The conditions of common cultivators were gradually developed. However, with these developments, earlier who used to earn their lively hood as piak or servant of their masters chiefs and rajas greatly reduced. The raja and chiefs could not cultivate their huge land due to shortage of service of paik or servants.

Khasis were the independent tribe closed to Jaintia, lived between Garo and Jainitia Hills. There were Khasi chief or head of the villages called Siem. To improve the road communication between Brahmaputra and Surma valley it was proposed to construct a road through Khasi hills. In 1827, David Scott took an interview at Nungklow with Tirat Singh, the siem of that place and other Khasi chief. They had agreed with the proposal of construction of the road from Rani to Surma valley through Nungklow and other Khasi hills. The work started immediately by clearing the track and establishing camps wherever necessary. It was running well until April 1829, when a Bengali peon put the poison that after completion of the road the khasis would be subjugated and tax would be imposed on them. As a repercussion, Lieutenant Bedingfield ,one of the two officer at Nungklow, was enticed to a conference where he was massacred. The other officer, Leuitenant Burlton, initially defended himself from the attack but he was overpowered while fleeing to Guwahati and killed him. David Scott also narrowly escaped while he was travelling through Nungklow to Cherrapunji. Then forces were called from Sylhet and Kamrup and retaliations were made. After several attack on 9th January 1833, the leader Tirat Singh surrender before the British force. However, khasi chiefs were allowed to remain mostly independent but only to submit to the general control of a British political agent, who was thenceforth stationed in the hill. The first political agent was Captain Lister who held the post who held the post for more than twenty years. The capital was first established at Cherrapunji but later on in 1864 shifted to Shillong. The original name of the place was Yeddo, however there is another place at Japan with the same name, therefore it was renamed as Shillong after the highest peak there. Later on Shillong became the capital of Assam state (undivided).

After the treaty of Yandabo, the british handed over the rule of Cachar to the tributary king Gobinda Chandra. At that time, Tularam ruled the hill tract of Cachar and as he became old, in 1828, he entrusted the command of his troops to one of his cousin Gobind Ram. However, Gobind Ram was unfaithful and he raised his arm against his patron Tularam who fled to Janitia. Tularam with the aid of Manipuri chief Gambhir Singh ousted the ungrateful cousin who fled to Gobinda Chandra. At this stage, British Commissioner David Scott induced the Kachari king Gobindra Chandra to recognize Tularam as the ruler of the considerable tract of the country in the hills. In spite of the recognition, Tularam made tree attack on Gobinda Chandra, which caused the Commissioner to apprehend Tularam and to be confined. In the other part of the country there was unrest in other parts of the country, Kukis from Nagaland used to raid the country very frequently. Gobinda Chandra had a strained relation with the Manipuris. He even stropped the ongoing trade between them and took oppressive measures against the Manipuris settled in Cachar. Manipuris assassinated Gobinda Chandra in 1830. He had no decedents, as he was issueless and therefore no immediate claimant to the throne, because of which Cachar was annexed by British on 14th August 1832. Tularam constantly claimed for the throne though he was not a valid claimant for that. British made him as head of the hill track and not recognized as Raja. He was given a pension without having any power of administration and he was required to pay a nominal tribute. After the annexation by the British, Cachar was formed as district and its headquarters established at Silchar and placed under a superintendent who had to report to Commissioner of Assam. The first superintendent of Cachar was Captain Fisher. His first function was to stop irruption of the Kukis. He settled many Manipuris along the frontier and armed them that stopped Kukis to enter. In 1836, it was transferred to the Dacca Division and the designation of the officer in charge was changed to Deputy Commissioner.

During the anarchy situation, which prevailed for the Burmese war, the Jaintia Raja encroached on the southern border of Nogaon district and established an unauthorized outpost at Chaparmukh at the confluence of Kapili and Doyang Rivers. Between 1830 and 1832, the Jaintia Raja was repeatedly told to remove the illegal outpost but he did not take any action. In 1832, a fresh incident took place, the Gova raja, a chieftain at the west of Nagaon and dependent of Jaintia Raja, by order of his suzerain, seized four British subject. Three of whom were immolated before the shrine of Kali, the fourth British managed to escape from his captor and reported the incident to the British authority. At this juncture, the Jaintia Raja died and his nephew Rajendra Singh succeeded him. The British cautioned the new king to refrain from any such activity and obey the order of removing the outpost. However, he also gave a deaf ear to the British call. Therefore, on 15th March, Captain Lister with two companies of the Sylhet Light Infantery took formal possession of Jaintia Paragana and declared the annexation of Jaintia Kingdom. The area was placed under the political officer of Khasi hills and direct administration was entrusted to an assistant who would station at Jowai. A few weeks later, Assam Light Infantery took over possession of the domain of Gova Raja. The hill men of Jaintia were less disturbed. No revenue was collected from them, although the British political agent or officer dealt heinous crimes; petty criminal and civil cases were under the jurisdiction of local headman (total nineteen of them, fifteen Doloi and four Sardar). Act VI of 1835 was passed to provide for the judicial control of Khasi and Jaintia hills. The deposed Raja settled at Sylhet with a pension and comfortable personnel property.

Purandar Singha unable to run his country efficiently, on the contrary corruption and mismanagement crippled the systems such that the revenue collection became increasingly less. The subjects were oppressed and misgoverned, for which they were dissatisfied. Purandar Singha was to pay a tribute of Rs. 50,000 from an estimated revenue of Rs. 1,20,000 from Upper Assam, which was then the highest rate in British India . The average annual revenue collected from Upper Assam from 1828 -33 under the British was Rs. 91,097 only. So it was not possible to pay Rs. 50,000 annually to the British by Purandar Singha after deducting his personal and administrative expenditures from the revenue collected from the devastated and depopulated Upper Assam. He somehow managed to pay the tribute for the first two years. After that, he failed in paying the tribute regularly.

He could not pay the required tribute continuously for three consecutive years. There was complete failure of administration. Therefore, British depose Purandar Singha unceremoniously with a pension and upper Assam was taken under the direct control of British in October 1838. British constituted two District against the area which was governed by Purandar Sinha, one Silpur or Sibsagar (Headquarter Sibsagar) and other Lakhimpur (headquarter Lakhimpur). The British annexed Assam permanently in 1839. The real intention of annexation of Assam was basically for its vast potential for tea cultivation and its precious mineral resources.

The old sadiya Khowa Gohain died in 1835 and his son succeeded him. About the same time there was imrigartion of Khamtis who ere settled at the frontier to defend them from the ferocious tribes of the hills and the settlement was welcomed by the British. There was a dispute between the new sadiya khowa Gohain and Bar Senapoti on a stretch of land. The British Political Officer at Sadiya tried to resolve the dispute and advised them not to resort from any collision. But the Sadiya Khowa Gohain occupied the disputed land forcefully disobeying the British order. The British then removed Sadiya Khowa Gohain from his post and deported him to another part of the province. The khamtis were left untaxed and they were allowed to govern by their own chief; however, they were deprived from control of local Assamese, which was entrusted to the local Political Officer at Sadiya. The Assamese slaves were also withdrawn from them. Khamtis thought that that was the policy of British to lower their status to common local Assamese and designed to tax them. Therefore, they were in the state of discontent though they helped the British in fighting against the Singhphos for which the British allowed the deported chief to return to his home. For the culminated discontentment, in January 1839, the Khamtis treacherously attack the British at Sadiya killing Colonel White, the Political Officer and eighty others. A force was sent to Sadiya to punish the Khamtis who fled to Mishimis at the hills for shelter. The British force chased them there and in December 1843, the last rebel surrendered before the British. Some of the Khamtis were deported to Narayanpur at the western part of the district at the bank of Dikrong River and others were settled above Sadiya to form a shield between Mishimis and Assamese.

Bar Senapati of Mattak or Moamoria Kingdom died in 1839, however, before his death nominated his second son Majo Gohain to succeed him. After the death of Bar Senapati, the terms and facility favored to him by the British ended. It was then proposed to take over administration the portion where the people favored their rule under British and also to fixed their revenue in the remaining portion as per the proposal of David Scott. Maju Gohain and other members of his family rejected the terms. Then British representative Captain Vetch assumed the direct charge of entire Mattak Country. The Governor General subsequently approved the measures taken and pensions were awarded to all family members of the late Bar Senapati. In 1842, a notice was issued declaring Mattak kingdom and Sadiya under British territory and the areas were placed under Lakhimpur District. The District Headquarter then shifted to Dibrugarh from Lakhimpur. Principal Assistant or Deputy Commissioner was appointed as the agent of British stationed at Dibrugarh. Assistant Political Officer at Sadiya continued there to help the Deputy Commissioner.

Another regiment of six companies Rabhas, Kacharis, Doaniyas, Singphos and other locals was raised for the defense of the newly acquired territory and the Headquarters was established at Rangpur and an outpost at Mattak frontier.

In 1844, the Governor General approved the application of Tularam, the chief of the hill portion of Cachar to divide his estate between his two sons Ram Barman and Brijnath Barman. Tulram died soon and therewas quarrel between two brothers. Moreover, the Nagas (mainly Angami) raided the Kachari Kingdom very frequently. In one of the raid, Nagas killed eighty-six Kacharis and many of them were taken as slaves. In consequence, to that British took position of the track and included the area under North Cachar Sub-division with its headquarters at Asalu, which was under Nagaon district since 1839. When Nagaland district was formed in 1866, this subdivision was closed and distributed to the neighboring districts. It was reestablished in 1880 with its Headquarter initially at Gunjong and then Haflong. The subdivision was placed in charge of a junior police officer. Pension was granted to the surviving members of Tularam’s family.

In the foothills of Himalaya in the plain land, there were eighteen Duar (door) which were the gateway to the Bhutan hill. Eleven of them were at Bengal and Goalpara, seven of them were at Kamrup and Darrang districts. The eleven Duars were under Bengal and the remaining seven was under control of Ahom till Gurinath Singha’s reign. These were surrendered to the Bhutias in consideration of a annual tribute of Rs.4,785. It was agreed that so long the stipulated tribute was paid, the Duars in Kamrup were to remain with the Bhutias and the Duars in Darrang would be jointly hold by the Ahom and Bhutias, Ahom would hold for the month of July to November and Bhutias for the rest of the year. After the British rule, the Bhutias ceases to pay the tribute and resorted extortions and dacoits in that area. Number of punitive actions were taken but without any fruit. Therefore, in 1841, it was decided to pay a sum of Rs,10000 or one third of the revenue annually to the Bhutias in their stead. After the Bhutan war in 1864, all the Bengal’s Duars also included in to this provision for increased value of Rs. 25000.

The British initially thought that it would be wise to leave the Naga tribe alone. Later on, however, this policy was rejected, and between 1835 and 1851 as many as ten military expeditions were sent to the hills. Ultimately, in 1866, the British took possession of the area of Angami Nagas. This tract and the watershed of Doyang River were combined to form a district initially headquarters at the plain, but in 1878 it was shifted to Kohima. Though there was no intention to acquire, once it established its foot in the hill, the expansion was inevitable. In 1875, the country of Lotha Naga who used to attack the British missions of survey and others was annexed and a British officer was posted at Wokha. In 1889, the Ao country also incorporated in full concurrence of the Ao people to protect themselves from the attack of the neighbouring countries. Though the local officers had a intention the neighboring countries of Nagas, the higher authorities was against it. However, Deputy Commissioner was authorized to exercise political control over the eastern Angamis and Semas by means of a annual tour to those area and settled their internal dispute during his visit. In 1917, British occupied a track on north of Manipur and marched with Burma, to have a control over the Kukis.

After formation of the district there was no trouble from Angami Naga until 1877 when the Angangamis attacked a Kacha Naga village and burnt it. In 1878, they made a more serious offence by killing Mr. Damant, the political officer there who was entering the village Khonoma and his escorts were either killed or wounded. The Angamis then gathered their strength and advanced towards Kahima and they fought vigorously. It would had been difficult to defeat the Angamis if Colonel Johnstone (later Sir James) would not arrived with a huge force from the aid from Raja of Manipur. The thirteen Angami villages that had engaged in the hostility were destroyed. They compelled to submit before the British and to be loyal and also agreed to pay the revenue.

Another hill tribe, the Garos often created problems in the plains. The British government first tried to make the Garos a tributary, but the arrangement failed. After this, the British brought the Garos under their control in 1869. They were formed into a separate district with its headquarters at Tura and a British Officer was appointed there. The system was successful in the adjacent area, but some of the remote villages were still uncontrolled. In 1871 and 1872 there were some trouble such as attacked on the surveyors or on the protected Garo Villages. It was therefore decided to bring these unruly villages under the British control. In the winter of 1872-73, three detachments of Police were sent to these areas and easily overcome all resistances. Surrender of the heads who were responsible for the hostility was ensured, new heads were appointed. The administration now became peaceful.

The Southern frontier of the Cachar hill tracts and also south of Surma valley were known as the Lushai hills, which was the habitat of the Kuki tribe and Lushais. During the early part of the 19th century the Lushais, who made their appearance in this frontier about the year 1840, gradually drove the Kukis to the north to the Cachar valley. The Lushais made their first raid in 1849 and a punitive expedition was taken by the British which was successful as there was no disturbance from Lushai hills till 1868. In that year, several raids were made by the Lushais and in the subsequent years also. In 1871-72 British force, marched through the hill which caused little effect in Assam frontier as there was no much raid in that area. In 1889, there was a raid in Chittagang boarder and taken a number of captive by the raider. As they refused to return the captive, immediately a force was sent, the captives were rescued and arrested the chief responsible for this raid. The British now decided to prevent the raids for which military outpost were established at Aijal and Changil in the north and at Lungleh at the south. Political officers were placed at Aijal and Lungleh for effective administration. Soon after there was out break of their dissatisfaction against the new rule, the Political Officer Captain Browne was murdered near Aijal on his way to Chagsil almost unattended. The outbreak was suppressed within a short time. However, in 1892 there was some disturbance in eastern Lushai hill, which was also suppressed. From that time onward, the hill men offered no further opposition and loyal to the British Administration. Initially, the southern portion of the hill was under the administration of the Bengal Government and the northern portion was of the Commissioner of Assam. On 1st April 1898, the whole of the hill was placed under Commissioner of Assam.

(ii) The Revolt of Gomdhar Konwar:-

The rebellion against the British was demonstrated in Assam much before the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857. On 29th of March 1857, a sepoy of East India Company Mangal Pandey started the rebellion by opening a firing against his British Officer at Barackpore. On 10th May 1957, the sepoys revolted against their officers killing some of them. They approached Bahadur Shah II, the dethrone Mughal Emperor and persuaded him to claim his throne. However, much before that after the Yandabo Treaty in 1826, from which time Assam went under the control of British, the sovereign people of Assam, did not preferred to be the subordinate of British. The Ahom nobility understood that their rights and privileges were not secure under the British administration. They were therefore, unsatisfied with British rule and decided to revolt against them. In 1828, Dhanjoy Buragohain, a former officer with the Ahom Government took the lead with a group of nobles in reinstating Gomdhar Konwar, son of Phena Konwar, a prince of the Ahom royal blood as the king of Assam. Gomdhar Konwar was formally enthroned at Bassa, near Jorhat with all the Ahom traditional rituals. Gomdhar Konwar declared himself as the king, sent letters to ex-functionaries of the Ahom ruling class and collected arms and gathered soldiers to form a force to overthrow the British. The British came to know about the preparation and troops were sent from Rangpur under Captain Rutherford. The encounter took place at Mariani. The Assamese rebels were a poor match for the well-trained British troops. Gomdhar Konwar somehow escaped and took shelter in the Naga Hills and most of his followers were arrested. After a few days in the wilderness, Gomdhar Konwar surrendered to the British authority. He was sentenced to death in the trail for rebellion against the government. On his re-trial, Captain Neufville, the political agent of Upper Assam recommended mercy for his tender age and David Scott commuted the death sentenced to seven years imprisonment. Some authority had the opinion that he was deported to Rangpur (Now in Bangladesh) and imprisoned him for several years, after that his where about is unknown, he might be killed. Dhanjoy Buragohain was also sentenced to death, but he could make a daring escape from Jorhat jail and fled to the Naga Hills. In 1829, the Khasis under the leadership of U. Tirot Sing, the Siyem of Nongkhlaw rebelled against the British rule. Similarly, the Singphos and the Khamtis under Wackum Kumjun rose into rebellion but were subsequently suppressed by the British.

The uprisings in the Khasi hills and the eastern frontier encouraged the fugitive leader Dhanjoy Buragohain who now took shelter in the Matak country to plan another uprising against the British. Apart from his sons Harakanta and Hemanath, his son -in- law Jeuram Dihingia Baruah also aided him along with Peoli Barphukan, Rupchand Konwar, Boom Singpho and others. However, Sadiya Khowa Gohain betrayed them, he informed the British about the conspiracy against them to become favorite to British. In 1830, the rebels numbering about 400 attacked the British post at Rangpur. The attack was repulsed by the British sepoys. British reinforcement came from Jorhat, they pursued the rebels, and the second encounter took place at Geleki, near the Charaideo hills. The British succeeded in apprehending most of the rebel leaders except Dhanjoy who along with his son Harakanta fled to the hills. Haranath, Peoli, Jeuram, Rupchand and Boom Singpho were tried and sentenced to death for rebellion. David Scott confirmed the death sentence of Peoli Barphukan and Jeoram Dihingia, they were hanged at Sivasagar. The other convict rebel leaders were sent to Dacca jail for fourteen years imprisonment with confiscation of their properties.

In 1830, an Ahom prince, Gadadhar Singha, a relation to Jogeswhar Singha, who was made the king of Assam by the Burmese, made a third attempt. He planned a rebellion against the British with tactical Burmese support through his sister, Hemo Aideu who was married to the king of Ava (Burma). He also tried to garner support from the sepoys stationed at Sadiya. But in the process, he was arrested by the sepoys and sent to Guwahati. The tactical Burmese support to install him as a king of Assam was doomed. This ended the last direct attempt to overthrow the British by the ex-nobility of Assam.
The First Indian War of Indepdence and Assam (1857)

Assam lost her independence in 1826 to the British due to the Yandabo treaty signed by the British and Burmese authority (not involved any king or prince of the concerned country or state). During the first thirty years of British rule, the struggle for independence was among the nobles and the higher classes as mentioned in the above paragraphs. One of the great patriotic leaders in this period was Maniram Dewan. In the beginning, he was a friend of British. In 1839, he became the Bar Bhandar Barua (the finance minister) of Purandar Singha. He was courageous, intelligent and patriotic. However, when Purandar Singha was deposed, he protested strongly. Around this time, the British Government was planning to extend the tea plantations in Assam. Maniram was appointed as the Dewan of the Assam Tea Company. In the process, he came to know about the true motives of the British. He found that things were not happening for the sake of Assamese people. Therefore, he resigned from his post. In 1853, Mofat Mills visited Assam, and Maniram explained the evil effects of the British rule and as an example, he pointed out the selling and cultivation of opium in Assam. He also wanted to restore Upper Assam to Kandarpeswar Singha (grand son of Purandar Singha). He petitioned the British Government for restoration of the monarchy in 1853. The petitioned was dismissed. Kandapeswar then petitioned the British in 1854. Again it was rejected. In 1856 Maniram went to Calcutta to personally plead Kandapeswar’s case. He again failed in his attempt. In 1857, the outbreak of Sepoy Mutiny threatened the British Administration as the Delhi administration was under Sepoys for four months. However, the rebellion was dominated with heavy hand and the administration of the country was taken under British Emperor. India became a British colony. The outbreak of Sepoy Mutiny encouraged Maniram Dewan and planned a revolt against the British in Assam. He persuaded Kandapeswar and tried to get help from the Hindustani sepoys of the Assam Light Infantry. Peoli Bauah was the chief organizer of the revolt in Assam. The plan was leaked from seized letters written by Maniram and he was arrested in Calcutta before his departure to Assam. Kandapeswar was arrested in Jorhat and sent to Calcutta for trial. All their associates were arrested in Assam. Maniram and Peoli Baruah were tried and sentenced to death. They were publically hanged at Jorhat on 26thFeb 1858. The rest of the rebels like Madhu Mallik, Bahadur Gaonburha, Formud Ali, Dutiram Baruah and others were transported for life imprisonment to the Andamans with confiscation of their properties. Kandapeswar was released for his tender age in 1859 from Alipur Jail and was settled at Guwahati with a pension. Maniram Dewan’s revolt to throw away the British was the last attempt for restoration of the monarchy in Assam.

After the 1857 war, the Queen of England took over the Government of India from the East India Company by a proclamation in 1858.

Significance of the revolt of 1857 in Assam

National consciousness had now begun to grow among the people of Assam. Gradually, they became aware of the destructive nature of the British rule. The rebellion of 1857 made the working class people of Assam conscious about the repressive nature of the foreign rule. Lastly, Maniram’s fight against the British greatly stirred the people’s minds. His patriotism and sacrifice of life for the cause of the country is still remembered by the people of Assam.

Assam’s Awakening after the Revolt (After 1857)

Effect of revenue settlement in Assam

Queen Victoria of England by a Proclamation in 1858 directly assumed the responsibility of the Indian administration. This meant that India became an integral part of the British Empire. After the revolt, the British Government had to face a severe financial crisis. Incomes derived from the various taxes was not enough, so to increase the income, the Government doubled the existing rates of revenue on land. Stamp duty, excise duty, and income tax were imposed in the different parts of Assam. Also, in 1861, poppy cultivation was banned. These rules affected the peasants to a great extent. Discontent began to grow among the peasant population in different parts of Assam. They made their protests through ‘Raijmel’. The peasants demonstrated their protest against the Government from time to time. However, the Government suppressed them. In spite of that, the demonstrations continued and sometimes open violence occurred in different places.  The ‘Raijmel’ at different places played a great role in awakening the consciousness of the people against the unjust measures of the British Government.

The ‘Raijmel’ in Assam

The village panchayats were known as Raijmel in Assam. They were the assemblies of common people. People could express their opinion on socio-economic matters through a popular institution. They would discuss matters of common interest, particularly the social issues, and take a decision. However, slowly they had grown to be real assemblies of people. Not only members of a particular village, but people from other villages too participated in it to make it stronger. In the peasant’s rebellion against the British government, these mels played a very important role.

Phulaguri Uprising

The Phulaguri Dhawa was the first agrarian revolt in Assam after 1857.

The people of Phulaguri in Nowgaon district, mostly tribal (like the Lalung and the Kachari tribes), strongly opposed the ban on the cultivation of Poppy, through the Raijmel. These people were mostly opium-users and the British government had increased and fixed the rate for opium. Therefore, they had to spend a large amount of their income on opium. In addition, the British imposed a ban on private cultivation of opium.  At the same time, the rumor spread on the imposition of taxes on pan and betel nut. This was enough provocation to give rise to an uprising against the British. In 17 October 1861, when people from distant villages assembled in a ‘mel’, the British police forcibly tried to disperse the villagers. The people rose against them and the Assistant Commissioner of police Lieutenant Singer was killed. The Phulaguri uprising – the Phulaguri Dhawa – shook the British administration in Assam for the first time. Immediately, the British overpowered took stern action against them. To control it they killed 39 peasants and hanged many of the leaders. This first peasant movement of Assam inspired many more movements by the peasants against British administration. Despite the fact that the Phulaguri uprising was a failure, its significance is great. It was the first popular rebellion of the peasantry of Assam against the British colonial rule. For the first time, the middle classes also supported it. It served as an inspiration for other village men and tribal folk.

Rangia Revolt

After the Phulaguri rebellion, large numbers of police forces were deployed in various places to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, the government kept on increasing the revenue demand on peasantry. The people of Rangia followed the foot steps of Phulaguri, and lodged their protests in ‘Raijmels’.  In 1893 they ransacked the Rangia market. In 1894 they raised the defiant slogan that they would not pay the increased revenue. The very same day, a ban on the ‘mel’ was imposed by the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup. All the leaders were arrested and the Rangia revolt came to an end.

Luchima Revolt

The people of Luchima took recourse to violence in course of the rebellion. They assaulted the revenue collectors who were the agents of the British governments. Near Luchima, in Kapla on 29th January, 1894, two revenue collectors were severely beaten. One of them died. Immediately the British arrested seventy-five villagers who were afterwards freed.

Patharughat Uprising

Jallianabagh Massacre was on 13th April 1919, however, much before in 28th January 1894 at Patharughat in Drrang District of Assam, mass killing had been done by the British to suppress the protestors. British had increased the taxes to many fold for which there was protest against the raise by the peasants. When in 1893, the Chief Commissioner of Assam, Wilkinson Ward, tried to raise the taxes, the flares of revolt sprang up again. A huge Raijmel (public meeting) was organized at Patharughat on January 26, 1894, where it was decided that taxes would not be paid until an acceptable solution was reached for the tax problem. The then Tehsildar Bhabani Charan Bhattacharya requested the crowd to wait until January 28, when the Deputy Commissioner of Darrang, Anderson, would be available for proper hearings. Meanwhile the news of the Patharughat Raijmel reached the ears of the high authorities who decided that Anderson would be accompanied by Darrang’s SP, Barrington, and the SDO of Mangaldoi, Ramson, along with a huge armed force. January 28 was a normal weekly market day at Patharughat. People had began to throng to the open field in front of the Dak Bungalow and by noon a crowd of about a thousand had gathered there. At noon, the trio of British Officials entered the field along with their armed guards and was greeted by slogans. When Anderson blatantly refused to lower the taxes saying that they did not have the authority to change the taxes raised by the Queen of England, the crowd got infuriated. As the British made way to the Dak Bungalow, the crowd lost patience and proceeded towards them in total anger. The situation was out of control, to disburse the crowd; Barrington ordered his forces to lathi charge. This made the crowd go wild with anger and they started to hit back at the forces with whatever tools, clods or sticks they had. Thoga Baidya of Biahpara or Fukolu Sheikh of Athiabari managed to hit the head of the Police Superintendent and wounded him. This enraged the DC and he ordered for firing. The British force fired upon the helpless agitators. Finally, the bullets did manage to disperse a greater portion of the crowd away but a huge damage had already been done. Later it came out in the limelight that about 140 people had been killed and more than 150 had been injured. This was another revolt suppressed by the British.

Tribal uprisings

The people of Jaintia Hills were not accustomed to any kind of money tax in the past. In 1860, the ‘House Tax’ was imposed, followed by the Income tax. The people became extremely agitated, and protested violently. Under the leadership of U Kiang Nangbah ( a commoner supported by Doloi and other social heads) raised clear demands that they should be exempted from any taxation and there should not be any interference with their traditional rites. This took the form a mass movement. Again in 1862, the License tax was imposed. By now, the people had become much more violent. This mass movement was exploded to whole of Jainintia hill vigorously. Later, in course of time, the struggle demanded for nothing less than the withdrawal of the British from the Jaintia hills and reinstating of their Raja. In other words, they were demanding complete independence and returned to their pre-colonial past. With much difficulty, the British could suppress the Jaintias. Many Jaintias scarified their blives in the movement and their leader U Kiang Nangbah was arrested and later executed.

In 1878, the government decided to impose taxes in the Naga Hills. When they tried to collect these taxes by force, the Nagas protested and in the process, the British political officer was killed. With a strong hand the revolt was contained and the Nagas agreed to pay revenue.

In 1892, the Lushai protested against the imposition of the House tax but were quelled and made to agree to comply.

In 1872, the Garos revolted and were suppressed; the entire hill was brought under taxation.

In 1891, the British interfered in the internal affairs of Manipur, regarding succession issue. However, the people of Manipur could not tolerate the British interference in an internal matter. On February 21, 1891 Lord Landsdowne, the British viceroy of India ordered J.W. Quinton, the chief commissioner of Assam, to recognize Kullachandra as the King but to arrest Jubaraj Tikendrajit. Quinton arrived in Manipur on March 22, 1891 with a troop of 400 soldiers under Colonel Skene and asked Raja Kullachandra to hand over Tikendrajit to him as desired by the British Governor General of India. In the evening of March 24, 1891 British troops attacked Jubaraj Tikendrajit’s residence in the Compound of Kangla Palace, killing many innocent civilians including women and children who were watching a Ras Lila dance. The Manipuri soldiers struck back and the British were put on the defensive. In the ensuing chaos, the people whose children, wives and relatives were killed by the British army executed five British officers including the Political Agent Grimwood, and Quinton. On March 31, 1891 the British Government declared war against Manipur (the Anglo-Manipur War) and 3 army columns from Kohima (under the command of Major General H. Collet), Silchar (under the command of Colonel R.H.F. Rennick) and Tamu (under the command of Brigadier General T. Graham) were sent to Manipur. Tikendrajit led the Manipuri army in this war. The British army finally took possession of the Kangla Palace on April 27, 1891. Major Maxwell took over as the chief political agent. Later, Manipur became a princely state and Churachand Singh, a minor was placed on the throne of Manipur. Tikendrajit and other leaders of Manipur subsequently went underground. Tikendrajit was arrested in the evening of May 23.

The special court, formed under Lt. Col. John Mitchell for the trial commenced on May 11, 1891. The court found Tikendrajit, Kullachandra and Thangal General guilty and they were sentenced to death. The Governor General confirmed the death sentence passed on Tikendrajit and Thangal General and converted the death sentence of the Maharaja and Angousan into deportation for life. The order was announced on August 13, 1891 and Tikendrajit and Thangal General were publicly hanged at 5 pm of the same day at Kangjei-bung (Polo ground) in Imphal. After independence, this ground in Imphal where he was hanged was renamed as Bir Tikendrajit Park.

The Renaissance in Assam (Assam After the Revolt of 1857)

The effect and significance of the peasants’ rebellion

The increase of revenue collection greatly affected the income of the peasants, and their plight worsened every day. Though their rebellion was ruthlessly contained, the British realized that the tax-structure needed revision. The British Government became alarmed at the growing influence of the ‘Raijmel’ and considered it as a source of danger. Therefore, the Raijmel was banned. However, the brutal action of Government had created a stir throughout the India. The media supported the demands of the peasants. The Government became convinced of the popular discontent and did undertake some kinds of reformation of the tax and revenue structure.

Social and literacy consciousness in Assam

After the great saint and social reformer Sankardeva (1449-1568 AD) (Annexure-VI), the literary and social restructuring had begun in the British rule. Haliram Dhekial Phukan and Juggoram Khargharia Phukan made a humble beginning in 1831. Haliram wrote the Asam Buranji, the first historical work on Assam in Bengali and supported the cause of women’s education. His brother Juggaram was a close associate of Ram Mohan Roy of Bengal. He took the initiative in establishing English schools in Assam. In 1835, Capt. Jenkin, the then commissioner of Assam established the first government school known as Gauhati Seminary (Now Cotton Collegiate School). In 1836, American Missionaries began to publish books and journals after establishing a printing press. In 1813, the first Assamese book, a translation of Bible by Atmaram Sharma, was published from Serampore. Radhakant Kataki led on social reforms; he was a supporter of the liberation of slaves and freedom from bonded labour in Assam. Anandaram Dhekial Phukan and Maniram Dewan were two giant personalities in the 50s of 19th century. Maniram Dewan ended his life in his attempt at overthrowing the British rule from Assam. Anandaram Dhekial Phukan devoted himself to the improvement of Assamese society.

Anandaram Dhekial Phukan

Anandaram Dhekial Phukan born in 1829, the son of Holiram Dhekial Phukan, was the true representative of the new awakening in the modern age of enlightenment.  Anandaram started his school life in Gwahati. In 1841, the then commissioner Jenkins sponsored him to go to Calcutta and study in Hindu College. After studying for 3 years there, he came back to Guwahati and took further lessons in English from Mr. Blend. He also took up some lessons in Sanskrit and Urdu.

He got married in 1846 followed by joining in a government job in the subsequent year. He served as Dewan of the king of Bijani, Munsif, Junior Assistance Commissioner etc.

Anadaram Dhekial Phukan started his literary life at the age of 17. From then until his death his sole aim was the development of his land and its people never caring about his own health due to which Col. Hopkins compared him to the great Raja Rammohan Roy of West Bengal.

In 1847, Anandaram published Englandor Biwaran (Description of England) in Orunodoi, the first periodical in Assamese published in 1846. In 1849, he published Asomiya Lorar Mitra (Assamese children’s friend) in two volumes containing almost 400 pages which is considered as a milestone in the history of Assamese literature. In 1853, when Moffat Mills came to Assam to review the economic condition, Anadaram Dhekial Phukan by his presentation report written in lucid English which described the political and administrative scenario of Assam, in-depth analysis of problems faced by Assamese language and education system, reasons and solution to the poor economic condition of Assamese people etc. He published another book titled A few remarks on Assamese language in English in 1855 in which he discussed the independent criteria of the language and the grievous outcome of imposing Bengali as official language in Assam. This book mentions about 62 religious books and 40 plays. In addition, he started working on two dictionaries (Assamese to English, English to Assamese) and sent some part of those to Orunodoi but their fate remains unknown.

He came to realize that no real progress was possible without education. He harbored the idea that with the British as rulers, it would be possible to eradicate social evils only by progressive reforms. He proposed that the people should come out of their medieval orthodox outlook and acquire the knowledge of western science, literature and philosophy. He urged upon the British Government to impose a ban on the sale of opium. He was influenced by Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar and strongly supported the cause of women’s education and widow remarriage. He established the ‘Jnan Pradayii Sabha’ where they would meet weekly and discuss social reforms. He contributed much to the restoration of Assamese language to its rightful place. Anandaram Dhekial Phukan strongly argued in favor of replacing the Bengali by the Assamese.

Literary Consciousness

 Between 1826 and 1837 – the Assamese language had been in use in Assam in literature and official purposes. However, suddenly in 1837 the Bengali language replaced it by the British for their convenience as Assam was under Bengal Presidency. Therefore, the Assamese people had been expressing their dissatisfaction over the decision of the British government. It may be surmised that a sense of insecurity and a fear of loss of identity, which had hunted the Assamese middle class throughout the 19th century and forced them to setup a defensive force to protect their identity. Resolutions were passed in meetings, and petitions sent to the government for the restoration of the Assamese language. The American Baptists Missionaries also fought for Assamese language. In 1873, it was agreed to reintroduce Assamese as official language and medium of instruction in schools. Jaduram Barua, Gunaviram Barua, Hemchandra Barua and Lakshminath Bezbarua – all expressed their opposition to Bengali. All of them also advocated social reforms. Jaduram and Gunaviram both married widows. Hem Chandra Barua wrote about widow remarriage in Arunodoi. Lakshminath Bezbarua also attacked the social evils and superstitious beliefs through his writings. They opposed the use of opium. In these ways, the Assamese literature that was emerging began to touch new heights. News papers, debates and discussions created an intellectual revival and the ancient glories of Assam inspired the effort for freedom. The Christian missionaries worked as a strong force for the new beginning of Assamese literature. They established elementary schools and wrote text books in Assamese. Besides the translation of the Bible, they published Kamini Kantar Caritra and Alokeshi Vesyar Katha in 1877. In other words, they opened the door to the west and brought about a renaissance in the Assamese language. The period is memorable for the emergence of a group of Assamese writers, whose works are still regarded as classics in Assamese literature. Hem Chandra Barua wrote the Grammar of Assamese Language in 1856 and Hem Kosh in 1900, which laid foundation of the Assamese language and literature on solid ground. Gunaviram Barua introduced a new era by his publication of the earliest comprehensive history of Assam. He wrote the first Assamese biography: Anandaram Dhekial Phukanar Jivan Charitra. 1889 was a landmark in the history of the Assamese language and literature. The ‘Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha’ was established by Ramakanta Barkakati, Kanaklal Barua, Padmanath Gohainbarua and many other prominent Assamese writers. In 1889, Jonaki, the monthly Assamese magazine was published.  Chandra Kumar Aggarwala wrote “Pratima” in 1913 and “Bin Baragi” in 1923 on the idea of natural beauty. Ambikagiri Roy Choudhury wrote intensely patriotic poems like “Bandini Bharat” and “Satadhana”. However, writers like Jatindra Nath Dowera and Raghunath Choudhury appeared to be indifferent to social and political problems of that age. Nalini Devi wrote a series of highly patriotic poems. Hem Chandra Goswami was the first to write a sonnet “Priyatamar Chithi” (Letter from the Beloved) in 1889. Lakshmi Nath Bezbarua became the intrepid user of the genre of the short story.

Assam Sahitya Sabha

The Assam Sahitya Sabha was the most important literary organization of Assam. The establishment of the ‘Assam Sahitya Sabha’ in 1917 provided the common forum to the literatures of the province where it was possible to exchange views and to take concrete steps for the development of Assamese language and literature. It was a common platform for Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha and the Assamese Literary Society.  Ambikagiri RayChoudhury who was a poet, a writer and veteran freedom fighter, conceived this concept. Lakshminath Bezbarua helped him out. Before formal formation of Asam Sahitya Sabha, Sahitya Kandari Padma Nath Gohain Baruah had established Kohima Sahitya Sabha at Kohima, Nagaland, in the month of December, 1895. Padma Nath Gohain Baruah was Founder Secretary and a Bengali Gentlemen Mr. Nabin Chandra Bhattacherjee was the Founder President. There was an Office Building at the Heart of the Kohima Town, which was known as “LAL GHAR” due to painting with Red color. Late Govinda Chandra Paira, Dhan Bahadur Sonar and Hari Prasad Gorkha Rai were the main product of Kohima Sahitya Sabha, who were Honored by awarding Literary Pension by the Assam Government. The formation of Assam Sahitya Sabha was attendance by the representatives from all over Assam. Padmanath Gohai Barua and Sarat Chandra Goswami were the first president and secretary ( a list of the president of Assam Sahitya Sabha is mentioned in Annexure-VI). Some notable members were Nilamani Phukan, Debeswar Chaliha, Satyanath Bora etc. The Head Office was at Chandra Kanta Handique Bhavan at Jorhat, Bhagavati Prasad Baruah Bhavan at Guwahati and Rangsina Bhavon at Diphu. The aim of the Sabha is to develop Assamese Language and bring all other indigenous languages of Assam under one umbrella. Other than that the publish dictionary and folklores of Assam, develop art, culture and sculpture of Assam. They publish research journal, awarded young and talented writers, organize seminars and workshops. Till now they have published more than 800 books and also translate books from English and Sanskrit languages. Asam Sahitya Sabha Patrika is an official journal of the Asam Sahitya Sabha. The first issue was appeared in October, 1927. Chandradhar Barua was the founder editor of the journal.

The Assam Sahitya Sabha was always indifferent form Socio-Political movements.

Rise of socio-political organizations

‘Raijmels’ were the first political organization in Assam. After English education was underway, the educated middle class took charge of the Raijmels. They were well aware of the happenings all over India. In 1852 some intellectuals of Guwahati submitted a representation to the Government urging for introduction of Municipal administration in Guwahati. Though their effort did not succeed at that time, but it was perhaps the earliest organized effort to express public opinion. In 1885, ‘The Assam Desh Hitaisini Sabha’, a socio-cultural organization was formed in Sibsagar. In 1857-59 Anandaram Dhekial Phukan established the ‘Gyan Pradayini Sabha’, mainly for the spread of advanced knowledge among the people. Many more organizations were established in that period. Among them the three notable socio-political organizations which made major contributions to the national movement were – ‘Sarbajanik Sabha’, ‘Assam Association’ and ‘Chatra Sanmilan’.

The Sarbajanik Sabha:  It was the first political association of Assam. Founded by Jagannath Barua, it was established in 1884, and lasted until 1907. Its objectives were: (i) to present the wishes and aspirations of the people; (ii) to explain Governmental policies to the people and (iii) to promote the betterment of the condition of the people. They protested against the introduction of the Assam Land and Revenue Regulations of 1886. The Sabha supported the abolition of the cultivation of opium. They also took up the cause of opium cultivators and urged upon Government to improve their conditions. This Sabha brought political consciousness among the people, and made them aware of the harmful affect of British rule. The Sabha was open to all classes of people. These organizations created a healthy tradition of political association in Assam.

The Assam Association: – This was formed in 1903, but the inaugural session was held only after two years.  Prabhat Chandra Barua, Manik Chandra Barua, Phanidhar Chaliha and many others were the members of this association. The method of working of this Sabha was similar to the Sarbajanik Sabha. They believed in constitutional form of movement. They made resolutions first, and then appealed to the British government. They opposed the partition of Bengal. They opposed the grazing tax and realization of money by the government from the immoral trade of opium. But gradually they decided to join the freedom movement. In 1921, the Assam Provincial Congress Committee was formed and this association became its part.

The Assam Chatra Sanmilion: – In 1925, the first session of this organization was held in Guwahati. The president was Lakshminath Bezbarua. It was basically a literary organization. Initially they were not interested in politics. Afterwards they jumped into the bandwagon of the Swadeshi Movement. They carried on the call for using homemade articles and the boycott of foreign goods. They also demanded a separate University for Assam. This organization wielded much influence upon the student community. It spread its activities all over Assam. This association, through its activities imparted a sort of political training to the students who later on emerged as important political leaders at the provincial and national levels.

The Freedom Struggle in Assam(1921-1947):

Indian National Congress spearheaded freedom struggle in India. The congress was formed on 28th December 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay with the presence of 72 delegates. Allan Octavian Hume as Secretary and Umesh Chandra Benerjee as president, the committee was constituted with British and Indian representative. They want that there should be local representative in decision making for ruling the country. Accordingly, Dadabhai Naoroji was the first Indian representative in the House of Commons. However, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale , Sayed Ahmed Khan was not agreeing to the idea, Tilak was first to introduce the ‘Swaraj’ concept which was backed by Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai and they had shaped the demand of people and India’s national. Moderate Gopal Krishna Gokhlae, Pherozshah Mehta and Dadabhai Naoraji differed to the idea of Tilak. Moreover, Mohmad Ali Jinah and other Muslim leaders thought that the congress as pro-Hindu, therefore they formed the Muslim league in 1906. By that time, the congress also divided. However, the divided congress reunited after the first world war in the pivotal Lucknow session in 1916. The congress had introduced the idea of ‘Home Rule’, the Indian participation in their affair of their own country and Mohmad Ali Jinah and Mrs. Annie Besant were given the responsibility of organizing. In the meantime i.e. in 1916, Mohondas Karamchand Gandhi returned from South Africa and he had a different idea of non-violent civil disobedience ‘Satyagraha’. However, this was disagreed by Bipin Chandra Pal, M A Jinnah, Annie Besant, Bal Gangadhar Tilok and others but Motilal Neheru, Lala Lajpat Rai and host of new generation like Jawaharlal Neheru, Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel, Mulana Abul Kamal Azad, Rajendra Prasad, Chakravati Raja Gopal Chari and others. Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilok, whom Gandhi called as the Father of modern India, died in 1920. G K Gokhale died four years earlier to him in 1916. The hot-blooded Chittranjan Das, Subhas Chandra Bose also supported Gandhi. Gandhi became the president of congress in 1919 and his idea of non violent civil disobedience became a main instrument for freedom struggle. He also reduced the membership fees and established many Pradesh Congress Committees. In Assam, the Provincial Congress Committee was formed in 1921. Kuladhar Chaliha was the first president of the Provincial Congress. The freedom movement in Assam gained much strength from this time onwards. Mahatma Gandhi visited Assam in August 1921. His presence in person and the speech delivered by him in the meeting deeply touched the minds of the people of Assam. Responding his call, the lawyers, government officers, and teachers left their jobs to devote themselves to the cause of the nation. Assam was brought to the mainstream of the national movement after Gandhijis visit. ‘Khadi’ and ‘Chakra’ became immensely popular in Assam. In 1926, for the first time in Assam Congress session was held at Pandu. Gandhi and many other leaders of congress attended the meeting. It is to be noted that the entire pandal of the session were made from the Khadi cloths, which were weaved by the Assamese woman nearby. Gandhiji was impressed by the weaving quality of Assam. The people of Assam successfully implemented the Non-Cooperation Movement. They organized strikes, processions and boycott of foreign goods. The most important factor was that the tea-workers also joined in this movement. The tea-garden workers of Chandpur wanted to go back to their original place Chotanagpur. However, the British authority could not allow this. This led to the strikes of the Assam-Bengal Railway workers and the Steamer Navigation services.  There was also a strike against the opium habit. The Congress volunteers made a door-to-door campaign against opium. The participation of the womenfolk was an important feature of the Non Cooperation Movement. Bidyutprabha Devi and Hemanta Kumari Devi were among them. The student community played a significant role to make the movement a success. Although the movement was a failure, it left a tremendous impact on the people. Gandhiji immediately suspended the movement after the Chouri-Choura incident. This led to the formation of a wing of the Swarajya Party in Assam. Tarunram Phukan was elected its president and Gopinath Bardoloi the secretary. This party emerged from some local organizations. They began to organize agitation on social and economic issues. The ‘Asamiya Sabha’ was founded by Ambikagiri Roy Choudhury. The Sabha launched an intense propaganda for preserving the cultural identity of Assam. The ‘Krishak Sanmilini’ was another organization which operated at the economic level. They organized protest against the oppression of the peasantry.

In 1927, the Simon Commission was appointed. In 1929, in the Lahore session the National Congress Committee declared the demand for complete independence. A fake celebration of ‘Independence Day’ was celebrated on 26th January 1930. It was the preparation for the launching of the Civil Disobedience movement.  The student community of Assam played an important role here. The arrest of Gandhiji and Jawaharlal Nehru touched the hearts of the Assamese people. They tried to oppose the British every possible way. In 1930, the ‘Cunningham Circular’ was implemented, which forbade students from joining any political activities. The students all over Assam protested against this circular. However, the British did not spare the agitating students. As a result, some new schools were established – these were the Kamrup Academy of Guwahati, Sibsagar Vidyapith and so on.  The impact of the civil disobedience movement was also felt among the hill tribes. As per the provision of the Government of India Act, 1935, elections were held and Sir Muhammad Saadulla heading a coalition ministry became the first Chief Minister of Assam. But he failed to hold on to the post, and as a result, the opposition party under leadership of Gopinath Bardoloi came to power. On 19 September, 1938, Bardoloi became the Chief Minister of Assam. The Bordoloi ministry immediately stopped opium cultivation, reduced the land revenue, and restricted illegal immigration. Immigration was encouraged by the British Government; the massive immigration from East Bengal (a large number of Muslims) altered the demographic pattern in several districts of Assam.

At the beginning of World War II, the Bardoloi ministry tendered its resignation in compliance with the decision of the All India Congress Committee. On consequence, the Saadulla ministry came into power. However, he insisted in collection of money for the war-fund, which was opposed by the students union. The students of Cotton College protested against these fund collections. They were contained with a lathi-charge, where at least 40 students were seriously injured. This incident led to the resignation of the government. In 1942, the war took a serious turn. To meet the situation, the British Government sent the Cripps’s Mission to India. However, he put forward few proposals, which were not accepted by the Congress and the Muslim league. In 1942, the Congress Committee in their session at Bombay adopted the famous ‘Quit India Resolution’ and decided to launch a movement. In a historic speech Gandhiji raised the slogan ‘Do or die’. The prominent leaders of Assam were arrested. It was a mass movement; the student community played a significant role.  Under-ground organizations also emerged in the course of the movement. Many sacrificed their life in the struggle and became martyrs of freedom struggle. Few of them are Kanaklata Baruah, Mukunda Kakoti, Bhogeswari Phukanani, Thogi Sut, Kushal Konwar, Nidhanu Rajbongshi, Ratan Kachari and others. (See Annexure-VII). Kushal Konwar was the only martyr of Quit India Movement who was hanged. Dramatic changes were taking place in Indian politics. Elections were held in 1946. In Assam, the Congress obtained absolute majority, and Gopinath Bardoloi became the Chief Minister and Basanta Kumar Das became the Home Minister.  Three members of the British cabinet reached India in 1946 under the ‘Cabinet Mission’. Their Grouping Plan was introduced in Assam, but the Assamese people rejected it. Gandhiji was sympathetic to the resentment of the people of Assam against the Grouping Plan. With the acceptance of Mountbatten’s plan, the ant grouping agitation in Assam ended.  Based on Mountbatten’s plan the Indian Independence Bill, 1947, was passed in the British Parliament in 1947. The Act provided the transfer of power to two dominions, India and Pakistan, which came into effect on August 15, 1947.  After independence, Akbar Hydari became the first Indian Governor of Assam. The first general election in free India was held in 1952.  In Assam, the Congress party won the election and returned to the Assam Legislative Assembly with a huge majority.  Gopinath Bardoloi became the first Chief Minister of Assam in Independent India.

Bardoloi founded the Gauhati University in 1948, the first University of Assam. Assam High Court, the Assam Medical College, the Jorhat Agricultural College, and Assam Engineering College were established in the very first term of the government of Assam in independent India. An All India Radio Station was also opened at Guwahati. Gopinath Bardoloi died in 1950 and was succeeded by Bishnuram Medhi as the Chief Minister.

A Brief Historical Profile of Assam Legislative Assembly

The Assam Legislative Assembly came into being on the day of its first sitting on April 7, 1937 in the Assembly Chamber at Shillong, the erstwhile Capital of the composite State of Assam. Situated in the northeast part of the Country, Assam has had a glorious history of her own. Popularly known as the ethnological museum of India, Assam has been described as a Mini-India, having a rich cultural heritage with diverse races, religions and cultures. Assam under the provisions of the India Council Act, 1861 did not have its own democratic institution but was tagged with East Bengal in 1905 and the Institution was then called “Legislative Council of Eastern Bengal and Assam”, which started functioning from December 18, 1906. In 1909, the Council had strength of 40 members and out of the 40 seats, Assam was allotted only 5. In 1912 Assam was reconstituted into a Chief Commissioners’ province. In the year 1913, after Assam was granted a Legislative Council under the Government of India Act, 1909, the Assam Legislative Council came into being with strength of 34 members of which 13 were nominated by the Chief Commissioner and 21 were elected by the people. The Legislative Council of Assam first met on the 6th January, 1913 at 11 AM at Shillong, which was presided over by Sir Archdale Easle, the Chief Commissioner of Assam. Under the Government of India Act 1919, the strength of the Legislative Council was raised to 53 members with effect from 1st April, 1921 of which 41 were elected members and the remaining 12 were nominated.

The Government of India Act, 1935 was adopted by the British Parliament on 2nd August, 1935 and was implemented in 1937. The Government of India Act 1935 made provisions for a Legislative Assembly in each province and as a result the Legislature in Assam became bicameral. The Assam Legislative Assembly had strength of 108 members and all of them were elected members. The strength of the Legislative Council (the Upper House) was not less than 21 and not more than 22 members. After the partition of India, the Sylhet district of Assam was transferred to the then east Pakistan by a referendum and the strength of the Assembly was reduced to 71. However, after Independence, the strength of members was again raised to 108. The bicameral Assam Legislative Assembly became unicameral with the abolition of the Assam Legislative Council in 1947. In the years that followed, Assam was truncated into several smaller states. In 1963, Nagaland came into being as a separate State. With the passing of North Eastern (Reorganization Areas) Act in 1971 by the Parliament, Meghalaya became a full-fledged state. Subsequently, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh also followed suit. After the creation of Meghalaya as a separate state, Shillong continued to be the joint capital of both Assam and Meghalaya. However, in 1972, the Government of Assam decided to shift the Capital to Dispur, Guwahati. Accordingly, the first sitting of the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly was held at the temporary capital at Dispur on the 16th March, 1973. With the changing geographical boundaries together with the shifts in the population graph of Assam, the strength of members of the Assam Legislative Assembly has fluctuated during the last fifty odd years. In 1952-57 it was 108, reaching still lower to 105 in 1957-62 (the Second Assembly) and then to 114 in 1967-72 (the third Assembly) until it reached a strength of 126 members in 1972-78 (the fifth Assembly) and it has continued to maintain that figure till the 11th Assembly. 

Referrences :  Books

A History of Assam by Sir Edward Gait
History of Assam by Damodar Nath
Tungkhungiya Buranji By , S.K.Bhuyan
Political History of Assam By H.K.Barpujari and
The Comprehensive History of Assam Vol-I, Vol-II, Vol-III, Vol-V
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

POST INDEPENDENCE ERA

Assam along with India became independent on 15th August 1947 and became Easternmost state of the country. After independence, Akbar Hydari became the first Indian Governor of Assam. The first general election in free India was held in 1952.  In Assam, the Congress party won the election and returned to the Assam Legislative Assembly with a huge majority.  Gopinath Bardoloi became the first Chief Minister of Assam in Independent India.

The list of Governors and Chief Ministers are shown in Annexure –VIII and IX respectively. A brief life history of the ministers also mentioned in Annexure-IXA. The major happenings are mentioned below.

1950 Earth Quake: The origin of the earthquake was Rima in Tibet. The magnitude of the earthquake is 8.7 in the Richter scale. At least 780 people killed and many buildings collapsed in the Nyingchi-Qamdo-Zhamo (Rima, Zayu) area of eastern Tibet. Sand blows, ground cracks and large landslides occurred in the area. In the Medog area, the village of Yedong slid into the Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) River and was washed away. The quake was felt at Lhasa and in Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, China. Severe damage also occurred in the Sibsagar-Sadiya area of Assam, India and in the surrounding hills. About 70 villages were destroyed and killed approx.156 people in the Abor Hills, mostly by landslides. Large landslides blocked the Subansiri River. This natural dam broke 8 days later, creating a wave 7 m (23 ft) high which inundated several villages and killed 536 people. The quake was felt (VI) as far away as Calcutta.

Intensity scale X at Sadiya, Passighat, Dum Duma, Dibrugarh, North Lakhimpur, and Sibsagar; IX at Digboi and Galaghat; VIII at Tezpur, Ganhati, and Shillong; VI at Daca, Calcutta Dhubri, Darjeeling, and Imphal. Macroseismic area was 1,794,000 sq km, of which 49,700 sq km suffered great damage.

Refinery Movement (1956-57): On discovery of Naharkatia field in the 50’s in upper Assam by AOD (BOC), the production of 2.5 million tons per annum (MTPA) of crude oil was expected. For refining the crude, a refinery was proposed. Government of India wanted to establish the refinery at Barauni in Bihar considering the defense and utility angle, however, AOD proposed it at Calcutta. But the people of Assam wanted that it should be established within Assam. Therefore, A Refinery Action Committee was formed in 1956. Hareswar Goswami, Hem Baruah (both are from Prja Socialist Party) and J J M Nichols Roy representing hills, led the action committee. On 3rd April 1956 a resolution was taken in Assam Assembly in support of establishing the proposed refinery in Assam. On 27th August Petroleum Minister Malaviya on his visit to Assam told that the possibility of establishing refinery in Assam was 1 in 100. On 28th August 1956, a wide spread protest was staged all over Assam with the arrest of 306 people. At that time Bishnu Ram Medhi was the Chief Minister of Assam. Government of India (GOI), constituted an expert committee headed by S Basistha, Advisor to the Ministry of Railways and members from French and Romania, to finalise the site for the refinery. In the mean time, the Action Committee met the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on 18th October 1956 and discussed the issue. In June 1957, GOI decided to set up the refinery at Barauni. All members of Assam Legislative Assembly came together on 17th June 1957 against the order. They thought that there is a right on one’s own resource. Oil Refinery Action Committee organized a successful conference on 28th and 29th June of 1657 on the issue and decided to go for two phased agitation program. In the first phase it was decided to boycott the Assembly session on 1st and 2nd July 1957 and abstained from the inaugural function of Umtro Hydro Electric Project on 9th July 1957. All MPs from Assam were requested to boycott the national Assembly on 15th July and on the same day public meeting and rallies would be arranged. Resolution of the meetings and Memorandum would be sent to Prime Minister and Minister of Petroleum.

In the 2nd phase, all MPs and MLAs of Assam had to be resigned and on 29th July 1957 general strike was observed. ‘Satyagrah” was called from 14th August and on 4th November 1957 approx. 1000 satyagrahis were arrested.

Government of India agreed for a refinery ( Gauhati Refinery) under a Public sector (Indian Oil Coperation) and also a second refinery would be established at Barauni in Bihar.

Language Movement “Bhasha Andolon” (1960): Under the guidance of central government, Assam Official Language Bill was introduced on 3rd March 1960 by the then Bimala Prasad Chaliha government declaring Assamese as the lone official language in Assam Province. Hill Districts and Bengali Speaking districts like Cachar protested against the bill. On 16th April 1960 counter movement against the Bill was lunched at Silchar in the form of Public assembly. There was movement in support of the Bill in the Brahmaputra Valley. On 4th July 1960, Superintendent of Police P B Pabbi with his revolver killed Ranjit Borpujari, a resident of Cotton College Hostel while he was going to the toilet in his casual dress (declared as martyr of language movement). His body was taken through the Great Trunk Road (Now NH-37) through the populated areas, which might instigate for the communal riot. Many Bengali families’ property had been damaged due to arsons in the Brahmaputra valley. Many of them were displaced and taken shelters in the relief camps. A committee of Parliamentarians lead by Ajit Prasad Jain visited Assam to study the facts of the Communal riots and suggested the central government to send Govinda Ballabh Pant to Assam to study and access the situation. The then Chief Minister of Assam, Bimala Prasad Chaliha reconfirmed that his position against the language bill as same as it was proposed. The people of Cachar was dissatisfied on that and decided to intensify the ongoing movement against it. On 14th April 1961, people of Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj observed Sankalpa Divas (Promise Day). On 24th April 1961 large processions were organized around Silchar and Karimganj which was ended on 2nd May 1961. On 19th May 1961, a bandh was called, the movement was spearheaded by Paritosh Pal Choudhary and many others. On that day at about 2.30 PM in front of Silchar Railway Station, to disperse the large gathering of agitated protestors, army/ police open fired on the crown killing 11 of them and many others injured. They were declared as Bhasa Sahid ( a list of Martyrs is in Annexure- XIII) and the day is observed as Bhasa Sahid Divas. Central Government appointed Lal Bahadur Sashtri to look into the matter. State Government taking cue of the Shastri’s formula in October 1961, amended the Assam Official Language Act 1960 that Assamese is the official language of Assam. However, in case of Cachar, Bengali is the official language in addition to Assamese.

Sino-India war: There was dispute between India and China for the boundary since from ancient time.

W. H. Johnson, a civil servant with the Survey of India, proposed the “Johnson Line” in 1865, which put Aksai Chin in Kashmir. Johnson’s work was severely criticized as inaccurate. In 1878 the Chinese had reconquered Xinjiang. By 1892, China had erected boundary markers at Karakoram Pass.

In 1893, Hung Ta-chen, a senior Chinese official at Kashgar, handed a map of the boundary proposed by China to George Macartney, the British consul-general at Kashgar. This boundary placed the Lingzi Tang plains, which are south of the Laktsang range, in India, and Aksai Chin proper, which is north of the Laktsang range, in China. Macartney agreed with the proposal and forwarded it to the British Indian government. The British presented this line, known as the Macartney-MacDonald line, to the Chinese in 1899 in a note by Sir Claude MacDonald. In 1911 the Xinhai Revolution resulted in power shifts in China, and by the end of World War I, the British officially used the Johnson Line. However, they took no steps to establish outposts or assert actual control on the ground. According to Nevillea Maxwell, there were as many as eleven boundary lines used by British India. After independence in 15th August 1947, Government of India followed the Johonson line and included Aksai Chin within India. On 1st July 1954, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru asserted that Johonson line to be the boundary between India and China which would not be negotiable. However, in 1956-57, China constructed a road through Aksai Chin connecting Xingjiang and Tibet, which run to the south of Jhonson line in many place.

On the other hand, on the eastern most side, after Yandabo treaty in 1826, British India gain the common boundary with China and MacMohon line recognized by the British as the boundary which was based on Simla Accord in 1914 and drawn by the then Foreign Secretary Sir Henry MacMohan. However, China did not sign the accord in protest against the internal boundary of Tibet and did not recognize MacMohan line as boundary. China took the position that the Tibetan government should not have been allowed to make such a treaty, rejecting Tibet’s claims of independent rule. For its part, Tibet did not object to any section of the McMahon Line excepting the demarcation of the trading town of Tawang, which the Line placed under British-Indian jurisdiction. However, up until World War II, Tibetan officials were allowed to administer Tawang with complete authority. Due to the increased threat of Japanese and Chinese expansion during this period, British Indian troops secured the town as part of the defense of India’s eastern border.

India also had a principle that the highest peak of the Himalaya should be the boundary between India and China and many peaks situated north of Macmohan line, which should fall under India. However, China claimed that these areas were historically and culturally in Tibet and as Tibet was under China, these areas were integral part of China. Months after the Simla agreement, China set up boundary markers south of the McMahon Line. T. O’Callaghan, an official in the Eastern Sector of the North East Frontier, relocated all these markers to a location slightly south of the McMahon Line, and then visited Rima to confirm with Tibetan officials that there was no Chinese influence in the area. The British-run Government of India initially rejected the Simla Agreement as incompatible with the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907, which stipulated that neither party was to negotiate with Tibet “except through the intermediary of the Chinese government”. The British and Russians cancelled the 1907 agreement by joint consent in 1921. It was not until the late 1930s that the British started to use the McMahon Line on official maps of the region.

The cause of the war was a dispute over the sovereignty of the widely separated Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh border regions. Aksai Chin, claimed by India to belong to Kashmir and by China to be part of Xinjiang, contains an important road link that connects the Chinese regions of Tibet and Xinjiang. China’s construction of this road was one of the triggers of the conflict. The road came on Chinese maps published in 1958.

In the 1950s, India began actively patrolling the region. It found that, at multiple locations, the highest ridges actually fell north of the McMahon Line. Given India’s historic position that the original intent of the line was to separate the two nations by the highest mountains in the world, in these locations India extended its forward posts northward to the ridges, regarding this move as compliant with the original border proposal, although the Simla Convention did not explicitly state this intention.

The 1940s saw huge change in South Asia with the Partition of India in 1947 (resulting in the establishment of the two new states of India and Pakistan), and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949. One of the most basic policies for the new Indian government was that of maintaining cordial relations with China, reviving its ancient friendly ties. India was among the first nations to grant diplomatic recognition to the newly created PRC.

At the time, Chinese officials issued no condemnation of Nehru’s claims or made any opposition to Nehru’s open declarations of control over Aksai Chin. In 1956, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai stated that he had no claims over Indian controlled territory. He later argued that Aksai Chin was already under Chinese jurisdiction and that the McCartney MacDonald Line was the line China could accept. Zhou later argued that as the boundary was undemarcated and had never been defined by treaty between any Chinese or Indian government, the Indian government could not unilaterally define Aksai Chin’s borders.

In 1954, Prime Minister Nehru wrote a memo calling for India’s borders to be clearly defined and demarcated; in line with previous Indian philosophy, Indian maps showed a border that, in some places, lay north of the McMahon Line. Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, in November 1956, again repeated Chinese assurances that the People’s Republic had no claims on Indian territory, although official Chinese maps showed 120,000 square kilometres (46,000 sq mi) of territory claimed by India as Chinese. CIA documents created at the time revealed that Nehru had ignored Burmese premier Ba Swe when he warned Nehru to be cautious when dealing with Zhou. They also allege that Zhou purposefully told Nehru that there were no border issues with India.

In 1954, China and India negotiated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, by which the two nations agreed to abide in settling their disputes. India presented a frontier map which was accepted by China, and the slogan Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai (Indians and Chinese are brothers) was popular then. However, Nehru in 1958, had privately told G. Parthasarathi, the Indian envoy to China not to trust the Chinese at all and send all communications directly to him, bypassing the Defence Minister VK Krishna Menon since his communist background clouded his thinking about China.

This apparent progress in relations suffered a major setback when, in 1959, Nehru accommodated the Tibetan religious leader at the time, the 14th Dalai Lama, who fled Lhasa after a failed Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule. The Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, Mao Zedong, was enraged and asked the Xinhua News Agency to produce reports on Indian expansionists operating in Tibet.

Border incidents continued through this period. In August 1959, the People’s Liberation Army took an Indian prisoner at Longju, which had an ambiguous position in the McMahon Line, and two months later in Aksai Chin, a clash led to the death of nine Indian frontier policemen.

On 2 October 1959, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev defended Nehru in a meeting with Mao. This action reinforced China’s impression that the Soviet Union, the United States and India all had expansionist designs on China. The People’s Liberation Army went so far as to prepare a self-defense counterattack plan. Negotiations were restarted between the nations, but no progress was made.

In 1960, Zhou Enlai unofficially suggested that India drop its claims to Aksai Chin in return for a Chinese withdrawal of claims over NEFA. Adhering to his stated position, Nehru believed that China did not have a legitimate claim over either of these territories, and thus was not ready to concede them. This adamant stance was perceived in China as Indian opposition to Chinese rule in Tibet. Nehru declined to conduct any negotiations on the boundary until Chinese troops withdrew from Aksai Chin, a position supported by the international community. India produced numerous reports on the negotiations, and translated Chinese reports into English to help inform the international debate. China believed that India was simply securing its claim lines in order to continue its “grand plans in Tibet”. India’s stance that China withdraw from Aksai Chin caused continual deterioration of the diplomatic situation to the point that internal forces were pressuring Nehru to take a military stance against China.

At the beginning of 1961, Nehru appointed General B. M. Kaul as army Chief of General Staff, but he refused to increase military spending and prepare for a possible war. According to James Barnard Calvin of the U.S. Navy, in 1959, India started sending Indian troops and border patrols into disputed areas. This program created both skirmishes and deteriorating relations between India and China. The aim of this policy was to create outposts behind advancing Chinese troops to interdict their supplies, forcing them north of the disputed line. This is the ‘Forward policy’ as adopted by India against Chinese aggression in the boarder. There were eventually 60 such outposts, including 43 north of the McMahon Line, to which India claimed sovereignty. China viewed this as further confirmation of Indian expansionist plans directed towards Tibet. According to the Indian official history, implementation of the Forward Policy was intended to provide evidence of Indian occupation in the previously unoccupied region through which Chinese troops had been advancing. Kaul was confident, through contact with Indian Intelligence and CIA information that China would not react with force. Indeed, at first, the PLA simply withdrew, but eventually Chinese forces began to counter-encircle the Indian positions, which clearly encroached into the north of McMahon Line. This led to a tit-for-tat Indian reaction, with each force attempting to outmaneuver the other. However, despite the escalating nature of the dispute, the two forces withheld from engaging each other directly.

Chinese attention was diverted for a time by the military activity of the Nationalists on Taiwan, but on 23 June the U.S. assured China that a Nationalist invasion would not be permitted. China’s heavy artillery facing Taiwan could then be moved to Tibet. It took China six to eight months to gather the resources needed for the war, according to Anil Athale, author of the official Indian history. The Chinese sent a large quantity of non-military supplies to Tibet through the Indian port of Calcutta.

Various border conflicts and “military incidents” between India and China flared up throughout the summer and autumn of 1962. In May, the Indian Air Force was told not to plan for close air support, although it was assessed as being a feasible way to counter the unfavorable ratio of Chinese to Indian troops. In June, a skirmish caused the deaths of dozens of Chinese troops. The Indian Intelligence Bureau received information about a Chinese buildup along the border which could be a precursor to war. During June–July 1962, Indian military planners began advocating “probing actions” against the Chinese, and accordingly, moved mountain troops forward to cut off Chinese supply lines. According to Patterson, the Indian motives were threefold:

  1. Test Chinese resolve and intentions regarding India.
  2. Test whether India would enjoy Soviet backing in the event of a Sino-Indian war.
  3. Create sympathy for India within the U.S., with whom relations had deteriorated after the Indian annexation of Goa.

Confrontation at Thag La:

In June 1962, Indian forces established an outpost at Dhola, on the southern slopes of the Thag La Ridge. Dhola lay north of the McMahon Line but south of the ridges along which India interpreted the McMahon Line to run. In August, China issued diplomatic protests and began occupying positions at the top of Thag La. On 8 September, a 60-strong PLA unit descended to the south side of the ridge and occupied positions that dominated one of the Indian posts at Dhola. Fire was not exchanged, but Nehru said to the media that the Indian Army had instructions to “free our territory” and the troops had been given discretion to use force. On 11 September, it was decided that “all forward posts and patrols were given permission to fire on any armed Chinese who entered Indian territory”. However, the operation to occupy Thag La was flawed in that Nehru’s directives were unclear and it got underway very slowly because of this. In addition to this, each man had to carry 35 kilograms (77 lb) over the long trek and this severely slowed down the reaction. By the time the Indian battalion reached the point of conflict, Chinese units controlled both banks of the Namka Chu River. On 20 September, Chinese troops threw grenades at Indian troops and a firefight developed, triggering a long series of skirmishes for the rest of September.

On 3 October, a week before the start of the war, Zhou Enlai visited Nehru in New Delhi promising there would be no war. On 4 October, Kaul assigned some troops to secure regions south of the Thag La Ridge. Kaul decided to first secure Yumtso La, a strategically important position, before re-entering the lost Dhola post. Kaul had then realised that the attack would be desperate and the Indian government tried to stop an escalation into all-out war. Indian troops marching to Thag La had suffered in the previously unexperienced conditions; two Gurkha soldiers died of pulmonary edema.

On 10 October, an Indian Punjabi patrolling party of 50 troops to Yumtso La had to face of some 1,000 soldiers Chinese soldiers. Indian troops were in no position for battle. The Chinese troops opened fire on the Indians under their belief that they were north of the McMahon Line. The Indians were surrounded by Chinese positions, which used mortar fire and resisted the Chinese attack. At this point, the Indian troops were in a position to push the Chinese back with mortar and machine gun fire. However, Brigadier Dalvi opted not to fire, as it would mean decimating the Rajput who were still in the area of the Chinese regrouping. They helplessly watched the Chinese ready themselves for a second assault. In the second Chinese assault, the Indians began their retreat, realising the situation was hopeless. The Indian patrol suffered 25 casualties, and the Chinese 33. The Chinese troops held their fire as the Indians retreated, and then buried the Indian dead with military honours, as witnessed by the retreating soldiers. This was the first occurrence of heavy fighting in the war.

This attack had grave implications for India and Nehru tried to solve the issue, but by 18 October, it was clear that the Chinese were preparing for an attack on India, with massive troop buildups on the border. A long line of mules and porters had also been observed supporting the buildup and reinforcement of positions south of the Thag La Ridge.

The Indian side was confident war would not be triggered and made little preparations. India had only two divisions of troops in the region of the conflict. In August 1962, Brigadier D. K. Palit claimed that a war with China in the near future could be ruled out. Even in September 1962, when Indian troops were ordered to “expel the Chinese” from Thag La, Maj. General J. S. Dhillon expressed the opinion that “experience in Ladakh had shown that a few rounds fired at the Chinese would cause them to run away.” Because of this, the Indian army was completely unprepared when the attack at Yumtso La occurred.

Recently declassified CIA documents which were compiled at the time reveal that India’s estimates of Chinese capabilities made them neglect their military in favour of economic growth. It is claimed that if a more military-minded man had been in place instead of Nehru, India would have been more likely to be ready for the threat of a counter-attack from China.

Mao and the Chinese leadership issued a directive laying out the objectives for the war. A main assault would be launched in the eastern sector, which would be coordinated with a smaller assault in the western sector. All Indian troops within China’s claimed territories in the eastern sector would be expelled, and the war would be ended with a unilateral Chinese ceasefire and withdrawal to prewar positions, followed by a return to the negotiating table. India led the Non-Aligned Movement, Nehru enjoyed international prestige, and China, with a larger military, would be portrayed as an aggressor. However, he said that a well-fought war “will guarantee at least thirty years of peace” with India, and determined the benefits to offset the costs.

China also reportedly bought significant amount of Indian Rupee currency notes from Hong Kong, supposedly to distribute amongst its soldiers in preparation for the war.

On 8 October, additional veteran and elite divisions were ordered to prepare to move into Tibet from the Chengdu and Lanzhou military regions. On 12 October, Nehru declared that he had ordered the Indian army to “clear Indian territory in the NEFA of Chinese invaders” and personally met with Kaul, issuing instructions to him.

On 14 October, an editorial on People’s Daily issued China’s final warning to India: “So it seems that Mr. Nehru has made up his mind to attack the Chinese frontier guards on an even bigger scale….It is high time to shout to Mr. Nehru that the heroic Chinese troops, with the glorious tradition of resisting foreign aggression, can never be cleared by anyone from their own territory… If there are still some maniacs who are reckless enough to ignore our well-intentioned advice and insist on having another try, well, let them do so. History will pronounce its inexorable verdict… At this critical moment…we still want to appeal once more to Mr. Nehru: better rein in at the edge of the precipice and do not use the lives of Indian troops as stakes in your gamble.”

Marshal Liu Bocheng headed a group to determine the strategy for the war. He concluded that the opposing Indian troops were among India’s best, and to achieve victory would require deploying crack troops and relying on force concentration to achieve decisive victory. On 16 October, this war plan was approved, and on the 18th, the final approval was given by the Politburo for a “self-defensive counter-attack”, scheduled for 20 October.

On 20 October 1962, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army launched two attacks, 1000 kilometers apart. In the western theatre, the PLA sought to expel Indian forces from the Chip Chap valley in Aksai Chin while in the eastern theatre, the PLA sought to capture both banks of the Namka Chu river. Some skirmishes also took place at the Nathula Pass, which is in the Indian state of Sikkim (an Indian protectorate at that time). Gurkha rifles travelling north were targeted by Chinese artillery fire. After four days of fierce fighting, the three regiments of Chinese troops succeeded in securing a substantial portion of the disputed territory.

Chinese troops launched an attack on the southern banks of the Namka Chu River on 20 October. The Indian forces were undermanned, with only an under strength battalion to support them, while the Chinese troops had three regiments positioned on the north side of the river. The Indians expected Chinese forces to cross via one of five bridges over the river and defended those crossings. However, the PLA bypassed the defenders by crossing the shallow October river instead. They formed up into battalions on the Indian-held south side of the river under cover of darkness, with each battalion assigned against a separate group of Rajputs.

At 5:14 am, Chinese mortar fire began attacking the Indian positions. Simultaneously, the Chinese cut the Indian telephone lines, preventing the defenders from making contact with their headquarters. At about 6:30 am, the Chinese infantry launched a surprise attack from the rear and forced the Indians to leave their trenches.

The Chinese troops overwhelmed the Indians in a series of flanking maneuvers south of the McMahon Line and prompted their withdrawal from Namka Chu. Fearful of continued losses, Indian troops escaped into Bhutan. Chinese forces respected the border and did not pursue. Chinese forces now held all of the territory that was under dispute at the time of the Thag La confrontation, but they continued to advance into the rest of NEFA. On 22 October, at 12:15 am, PLA mortars fired on Walong, on the McMahon line. Flares launched by Indian troops the next day revealed numerous Chinese milling around the valley. The Indians tried to use their mortars against the Chinese but the PLA responded by lighting a bushfire, causing confusion amongst the Indians. Some 400 Chinese troops attacked the Indian position. The initial Chinese assault was halted by accurate Indian mortar fire. The Chinese were then reinforced and launched a second assault. The Indians managed to hold them back for four hours, but the Chinese used sheer weight of numbers to break through. Most Indian forces to withdraw to established positions in Walong, while a company supported by mortars and medium machine guns remained to cover the retreat.

On the morning 23 October, the Indians discovered a Chinese force gathered in a cramped pass and opened fire with mortars and machine guns, leading to heavy fighting. About 200 Chinese soldiers were killed and wounded in this action. Nine Indian soldiers were also killed. The fighting continued well into the afternoon, until the company was ordered to withdraw. Meanwhile, the 4th Sikhs made contact with the Chinese and subjected them to withering mortar and machine gun fire as the Chinese set off a brushfire and attempted to sneak forward. Sepoy Piara Singh tried to douse the fire while fighting the enemy, but died after he was wounded and refused to be evacuated.

Elsewhere, Chinese troops were launched a three-pronged attack on Tawang, which the Indians evacuated without any resistance.

Over the following days, there were clashes between Indian and Chinese patrols at Walong as the Chinese rushed in reinforcements. On 25 October, the Chinese made a probe, which was met with resistance from the 4th Sikhs. As some Chinese soldiers began to close in, Sepoy Kewal Singh charged them with his bayonet and killed a few of them in hand-to-hand combat, but he himself was killed. The following day, a patrol from the 4th Sikhs was encircled, and after being unable to break the encirclement, an Indian unit sneaked in and attacked the Chinese flank, allowing the Sikhs to break free.

 

The map shows the Indian and Chinese claims of the border in the Aksai Chin region, the Macartney-MacDonald line, the Foreign Office Line, as well as the progress of Chinese forces as they occupied areas during the Sino-Indian War.

On the Aksai Chin front, China already controlled most of the disputed territory. Chinese forces quickly swept the region of any remaining Indian troops. Late on 19 October, Chinese troops launched a number of attacks throughout the western theatre. By 22 October, all posts north of Chushul had been cleared.

On 20 October, the Chinese easily took the Chip Chap Valley, Galwan Valley, and Pangong Lake.[47] Many outposts and garrisons along the Western front were unable to defend against the surrounding Chinese troops. Most Indian troops positioned in these posts offered resistance but were either killed or taken prisoner. Indian support for these outposts was not forthcoming, as evidenced by the Galwan post, which had been surrounded by enemy forces in August, but no attempt made to relieve the besieged garrison. Following the 20 October attack, nothing was heard from Galwan.

On 24 October, Indian forces fought hard hold the Rezang La Ridge, in order to prevent a nearby airstrip from falling to the Chinese.

After realizing the magnitude of the attack, the Indian Western Command withdrew many of the isolated outposts to the south-east. Daulet Beg Oldi was also evacuated, but it was south of the Chinese claim line and was not approached by Chinese forces. Indian troops were withdrawn in order to consolidate and regroup in the event that China probed south of their claim line.

By 24 October, the PLA had entered territory previously administered by India to give the PRC a diplomatically strong position over India. The majority of Chinese forces had advanced sixteen kilometres south of the control line prior to the conflict. Four days of fighting were followed by a three-week lull. Zhou ordered the troops to stop advancing as he attempted to negotiate with Nehru. The Indian forces had retreated into more heavily fortified positions around Se La and Bombdi La which would be difficult to assault. Zhou sent Nehru a letter, proposing

  1. A negotiated settlement of the boundary

  2. That both sides disengage and withdraw twenty kilometres from present lines of actual control

  3. A Chinese withdrawal north in NEFA

  4. That China and India not cross lines of present control in Aksai Chin.

Nehru’s 27 October reply expressed interest in the restoration of peace and friendly relations and suggested a return to the “boundary prior to 8 September 1962”. He was categorically concerned about a mutual twenty kilometre withdrawal after “40 or 60 kilometres of blatant military aggression”. He wanted the creation of a larger immediate buffer zone and thus resist the possibility of a repeat offensive. Zhou’s 4 November reply repeated his 1959 offer to return to the McMahon Line in NEFA and the Chinese traditionally claimed MacDonald Line in Aksai Chin. Facing Chinese forces maintaining themselves on Indian soil and trying to avoid political pressure, the Indian parliament announced a national emergency and passed a resolution which stated their intent to “drive out the aggressors from the sacred soil of India”. The United States and the United Kingdom supported India’s response. However, the Soviet Union was preoccupied with the Cuban Missile Crisis and did not offer the support it had provided in previous years. With the backing of other great powers, on 14 November, Nehru wrote a letter to Zhou rejecting his proposal once again.

After Zhou received Nehru’s letter (rejecting Zhou’s proposal), the fighting resumed on the eastern theatre on 14 November (Nehru’s birthday), with an Indian attack on Walong, claimed by China, launched from the defensive position of Se La and inflicting heavy casualties on the Chinese. The Chinese resumed military activity on Aksai Chin and NEFA hours after the Walong battle.

On the eastern theatre, the PLA attacked Indian forces near Se La and Bomdi La in the eastern sector on 17 November. These positions were defended by the Indian 4th Infantry Division. Instead of attacking by road as expected, PLA forces approached via a mountain trail, and their attack cut off a main road and isolated 10,000 Indian troops.

Se La occupied high ground, and rather than assault this commanding position, the Chinese captured Thembang, which was a supply route to Se La.

On the western theatre, PLA forces launched a heavy infantry attack on 18 November near Chushul. Their attack started at 4:35 am, despite a mist surrounding most of the areas in the region. At 5:45 the Chinese troops advanced to attack 2 platoons of Indian troops at Gurung Hill.

The Indians did not know what was happening, as communications were dead. As a patrol was sent, China attacked with greater numbers. Indian artillery could not hold off against superior Chinese forces. By 9:00 am, Chinese forces attacked Gurung Hill directly and Indian commanders withdrew from the area and also from the connecting Spangur Gap.

The Chinese had been simultaneously attacking Rezang La which was held by 123 Indian troops. At 5:05 am, Chinese troops launched their attack audaciously. Chinese medium machine gun fire pierced through the Indian tactical defences.

At 6:55 am the sun rose and the Chinese attack on the 8th platoon began in waves. Fighting continued for the next hour, until the Chinese signaled that they had destroyed the 7th platoon. Indians tried to use light machine guns on the medium machine guns from the Chinese but after 10 minutes the battle was over. Logistical inadequacy once again hurt the Indian troops. The Chinese gave the Indian troops a respectful military funeral. The battles also saw the death of Major Shaitan Singh of the Kumaon Regiment, who had been instrumental in the first battle of Rezang La. The Indian troops were forced to withdraw to high mountain positions. Indian sources believed that their troops were just coming to grips with the mountain combat and finally called for more troops. However, the Chinese declared a ceasefire, ending the bloodshed.

Indians suffered heavy casualties, with dead Indian troops’ bodies being found in the ice, frozen with weapons in hand. Chinese forces also suffered heavy casualties, especially at Rezang La. This signalled the end of the war in Aksai Chin as China had reached their claim line – many Indian troops were ordered to withdraw from the area. China claimed that the Indian troops wanted to fight on until the bitter end. However, the war ended with their withdrawal, so as to limit the amount of casualties.

The PLA penetrated close to the outskirts of Tezpur, Assam, a major frontier town nearly fifty kilometres from the Assam-North-East Frontier Agency border. The local government ordered the evacuation of the civilians in Tezpur to the south of the Brahmaputra River, all prisons were thrown open, and government officials who stayed behind destroyed Tezpur’s currency reserves in anticipation of a Chinese advance.

Ceasefire:

China had reached its claim lines so the PLA did not advance farther, and on 19 November, it declared a unilateral cease-fire. Zhou Enlai declared a unilateral ceasefire to start on midnight, 21 November. Zhou’s ceasefire declaration stated,

Beginning from 21 November 1962, the Chinese frontier guards will cease fire along the entire Sino-Indian border. Beginning from 1 December 1962, the Chinese frontier guards will withdraw to positions 20 kilometres behind the line of actual control, which existed, between China and India on 7 November 1959. In the eastern sector, although the Chinese frontier guards have so far been fighting on Chinese territory north of the traditional customary line, they are prepared to withdraw from their present positions to the north of the illegal McMahon Line, and to withdraw twenty kilometres back from that line. In the middle and western sectors, the Chinese frontier guards will withdraw twenty kilometres from the line of actual control.

Zhou had first given the ceasefire announcement to Indian chargé d’affaires on 19 November (before India’s request for United States air support), but New Delhi did not receive it until 24 hours later. The aircraft carrier was ordered back after the ceasefire, and thus, American intervention on India’s side in the war was avoided. Retreating Indian troops, who hadn’t come into contact with anyone knowing of the ceasefire, and Chinese troops in NEFA and Aksai Chin, were involved in some minor battles, but for the most part, the ceasefire signalled an end to the fighting. The United States Air Force flew in supplies to India in November 1962, but neither side wished to continue hostilities.

Toward the end of the war India increased its support for Tibetan refugees and revolutionaries, some of them having settled in India, as they were fighting the same common enemy in the region. The Nehru administration ordered the raising of elite Indian-trained “Tibetan Armed Force” composed of Tibetan refugees. The CIA had already begun operations in bringing about change in Tibet.

A war memorial in Tawang

After the war, realizing its fault of not strengthening its defence, India took several steps to improve their defence power. Defence Minister Krishna Menon was forced to resign because of his negligence. Nehru’s dream for friendship with China to form a combine Asian power against the super powers had to be shattered.

Internment and deportation of Chinese Indians

Soon after the end of the war, the Indian government passed the Defence of India Act in December 1962, permitting the “apprehension and detention in custody of any person [suspected] of being of hostile origin.” The broad language of the act allowed for the arrest of any person simply for having a Chinese surname, a drop of Chinese blood, or a Chinese spouse. The Indian government incarcerated thousands of Chinese-Indians in an internment camp in Deoli, Rajasthan, where they were held for years without trial. The last internees were not released until 1967. Thousands more Chinese-Indians were forcibly deported or coerced to leave India. Nearly all internees had their properties sold off or looted. Even after their release, the Chinese Indians faced many restrictions in their freedom. They could not travel freely until the mid-1990s.

Later conflicts

India also reported a series of military conflicts after the 1962 war. One report provided by India shows that in late 1967, there were two incidents in which both countries exchanged fire in Sikkim. The first one was dubbed the “Nathu La incident”, and the other being “Chola incident”.

Diplomatic process

In 1993 and 1996, the two sides signed the Sino-Indian Bilateral Peace and Tranquility Accords, agreements to maintain peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LoAC). Ten meetings of a Sino-Indian Joint Working Group (SIJWG) and five of an expert group have taken place to determine where the LoAC lies, but little progress has occurred.

On 20 November 2006 Indian politicians from Arunachal Pradesh expressed their concern over Chinese military modernization and appealed to parliament to take a harder stance on the PRC following a military buildup on the border similar to that in 1962. Additionally, China’s military aid to Pakistan as well is a matter of concern to the Indian public, as the two sides have engaged in various wars.

On 6 July 2006, the historic Silk Road passing through this territory via the Nathu La pass was reopened. Both sides have agreed to resolve the issues by peaceful means.

In Oct 2011, it was stated that India and China will formulate a border mechanism to handle different perceptions as to the LAC and resume the bilateral army exercises between Indian and Chinese army from early 2012.

Formation of Nagaland State: Nagaland was established on 1 December 1963 to be the 16th state of the Indian Union. It is divided into eleven districts: Kohima, Phek, Mokokchung, Wokha, Zunheboto, Tuensang, Mon, Dimapur, Kiphire, Longleng and Peren. Its native inhabitants are the Naga tribes. The Naga tribes had socio-economic and political links with tribes in Assam and Burma (Myanmar); even today a large population of Naga’s inhabit in Assam and the hill districts of Manipur. Following an invasion in 1816, the area, along with Assam, came under direct rule of Burma. This period was noted for oppressive rule and turmoil in Assam and Naga hills. When the British East India Company took control of Assam in 1826, Britain steadily expanded its domain over all of the Naga Hills except Tuensang area by 1892. This geographical area was politically amalgamated into Assam. Missionaries played an important role in converting Nagaland’s Naga tribes to Christianity.

During World War I, the British recruited 900 Nagas and sent them to France to work as aides at the front. While in Europe, the Nagas, who had always been fractured by tribal differences, began to unify under the banner of nationalism. On their return to their homeland in 1918, they organized themselves in the light of oneness and political solution, and this eventually led to the formation of the Naga Nationalist Movement.

After the independence of India in 1947, the area remained a part of the province of Assam. Nationalist activities arose amongst a section of the Nagas. Phizo-led Naga National Council and demanded a political union of their ancestral and native groups. The political movement damaged government and civil infrastructure, attacked government officials and civilians from other states of India. The union government sent the Indian Army in 1955, to restore order. In 1957, the newly established central Indian government began diplomatic talks with representatives of Naga tribes, and the Naga Hills district of Assam. The Tuensang frontier were united in a single political entity, Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA), this became a Union territory directly administered by the Central government with a large degree of autonomy. This was not satisfactory to the tribes, however, and soon agitation and violence increased across the state – including attacks on army and government institutions, as well as civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes. In July 1960, following discussion between the Prime Minister of India and the leaders of the Naga People Convention (NPC), a 16-point agreement was arrived at whereby the Government of India recognised the formation of Nagaland as a full-fledged state within the Union of India.

Accordingly, the territory was placed under the Nagaland Transitional Provisions Regulation, 1961 that provided for an Interim body consisting of 45 members to be elected by various tribes according to the customs, traditions and usage of the respective tribes. Subsequently, Nagaland attained statehood with the enactment of the state of Nagaland Act in 1962 by the Parliament. The interim body was dissolved on 30 November 1963, the state of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on 1 December 1963, and Kohima was declared as the state capital. After elections in January 1964, the first Nagaland Legislative Assembly was constituted on 11 February 1964.

There is constant infighting between various groups of Naga and their issue of Nationalism is not getting subdued without any suitable direction. However, the struggle of nationalism has been endlessly fought on. On 7 August 2012, all 60 Members of the Legislative Assembly across the parties in Nagaland met the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek an early settlement of the complex Naga problem.

Indo-Pakistan War in 1965: A war broke out at the western Boarder between April 1965 and September 1965 on Kashmir issue. India defended the attack. However, not much effect of the war shown in the eastern sector particularly in Assam.

Indo-Pakistan War in 1971: The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was the direct military confrontation between India and Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. Indian, Bangladeshi and international sources consider the beginning of the war to have been Operation Chengiz Khan, when Pakistan launched pre-emptive air strikes on 11 Indian airbases on 3 December 1971, leading to India’s entry into the war of independence in East Pakistan on the side of Bangladeshi nationalist forces, and the commencement of hostilities with West Pakistan. Lasting just 13 days, it is considered to be one of the shortest wars in history.

During the course of the war, Indian and Pakistani forces clashed on the eastern and western fronts. The war effectively ended after the Eastern Command of the Pakistani Armed Forces signed the Instrument of Surrender, on 16 December 1971 in Dhaka, marking the liberation of the new nation of Bangladesh. Between 90,000 and 93,000 members of the Pakistan Armed Forces including paramilitary personnel were taken as Prisoners of War by the Indian Army. It is estimated that between 2,000,000 and 3,000,000 civilians were killed in Bangladesh, and up to four hundred thousand women raped by the Pakistani armed forces, especially Bengali Hindus. Because of the conflict, a further eight to ten million people fled the country at the time to seek refuge in neighbouring India particularly Assam.

The Indo-Pakistani conflict was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation war, a conflict between the traditionally dominant West Pakistanis and the majority East Pakistanis. The Bangladesh Liberation war ignited after the 1970 Pakistani election, in which the East Pakistani Awami League won 167 of 169 seats in East Pakistan and secured a simple majority in the 313-seat lower house of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament of Pakistan). Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman presented the Six Points to the President of Pakistan and claimed the right to form the government. After the leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, refused to yield the premiership of Pakistan to Mujibur, President Yahya Khan called the military, dominated by West Pakistanis, to suppress dissent in East Pakistan.

Mass arrests of dissidents began, and attempts were made to disarm East Pakistani soldiers and police. After several days of strikes and non-co-operation movements, the Pakistani military cracked down on Dhaka on the night of 25 March 1971. The Awami League was banished, and many members fled into exile in India. Mujibur Rahman was arrested on the night of 25–26 March 1971 at about 1:30 am (as per Radio Pakistan’s news on 29 March 1971) and taken to West Pakistan. The next action carried out was Operation Searchlight, an attempt to kill the intellectual elite of the east.

On 26 March 1971, Ziaur Rahman, a major in the Pakistani army, declared the independence of Bangladesh. In April, exiled Awami League leaders formed a government-in-exile in Baidyanathtala of Meherpur. The East Pakistan Rifles, a paramilitary force, defected to the rebellion. Bangladesh Force namely Mukti Bahini consisting of Niyomito Bahini (Regular Force) and Gono Bahini (Guerilla Force) was formed under the Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) General Mohammad Ataul Ghani Osmany.

Bangladesh became an independent nation, the world’s fourth most populous Muslim state. Mujibur Rahman was released from a West Pakistani prison, returning to Dhaka on 10 January 1972 and becoming the first President of Bangladesh and later it’s Prime Minister.

Simla Agreement

On 2nd July 1972, the Simla Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan, the treaty ensured that Pakistan recognised the independence of Bangladesh in exchange for the return of the Pakistani POWs. India treated all the POWs in strict accordance with the Geneva Convention, rule 1925. It released more than 90,000 Pakistani PoWs in five months.

The accord also gave back more than 13,000 km² of land that Indian troops had seized in West Pakistan during the war, though India retained a few strategic areas. But some in India felt that the treaty had been too lenient to Bhutto, who had pleaded for leniency, arguing that the fragile democracy in Pakistan would crumble if the accord was perceived as being overly harsh by Pakistanis and that he would be accused of losing Kashmir in addition to the loss of East Pakistan.

1972 medium movement:

The medium movement of 1972 was the logical extension of the language movement of sixties. The medium movement was to ensure the existence of the Assamese language as the main medium of instructions in the state of Assam. The issue was an emotional one, and AASU could generate a strong sense of Assamese nationalism at least in the Brahmaputra valley. The Barak valley students and colleges opposed the Gauhati University’s decision of introducing Assamese as medium of instruction along with English. On the other hand AASU opposed the part of the same resolution of GU Academic Council which stated that the students be given an option to write the answers in Assamese, English and Bengali.

The movement turned violent. Massive protests in form of gana-satyagraha, strikes, and meetings rocked the state with demands of revoking the GU decision, and against the government’s interference in the issue.

Looking at the intensity of the movement, the Assam Legislative Assembly resolved that Assamese be the medium of instruction at the university stage for Gauhati and Dibrugarh Universities, and that the centre be moved for a separate university for the jurisdiction of Cachar. This has resulted wide spread resentment in the Brahmaputra Valley and AASU demanded withdrawal of the decision. Violence spread in Guwahati, and the district of Dibrugarh and Nagaon. Assam government has been forced to decide not to implement the Assembly decision. The then prime minister of India has visited the state, and appealed AASU to call off the agitation. The Chief Minister of Assam Mohendra Mohon Choudhary has assured that as the Assembly resolution was not acceptable by the people of Assam, the question of implementation does not arise. On the assurance, AASU temporarily halted the agitation, but the Cachar students continued. The central government has again evolved a new formula according to which Assamese was to be the medium of instruction in Brahmaputra Valley, Bengali in Cachar and English for an indefinite period. AASU rejected the three-language formula, and sticked with the state government’s assurance. AASU declared the medium movement suspended on November 12, 1972, with the sense of confidence on the Chief Minister and the Government of Assam that the November 11, 1972 statement of assurance would be implemented with due honour.

In line with the Chief Minister’s assurance to AASU, Assam Legislative Assembly adopted a formal resolution of revoking its earlier decision on medium of instruction and proposal for a separate university for Cachar district. The movement subsided in the Brahmaputra valley. Same thing happened subsequently also in Barak Valley with the new decision of allowing continuation of English as medium of instruction for a long term.

Formation of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh: On 21st January 1972, Meghalaya state was formed with the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hill district of Assam. Now, there are eleven districts of Meghalaya state with its capital at Shillong. Shillong was the common capital of Assam and Meghalaya till shifting of capital of Assam to Dispur, Guwahati in 1974.

Mizoram was included to British India in 1895 (69 years later than the Yandabo treaty or annexation of Assam by the British). At that moment of time, approximately sixty chiefs ruled Mizoram and Kuki peoples mostly inhabited it. At the time of independence, in 1947 the number of Chiefs became approximately 200. The Christian missionaries had influenced Mizoram and a major percentage of the population had already converted to Christian. The education also spread largely and educated Mizos object to the chiefdom. They formed Mizo union in 1952. An autonomous district was formed under Assam Lushai District (Acquisition of Chief’s Right) Act 1954. Lushai Hill Autonomous Council and Mizo Union pleaded with the State Recognitions Commission (SRC) to integrate the mizo-dominated areas of Tripura and Manipur with the District council of Assam. However, the tribal of the hill districts were not happy with the SRC and they formed a new political party Eastern India Tribal Union (EITU) and demanded a separate state with all the hill district of Assam. But their demand was turned down. In 1958-59, there was famine in Mizoram particularly at Mautam (known as Mautam Famine). This was due to flowering of Bamboo for which there was rapid growth of population of rats who destroyed all the cultivable and eatables. Similar famine had occurred in Mizoram in 1862 and 1911. Mizo people felt that they did not get the proper attention for the famine; therefore, they formed Mizo National Famine Front in 1959 and later on in 1961 became Mizo National Front (MNF) headed by Laldenga. On February 28, 1966, MNF demanded sovereign independence and MNF was declared outlawed in 1967. However, Mizo Union and others only demanded for separate state. In 1971, it was agreed to give Mizoram the status of Union Territory and came into being in 1972. Following Mizoram Peace Accord (1986) between Government of India and Mizo National Front, Mizoram was declared as full-fledged state on 20th February 1987 and became the 23rd state of India.

Arunachal was formerly known as North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). British Government divided this area into few Frontier Tracts for their governance. Dibrugarh frontier tract was formed as early as 1882, which was amalgamated to Sadiya Frontier Tract in 1919, likewise North East Frontier Tract in 1914, Balipara Frontier Tract in 1937. After Independence in 1947, North East Frontier Tract became a part of Assam State which later on known as North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). In January 21, 1972, NEFA got the status of Union Territory and Chief Commissioner became the administrative head. The capital was at Shillong up to 1974, and then it shifted to Itanagar. Arunachal Pradesh became a state in 20th February 1987.

Besides above events, the Assam Agitation (1979-1985) is one of the major event in the history of Assam which will be elaborated separately. More over the agitation for separate state is now gaining momentum. The agitation for food in early 70s was also affected Assam‘s normal life .

Immigration and Assam Movement (1979-1985): Immigration to Assam has been taken place from pre-historic years; however, the immigration during colonial and post independent period has affected the demographic pattern of Assam. British brought labors from other parts of India and a few numbers from China to work for development of Tea industries in 1853 and onwards up to 1937. In a census of 1997, the total number of tea garden labors was approximately 15 lakhs. There were Nepali immigrant also, in 1951, its number was 1.01 lakhs and 3.54 lakhs in 1971 and it is continuously increasing. There are immigrants from other parts of the country who settled in the state for their livelihood. There was exodus of immigrants from Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan) to Assam from the beginning of the 20th century. Their first target was Goalpara District where their number increased from 49.1 thousand in 1901 to 118.2 thousand in 1911. In subsequent two decade, the immigrants advanced to other areas like the then Kamrup, Darrang and Nowgaon Districts. By 1931 most of the waste land of Brahmaputra valley (char) was already occupied by these immigrant, which was encouraged by the colonial government to increase agricultural production. Between 1905 and 1921, the immigrant population from East Bengal increased four folds. By 1942 they advanced to the then Lakhimpur District and settled in the vacant lands. After Sayed Saadullah became the premier of Assam for the second time, it is alleged that he attempted a systematic settlement of East Bengal Muslim peasants in Assam in the pretext of raising state’s agricultural production (grow more food campaign). In fact, it is believed to be a part of design of some Muslim leaders to convert Assam into a Muslim dominated area and a part of Banga –E-Islam comprising Assam and Bengal during partition. Another stream of immigrants, mostly Hindu of Syhlet District fled to adjacent areas of Assam and Tripura for shelter during partition. The immigration continued in postcolonial times, during and after Bangladesh Liberation war in 1971, a large number of immigrants from erstwhile East Pakistan fled to Assam and other parts of North Eastern India, most of them might never return to their home even after formation of Bangladesh, which affected demographic pattern of Assam. In an estimate there were 1465251 immigrants in 1971 in Assam and an increase of 14.35 percent than 1961 (1281408 no). Indigenous people of Assam had a suspicion that the immigrant population might dominate them in near future if it continued to allow them to enter through the free boarder and by the process; it would affect their culture and heritage.

The root cause of Assam movement (1979- 1985) is also the issue of illegal immigrants. In 1978 Hiralal Patwari died, requiring a by-election in the Mangaldoi Lok Sabha Constituency to fill his seat. During the process of the election, observers noticed that the number of registered voters had grown dramatically. AASU demanded that the elections be postponed till the names of foreign nationals were deleted from the electoral rolls. The Assam movement developed from there.

In continuation with the earlier 21 Points and 18 Points Charter of Demands, AASU intensified its demand for expulsion of illegal foreigners during the later part of 1978. The agitation programmes supporting the demands included picketing, stayagraha, hunger strikes, Assam Bandh and fast unto death etc. After the Sibsagar conference of AASU in March, 1979, the newly elected central executive committee decided to further intensify the agitational programmes. The electoral roll revision and updating for Mangaldoi Parliamentary Constituency before the bye election due to death of the sitting MP, has triggered massive controversies in different corners. The revision revealed the deletion of foreigners’ names estimated to be at least 70000 in Mangaldoi alone. As many as 26,900 Bangladeshis were detected judicially. This has resulted strong voices from intelligentsia, journalists, as well as AASU for a thorough revision of the electoral rolls of the entire state. Politics turned in other way. Perhaps the prevailing political interference has forced Chief Election Commissioner to direct the authorities to stop deletion of foreigners’ names. The directive stated that a person whose name has been included…..shall be presumed to be a citizen of India. This has ignited the AASU agitational programmes, and AASU strongly objected to the directives, and demanded immediate sealing of Indo-Bangladesh boarders besides deletion. Meanwhile the Lok Sabha was dissolved in August, 1979, and new elections were ordered.

AASU began intensifying the agitational programme, and started facilitating the participation of all section of people. The All Assam Student Union (ASSU), Assam Jatiyotabadi Yava Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), Purbanchaliyo Loka Parishad(PLP), Assam Sahitya Sabha held the steering wheel of the movement, backed by many intellectual of Assam. Few of them are, Nibaran Bora, Pabindra Deka, Nagen Hazarika, Debabrata Baruah, Dinesh Goswami, Brindaban Goswami and others (the list is so elaborated that it is very difficult to cover all and everyone); AASU was lead by Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Bhirgu Kumar Phukon. AASU formed the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad in August, 1979, comprising of AASU, Assam Sahitya Sabha, Purbanchaliya Lok Parishad. The Jatiyatabadi Dal, Asom Yubak Samaj and Young Lawyers’ Forum also joined the Gana Parisha later on.

As part of the preparations for the Lok Sabha Election, the CEC has asked the Chief Electoral Officer, Assam to include all names from the earlier voter list in the draft electoral roll. AASU has warned the political parties not to take part in the election unless and otherwise the electoral rolls are revised as per demands. AASU started observing massive satyagraha on the lines of India freedom struggle. Thousands courted arrest daily. In 27 November, 1979, AASU-AAGSP combine called the closure of all educational institutes and picketing in state and central government offices. Mass picketing was arranged in front of all polling offices where nominations could be filed, in the first week of December 1979. No candidates were allowed to file the nomination papers in the Brahmaputra valley. December 10, the last date for submitting the nomination papers was declared as statewide bandh. Government proclaimed curfew at different parts of the state including Guwahati.

At Barrpeta, then IGP K P S Gill led police force escorting Begam Abida Ahmed for filling nomination papers ruthlessly thrashed peaceful protestors. Khargeswar Talukdar, the 22 years old general secretary of Barpeta AASU Unit was beaten to death and thrown into a ditch on the highway at Bhabanipur. Talukdar was honoured as the first Martyr of the Assam Movement.

AASU clearified at different times, that the agitation is against all such illegal foreigners, irrespective of religion, and includes illegal foreigners from Nepal also. AASU continuously had been informing the central government with direct communications to the Prime Minister that the influx from Bangladesh and Nepal has posed serious threat to the existence of the indigenous people of the state of Assam and the entire North Eastern region.

It was long six years of agitation which would be one of the world’s longest agitation by a student body and supported by all fronts of life. The incessant influx from across the border and the lack of political will to check it made the people revolutionary. All the ethnic communities supported the movement by heart. Several rounds of talks with the government went on. Many memorandums have been submitted detailing the problems and the demands. Police forces and paramilitary forces brutally killed hundreds of peaceful agitators. Many thousands have become physically handicaped. The Agitation got its full international publicity with BBC’s continuous coverage of the happenings in the state of Assam. At national level a huge group of supporters from the intellectual forums, journalists, and the opposition parties started supporting the causes and concerns raised by the AASU. At the same time such groups have started criticizing vehemently the government for brutal killing of peaceful agitators and human rights violations.

AASU has compiled the full details of the background of the problems and supported with facts and figures. The charter of demands was pin pointed, and proposals were formulated. The composite document was then submitted to the Prime Minister of India in the form of a memorandum.

The demands included:

  1. Foreign national must be detected and deported from our country
  2. Names of foreign nationals must be deleted from the electoral roll before holding any election.
  3. Borders of India with neighboring countries must be fully protected
  4. Indian voters in Assam must be provided with Photo Identity Cards
  5. Constitutional safeguard must be provided to the people of the North Eastern Region for the protection of identity of the indigenous people

The proposals included:

  1. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) of 1951 shall be made up to date

  2. A free zone devoid of trees and houses should be created all along the boarder and any one crossing without a valid travel document from either side be shot at. While AASU was initially sticking with the demand for deportation of illegal foreigners who have come to India after independence, the government was adhered with 1971 cut off.

Though the movement began and continued in non-violent way staging stayagragh, Blocade etc., it turned violent in many a occasion. The government wanted to suppress the agitation by force, a result of which large numbers of innocent lives had been lost (although thousand lost their lives 855 were declared martyrs ‘Swahid’). The government declared general election of state legislative assembly and by-election to 12 parliamentary constituencies in 1983 which ignited the situation. The agitation turned violent.

Some political parties, as well as some ethnic and Bengali groups, welcomed the 1983 elections. Clashes had started to break out well before February. In February 1983 things were on the boil. Curfew was imposed in entire Brahmaputra valley. It was difficult to buy things in those frantic relaxation hours. Curfews would usually coincide with bandhs.

Then the worst thing happened at Nellie. Nellie is a small town about 50 kilometres east of Guwahati. On 18th of February Bengali Muslims living in 14 adjoining villages near the town were attacked and butchered in a pre-planned manner. The immediate provocation was a rumour that children belonging to the local tribes had been killed by the Muslims. The real reason could be more political. There were reports that the Muslims of the area had taken part in the elections in large numbers, which were held on 14th of February. It may be the hand work of some vested interest. But complicity of other elements cannot be ruled out. Three days before the massacre a local police station had sent out a warning “one thousand Assamese villagers [are] getting ready to attack…with deadly weapons”. This was ignored. The attackers were mainly of the Lalung tribe, who were accompanied by some Assamese. According to the official estimates 1,819 men, women and children were killed, unofficially the number crosses three thousand.

A picture of Nelli massacre

Primitive weapons such as swords, spears, machetes, guns, sticks were used. A large proportion of those killed were women and children. Till date, no one has been convicted. The police had filed charge sheets, which were dropped later on. The Tiwari Inquiry Commission, constituted in 1983, submitted its report in 1984. The report has not been made public by any of the successive state governments. The secrecy has lived to this day. In 2004 the government prevented a Japanese scholar from delivering a talk on the massacre at Omeo Kumar Das Institute, Guwahati.

Assam Movement- ‘Rail Rokko’

The parliament passed the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act (IM-DT) in October 1983 and began to implement it in Assam. Negotiations took place between the government and AASU-AAGSPO during the later parts of 1984 and first part of the year 1985. In May 1985, formal talks started and Home Secretary led the central government team. Several rounds of talks took place during May, June, and July 1985. Initially the Assam coalition wanted immigrants from the 1961-71 waves to be disfranchised and dispersed to other areas of the country. By August 1985, they had agreed to a new cutoff date of January 1966; immigrants who had entered illegally after that were to be detected and deported, and disfranchised for 10 years. On August 15, the historic Assam Accord (enclosed as Annexure-XIV) was signed in presence of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Secessionist Movement in Assam: Assam is rich in mineral resource. British discovered oil in Digboi in 1889 and coal in 1825. Tea was discovered in Assam in 1824 and production of tea started from 1834. Assam is rich in forest resources also. In spite of having resources as mentioned above, Assam is one of the poor states of the country for which there is a feeling that Centre has neglected Assam. Moreover, due to explosion of population for the influx of immigrants, a feeling of insecurity has crept up in the minds of local inhabitant. There was also a emotional feeling that Assam was never a part of India, however, in 1826, due to the Yandaboo treaty between British and Burmese it became a part of British India. These factors might have played a vital role for formation of Secessionist group in Assam. United Liberation of Assam (ULFA) was born on 7th April 1979 in front of Historic monument Ranghar in presence of Paresh Baruah, Arabinda Rajkhowa, Anup Chetia, Pradip Gogoi, Bhadreshwar Gohain and Budheswar Gogoi. However, it was dormant up to 1983. During 1983 government imposed election in Assam, which was opposed by the Assam Movement Leaders. The sentiment of negligence, which was rooted in the mind of some youth, had deepened. It is said that there was another armed group at that time, Assam People’s Liberation Army (APLA). In 1883, ULFA got its momentum and started the recruitments. Though initially, the group was formed to expedite the solution of immigrant issue and social reformation, later on they demanded sovereignty and it became their main demand. They made contact with other secessionist organization of Nagaland NSCN (then united) and sent their new recruit for training in their camps. In 1985 on 15th of August, Assam accord was signed between Government of India and the movement leaders. In 1986, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a political party was formed by the movement leaders and won the Assembly Election of 1986. In 1987, ULFA could established a contact with Kachin Independent Army (KIA) and send their recruit for training at their base camp at Kachin. Later on, ULFA also established their base camp at Kachin. AGP government had a soft corner to ULFA; ULFA also tried to gain the public support by doing some reformation to the society such as stopping alcoholism and other social evils. They also established few camps at Dibrugarh and Tinsukia District and imparted training to their cadres. For raising funds, ULFA started extortion and kidnapping.

Some of the major assassinations by ULFA include that of Surendra Paul in May 1990, the brother of businessperson Lord Swraj Paul that precipitated a situation leading to the sacking of the Government of Assam under Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and the beginning of Operation Bajrang.

On the ULFA’s Army Day on 16 March 2003, an IED explosion under a bus on National Highway No. 7 killed six civilians and wounded approximately 55 others.

In 1991 a Russian engineer and national of the Soviet Union was kidnapped along with others and killed. In 1997, Sanjay Ghose, a social activist and a relative of a high ranking Indian diplomat, was kidnapped and killed. The highest government officer assassinated by the group was local AGP minister Nagen Sharma in 2000. An unsuccessful assassination attempt was made on AGP Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta in 1997. A mass grave, discovered at a destroyed ULFA camp in Lakhipathar forest, showed evidence of executions committed by ULFA. On 15 August 2004, an explosion occurred at Dhemaji, where 10–15 people died including some schoolchildren and it was carried out by ULFA. The killing and damage of public properties continued and many cadres died in the hand of security forces. Military operations against it by the Indian Army that began in 1990 continue until present. In the past two decades, some 18,000 people have died in the clash between the rebels and the security forces. Peace initiation has been continuing from long time between Government and the group.

The ULFA has put forward a set of three preconditions for talks and negotiations with the Indian government. The government has rejected these preconditions. The preconditions are:

  1. The talks should be held in a third country.

  2. The talks should be held under United Nations supervision.

  3. The agenda of the talks should include the sovereignty of Assam.

In 2004, the ULFA dropped the first two preconditions and offered to talk with the government. The Government of India was not ready to negotiate on the issue of sovereignty. Still some progress was made when the ULFA formed a “People’s Consultative Group” in September 2005 to prepare the grounds for an eventual negotiation between the government and ULFA, which the government has welcomed. In a sustained operation launched by Indian Army inside a National Park in Dibru Saikhowa, ULFA lost its hides and camps, important leaders and cadres. The group came to the negotiating table in 2005. There were three rounds of peace talks with the 11-member People’s Consultative Group (PCG), headed by noted Assamese writer Indira Goswami, leading to a temporary truce in August 2006. However the truce broke down by 23 September of the same year as ULFA continued with its violent activities against civil population mainly tea estates and oil pipelines. It also violated ceasefire as it lobbed grenades on Army columns during the ceasefire period.

Many ULFA cadres have already surrendered. Beginning in 1990, the Government of India has attempted to wean away members of the ULFA. This occurred due to the death of the ULFA’s deputy Commander in chief Heerak Jyoti Mahanta on 31 December 1991. He had opposed surrenders, but they began after his death. In 1992 a large section of second-rung leaders and members surrendered to government authorities. This loose group, now called SULFA, has become an important element in the armed politics and business of Assam. The total number of ULFA cadres to have laid down arms has gone up to 8,718 (4,993 cadres surrendered between 1991 and 1998 and 3,435 surrendered between 1998 and 2005). Some leaders & cadres of the A and C companies of ULFA declared unilateral ceasefire on 24 Jun’2008 at a press meet held at Amarpur in Tinsukia district. The declared the ceasefire to pressurize the top brass of ULFA to sit on negotiation table with the Government of India. But the top brass of ULFA expelled the leaders of 28 Battalion led by Mrinal Hazarika and Jiten Dutta ( who had managed to escape from the cordon of Indian Army in Dibru Saikhowa National Park). The group later renamed as ULFA (Pro-talk). On 24 January 2012, one of northeast India’s biggest surrender ceremonies took place in Assam’s main city of Guwahati, when a total of 676 militants laid down their weapons. Top ULFA leaders including its Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa were either arrested or surrendered in Bangladesh towards the end of 2009 or at the beginning of 2010.

It is to be mentioned here that the ULFA has two wings, one political wing and other is armed unit. At the time of its formation, Chairman- Arabina Rajkhowa headed the political wing and Paresh Baruah headed the Army unit. The other members and their present positions are:

  • Pradip Gogoi (Vice-Chairman), Released on bail
  • Anup Chetia (General secretary) — imprisoned in Bangladesh
  • Raju Baruah (Deputy Commander-in-Chief), Released on bail
  • Mithinga Daimary (Publicity Secretary), Released on bail
  • Chitraban Hazarika (Finance Secretary), Released on bail
  • Pranati Deka (Cultural Secretary), Released on bail
  • Bhimkanta Buragohain (Political Ideologue), Released on bail and expired
  • Sashadhar Choudhury (Foreign Secretary), Released on bail

The split in ULFA took place as under:

On February 5, 2011, ULFA leaders led by ULFA ‘vice-chairman’ Pradip Gogoi, along with ‘foreign secretary’ Sashadhar Choudhury and ‘central publicity secretary’ Mithinga Daimary announced that the outfit’s general council had endorsed the resolution of the central executive council (CEC) to sit for talks with the Central Government without any precondition. ULFA ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Baruah led group described the general council itself as unconstitutional thus negating the resolution. The ‘formal’ split however took place in August 2012 when Paresh Baruah ‘expelled’ Arabinda Rajkhowa and appointed Abhijit Barman as the outfit’s ‘chairman’.

Thus emerged two factions of ULFA- Anti-Talks faction of ULFA (ULFA-ATF) and Pro-Talks faction of ULFA (ULFA-PTF), led by Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa respectively.

The leadership consists of Arabinda Rajkhowa, Pradip Gogoi, Sashadhar Choudhury, Mithinga Daimary, Chitrabon Hazarika, Pranati Deka and Raju Baruah. In October 2011, Arabinda Rajkhowa formed a 35 Member Central and Naba Niraman Kendra Steering Committee by amending the outfit’s constitution to oversee every detail of the peace process. The cadre strength of ULFA-PTF is 297.

Presently the ULFA-PTF is in talks with Government. A tripartite agreement for Suspension of Operations (SoO) was signed among the Centre, the Assam Government and the ULFA-PTF on September 3, 2011.

The ULFA-ATF renamed itself as ULFA-Independent (ULFA-I), following its ‘central executive committee’ meeting between April 2 and 5, 2013.

ULFA-I is presently led by its ‘Chairman’ Abhijit Barman; and Paresh Baruah (57), who is the ‘vice-chairman’ and also ‘commander-in-chief’, based somewhere near the Sino-Myanmar border. The ‘central committee’ of the outfit includes- ‘Associate general secretary’ and ‘finance secretary in-charge’ Jibon Moran, ‘assistant foreign secretary’ Pranmoy Asom and ‘deputy commander-in-chief’ Dristi Rajkhowa.

ULFA-ATF has an estimated strength of 150-250 militants, mostly new recruits, who are militarily organized into three groups – Rongili (the cheerful lady), the biggest formation, based in Myanmar; Lakhimi (the homely lady) is a small group still in Bangladesh; and Kopili (the speedy river), the new identity for the erstwhile 27th battalion, now temporarily based in Majuli, located in Jorhat.

According to reports, ULFA-I now has camps in Myanmar, Garo hills of Meghalaya and Tirap and Changlang Districts of Arunachal Pradesh and Mon District of Nagaland. According to reports, the outfits still have three camps in Bangladesh.

The ULFA-I continues to maintain the linkages with most other militant formations with which the undivided ULFA had established its relations. The outfit continues to get the support from the ISI.

There are other secessionist groups in Assam, formed by the ethnic people like Bodo, Koch, Karbi, Dimasha Kacharis, Adivasis etc.

The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) is an armed separatist outfit which seeks to obtain a sovereign Bodoland for the Bodo people in Assam, India. It is designated as a terrorist organization by the Government of India.

Formed in 1998, the group carried out several attacks on civilians in Assam, targeting non-Bodo civilians as well as the security forces. In May 2005, it signed a ceasefire with the Government, but some of its factions continue to indulge in militancy.

NDFB claims to be a representative of the Bodo people, who form around 10% of Assam’s population. The main grievances of the group are the under-development in the region and the influx of immigrants. It aims to address these issues by seceding from India, and establishing a sovereign Bodoland. The NDFB constitution, adopted on 10 March 1998, lists its objectives as the following:

  • Liberate Bodoland from the Indian expansionism and occupation;

  • Free the Bodo nation from the colonialist exploitation, oppression and domination;

  • Establish a Democratic Socialist Society to promote Liberty, Equality and Fraternity; and

  • Uphold the integrity and sovereignty of Bodoland.

The promotion of the Roman script for the Bodo language is also a significant demand of NDFB. The group’s members are mostly Christians, and are opposed to the use of Devanagari script for the Bodo language.

NDFB was formed on 3 October 1986 as the Bodo Security Force (BdSF), under the leadership of Ranjan Daimary, in Odla Khasibari village (near Udalguri). The group carried out several attacks targeting non-Bodo civilians, including Adivasis. On 12 December 1992, it attacked the 7th Assam Police Battalion headquarters at Choraikhola in Kokrajahar District, and decamped with 160 self loading Rifles(SLR) and 5 Light Machine Guns(LMG). BdSF was renamed to National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) on 25 November 1994. Besides targeting non-Bodos and the security forces, the Christian-dominated NDFB has also been in conflict with the Hindu/Bathouist-dominated Bodo Liberation Tigers Force (BLTF). The BLTF has supported the security forces against NDFB, polarizing the Bodoland movement along religious lines.

Unlike several other Bodo groups, NDFB adopted a tougher stance on the issue of Bodo sovereignty. On 20 February 1993, the Governments of India and Assam signed an accord with the All Bodo Students Union, resulting in the creation of Bodoland Autonomous Council within Assam. The NDFB opposed this accord. In 2003, the NDFB denounced the accord between BLTF and Government of India for the establishment of the Bodoland Territorial Council. Ranjan Daimary was offered amnesty by the Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in December 2003, but rejected the offer. On 8 October 2004, the NDFB announced a 6-month long unilateral ceasefire, that came into effect on 15 October. However, the Government continued its operations against the group. On 15 April 2005, NDFB extended the ceasefire. The Government released its general secretary Govinda Basumatary to open a channel of communication with the organization’s Bangladesh-based leadership. This resulted in a ceasefire agreement between NDFB and the Government on 25 May 2005. The agreement stated that the NDFB agree to cease hostile action against security forces and civilians. In return, the security forces would not carry out operations against the group’s members. The agreement also stipulated that NDFB members would disarm and live in camps protected by the military for a year, and would refrain from assisting other militant groups. The pact came into force on 1 June 2005. However, certain factions of NDFB continued militancy. In May 2006, five members of the security forces were abducted and killed by suspected NDFB members in Assam’s Udalguri District. The group also continued to clash with cadres of the ex-BLTF (Bodo Liberation Tiger Force). On June 5, 2006, two former BLTF cadres were killed by NDFB militants in the Karbi Anglong District, and one former member of the disbanded group was lynched by suspected NDFB militants in Golaghat District on June 3, 2007.

In December 2008, the NDFB indicated its plans to indirectly or directly participate the Lok Sabha elections.

NDFB is a Christian-dominated group, with an estimated 1,500 members in 2010. Before December 2003, its armed wing Bodoland Army had around 3500 members, most of whom were based in the 12 camps located in southern Bhutan. However, after the Royal Bhutan Army’s operations against NDFB, a large number of its members either surrendered or were arrested. Before the 2005 ceasefire, it had 2000 members, who were mainly based in the NDFB camps in Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as temporary camps in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. The main leaders of the group include:

  • Ranjan Daimary alias D.R. Nabla, the founder: He is the leader of NDFB-ATF (Anti-Talks Faction).

  • B. Sungthagra alias Dhiren Boro, President: He is the leader of the NDFB-PTF (Pro-Talks Faction). He was elected as the outfit’s President at a meeting in Serfanguri on 15 December 2008. A former Vice-President of NDFB, he replaced Daimary as the President. He had been arrested in Gangtok on 1 January 2003, and released in 2008. The security forces described his election as a split in the group.

  • B Swmkhwr alias Govinda Basumatary, General Secretary: He had been arrested on 25 November 2002, and released later.

  • B. Sanjarang, publicity secretary

  • B. Benga, Speaker

  • Nileswar Basumatary alias B J Jabda, Finance secretary: He had surrendered to the Assam Police in Guwahati on 17 March 2004, and was released later

  • Bijoy Boro, Deputy commander-in-chief: He was arrested in Bangkok during July 2004, and later deported to India, where he was put in the custody of the Assam Police

  • B Irakdao, Publicity secretary: Missing since the Bhutanese military operations in December 2003

  • B Udang alias Udang K R Brahma, Head of NDFB’s “Central Headquarters”: Handed over to the Indian authorities by Bhutan on 5 June 2004

In 2012, I. K. Songbijit, the chief of the organization’s armed faction Bodoland Army, announced the formation of a nine-member “interim national council”, resulting in a split. The main armed factions now include NDFB-RB (led by Ranjan Daimary) and NDFB-S (led by IK-Songbijit).

In the past, the NDFB received its funding via the Bhutanese diplomatic bag to their leadership based in the capitals of South-East Asian countries. The Myanmar-based Chin National Liberation Army is NDFB’s main supplier of arms and ammunition. The outfit also has had links with other militant organizations including United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVC) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K). The flag of the NDFB is green with a yellow star on red background on the corner.

Activites NDFB has carried out bombings, kidnappings and murders in Assam. The Assam Government has accused it of launching an ethnic cleansing campaign against the Muslim settlers in the region.

The group primarily operates in the region to the north and north-west of the Brahmaputra river. It is active in the Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Darrang, Barpeta, Dhubri, Nalbari and Sonitpur Districts of Assam. It has also been active in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya. It has used the neighbouring Bhutan as a refuge, crossing the border in the Manas National Park area. In December 2003, the Royal Bhutan Army initiated a crackdown on the group’s activities in Bhutan.

Between 1992 and 2001, the violence involving NDFB resulted in the deaths of 167 security forces personnel and over 1200 civilians:

Year

Civilians killed by NDFB

Security Forces Personnel killed by NDFB

NDFB militants killed by the Security Forces
1992 37 10 1
1993 25 6 6
1994 108 22 6
1995 132 16 7
1996 176 25 15
1997 137 25 31
1998 305 22 37
1999 113 14 50
2000 95 20 109
2001 134 7 113

The attacks attributed to the NDFB include (SATP):

Date

Place

Incident
1 May 1998 Anjora NDFB militants kill 5 Adivasis (tribals)
2 May 1998 Deoshree, Kokrajhar District NDFB militants drag 4 Adivasis out of a bus, kill one of them and torture the other 3
3 May 1998 near Bishmuri point on NH-31, Kokrajhar District NDFB militants drag Adivasis out of a bus, and kill 14 of them; four others injured
9 May 1998 Borbil, near Gosaigaon NDFB militants kill 16 Santhals Adivasis, including 10 women and two children; 12 others injured
17 June 1998 Kokrajhar District NDFB militants kill four Adivasis
15 September 1998 Gossaigaon subdivision, Kokrajhar District NDFB militants kill 14 Santhals
31 July 2000 Soonmari NDFB militants blow up two bogies of a Rangia-bound passenger train, killing 14 passengers
1 August 2000 near Tezpur NDFB militants explode a bomb on a passenger train, killing 12 people
21 August 2000 Dhubri NDFB militants kill 5 Muslim civilians
19 August 2000 Guwahati NDFB kills Bineshwar Brahma, branding him an agent of the BJP-led Central government. Brahma was opposed to the adoption of the Roman script for the Bodo language, which had invited the ire of NDFB.
21 August 2000 Garagaon NDFB militants kill the Bodo MLA Mohini Basumatary of the People’s Democratic Front
8 November 2000 Barpeta District Suspected NDFB militants kill 8 civilians, including 7 non-Assamese people
25 November 2000 Lung Sung forest reserve NDFB kills 8 woodcutters who refused to obey their order to stop logging in Bodo areas
3 January 2001 Assam NDFB militants kill woodcutters
31 July 2001 Soonmari NDFB militants detonate a bomb on a Rangiya-bound passenger train, killing 14
1 August 2001 near Rangia NDFB militants detonate a bomb on the Arunachal Express between Rangia and Goreswar stations, killing 12 and injuring 8. Two NDFB militants suspected to be involved in the blast were killed in an police encounter near Goreswar.
25 September 2001 Baghmari, Bongaigaon District NDFB bomb blast derails the North East Express, injuring 100 people
25 October 2001 Gauripur NDFB militants detonate an explosive at a Hindu celebration, killing 3 and injuring 12
7 December 2001 Assam Opposed to logging in the region, NDFB militants kill 4 woodcutters in two separate incidents
2 June 2002 Bongshijhora village, Dhburi District NDFB militants kill 3 members of a family
14 July 2003 Kokrajhar District NDFB militants kill 3 people in separate incidents
24 November 2003 Khanglabari, Darrang District NDFB militants kill 3 Biharis, and injure 9 others
8 July 2010 Gossaigaon, Kokrajhar District NDFB militants blast railway tracks, resulting in derailment of the Kolkata-bound Garib Rath Express. A six-year-old child Durlav Sethia was killed, and 23 others were injured. The NDFB stated that the attack was a revenge for the mistreatment of its arrested leader Ranjan Daimary and the killing of “innocent Bodo youths” by the security forces.
14 July 2002 West Maligaon forest village relief camps, Kokrajhar District Sspected NDFB militants kill 9 Adivasis, injure 5 others
17 August 2002 near Sarbhog, Barpeta District NDFB militants kill a school teacher
21 August 2002 Maladhara, Goalpara District NDFB militants kill four police personnel and a civilian driver, injure 17 more
23 October 2002 Deosankar Reserve Forest, Dhburi District NDFB militants fire on a group of two woodcutters, killing two
27 October 2002 Datgiri village, Kokrahjar District NDFB militants kill 22 civilians
29 August 2010 Gamani, near Bhalukpong NDFB militants kidnap two goods train dirvers Nirmal Chandra Borgohain and Abhijit Siring Phukan, demand ₹ 1 crore (10 million) as ransom
26 April 2003 Taijouguri village, Kokrajhar District Suspected NDFB militants kill 4 members (including two children) of the family of a former colleague
18 July 2003 Dwimguri village, Kokrajhar District NDFB militants kill 4 persons they suspect to be government informers
2 October 2004 Makrijhora, Dhubri District NDFB militants open indiscriminate firing at a busy market, killing 16 people and injuring 20 others
4 October 2004 Gelapukhuri village, Sonitpur District NDFB militants kill six civilians, injure 7 others
5 October 2004 Jalabila village, Dhubri District Suspected NDFB militants shoot dead 10 civilians, injure 7 others
1 December 2004 Lutubari, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya NDFB miltants kill 5 villagers and injure another
21 May 2007 Udalguri District NDFB cadres abduct five security force personnel and a civilian. The civilian Babul Kalita was found dead on 22 May. The other five were found dead an the Belsiri Nala (West Kameng District, Aruanchal Pradesh) on 29 May.
16 March 2008 Dhaolabari Ashuline, near Kokrajhar NDFB militants shoot dead Bigrai Basumatary alias Belaibe, the secretary of the surrendered NDFB Welfare Association
30 October 2008 Guwahati and neighbouring areas 2008 Assam bombings: NDFB cadres were suspected to have executed the attacks planned by ULFA and other groups.
30 June 2009 Naharani Grant village, Sontipur District NDFB militants shoot dead four persons of a family: Munna Pal (30), his wife Subhapati Pal (35), his younger brother Tunna Pal (30) and his son Pankaj Pal (3)
4 October 2009 Bhimajuli NDFB-ATF kills 12 people in Bhimajuli Massacre
8-9 November 2010 Assam NDFB-ATF militants kill 22 people in spearate attacks. On 8 November, the militants killed 19 people, including 13 Hindi speakers. Several others were injured, one of whom died the next day. The next day, they killed two Hindi-speaking Muslims in Ultapani, Kokrajhar District, and a cycle mechanic Paran Mandal in Chirang District. Earlier on November 1, the NDFB had threatened to kill 20 or more people for every NDFB cadre killed by Security Forces.
14 March 2011 Between Bangladoba (Chirang District) and Ultapani (Kokrajhar District) The militants of the Ranjan Daimary-led faction ambush patrolling troop of BSF, killing 8 jawans.
13 August 2012 Chirang District NDFB-RD militants shoot dead a Muslim labourer, and injure three others. The four victims were natives of West Bengal, and were returning from Bhutan.
13 November 2012 Harishinga, Sonitpur District NDFB-RD militants kill a tea planter Adilur Rahman, and injure his bodyguard Motilal Tirkey
27 January 2014 Mauriapur village, Sonitpur District NDFB-S militants ambush a police convoy, killing ASP Gulzar Hussain and injuring 5 other policemen. The police convoy was returning from a night-long operation against the group.
May 2014 Kokrajhar and Baksa Districts 2014 Bodo attack: 32 Muslims were killed in a series of attacks. The government blamed NDFB-Songbijit faction for the attacks. The NDFB denied any involvement in the killings, and stated that the government agencies were behind the attacks

Karbi National Volunteers (KNV) – a militant organisation of the Karbi tribe of Assam, was floated in the eighties with the objective of using violent means to secure a separate State of Karbi Anglong. National Socialist Council of Nagaland -Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) had trained KNV activists. After signing a cease-fire agreement with the Central government in August 1997, the NSCN-IM has discontinued this assistance to the KNV. KNV has been described as a rag-tag force of less than 50 militants. In early 2000, this outfit merged with another Karbi militant group – Karbi People’s Front (KPF) forming a new platform called the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS).

The United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) was formed in March 1999 with the merger of two terrorist outfits in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, the Karbi National Volunteers (KNV) and Karbi People’s Front (KPF). In April 2000, the KNV unleashed a violent campaign in Assam’s hill district, Karbi Anglong, killing as many as 28 non-tribals in three separate incidents. Reports suggest that the militant outfit has also been extorting taxes with impurity. In order to tackle the situation, the Assam government is considering banning KNV, KPF and UPDS. The army is also planning a military operation against the Karbi militants in selective areas of the hill district.

The outfit signed a cease-fire agreement for one year with the Union Government on May 23, 2002. However, this led to a split in the UPDS with one faction deciding to continue with its subversive activities while the other commenced negotiations with the Government. Currently, there are two factions: pro-talks and anti-talks. On May 16, 2004, the UPDS (Anti-Talks) rechristened itself as the Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF) and its armed wing as the Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Resistance Force (KNPR).

Kiri Rongphar was the founder ‘chairman’ of the outfit. He was arrested on October 22, 1999. On August 22, 2002, UPDS ‘commander-in-chief’ Long Kumar Kiling died of injuries sustained during a feline attack in the forests of Karbi Anglong district.

At present, the outfit is headed by its Chairman Longder Singner alias H E Kathar and General Secretary Haren Sing Bey. T Nongloda is the outfit’s Publicity Secretary and Lindok Ronghang its Finance Secretary.

The total cadre strength of the UPDS is estimated to be a little more than 150, of which at least 50 are believed to be armed with sophisticated weapons.

The outfit’s main area of operations is in the Karbi Anglong district, with a relatively minor presence in the North Cachar Hills district.

The outfit is known to have grown with the active assistance of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), which provide it with arms and ammunition. It is reported to have procured arms and ammunition from Bhutan and Bangladesh.

The UPDS also shares a ‘working relationship’ with the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

Abductions for ransom and extortion are the main sources of income for the UPDS. The outfit generates a considerable amount of revenue by targeting the ginger producing Kukis in the Singhason Hills area. The non-Karbi traders are also targeted for extortion.

The outfit held six rounds of peace talks with the State and Union Government representatives between 2002 and 2006. That last round of talks was held on July 26, 2006. Subsequently, the outfit pulled out of the talk process complaining of lack of progress on its core demands.

The outfit’s cadres are lodged in one Government guarded designated camp at Diphu with 60 cadres, two main camps and several sub-camps.

The outfit KLNLF claims to fight for the cause of Karbi tribes and its declared objective is Hemprek Kangthim, meaning self-rule/self-determination of the Karbi people.

Pradip Terang alias Pongbi Dilli is the ‘Chairman’ of the outfit. Har Sing Timung was the General Secretary till January 2, 2005, when he resigned from his position following serious differences with the ‘Commander-in-Chief’ Men Sing Takbi alias Willingson Timung. Laden Ronghang is the ‘Publicity Secretary’ of the group and ‘In-charge Central Publicity Cell’ is Thong Teron alias Rupsing Teron. The Assistant Foreign Secretary/ Revenue/Finance/Taxation of the outfit is Biren Lekthe alias Risso Tokbi.

Currently, the outfit has around 200 cadres operating in the Karbi Anglong district. The KLNLF Commander-in-Chief, Willingson Timung, was killed along with two other cadres by the General Secretary, Hor Sing Timung, on February 2, 2005. Later on April 29, 2005, Hor Sing Timung along with other four associates was executed by the outfit at a camp in Bangladesh for their involvement in the murder of Timung.

While the group’s stronghold is the Karbi Anglong district, its presence has also been reported from the North Cachar Hills and Nagaon districts.

The outfit maintains close links with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). The ULFA’s ‘709th battalion’ operates out of two major bases in Karbi Anglong, with the KLNLF providing it with logistic support in return for weapons and ammunition.

It also reportedly has links with the Nagaland-based National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM). On May 11, 2004, 31 KLNLF cadres along with five NSCN-IM militants were arrested from a bus on the Paren-Ghaspani Road on their way to Dimapur. These cadres had undergone training at a NSCN-IM camp and were reportedly part of the recent batch that passed out from there. On October 13, 2007, security forces neutralized a joint camp of the NSCN-IM and KLNLF inside Kaki Reserve Forest area in the Karbi Anglong district.

Abductions for ransom and extortion are the main sources of funds for the group. According to official sources, the outfit generates a considerable amount of revenue by targeting the ginger producing Kukis in the Singhason Hills area. The non-Karbi Hindi – speaking traders are also targeted for extortion.

The Karbi People’s Liberation Tiger (KPLT), earlier known as Anti-Talks Factions of Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF-ATF) was formed at an undisclosed location on January 8, 2011. The outfit was formed with 25 cadres of KLNLF-ATF who formally rechristened itself as KPLT.

The KLNLF-ATF was a breakaway faction of the Karbi Longri National Liberation Front (KLNLF), which had laid down arms on February 11, 2010. KPLT has emerged as a new threat in the State. The KPLT is believed to have split towards the middle of 2011, when some of its members formed a new group, the Karbi National Protection Force (KNPF). However, not much is heard about the KNPF.

Jing Hanse, deputy ‘commander-in-chief’ and Nilip Enghi, the ‘general secretary-cum publicity in-charge’ of the outfit, head KPLT. However, in a setback to the outfit on July 12, 2011, Security Forces (SFs) killed two KPLT militants, including ‘commander-in-chief’ Angpang Engti and his bodyguard Ading Rangpi and injured another militant, at Upper Deihori Rangpi Kro village in Karbi Anglong district.

KPLT is formed with an objective of carving an Autonomous Karbi State (AKS) out of Assam. The KPLT pledged to fight until the AKS is formed. Significantly, Jing Hanse, on the outfit’s Foundation had declared that his party would continue subversive activities if their demands were not met.

The KPLT has its base in Dima Hasao district of Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh. However, the outfit is most active in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. The new outfit claims it is equipped with modern weaponry like mortars, AK-47, AK-56, M20 guns etc.

The KPLT has links with the Anti-Talk faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-ATF), another militant outfit of Assam and reportedly with Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K). On July 2, 2011, around 30 militants of NDFB-ATF under the leadership of B. Narzari were reported to have built up bases inside Kaki reserve forest in the border areas of Karbi Anglong and Nagaon Districts. The NDFB-ATF is trying to secure its hold in the eastern part of Karbi Anglong with the help of KPLT. NDFB-ATF along with the KPLT is also reportedly procuring weapons and ammunitions from arms dealers operating from the Dimapur city of Nagaland. Report also stated that a batch of newly trained 60 KPLT militants have completed their training in a NSCN-K camp near Dimapur and may join the outfit soon.

The Government rules out the possibility of talks with the outfit since it does not recognize KPLT as representative of the Karbi people and that the members of the outfit indulge in unlawful activities, and are considered criminals. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) only recognized United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and KLNLF as representative of the Karbi people. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Joint Secretary (Northeast) Shambhu Singh stated on August 12, 2011, that “government is of the view that the KLNLF should also sign the same agreement,” like the UPDS who had signed accord on November 25, 2011 with the Central and State Government for Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC). KLNLF who is also under cease-fire, but has not signed the agreement.

There is another extremist group Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) operating mostly in Assam and Nagaland, laid down its arms on 2003-01-01. It is an organization purporting to represent to Dimasa in their quest to create a Dimaland or Dimaraji in the two states.

The Dima Halam Daoga (DHD) is a descendant of the Dimasa National Security Force (DNSF), which ceased operations in 1995. Commander-in-Chief Jewel Gorlosa, refused to surrender and launched the Dima Halam Daogah. After the peace agreement between the DHD and the central government in the year 2003, the group further broke out and DHD(J) also known as Black Widow was born which was led by Jewel Gorlosa. The Black Widow’s declared objective is to create Dimaraji for the Dimasa people in Dima Hasao district only. However, the objective of DHD (Nunisa faction) is to include parts of Cachar, Karbi Anglong, and Nagaon districts in Assam, and sections of Dimapur district in Nagaland.

Th DHDs are active mainly in the district of Dima Hasao of Assam. Their presence can be felt in all the territories demanded by them to be included in Dimaraji. Their activities included extortion to fund their movement and a regular volleys and parleys with the representatives of the state government and the central government to fulfill their demands.

The DHD(J) faction is estimated to have around 400 active cadres while the DHD(N) is estimated to have around 800-1200 active cadres. The chairman of the DHD(N) is Pranab Nunisa who came to power on June 24, 2004 after a takeover which ousted founder Jewel Garlossa. The chairman of the DHD is Dilip Nunisa. Other major figures include Kanta Langthasa, Yathong Dimasa, and Rongsling Dimasa.

The DHD has been linked to many other separatist organizations in India, including the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, NSCN and the ULFA. India banned the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD)-Black Widow militant group in the wake of its involvement in several incidents of violence in Assam on July 2, 2009.

The group surrendered en masse to the CRPF and local police, prior to a deadline, with 193 cadres surrendering on 2009-09-12 and another 171 on the 13th. This may include 138 armed cadre of DHD-J. Arms surrendered included 37 AK series assault rifles, ten M-16 rifles, 11 US carbines, two each of Self-Loading Rifles (SLR) and M-21 rifle, one each of Ins as rifle, sten gun, 40-mm gun, Universal Machine Gun (UMG),Rocket Propelling Gun (RPG) and 9-mm pistols. In addition, 7,303 grenades and over 10,000 assorted ammunition were surrendered.

Following the ceasefire, DHD-N had several rounds of talks with both the Central and State government regarding the demand for creation of a ‘Dimaraji state’. After nine years of bitter animosity, the two factions of DHD came face to face and ultimately signed a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) together with the State and Central government on 8 October 2012. As per the MoS, both the DHD factions would have to be dissolved within six months of signing of the pact.

The Jewel faction disbanded and from then on called itself the ‘Jewel Welfare Society’. But a bitter vendetta earlier, ostensibly over financial issues, further split the outfit and the deputy commander-in-chief- of the outfit, Daniel Garlosa, formed his separate group called the ‘Hill Welfare Society’ with himself as the Finance Secretary and Piprang Dimasa (who was the Deputy Chairman in the DHD-J) as the President.

All eyes were on Dilip Nunisa and his faction (DHD-N) and the much awaited ‘Homecoming ceremony’ of the DHD-Nunisa (DHD-N ) that was held at the District Sports Association ground in Haflong as the Nunisa group finally disbanded. As the DHD-N ceased to exist, the outfit got transformed into a democratic non-armed civil body called the ‘Halali Progressive Welfare Society’ (‘Halali ‘stands for ‘fertile land’ in the Dimasa language).

However, the turn off in the ‘Homecoming ceremony’ was the absence of bigwigs like the Union Home Minister, the CM and the Governor, who were all scheduled to come originally. While many read the no show of Sushilkumar Shinde as gross negligence shown towards the Dimasas, the absence of Tarun Gogoi, CM was more to do with the political upheaval going on at Dispur at that time. However, this didn’t dampen the spirit of the 2009 odd DHD-Nunisa members to turn out and a large gathering of the Dimasa people welcomed them back to the mainstream.

The DHD-N gave up from its possession 144 arms including LMG’s, M-16 Rifles, AK-47 and AK-56 rifles, rockets, grenades, grenade launchers and other assorted weapons including 4,408 bullets. There were 1,318 political cadres or PRO’s (as they are called in DHD-N parlance) who came out and 691 armed cadres including 37 female cadres in fatigues. All top DHD-N leaders including Chairman Dilip Nunisa, C-in-C Pranab Nunisa, Organising Secretary Ronsling Dimasa, GS Yathong Dimasa and Asst General Secretary, Rajesh Naiding were present and they took turns to hand over arms as token on behalf of the whole outfit.

Dilip Nunisa (Chairman DHD-N), while addressing his cadres and public, summed up the mood saying it was an occasion to be sad as well as happy at the same time. “Having led a movement and a body for so long, to see the day when it is being disbanded brings a tinge of sadness, particularly when we have left our armed revolution on hope and faith and signed the MoS keeping the development of the area and people in mind. However, we have laid a charter of demands and we expect the Central and State government to reciprocate our gesture and fulfill our demands,” he said. Nunisa said that it was a happy day to make a new beginning but he was categorical in pointing out that the ‘Halali Progressive Group’ will also keep alive the dream of a separate ‘Dimaraji state’ for the Dimasas. “The only difference is that our armed revolution will turn into a democratic and civilian movement. But our end and objective will remain the same. The MoS that we signed did not address all our aspirations and we appeal to the government to consider them afresh”, he said.

Originally ‘Halali Progressive Group’ was the name chosen for the outfit after disbanding and Chairman Dilip Nunisa had himself made the announcement at the ceremony itself. But just a couple of days later, Nunisa himself revealed that following a meeting held after the ‘Homecoming ceremony’, it has been decided to change the name of the democratic civil body comprising the DHD-N cadres from ‘Halali Progressive Group’ to ’Halali Progressive Welfare Society’ . ”The term ‘group’ may hold other connotations and create a vested image, so we decided to change the name,” was Nunisa’s explanation.

The origin of the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) can be traced to the attempts of certain members of the Rajbongshi community belonging to the all Kamtapur Students’ Union (AKSU) to organise an armed struggle for a separate Kamtapur State. For this purpose, they approached the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). ULFA reportedly agreed to train them in order to gain foothold outside Assam, in the other geographically contiguous Indian States, to use them as transit routes. ULFA’s line of thinking was that, it would not only facilitate the movement of its cadres to their base camps in Bhutan but also provide a safe haven for the injured or sick cadres.

The KLO came into existence on December 28, 1995. At the time of its formation, its cadre strength was an estimated 60. However, subsequently, it is said to be operating with approximately 300 ‘active cadres’.

The objective of the KLO is to carve out a separate Kamtapur State comprising six districts–– Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, North and South Dinajpur and Malda––of West Bengal and four contiguous districts of Assam––Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Dhubri and Goalpara. At its inception, the KLO was an over-ground organisation and was formed to address problems such as large-scale unemployment, land alienation, perceived neglect of Kamtapuri language and identity, and grievances of economic deprivation. Soon, its strategy transformed into waging armed struggle.

Tamir Das alias Jibon Singha is the chairman of the KLO. He was arrested in October 1999. However, he regained control over the outfit after he was released by the Assam Police in a bid to make the other KLO cadres surrender.

Milton Burman alias Mihir Das is the second in command of the outfit. Tom Adhikary alias Joydeb Roy is the outfit’s ‘crack squad’ chief. Both of them were arrested by the RBA during the December 2003 operations.

Bharati Das, Chairperson of the Women’s Wing, was arrested from Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal on August 7, 2002.

The outfit’s operations chief, Suresh Roy, surrendered on January 24, 2002.

Some of the other prominent KLO insurgents who could be in positions of decision-making are Hiten Roy, Ravi Rajbongshi, Rahul Roy and Kajal Roy.

The KLO is active in following areas of West Bengal and Assam

West Bengal—six districts of North Bengal

  • South Dinajpur

  • North Dinajpur

  • Coochbehar

  • Jalpaiguri

  • Malda

  • Darjeeling

Assam—four districts of lower Assam

  • Kokrajhar

  • Bongaigaon

  • Dhubri

  • Goalpara

However, the outfit is most active in Alipurduar in Jalpaiguri and the Shiliguri sub-division of Darjeeling.

The KLO maintains a string of camps in Bhutan. Several of its camps are located across the Wangchu river, close to Chuka district in Bhutan. According to Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho, the Bhutanese Home Minister, two of its camps are in the Bhangtar and Lhamoizingkha areas of Bhutan.

The KLO is alleged to be the armed underground wing of Kamtapur People’s Party (KPP). Available evidence suggests that it maintains close linkages with the ULFA. Soon after its formation, its members were imparted arms training during 1996-97 in Samdrup Jhankar in Bhutan, and also subsequently at Gelengphu and Kalaikhola. The KLO’s headquarters is situated near that of ULFA’s at Samdrup Jhankar. Reports even suggest that the KLO is the brainchild of Raju Baruah, ULFA’s ‘deputy commander’.

As mentioned already, the ULFA wants to use West Bengal as a transit point to cross over to Bhutan, and then into Bangladesh. Also, this area provides a safe haven for injured and battle-weary ULFA cadres.

The outfit is also reportedly linked to the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). Media reports suggest that the KLO, ULFA and the NDFB have formed an umbrella organisation to coordinate their activities. Moreover, the KLO is also said to have linkages with the Maoist insurgents of Nepal. An August 2001-report indicated that, a meeting of NDFB, KLO, ULFA and the Maoists was held at Birganj, near the Indo-Nepal border, to discuss a joint strategy to carry out subversive activities against India.

Besides these linkages, the Tiwa National Revolutionary Front (TNRF), an insurgent outfit based in the Nagaon district of Assam, also has a working relationship with the KLO. In addition, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), too, reportedly maintains links with the KLO.

Reports also suggest that Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) is assisting terrorist groups, including the KLO, to commit subversion along the Siliguri Corridor of West Bengal

Besides above, there are other extremist group in Assam. They are:

  1. Rabha National Security Force (RNSF)

  2. Koch Rajbanghi Liberation Organisation (KRLO)

  3. Adivasi Cobra Force (ACF)

  4. Tiwa National Revolutunary Force (TNRF)

  5. Muslim United Liberation Tiger of Assam (MULTA)

  6. United Liberation Front of Barak Valley (ULFBV)

  7. All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA) etc.

Bodo people had struggled for their language, scripts, medium, state etc. since long. The official Movement for an independent state of Bodoland within Indian Territory was started on 2nd March 1987 under the leadership of Upendranath Brahma of All Bodo Student Union (ABSU). Upendranath Brahma was actively associated with the six year long Assam Movement started from 1979 and ended in 1985 on signing the Assam Accord. Shri Brahma wanted to be candidate in the Loka Sabha election, however, the leaders of newly formed Asom Gana Parisad (AGP) (formed by the movement leaders) denied his candidatures and felt insulted. There was an impression that Bodo people were neglected by the fellow Assamese and were deprived from their legitimate belongings. Therefore, Bodo people wanted a separate state for them and ABSU formed a political organization the Bodo Pepoles Action Committee (BAC). Both ABSU and BAC spearheaded the movement and their first slogan was- ‘Divide Assam 50-50’. The movement ended after the Bodo Accord and creation of Bodo Territorial Council (BTC) on February 20,1993.The districts which covered the Bodo Territorial Area District (BTAD) are as under:

Sl No

Name of the District

Area in km2.
1 Kokrajhar 3169.2
2 Chirang 1069.96
3 Baksa 3056.89
4 Udalguri 1673.93

Meanwhile Upendranath Brahma died in Mumbai on 1st May 1990. The title of Bodofa (Father of the Bodos) was posthumously conferred upon Brahma on 8 May 1990 in recognition of his vision and leadership. Bodos celebrated each year on the anniversary of his death, which is now called Bodofa Day. A 21-foot-tall (6.4 m) bronze statue of him was unveiled in Kokrajhar on the tenth anniversary of his death.

The demand for a separate state of Bodoland out of Assam is continuing. There are demands for other independent states such as Kamatapur State, State for Karbi people etc.

ANNEXURE-I

ANNEXURE-II

Years

Reign

Ahom name

Other names

succession

End of reign

Capital
1228–1268 40y Sukaphaa natural death Charaideo
1268–1281 13y Suteuphaa son of Sukaphaa natural death Charaideo
1281–1293 8y Subinphaa son of Suteuphaa natural death Charaideo
1293–1332 39y Sukhaangphaa son of Subinphaa natural death Charaideo
1332–1364 32y Sukhrangpha son of Sukhaangphaa natural death Charaideo
1364–1369 5y Interregnum[11]
1369–1376 7y Sutuphaa brother of Sukhrangphaa[12] assassinated[13] Charaideo
1376–1380 4y Interregnum
1380–1389 9y Tyao Khamti brother of Sutuphaa assassinated[14] Charaideo
1389–1397 8y Interregnum
1397–1407 10y Sudangphaa Baamuni Kunwar son of Tyao Khaamti[15] natural death Charagua
1407–1422 15y Sujangphaa son of Sudangphaa natural death
1422–1439 17y Suphakphaa son of Sujangpha natural death
1439–1488 49y Susenphaa son of Suphakphaa natural death
1488–1493 5y Suhenphaa son of Susenphaa assassinated[16]
1493–1497 4y Supimphaa son of Suhenphaa natural death
1497–1539 42y Suhungmung Swarganarayan,
Dihingiaa Rojaa I		 son of Supimphaa assassinated[17] Bakata
1539–1552 13y Suklenmung Garhgayaan Rojaa son of Suhungmung natural death Garhgaon
1552–1603 51y Sukhaamphaa Khuraa Rojaa son of Suklenmung natural death Garhgaon
1603–1641 38y Susenghphaa Prataap Singha,
Burhaa Rojaa,
Buddhiswarganarayan		 son of Sukhaamphaa natural death Garhgaon
1641–1644 3y Suramphaa Jayaditya Singha,
Bhogaa Rojaa		 son of Susenghphaa deposed[18] Garhgaon
1644–1648 4y Sutingphaa Noriyaa Rojaa brother of Suramphaa deposed[19] Garhgaon
1648–1663 15y Sutamla Jayadhwaj Singha,
Bhoganiyaa Rojaa		 son of Sutingphaa natural death Garhgaon/Bakata
1663–1670 7y Supangmung Chakradhwaj Singha cousin of Sutamla[20] natural death Bakata/Garhgaon
1670–1672 2y Sunyatphaa Udayaditya Singha brother of Supangmung[21] deposed[22]
1672–1674 2y Suklamphaa Ramadhwaj Singha brother of Sunyatphaa poisoned[23]
1674–1675 21d Suhung Samaguria Rojaa Samaguria descendant of Suhungmung deposed[24]
1675-1675 24d Gobar Roja great-grandson of Suhungmung[25] deposed[26]
1675–1677 2y Sujinphaa Arjun Konwar,
Dihingia Rojaa II		 grandson of Pratap Singha, son of Namrupian Gohain deposed, suicide[27]
1677–1679 2y Sudoiphaa Parvatia Rojaa great-grandson of Suhungmung[28] deposed, killed[29]
1679–1681 3y Sulikphaa Ratnadhwaj Singha,
Loraa Rojaa		 Samaguria family deposed, killed[30]
1681–1696 15y Supaatphaa Gadadhar Singha son of Gobar Rojaa natural death Borkola
1696–1714 18y Sukhrungphaa Rudra Singha son of Supaatphaa natural death Rangpur
1714–1744 30y Sutanphaa Siba Singha son Sukhrungphaa natural death
1744–1751 7y Sunenphaa Pramatta Singha brother of Sutanphaa natural death
1751–1769 18y Suremphaa Rajeswar Singha brother of Sunenphaa natural death
1769–1780 11y Sunyeophaa Lakshmi Singha brother of Suremphaa natural death
1780–1795 15y Suhitpangphaa Gaurinath Singha son of Sunyeophaa natural death Jorhat
1795–1811 16y Suklingphaa Kamaleswar Singha great-grandson of Lechai, the brother of Rudra Singha[31] natural death, small pox Jorhat
1811–1818 17y Sudingphaa (1) Chandrakaanta Singha brother of Suklingphaa deposed[32] Jorhat
1818–1819 1y Purandar Singha (1) descendant of Suremphaa[32] deposed[33] Jorhat
1819–1821 2y Sudingphaa (2) Chandrakaanta Singha fled the capital[34]
1821–1822 1y Jogeswar Singha brother of Hemo Aideo, puppet of Burmese ruler[35] removed[36]
1833–1838 Purandar Singha (2)[37]

Annexure-III

Shihabuddin’s description on Assam during Mir Jumlah’s invasion

“ Assam is a wild and dreadful country, abounding in danger. It lies north-east of the province of Bengal. The river Brahmaputra flows through it from the east towards the west. The lengthy of Assamfrom west to east, Gauhati to Sadiya is about 200 kos; its breadth, north to south, from the hills of the Garos, Miris, Mishmis, Daflas and Landahs to those of the Naga tribe is seven or eight days journey at a guess. Its southern mountains touch lengthwise the hully region of Khasia, Kachhar and Gonasher and breathwise the hills inhabited by the Naga tribe. The land on the north bank of the Brahmaputra is called Uttarkol, and on the southern bank Dakhinkol, Uttarkol stretches from Gauhati to the home of the Miri and Mishmi tribes, and Dakhinkol from the kingdom of the Nak-Kati Rani to the village of Sadiya. From Koliabar to Garhgaon hosues and orchards full of fruit tree stretch in an unbroken line, and on both sides of the road, shady bamboo groves raise their heads to the sky. Many varieties of sweet-scented wild and garden flowers bloom here, and from the rear of the bamboo groves up to the foot of the hills there are cultivated fields and gardens. From Lakhugarh to Garhgaon, also, there are roads, houses and farms in the same style; and a lofty and wide embanked road has been constructed up to Garhgaon for traffic.

“ In this country they make the surface of fields and gardens so level that the eye cannot find the least elevation in it up to the extreme horizon. Uttarkol has greater abundance of population and cultivation; but as there are more inaccessible strongholds and defensible central places in Dakhinkol, the kings of Assam have fixed their abode in the latter.

“ The climate of the parts on the banks of the Brahmaputra suits natives and strangers alike. But at a distance from the river, though the climate agrees with the natives, it is rank poison to foreigners. It rains for eight months in the year, and even the four months of winter are not free from rain. In the cold weather the diseases of cold and moisture affect foreigners with greater severity than natives, while in summer excessive secretion of bile grasps foreigners more violently than natives. The people of this country are free from certain fatal and loathsome diseases – such as leprosy, white leprosy, elephantiasis, cutaneous eruptions, goiter and hydriocele, which prevail in Bengal. They are also immune from many other ligering maladies. The air and water of its hills are like the destructive Simoom and deadly poison to natives and strangers alike. Its plains by reason of their being girt about by hills, tend to breed melancholy and fear.

“ The trees of its hills and plains are exceedingly tall, thick and strong. Its streams are deep and wide, and both those that contain pools and those that do not, are beyond the range of numbering. Many kinds of odorous fruits and herbs of Bengal and Hindustan grow in Assam. We saw here certain varieties of flowers and fruits, both wild and cultivated, which are not to be met with elsewhere in the whole of India. The coconut and nim trees are rare but pepper, spikenard and many species of lemon are abundant. Mangoes are full of worms, but plentiful, sweet and free from fibre, though yielding scanty juice. Its pineapples are very large, delicious to the taste, and rich in juice. Sugarcane is of the black, red and white varieties and very sweet, but so hard as to break one’s teeth; ginger is juicy. The chief crops of the country is rice, but the thin and long varieties of the grain are rare. Wheat, barley and lentils are not grown. The soil is fertile; whatever they sow or plant grows well. Salt is very dear and difficult to procure. It is found in the skirts of certain hills, but is very bitter and pungent. Some of the people of this country cut the bananas to pieces, dry them in the sun and burn them. Then they put the ashes on a piece of fine linen which they tie to four rods fixed in the ground, place a pot underneath and gradually sprinkle water on the cloth; and they use the drippings which are extremely brackish and bitter as a substitute for salt.

“ Cocks waterfowl, greese, goats, castrated goats and game-cocks are large, plentiful and delicious. Most of the game-cocks of this country have been found to be so for above the disgrace of taking to flight that if a weak one encounters a stronger it fights obstinately till its head is broken and its brain strewn about, and it dies, but it never turns its face away from its antagonist nor shows its back to its enemy. Large high-spirited and well-proportioned elephants abound in the hills and jungle. The deer, elk, nilgau, fighting ram and partridge are plentiful.

“ Gold is washed from the sand of the Brahmaputra. Ten to twelve thousand Assamese are engaged in this employment, and they pay to the Raja’s Government one tola of gold per head per year. But this gold is of a low-standard of purity; a tola of it fetches only eight or nine rupees. It is said that gold can be procured from the sand at all places on the bank of the Brahmaputra, but the only people who know how to gather it are those Assamese. The currency of this kingdom consists of cowries and rupees and gold coins stamped with the stamp of the Raja. Copper coins are not current. The musk deer and the elephant are found in the hills inhabited by the Miri and Mishmi tribes, which lie in the cast of Assam on the Uttarkol side at distance of eleven days’ journey from Garhgaon. Silver, copper and tin are also obtained in the hills of the same tribes. The aloe wood which grows in the hills of Namrup, Sadiya abnd Lakhugarh, is heavy, coloured and scented.

“ If this country were administered like the Imperial dominions, it is very likely that forty to forty-five lakhs of rupees would be collected from the revenue paid by the Raiyats, the price of elephants caught in the jungles and other sources. It is not the customs here to take any land tax from the cultivators; but in every house one man out of three has to render service to the Raja, and if there is any delay in doing what he orders, no other punishment than death is inflicted. Hence the most complete obedience is rendered by the people to the biddings of their Raja.

“ In all the past ages no foreign kind could lay the hand of conquest on the skirt of this country, and no foreigner could treat it with the foot of invasion. Narrow are the gates by which outsiders can enter or issue from this country, and lame are the feet on which its natives can go to other countries. Their kings neither allow foreigners to enter their land, nor permit any of their own subjects to go out of it. Formerly once a year, by order of the Raja, a party used to go for trade to their frontier near Gauhati; they gave gold, musk, aloe wood, pepper, spikenard and silk cloth in exchange for salt, saltpeter, sulphur and certain other products of India which the people of Gauhati used to take thither. In short every army that entered this country made its exists from the realm of life, every caravan that set foot on this land deposited its baggage of residence in the halting place of death. In former times whenever an army turned towards this country for raid and conquest, as soon as it reached the frontier, the wretches made night attacks on it. If success did not dawn on the night of their enterprise, they used to drive away to the hills the peasantry along the route of invasion, leaving not a man to inhabit a house of kindle a fire in that tract. The invaders neglecting caution and watchfulness, reached the centre of the country after passing unobstructed roads full of danger, raising torrents and frightful valleys covered with deadly forests. And by reason of the distance, the winter expired on the way and the rainy season began. The wretches, descending from the hills tops a flood invested the army of all sides. As the saying is, “to mud tear drops are abundance of water,” if two drops of rain fall in this moist land, movement becomes impossible. So that imprudent army on being besieged, has no power left to confront and repel the enemy and grows weaker through failure to procure supplies of food, and is soon exterminated or taken prisoner.

“ Once Hussain Shah, a sultan of Bengal, entered Assam with 20,000 foot and horse and numberless boats, and the Raja leaving his kingdom, fled to the hills. Hussain Shah then returned to Bengal, leaving his son with most of his troops to occupy the country. When the rainy season arrived and the roads became closed, the Raja came down from the hills to the low country and surrounded Hussain Shah’s son with the help of subjects who had professed submission to the latter. And that unfortunate prince and troops, soon becoming weak through lack of food, were slain or captured. It is said that certain inhabitants of this country who bear the name of Muhammadans are descended from the captured soldiers of that army. And as no one who entered this country ever returned, and the manners of its natives were never made known to any outsiders, the people of Hindustan used to call the inhabitants of Assam sorcerers and magicians and consider them as standing outside the human species. They say that whoever enters this country is overcome by charms and never comes out of it.

The Rajas of this country have always been self confident and proud by reason of the large number of their followers and attendants and the abundance of their property, treasure and arm force, and they have always maintained vast bodies of fighting men and mountain-like ferocious-looking elephants. The present kind Jayadhvaj Singh, is surnamed Swargi Raja. The false belief of this fool is that one of his ancestors who ruled over heaven descended from thence by means of a golden ladder and undertook to administer this country; and as he found the land pleasant, he did not go back to heaven. In short, this insane fellow is more sunk in conceit and pride and more addicted to shedding blood and destroying lives than his ancestors. For a slight fault he would extirpate a whole family; on the least suspicion, he would kill a whole generation. As his wives bring forth daughters only and his successor in the kingdom will be no other than Infamy, he has not left any male child from among the grand children of his grand parents. Although he is attached to the Hindu religion, yet he considers himself to be one of the great incarnations of the Creator; he does not bow his head downs in worship to any idol.

“And all the people of this country, not placing their necks in the yoke of any faith, eat whatever they get from the hand of any men, regardless of his caste, and undertake every kind of labour that appears proper to their defective sight. They do not abstain from eating food cooked by Muslims and non-Muslims, and partake of every kind of meat, what here of dead or of slaughtered animals, except human flesh. It is not their custom to eat ghi, so that if any article even savours of ghi they will not eat it. Their language differs entirely from that of all the peoples of Eastern India. Strength and heroism are apparent in the peoples of this country, they are able to undertake hard tasks; all of them are warlike and bloodthirty, fearless in slaying and being slain, unrivalled in cruelty, treachery and rudeness unique in the world in deception, lying and breach of faith. The persons of their women are marked by beauty and delicacy of features, blackness and length of their softness sof body fairness of complexion and loveliness of hands and feet. From a distance their general appearance looks perfectly beautiful, but disfigured by the absence of proportion in the limbs. When however, they are looked at close hands, they are found to be far from beautiful. The wives of the Rajas and peasants alike never veil their faces before anybody, and they move about in the market places with bare head. Few of the men have two wives only; most have four or five, and they mutually exchanged their wives, or buy and sell them. Adoration among this people takes the form of kneeling down. The peasants who go to the Raja, or the nobles who have audience of him, after bending both the knees, sit down in the kneeling posture, keeping both eyes fixed on the ground. They shave their hair, beard and moustaches. If any of the natives acts contrary to this practice in the least particular, they say that he has adopted the manners of the Bengalis and they cut his head off.

“Asses, camels and horses are rate and difficult to procure in this country. As affinity of species is the cause of fellowship, those timid asses, viz., the Assamese, express a great desire to see and keep donkeys, and by reason of their own asinine nature, buy them at high prices, and they are eager beyond limit to look at that marvel of creation, the camel. They are greatly frightened by horses, and if they catch one, they hamstring it. If a single trooper changes a hundred well-armed Assamese, they all throw their arms down and run away, and if they cannot flee, they put their hands up to be chained as prisoners. But if one of them encounters ten Mussalman infantrymen, he fearlessly tricks to slay them and succeeds in defeating them. The Assamese consider the sale of an elephant as the most disgraceful of acts, and never commit it.

“ The Raja and Phukans ride on sinhasans, and the chiefs and rich men in dulis, which are constructed with poles and planks in a ludicrous fashion. The poles of sinhasans and dulis are craved out of wood. They make theirs of wood in the style of stools, and strap them to the backs of elephants instead of covered litters and howdahs. It is not their custom to tie turbans round the head, to wear costs, trousers or shoes or to sleep on bedsteads. They only wrap a price of fine linen round the head, and a waistband around the middle, and place a chaddar on the shoulders. Some of their rich men in winter on a plank which serves for a bedstead. They chew large quantities of betel leaves with unripe areca nuts of which the rind has not been removed. Flowered silk, velvetm, tat-band and other kinds of silk stuff and excellently woven here. They make very nice and neat trays, chests, thrones and chairs, all carved out of one piece of wood. Among the property of the Raja, some thrones were found, each made of one piece of wood, and nearly two cubits broad and having legs cut out of the same piece and not joined to it.

“They build war boats like the kosahs of Bengal, and call them bacharis. There is not other difference between the two than this that the prow and stern of the kosah have to projecting horns, while those of the bachari consists of only one leveled plank; and as, aiming solely at strength, they build these boats with the heart-wood of timber, they are slower than kosahs. So numerous are the boats, large and small, in this country that on one occasion the news-writer of Gauhati reported in the month of Ramzan that up to the date of his writing 32,000 bachari and kosah boats had reached that place or passed it. The number of boats that conveyed the Imperial army and those inhabitants of Assam who accompanied the Nawab (Mir Jumlah) on his return probably exceeded the number mentioned by the news-writer. Probably half of these were owned by Assamese. They build most of their boats of chambal wood; and such vessels, however heavily they may be loaded, on being swamped do not sink in the water.

“The east excellent matchlocks and bachadar artillery; and show great skill in this craft. They make first rate gunpowder, of which they procure the materials from the Imperial dominions. In the whole of Assam there is no building or brick, stone or mud, with the exception of the gates of Garhgaon and a few temples. Rich and poor alike construct their houses with wood, bamboo and straw. The original inhabitants of the country are of two races – the Assamese and the Kolita. In all things the latter are superior to the former, but in performing their difficult tasks and making a firem stand in battle, the opposite is the case.

“Six or seven thousand Assamese always stand guard round the abode and bedroom of the Raja, and these are called Chaudangs. They are the devoted and trusted servants of the Raja and are his executioners. The weapons of war are matchlock, cannon, arrows with and without iron heads, short, swords, spears and long and crossbows. In time of war all the inhabitants of the kingdom have to go to battle, whether they wish it or not; like jackals they set up a concerted howl, all at the same time, and deliver a great assault. These jackal hearted people imagine that by means of such shouts they would frighten the lions of the forest of battle and tigers of the plain of fight. A very small number of their soldiers often checkmate thousands in battle. But those of their warriors and heroes who attack the enemy with swords and arrow and boldly pierce the enemy’s ranks, belong to the race of genuine Assamese and these probably do not number more than 20,000 men. They mostly engage in battle and night attacks on a Tuesday which they consider an auspicious day. The common people either fight and are defeated, or flee without fighting, fixing in their mind’s eye the purport of the verse: “Those who had fear gained safety, while the fearless were destroyed,” they throw away all their arms and escape.

“The common people bury their dead with some of the property of the deceased, placing the head towards the east and the feet towards the west. The chiefs build vaults for their dead, and place therein the wives and servants of the deceased, after killing them, together with necessary articles for a few years, including various kinds of gold and silver vessels, carpet, cloths and foodstuffs. They cover the head of the dead very strongly with stout poles, and bury in the vault a lamp with plenty of oil and one living lamp attendant to remain engages in the work of trimming the lamp. From the ten vaults which were o0pened (by the Mughals) property worth nearly ninety thousand rupees was recovered. One of the marvels was that from the vault of one of the queens of this who had been buried eighty years ago, a gold betel casket was taken, within which the betel leaf was still green. The author did not see this casket.

“As far the Mussalman who had been taken prisoner in former times and had chosebn to marry here, their descendants act exactly in the manner of the Assamese, and have nothing of Islam except the name; their hearts are inclined far more towards mingling with the Assamese than towards association with Muslims. The Muhammadans who had come here from Islamic lands engaged in the performance of prayer and fasting, but were forbidden to chant the call to prayer or publicly recite the ‘word of God.’

“The city of Garhgaon has four gates of stone set in mud from each of which to the Raja’s palace, for a distance of three kos, an extremely strong, high and wide embankment (al) has been constructed for the passage of men. Around the city, in the place of a wall, there is an encompassing bamboo plantation running continuously, two kos or more in width. But in the city the habitations are not regularly laid out. The houses of the inhabitants have been built in a scattered fashion within the bamboo grove, close to the al, and every man’s orchard and plough-land are situated in front of his house, one end of the field touching the al and the other house. Near the Raja’s palace, on both banks of the Dikhu river, the houses are numerous and there is a narrow bazaar-road. The only traders who sit in the bazaar are betel-leaf-sellers. It is not their practice to buy and sell articles of food in the market-place. The inhabitants store in their houses one year’s supply of food of all kinds, and are under no necessity to buy or sell any eatable.

“In short the city of Garhgaon appeared to us to be circular, wide and an aggregation of villages. Round the Raja’s house an embankment has been made and strong bamboos have been planted on it close together to serve as a wall. Round it a moat has been dug which is deeper than a man’s height in most places, and is always full of water. The enclosure is one kos and fourteen chains in circumference. Inside it high and spacious thatched houses have been built.

“The Raja’s audience hall, called solang is 120 cubits long and 30 cubits broad, measured on the inside. It stands on 66 pillars, each of them about four cubits round. They have smoothed these huge pillars so well, that at first sight they seemed to have been turned on a lathe. Though the people pretended to have the art of turning on lates, yet reasons refuses to believe it. My pen fails to describe in detail the other arts and rare inventions employed in decorating the woodwork of this palace. Probably nowhere else in the whole world can wooden houses be built with such decoration and figure-curving as by the people of this country. The sides of this palace have been partitioned into wooden lattices of various designs carved in relief, and adorned, both within and outside, with mirrors of brass, polished so finely that when the sunbeams fall on them, the eye is dazzled by the flashing back of light. This mansion was completed by 12,000 men working for one year. At one end of this palace, on four pillars facing each other, rings have been fixed, nine rings on each pillar. Whenever the Raja wished to live in this house, a throne was placed between the four pillars, and nine canopies, each of a different stuff, were fastened to the rings above the throne. The Raja sat on the throne under the canopies; the drummers beat their drums and dands. The dand is a circular flat instrument of brass like our gongs. When the Raja holds court or rides out, or the nobles set out for the places to which they have been newly appointed, the drums and dands are beaten. As for the many other wooden mansions – carved, decorated, strong, broad and long, which were inside the palace enclosure, their elegance and peculiar features can better be seen than described. But they not even an infidel be fated to behold these houses unless this country is annexed to the Imperial dominions, so that he might not be involved calamities that overwhelmed us.

“Outside the enclosure of the palace, a perfectly neat and pure mansion has been built for the residence of the Rajas; and the nobles have built very nice and strong houses near the royal palace. The Bar Phukan, who was the Raja’s son-in-law, had laid out an extremely elegant and fresh garden round a very pure and sweet tank within the grounds of his mansion. Truly it was a pleasant spot and a heart-ravishing and pure abode. Owing to the excess of damp it is not the custom in this country to made the courtyard of houses on the surface of the ground; but they build their houses on platforms resting on wooden pillars.”

Annexure-IV

Treaty of Yandaboo, 24 February 1826

TREATY of PEACE between the HONORABLE EAST INDIA COMPANY on the one part, and HIS MAJESTY the KING of AVA on the other, settled MAJOR-GENERAL SIR ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL, K.C.B., and K.C.T.S., COMMANDING the EXPEDITION, and SENIOR COMMISSIONER in PEGU and AVA; THOMAS CAMPBELL ROBERTSON, ESQ., CIVIL COMMISSIONER in PEGU and AVA; and HENRY DUCIE CHAD, ESQ., CAPTAIN, COMMANDING BRITANNIC MAJESTY’S and the HONORABLE COMPANY’S NAVAL FORCE the IRRAWADDY RIVER, on the part of the Honorable Company; and by MENGYEE-MAHA-MEN-KYAN-TEN WOONGYEE, LORD of LAYKAING, and MENGYEE-MARA-HLAH-THUO-HAH-THOO-ATWEN-WOON, LORD of the REVENUE, on the part of the King of Ava; who have each communicated to the other their full powers, agreed to and executed at Yandaboo in the Kingdom of Ava, on this Twenty-fourth day of February, in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty-six, corresponding with the Fourth day of the decrease of the Moon Taboung, in the year One Thousand One Hundred and Eighty-seven Gaudma Era, 1826.

ARTICLE 1.

There shall be perpetual peace and friendship between the Honorable Company on the one part, and His Majesty the King of Ava on the other.

ARTICLE 2.

His Majesty the King of Ava renounces all claims upon, and will abstain from all future interference with, the principality of Assam and its dependencies, and also with the contiguous petty States of Cachar and Jyntia. With regard to Munnipoor it is stipulated, that should Ghumbheer Sing desire to return to that country, he shall be recognized by the King of Ava as Rajah thereof.

ARTICLE 3.

To prevent all future disputes respecting the boundary line between the two great Nations, the British Government will retain the conquered Provinces of Arracan, including the four divisions of Arracan, Ramree, Cheduba, and Sandoway, and His Majesty the King of Ava cedes all right thereto. The Unnoupectoumien or Arakan Mountains (known in Arakan by the name of the Yeomatoung or Pokhingloung Range) will henceforth form the boundary between the two great Nations on that side. Any doubts regarding the said line of demarcation will be settled by Commissioners appointed by the respective governments fur that purpose, such Commissioners from both powers to be of suitable and corresponding rank.

ARTICLE 4.

His Majesty the King of Ava cedes to the British Government the conquered Provinces of Yeh, Tavoy, and Mergui and Tenasserim, with the islands and dependencies thereunto appertaining, taking the Salween River as the line of demarcation on that frontier ; any doubts regarding their boundaries will be settled as specified in the concluding part of Article third.

ARTICLE 5.

In proof of the sincere disposition of the Burmese Government to maintain the relations of peace and amity between the Nations, and as part indemnification to the British Government for the expenses of the War, His Majesty the King of Ava agrees to pay the sum of one crore of Rupees.

ARTICLE 6.

No person whatever, whether native or foreign, is hereafter to be molested by either party, on account of the part which he map have taken or have been compelled to take in the present war.

ARTICLE 7.

In order to cultivate and improve the relations of amity and peace hereby established between the two governments, it is agreed that accredited ministers, retaining an escort or safeguard of fifty men, from each shall reside at the Durbar of the other, who shall be permitted to purchase, or to build a suitable place of residence, of permanent materials ; and a Commercial Treaty, upon principles of reciprocal advantage, will be entered into by the two high contracting powers.

ARTICLE 8.

All public and private debts contracted by either government, or by the subjects of either government, with the others previous to the war, to be recognized and liquidated upon the same principles of honor and good faith as if hostilities had not taken place between the two Nations, and no advantage shall be taken by either party of the period that may have elapsed since the debts were incurred, or in consequence of the war ; and according to the universal law of Nations, it is further stipulated, that the property of all British subjects who may die in the dominions of His Majesty the King of Ava., shall, in the absence of legal heirs, be placed in the hands of the British Resident or Consul in the said dominions, who will dispose of the same according to the tenor of the British law. In like manner the property of Burmese subjects dying under the same circumstances, in and part of the British dominions, shall be made over to the minister or other authority delegated by His Burmese Majesty to the Supreme Government of India.

ARTICLE 9.

The King of Ava will abolish all exactions upon British ships or vessels in Burman ports, that are not required from Burmah ships or vessels in British port nor shall ships or vessels, the property of British subjects, whether European or Indian, entering the Rangoon River or other Burman ports, be required to land their guns, or unship their rudders, or to do any other act not required of Burmese ships or vessels in British ports.

ARTICLE 10.

The good and faithful Ally of the British Government, His Majesty the King of Siam, having taken a part in the present War, will, to the fullest extent, as far as regards His Majesty and his subjects, be included in the above Treaty.

ARTICLE 11.

This Treaty to be ratified by the Burmese authorities competent in the like cases, and the Ratification to be accompanied by all British, whether Europe or Native, American, and other prisoners, who will be delivered over to the British Commissioners ; the British Commissioners on their part engaging that the said Treaty shall be ratified by the Right Honorable the Governor-General in Council, and the Ratification shall be delivered to His Majesty the King of Ava in four months, or sooner if possible, and all the Burmese prisoners shall, in like manner be delivered over to their own Government as soon as they arrive from Bengal.

ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL.

LARGEEN MEONJA,

Woonghee.

T. C. ROBERTSON, Civil Commissioner.

SEAL OF THE LOTOO.

HY. D. CHADS,

Captain, Royal Navy.

SHWAGUM WOON,

Atawoon.

ADDITIONAL ARTICLE.

The British Commissioners being most anxiously desirous to manifest the sincerity of their wish for peace, and to make the immediate execution of the fifth Article of this Treaty as little irksome or inconvenient as possible to His Majesty the King of Ava, consent to the following arrangements, with respect to the division of the sum total, as specified in the Article before referred to, into instalments, viz., upon the payment of twenty-five lacks of Rupees, or one-fourth of the sum total (the other Articles of the Treaty being executed), the Army will retire to Rangoon. Upon the further payment of a similar sum at that place within one hundred days from this date, with the proviso as above, the Army will evacuate the dominions of His Majesty the King of Ava with the least possible delay, leaving the remaining moiety of the sum total to be paid by equal annual instalments in two years, from this Twenty-fourth day of February 1826 A.D., through the Consul or Resident in Ava or Pegu, on the part of the Honorable the East India Company.

ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL.

LARGEEN MEONJA,

Woongee.

T. C. ROBERTSON, Civil Commissioner.

SEAL OF THE LOTOO

HY. D. CHADS,

Captain, Royal Navy.

SHWWAGUM WOON,

Atawoon

Ratified by the Governor-General in Council, at Fort William in Bengal, this Eleventh day of April, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty-six.

AMHERST.

COMBERMERE.

J. H. HARINGTON.

W. B. BAYLEY

Annexure-V

IN MEMORY

of David Scott, Agent to the Governor-General of the North-East Frontier of Bengal, and Commissioner of Revenue and Circuit in the District of Assam, North-Eastern part of Rangpur, Sherpur and Sylhet. Died 20th August 1831, aged 45 years and 3 months. This monument is erected by order of the Supreme Government as a public and lasting record, of its consideration for the personal character of the decreased and of its estimation of the eminent services rendered by him in the administration of the extensive territory committed to his charge. By his demise the Government has been deprived of a most zealous, able and intelligent servant whose loss it deeply laments. While his name will long be held on grateful remembrance and veneration by the native population, to whom he was justly endeared by his impartial dispensation of justice, his kind and conciliatory manners and his constant and unwearied endeavours to promote their happiness and welfare.

Annexure-VI

Srimanta Sankardev (1449–1568) was a 15th–16th century Assamese polymath: a saint-scholar, poet, playwright, social-religious reformer and a figure of importance in the cultural and religious history of Assam, India. He is widely credited with building on past cultural relics and devising new forms of music (Borgeet), theatrical performance (Ankia Naat, Bhaona), dance (Sattriya), literary language (Brajavali). Besides, he has left an extensive literary oeuvre of trans-created scriptures (Bhagavat of Sankardev), poetry and theological works written in Sanskrit, Assamese and Brajavali (Medieval Maithili). The Bhagavatic religious movement he started, Ekasarana Dharma and also called Neo-Vaishnavite movement, influenced two medieval kingdoms—Koch and the Ahom kingdoms—and the assembly of devotees he initiated evolved into Sattras over time, which continue to be important socio-religious institutions in Assam and to a lesser extend in North Bengal. Sankardev inspired the Bhakti movement in Assam just as Guru Nanak, Ramananda, Kabir, Basava and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu inspired it elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent. His influence spread even to some kingdoms as the Matak Kingdom founded by Bharat Singha, and consolidated by Sarbanda Singha in the latter 18th century endorsed his teachings.

His literary and artistic contributions are living traditions in Assam today. The religion he preached is practiced by a large population, and Sattras (monasteries) that he and his followers established continue to flourish and sustain his legacy

Sankardev, (then named Sankaravara) was born into the Shiromani (chief) Baro-Bhuyans family at Alipukhuri near Bordowa in c1449. The Baro-Bhuyans were independent landlords in Assam, and Sankardev belonged to the Kayastha Hindu caste. His family-members, including parents Kusumvar Bhuyan and Satyasandhya Devi, were Saktas and basically hailed from Mithila. Sankardev lost his father to smallpox when he was about 7 years old, and his mother died either soon after his birth, or soon after his father’s death; and his grandmother Khersuti raised him.

He began attending Mahendra Kandali’s tol or chatrasaal (school) at the age of 12 and soon wrote his first verses karatala-kamala. The complete poem was written before he was taught the vowels except, of course, the first one, and is often cited as an example of the early flowering of his poetic genius. He stayed at the tol during his teens, and studied grammar and Indian scriptures. He practiced yoga (which is gave up later) and was physically very able, and according to legend, he could swim across the Brahmaputra while it was in spate. It is generally believed that he wrote his first work, Harishchandra upakhyan, while at the tol. Mahendra Kandali changed his name to ‘Sankdardev’ while he was at school.

Bhuyan shiromaniship

Sankardev soon mastered the major scriptures of Sanatana Dharma and thereafter left the tol in his late teens (c1465) in order to attend to his responsibilities as the Shiromani Bhuyan. He came to be known as the Dekagiri among his subjects and admirers. As Alipukhuri had become crowded, he moved his household from Alipukhuri to Bordowa. He married his first wife Suryavati when he was in his early 20s and a daughter, Manu, was born in about three years, but his wife died about nine months later.

First pilgrimage

It is possible that the death of his wife increased his already existing spiritual inclination and he left for a twelve-year long pilgrimage, sometime after his daughter was married to Hari, a Bhuyan scion. He handed over the maintenance of his household to his son-in-law Hari; the Bhuyan Shiromaniship to his grand uncles Jayanta and Madhav; and began his journey in 1481. He was accompanied by seventeen others including his friend and associate Ramaram and his teacher Mahendra Kandali.] At this point of time, he was 32. The pilgrimage took him to Puri, Mathura, Dwaraka, Vrindavan, Gaya, Rameswaram, Ayodhya, Sitakunda and almost all the other major seats of the Vaishnavite religion in India. He seem to have spent many years at Jagannath-kshetra at Puri, where he read and explained the Brahma Purana to the priests and lay people. At Badrikashram in 1488, he composed his first borgeet—mana meri ram charanahi lagu—in Brajavali. According to Katha Gurucharit, the first Borgeet was “Rama meri hridaya pankaje baise” and he composed it in 1481 at the very outset of the pilgrimage at a place called Rowmari. He returned home to Alipukhuri after 12 years (his family had moved back from Bordowa in his absence). During his pilgrimage, he became the part of a pan-Indian Bhakti movement and helped it blossom.

Shiromaniship refusal

On his return from his pilgrimage (c1493), Sankardev refused to take back the Shiromaniship, though on the insistence of his elders, he took responsibility of a hundred families (gomastha) but he soon handed over the responsibility to his son-in-law Hari. On his grandmother’s insistence, he married Kalindi at the age of 54. Finally, he moved back to Bordowa and constructed a temple (devagriha) in c1498, possibly a thatched house, built on the original site of his father’s house where he could meet with people, discuss religious matters and hold prayers, and preach. He wrote Bhakti pradipa and Rukmini harana. Soon after, he received a copy of the Bhagavata Purana from Jagadisa Mishra of Mithila, with Sridhara Swami’s monistic commentary “Bhavartha-dipika”. Mishra recited and explained the entire Bhagavata in the presence of Sankardev and this event is considered momentous in the development of Ekasarana. Datyari, an early biographer of Sankardev writes: Sankardev listened with rapt attention to the exposition by Jagadish Mishra and realised that the Bhagavata was a scripture without parallel, a scripture that determined Krishna as the only God, naam as the real dharma, and aikantika-sarana and sat-sanga as the indispensable elements of the faith.” He also began composing the Kirtana ghosha.

Cihna-yatra

After his exposure to the detailed Bhagavata Purana and Sridhara Swami’s commentary Bhavartha-dipika, Sankardev produced a dance-drama called Cihna yatra, for which he painted the Sapta vaikuntha (seven heavens), guided the making of musical instruments and played the instruments himself. According to other biographers, Sankardev produced Maha-nata in the presence of Jagdish Mishra in the temple he had constructed at Alipukhuri.

According to Maheswar Neog, this was the point when Sankardev decided to preach a new religion. Some of the first to be initiated into this religion was the wife of Jayanta-dalai, a leper named Hariram (later Tulasiram), Ramaram his associate and Mahendra Kandali, his tol teacher. The 13 years at Alipukhuri was the period during which he reflected deeply on Vaishnavism and on the form that would best suit the spiritual and ethical needs of the people. Ananta Kandali, a profound scholar of Sanskrit, became his disciple during this time; he translated the later part of Canto X of the Bhagavata Purana after consulting Sankardev.

From Alipukhuri Sankardev moved back to Bordowa in 1509 and built a thaan. Some authors claim that this than had all the major features of a sattra (central kirtanghar, cari-hati etc.) whereas many others assert that these features did not exist during Sankardev’s time. This than was abandoned and more than a hundred years later in the middle of the 17th-century, Sankardev’s granddaughter-in-law, Kanaklata, established it again.

Literary works in the Baro-Bhuyan territories

Non-Bhagavata group

    • Harishcandra-Upakhyana

    • Bhakti-pradip

    • Kirtan-ghosa (Uresa-varnana)

  1. Non-Bhagavata mixed with Bhagavata elements, not influenced by Sridhara Swami

    • Rukmini-harana-kavya

  2. Lyrics

    • Borgeet

  3. Bhagavata tales, not from Book X

    • Ajamilopakhyan (Book VI)

    • Amrta-manthan (Book VIII)

    • Kirtan-ghosa (Ajamilopakhyan, Prahlada-caritra, Harmohana, Bali-chalana, Gajendropakhyana, Dhyanavarnana)

  4. Gunamala

    • Sections ii–vi

Ahom kingdom

Gangmau

Viswa Singha, began his activities to remove the Bhuyans from power in the western part of the Brahmaputra valley in 1509. Furthermore, the Bhuyans in the Bordowa area picked up a quarrel with their Kachari neighbors, and when attacked Sankardev advised the Bhuyans to move, which brought to an end the independence of this group of Bhuyans. Sankardev and his associates first crossed the Brahmaputra river in 1516-17 and settled first at Singari and finally at Routa; and when Viswa Singha advanced towards Routa, Sankardev moved to Gangmau in the Ahom kingdom. At Gangmau they stayed for five years where Sankardev’s eldest son Ramananda was born. At Gangmau, he wrote the drama Patniprasad. In fact he lived alone at a place named Gajalasuti out of dissatisfaction with some relative. He penned the play there.

Dhuwahat

While at Gangmau, the Koch king Viswa Singha attacked the Ahoms. The Bhuyans fought for the Ahoms and the Koch king was defeated. Due to the unsettled situation at Gangmau Sankardev next moved to Dhuwahat, near Ahatguri in present-day Majuli, washed away by the Brahmaputra in 1913. The Bhuyans were settled here by the Ahoms with land and estate, Hari, Sankardev’s son-in-law become a Saikia, and his cousin Jagatananda, grandson of Jayanta received a title ‘Ramarai’. At Dhuwahat, he met his spiritual successor Madhavdev. Madhavdev, a sakta, got into a religious altercation with his brother-in-law Ramadas who had recently converted to Vaishnavism. Ramadas took him to Sankardev, who, after a long debate, convinced him of the power and the efficacy of Ekasarana. The acquisition of Madhavdev, with his talent in poetry, singing and dedication to his new-found religion and guru, was a significant event in the Ekasarana history. At Dhuwahat he managed to attract a wider attention and popularity and he initiated many others into his religion.

The popularity of Ekasarana and the conversion of people alarmed the priestly Brahmins, who reacted with anger and hostility. Sankardev tried to diffuse their hostility—by meeting with them at the house of his relative Budha-Khan and asking his Brahmin antagonists to install a wooden idol of Jagannath, called Madan-Mohan, at his religious seat. (Sankardev left this idol hanging on a tree when he took flight from Dhuwahat, and it was rescued years later by Vamshigopaldev and installed at Deberapar-sattra). The Brahmins finally complained to the Ahom king, Suhungmung (1497–1539), who summoned Sankardev to his court for a debate with them. Sankardev was able to convince the king that he was not a religious rebel and a threat to the social order, and the charges against him were dropped. The hostility, nevertheless, continued.

Flight from Dhuwahat

Though the positions of the Bhuyans in the Ahom kingdom began comfortably—with Sankardev’s son-in-law, Hari, becoming a Paik officer and Ramrai, his cousin, becoming a royal official—the relationship gradually deteriorated. After the death of Viswasingha, who was inimical to the Bhuyans, and the rise of Naranarayan (1540), the Koch-Bhuyan relationship improved somewhat. Sometime in the 1540s during the reign of Suklenmung (1539-1552) a royal officer visited the region for an elephant capturing expedition. Hari did not make himself available and furthermore, an elephant escaped through a barrier managed by the Bhuyans. The officer took grave offence in this dereliction of duty and arrested Hari as well as Madhavdev. At Gargaon, Hari was executed and Madhavdev interned for about a year. According to Daityari, taking advantage of the Koch advance against the Ahoms (1546-1547), Sankardev and his followers escaped from the Ahom kingdom as they fell behind the vanguard of the Koch army setting up their garrison in Narayanpur further to the east.

Literary works in the Ahom kingdom

Arguments against those antagonistic to bhakti

    • Kirtan-ghosa (Pasanda-mardana, Namaparadha)

    • (Vipra)-patni-prasad (Ankia Naat)

  1. Tales from Krishna’s early life

    • Kirtan-ghosa (sisu-lila, rasa-krida, kamsavadha, gopi-uddhava-samvada, kujir vancha-purana, akrurar vancha-purana)

  2. Borgeets

Koch kingdom

Sunpora

Sankardev and his followers reached Kapalabari in Koch kingdom in later part of 1540 and put up there. But the water was very alkaline there. Several members including Madhavdev’s mother Manorama died there. So after staying for some time at Kapalabari, Sankardev and his group moved to Sunpora in 1541. At Sunpora Sankardev initiated Bhavananda, a rich trader who had extensive business interest in the Garo and Bhutan hills besides Kamarupa. The trader, Narayana Das, settled at Janiya near Barpeta and took to agriculture. A man of the world otherwise, he soon flourished and became a provider to Sankardev and his devotees. He came to be known popularly as Thakur Ata.

Patbausi

After a great deal of moving, Sankardev settled at Patbausi near Barpeta in the Koch Kingdom and constructed a Kirtanghar (house of prayer). Some of the people he initiated here are Chakrapani Dwija and Sarvabhaum Bhattacharya, Brahmins; Govinda, a Garo; Jayaram, a Bhutia; Madhai, a Jaintia; Jatiram, an ascetic; and Murari, a Koch. Damodardev, a Brahmin, was initiated by Sankardev. Damodardev was entrusted by Sankardev to initiate Brahmin disciples. A Sattra was also constructed for him at Patbausi itself. Later Damodardev became the founder of the Brahma Sanghati sect of Sankardev’s religion.

Among Sankardev’s literary works, he completed his rendering of the Bhagavata Purana and wrote other independent works. He continued composing the Kirtan Ghosha, further translated the first canto of the Ramayana (Adi Kanda) and instructed Madhavdev to translate the last canto (Uttara Kanda), portions that were left undone by the 14th century poet Madhav Kandali. He wrote four plays: Rukmini harana, Parijata harana, Keligopala and Kalidamana. Another play written at Patbausi, Kansa Vadha, is lost. At Patbausi, he had lent his Bargeets numbering around 240 to Kamala Gayan. But unfortunately, Gayan’s house was gutted and most of the borgeets were lost. Since that incident Sankardev stopped composing Bargeets. Of the 240, 34 remain today.

Second Pilgrimage

Sankardev once again left for a pilgrimage in 1550 with a large party of 117 disciples that included Madhavdev, Ramrai, Ramaram, Thakur Ata and others. Thakur Ata had to return after just one day’s journey. Madhavdev had to take entire responsibility of logistics. He on the request of Sankardev’s wife Kalindi urged him to return from Puri and not proceed to Vrindavana. Sankardev and the group returned to Patbausi within six months in 1551.

Koch capital and Bheladanga

On hearing complaints repeatedly that Sankardev was corrupting the minds of the people by spreading a new religion Naranarayana, the Koch king, ordered Sankardev’s arrest.However, the king’s brother Chilarai (Sukladvaj) was aware of Sankardeva and his religion. He was married to Kamalapriya (Bhubaneswari) the daughter of Sankardev’s cousin Ramarai. On hearing of the anger of the king and the king’s order Chilarai, immediately dispatched eight of his own soldiers ordering them to travel non-stop and reach Patbausi before the King’s men. They were instructed to arrest Sankardev ‘on orders of the Yuvraj’ on a drummed up pretext, before the King’s men reached there. The King’s men, when they reached, could not arrest Sankardev, as he was already under arrest of the Yuvraj Chilarai. Sankardev was thus “kidnapped” and brought safely to the Prince’s Garden Palace where he was received with great honour. Chilarai then pleaded the King to give an audience to Sankardev before condemning him. The King agreed to do so.

In the audience with Naranarayana, as he moved up the steps to the throne, Sankardev sang his Sanskrit totaka hymn, composed extempore, to Lord Krishna, now known as Totaya—madhu daanava daarana deva varam and as he sat down, he sang a borgeet, narayana kahe bhakati karu tera. Naranarayana was mesmerized by the serene and elegant personality of Sankardeva. Sankara, moreover, effectively refuted in the King’s court, all the arguments put forward by the pundits against his preaching. The king was impressed and not only declared him free from all allegations but also gave Sankara the honour of a seat next to him, close to the throne. The King was convinced of his greatness and honoured him and permitted him to freely spread his religion. Sankardev began attending Naranarayana’s Royal court at the king’s request.

It was The Great Warrior Chilarai, who not only saved Sankaradeva from certain death, but it was only due to his Royal Patronage that Sankaradeva was able to establish the Ek –Saran- Naam- Dharma in Assam and bring about his cultural renaissance. Chilarai built a garden house for Sankardev and his followers to stay at Patbausi. All of Sankardev’s major literary and dramatic works were completed here with his patronage and protection. Sankaradeva, too, in his play ‘Ram Vijaya’, has appreciated Prince Sukladhvaja.

Sankardev shuttled between Kochbehar and Patbausi. During his visits to the Koch Behar royal court, Sankaradeva often regaled Prince Chilarai with descriptions of the fun-filled childhood days of the young Krishna in Vrindavan. The prince was enthralled, and wished to experience more deeply the Lord’s pastimes, so Sankaradeva agreed to have the narrative inscribed on cloth in pictorial form.

He engaged the weavers of Tantikuchi, near Barpeta, to weave a forty-yard long tapestry panel depicting Krishna’s early life in Vrindavan. Sankaradeva provided the designs to be woven, chose the various colours of thread to be used, and personally supervised the weaving. It took about a year to complete and, deriving its name from its theme, came to be known as the Vrindavani Vastra . It was presented to Chilarai and Nara Narayan, who were both overwhelmed with the result.

Thus, On the request and patronage of Nara Narayan and Chilarai, Sankardeva supervised the creations of the 60mx30m woven Vrindavani vastra, that depicted the playful activities of Krishna in Vrindavana. This outstanding work of Sankardev is preserved now in the Victoria and Albert museum in London.

Chandsai a Muslim tailor serving king Naranarayana was very unhappy with Sankardev and his followers. However, he soon became disciple of Sankardev at Kochbehar when he once saw a four armed vision of the saint. When Sankardev returned to Patbausi some time later, Chandsai too came with the saint.

The story of the Elephant in the Lime-pot: The King held many debates in his court between the Pandits and Sankaradeva. King Naranarayan once asked the court poets to give him, in one day, a condensed version of the entire ten cantos of the Bhagawat Purana. When all Pundits said it was not possible to do so in such a short time, Sankara took up the challenge and accomplished the feat in one night.

After he had condensed the substance of the ten chapters of the Bhagawat Purana into a small booklet, he put it into a small wooden box. Then over this, he painted with hengul-haital (yellow and red)an elephant squeezed inside a circle. He called it Bhurukaat Haathi- meaning an elephant squeezed into a lime-pot! This scripture was Gunamala. The pleased King Naranarayana honoured Sankaradeva.

Sankardeva, in gratitude has penned three panegyrics (called Bhatima in Assamese) in praise of the King Nara Narayan – a very rare thing to do for a saint devoted solely to God.

  1. The advent of Srimanta Sankaradeva into the Koch Kingdom marked the Golden Era of Assamese Renaissance. Maharaja Nara Narayan and the Great General Chilarai came to be the chief patrons of Sankaradeva and Madhavadeva during their stay in the Kingdom of Koch-Behar(Cooch Behar) till the end. Sankardev and Madhavdev freely propagated Ekasarana Dharma with their Royal patronage. Sankardev stayed in this kingdom for more than 20 years till his Maha Prayan in 1568.

End

He made arrangements with Madhavdev and Thakur Ata and gave them various instructions at Patbausi and left the place for the last time. He set up his home at Bheladonga in Kochbehar. During his stay at Kochbehar, Maharaja Naranarayana expressed his wish to be initiated. Sankardev was reluctant to convert a king and declined to do so. (According to one of the biographers Ramcharan Thakur) A painful boil; a visha phohara – had appeared in some part of his body and this led to the passing away of the Saint.Thus, in 1568, after leading a most eventful life dedicated to enlightening humanity; the Mahapurusha breathed his last – after four months of his last stay at Bheladonga– at the remarkable age of 120 years.

Literary works in the Koch kingdom

  1. Bhagavata tales, not from Book X

    • Bali-chalana (Book VIII)

    • Anadi-patana (Book III, Vamana-purana)

  2. Bhagavata tales from Books X, XI, XIII

    • Kirtan-ghosa (Jarasandha yudha, Kalayavana badha, Mucukunda-stuti, Syamanta-haran, Naradar-krishna-darsan, Vipra-putra-anayana, Daivakir-putra-anayana, Veda-stuti, Lilamala, Rukminir-prem-kalah, Bhrigu-pariksha, srikrishnar-vaikuntha-prayana, Chaturvimsati-avatar-varnana, Tatparya)

  3. Gunamala

    • Section i

  4. Renderings of Bhagavata Purana

    • Bhagavata X (Adi)

    • Bhagavata XI (with material from Books I and III)

    • Bhagavata XII

    • Bhagavata I

    • Bhagavata II

    • Bhagavata IX (lost)

    • Kurukshetra (Book X, Uttarardha)

    • Nimi-nava-siddha-samvada

  5. From Ramayana

    • Ramayana, Uttara-kanda

  6. Lyrics

    • Borgeets

    • Totaya

    • Bhatima

  7. Doctrinal treatise

    • Bhakti-ratnakar

  8. Drama (Ankia Naat)

    • Kali-daman

    • Keli-gopal

    • Rukmini-haran

    • Parijat-haran

    • Ram-vijay

  9. Visual Art

    • Vrindavani vastra – parts of this work are preserved in London.

Annexure –VII

Assam Sahitya Sabha

President, Time & Place

Sl. No. Year Name Venue
1 1917 Padmanath Gohain Baruah Sibsagar
2 1918 Chandradhar Barua Goalpara
3 1919 Kaliram Medhi Barpeta
4 1920 Hemchandra Goswami Tezpur
5 1923 Amrit Bhushan Dev Adhikari Jorhat
6 1924 Kanaklal Barua Dibrugarh
7 1924 Lakshminath Bezbaroa Guwahati
8 1925 Rajanikanta Bordoloi Nagaon
9 1926 Benudhar Rajkhowa Dhuburi
10 1927 Tarunram Phukan Goalpara
11 1929 Kamalakanta Bhattacharya Jorhat
12 1930 Mofizuddin Ahmed Hazarika Golaghat
13 1931 Nagendra Narayan Choudhury Sibsagar
14 1933 Jnanadabhiram Barua North Lakhimpur
15 1934 Ananda Chandra Agarwala Mangaldoi
16 1936 Raghunath Choudhari Tezpur
17 1937 Krishna Kanta Handique Guwahati
18 1940 Moidul Islam Bora Jorhat
19 1944 Nilmani Phukan Sibsagar
20 1947 Nilmani Phukan Dibrugarh
21 1950 Ambikagiri Raichoudhury Margherita
22 1953 Surya Kumar Bhuyan Shillong
23 1955 Nalini Bala Devi Jorhat
24 1955 Jatindra Nath Duwora Guwahati
25 1956 Benudhar Sarma Dhuburi
26 1958 Padmadhar Chaliha Tinisukia
27 1959 Atul Chandra Hazarika Nagaon
28 1960 Trailokya Nath Goswami Palashbari
29 1961 Trailokya Nath Goswami Goalpara
30 1963 Ratnakanta Borkakati Nazira
31 1964 Mitradev Mahanta Digboi
32 1965 Dimbeswar Neog Nalbari
33 1966 Binanda Chandra Barua North Lakhimpur
34 1967 Nakul Chandra Bhuyan Dibrugarh
35 1968 Jnanath Bora Tezpur
36 1969 Ananda Chandra Barua Barpeta
37 1970 Upendra Chandra Lekharu Dhing
38 1971 Tirtha Nath Sarma Makum
39 1972 Hem Barua Dhuburi
40 1973 Giridhar Sarma Rangia
41 1974 Maheshwar Neog Mangaldoi
42 1975 Satyendra Nath Sarma Titabor
43 1976 Jagheshwar Sarma Tihu
44 1977 Syed Abdul Malik Abhayapuri
45 1978 Prasannalal Choudhury Golaghat
46 1979 Atul Chandra Barua Sualkuchi
47 1980 Jatindra Nath Goswami Roha
48 1981 Sitanath brahmachoudhury Tinisukia
49 1982 Sitanath Brahmachoudhury Diphu
50 1983 Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya Bongaigaon
51 1985 Jogesh Das Bihpuria
52 1986 Biren Borkotoki Kampur
53 1987 Mahendra Bora Pathsala
54 1988 Kirthi Nath Hazarika Hailakandi
55 1989 Mahim Bora Doomdooma
56 1990 Nabakanta Barua Biswanath Chariali
57 1991 Nirmal Prabha Bordoloi Dudhnoi
58 1992 Lakshyadhar Choudhury Goreshwar
59 1993 Bhupen Hazarika Sibsagar
60 1994 Lila Gogoi Morigaon
61 1995 Hitesh Deka Sarthebari
62 1996 Laksminandan Bora Bokakhat
63 1997 Nagen Saikia Bilasipara
64 1998 Nagen Saikia Howraghat
65 1999 Chandra Prasad Saikia Hajo
66 2000 Chandra Prasad Saikia Jorhat
67 2001 Homen Borgohain Dibrugarh
68 2002 Homen Borgohain Kalgachia
69 2003 Birendra Nath Datta North Lakhimpur
70 2004 Birendra Nath Datta Hojai
71 2005 Kanak Sen Deka Sipajhar
72 2006 Kanak Sen Deka Belsar
73 2007 Kanak Sen Deka Chapar
74 2009 Rongbong Terang Dhemaji
75 2010 Rongbong Terang Dergaon
76 2013 Imran Shah Barpeta Road

Annexure-VIII

Martyrs of Freedom Struggle of Assam (During ‘Quit India Movement’)

Kanaklata Baruah and Mukunda Kakoti:

Annexure-IX

Speakers of the Legislative Assembly

The following is the list of the speakers of Assam Legislative Assembly:[3]

Assam Province

#

Name

Took office

Left office

Political Party
1 Babu Basanta Kumar Das 7 April 1937 11 March 1946
2 Debeswar Sarmah 12 March 1946 10 October 1947
3 Laksheswar Barooah 5 November 1947 3 March 1952

Assam state

#

Name

Took office

Left office

Political Party
1 Kuladhar Chaliha 5 March 1952 7 June 1957
2 Dev Kant Barooah 8 June 1957 15 September 1959
3 Mahendra Mohan Choudhury 9 December 1959 19 March 1967
4 Hareswar Goswami 20 March 1967 10 May 1968
5 Mahi Kanta Das 27 August 1968 21 March 1972
6 Ramesh Chandra Barooah 22 March 1972 20 March 1978
7 Jogendra Nath Hazarika 21 March 1978 4 September 1979
8 Sheikh Chand Mohammad 7 November 1979 7 January 1986
9 Pulakesh Barua 9 January 1986 27 July 1991
10 Jiba Kanta Gogoi 29 July 1991 9 December 1992
11 Debesh Chandra Chakravorty 21 December 1992 11 June 1996
12 Ganesh Kutum 12 June 1996 24 May 2001 Asom Gana Parishad
13 Prithibi Majhi 30 May 2001 19 May 2006 Indian National Congress
14 Tanka Bahadur Rai 29 May 2006 Indian National Congress
15 Pranab Kumar Gogoi 6 June 2011 Indian National Congress

Annexure-X

Chief Ministers of Assam

No

Name

Term of office[2]

Party[a]

Days in office

1

Gopinath Bordoloi

11 February 1946

6 August 1950

Indian National Congress

1,638

2

Bishnu Ram Medhi

9 August 1950

27 December 1957

2,698

3

Bimala Prasad Chaliha

28 December 1957

6 November 1970

4,696

4

Mahendra Mohan Choudhry

11 November 1970

30 January 1972

446

5

Sarat Chandra Sinha

31 January 1972

12 March 1978

2,232

6

Golap Borbora

12 March 1978

4 September 1979

Janata Party

542

7

Jogendra Nath Hazarika

9 September 1979

11 December 1979

94

–

Vacant
(President’s rule)

12 December 1979

5 December 1980

N/A

359

8

Anowara Taimur

6 December 1980

30 June 1981

Indian National Congress

207

–

Vacant
(President’s rule)

30 June 1981

13 January 1982

N/A

197

9

Kesab Chandra Gogoi

13 January 1982

19 March 1982

Indian National Congress

66

–

Vacant
(President’s rule)

19 March 1982

27 February 1983

N/A

345

10

Hiteswar Saikia

27 February 1983

23 December 1985

Indian National Congress

1,031

11

Prafulla Kumar Mahanta

24 December 1985

28 November 1990

Asom Gana Parishad

1,799

–

Vacant
(President’s rule)

28 November 1990

30 June 1991

N/A

214

12

Hiteswar Saikia [2]

30 June 1991

22 April 1996

Indian National Congress

[Total 2,788] 1,757

13

Bhumidhar Barman

22 April 1996

14 May 1996

23

Prafulla Kumar Mahanta [2]

15 May 1996

17 May 2001

Asom Gana Parishad

[Total 3,628] 1,829

14

Tarun Gogoi

17 May 2001

Incumbent

Indian National Congress

4,708

Annexure-XI

Assam Legislative Assembly – MLA 1937-46

Slno Name of Member Constituency
1 The Hon’ble Maulavi Saiyid Sir Muhammad Saadulla Kamrup (South)
2 The Hon’ble Shams-ul-Ulama Maulana Abu Nasr Muhammad Waheed Sylhet Sadr (Central)
3 The Hon’ble Rev. J.J.M. Nichols-Ray Shillong (Backward class)
4 The Hon’ble Srijut Rohini Caudhuri Kamrup (Sadr) South
5 The Hon’ble Maulavi Muhammad Ali Haidar Khan South-Sylhet (east)
6 Kumar Ajit Narayan Dev Dhubri (North General)
7 Babu Akshay Kumar Das Sunamganj (Reserved)
8 Mr. Arun Kumar Chand Silchar (General)
9 Mr. Baidyanath Mookherjee Surma Valley (Res.) North East. Indian Planting const.
10 Mr. Basanta Kumar Das Sylhet Sadr (South) East.
11 Srijut Beliram Das Kamrup Sadr (South Reserved)
12 Srijut Bhuban Chandra Gogoi Sibsagar.
13 Babu Bipin Behari Das Habiganj North (Reserve)
14 Srijut Bipin Chandra Medhi Mangaldai South (Reserve).
15 Babu Dakshinaranjan Gupta Chaudhuri South Sylhet (West)
16 Srijut Debeswar Sharmah Jorhat (North) General.
17 Srijut Ghanasyam Das Barpeta (South General) North East
18 Srijut Gauri Kanta Talukdar Kamrup, Nalbari General
19 Srijut Gopinath Bardoloi Kamrup, Sadr South.
20 Srijut Haladhar Bhuyan Nowgong, General West
21 Babu Harendra Narayan Chaudhury Sylhet Sadr (North)
22 Babu Hitendra Chandra Chakravarty Hailakandi General Constituency
23 Srijut Jadav Prasad Chaliha Sibsagar (East) General
24 Srijut Jogendra Narayan MandaI Dhubri (Central) General
25 Srijut Jogendra Chandra Nath Goalpara (South East)General
26 Srijut Jogendra Nath Barua Kamrup, (Sadr) Central General
27 Srijut Jogesh Chandra Gohain Dibrugarh (West) General
28 Babu Kalachand Roy Silchar (Reserve)
29 Srijut Kameswar Das Barpeta North General
30 Babu Kamini Kumar Sell Karimganj (East)General
31 Babu Karuna Sindhu Roy Sunargang General
32 Mr. Kedarmal Brahmin Indian Commerce Industry
33 Srijut Krishna Nath Sarma Jorhat (South) General
34 Babu Khirode Chandra Deb Karimganj (West) General
35 Srijut Laksheswar Borooah Dibrugarh (Central)
36 Babu Lalit Mohan Kar South Syhlet (East)
37 Srijut Mahadev Sarma Tezpur (East) General
38 Dr. Mohendra Nath Saikia Nowgong General
39 Srijut Mahi Chandra Bora Nowgong General South
40 Mr. Naba Kumar Dutta Indian Planting Assam Valley
41 Srijut Omeo Kumar Das Tezpur (West) General
42 Srijut Paramananda Das Goalpara (North-West) General.
43 Rai Bahadur Promode Chandra Dutta Habiganj (South)
44 Srijut Purandar Sarma Mangaldoi (South) General
45 Srijut Purna Chandra Sarma Nowgong General
46 Srijut Rajani Kanta Baruah Dibrugarh (East)
47 Srijut Rajendra Nath Baruah Golaghat (North) (Res.)
48 Srijut Ramnath Das Jorhat (North) General (Res.)
49 Srijut Sankar Chandra Barua Golaghat South General
50 Srijut Santosh Kumar Barua Dhubri (South)
51 Srijut Sarbeswar Barna North Lakhimpur General
52 Babu Shibendra Chandra Biswas Habiganj North.
53 Srijut Siddhi Nath Sarma Karmrup, Sadr North General
54 Maulavi Abdul Aziz South Syhlet (Central)
55 Maulavi Abdul Bari Chaudhury Sunamganj(Smlth) Muhammadan
56 Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Dhubri (South)
57 Khan Bahadur Hazi Abdul Majid Chaudhury Karimganj (Central)Muhammadan.
58 Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Sylhet Sadar (East)
59 Maulavi Abdur Rahman Habiganj (South-East)
60 Maulavi Sayed Abdul Rouf Barpeta, Muhammadan
61 Maulavl Md. Abdus Salam Maulavl Md. Abdus Salam
62 Maulavi Dewan Muhammad Ahbab Choudhury Sunamganj (East)
63 Maulavi Dawan Ali Raja Habiganj (North-West)
64 Maulavi Mohammad Amjad Ali Goalpara (East)
65 Maulavi Mohammad Amiruddin Nowgong Mohhemedan (East)
66 Maulavi Ashrafuddin Md. Choudhury Habiganj (South East)
67 Maulavi Badaruddin Ahmed Darrang Muhammedan
68 Khan Bahadur Dewan Eclimur Roza Choudhury Sylhet Sadar (West)
69 Mr. Fakaruddin Ali Ahmed Kamrup North
70 Maulavl Ghyasuddin Ahmed Dhubri (West)
71 Maulavi Jhanuddin Ahmed Dhubri (North Muhammadan)
72 Khan Bahadur Maulavi Keramet Ali Sibsagar, Muhammadan
73 Maulavi Matior Rahman Mia Goalpara (West)hammadan
74 Maulavi Muhammad Maqbul Hussain Choudhury Sunamganj (West)
75 Khan Bahadur Maulavi Mahamud Ali Sibsagar Muhammadan
76 Maulavi Mabarak Ali Karimganj (West) Muhamm
77 Maulavi Mudabbir Hussain Choudhury Habiganj (North East)
78 Khan Bahadur Maulavi Mafizur Rahman Sylhet Sadar (South)
79 Maulavi Munawwarali Sunamganj (Central) Muhammadan
80 Maulavi Muzarrof Ali Laskar Hailakandi Muhammadan
81 Maulavi Aanwar Ali Barbhuiya Silchar Muhammadan
82 Maulavi Naziruddin Ahmed South Sylhet (West)
83 Maulavi Sheik Osman Ali Sadagar Sadagor Muhammadan Constituency. Nowgong.
84 Khan Sahib Maulavi Sayidur Rahman Lakhipur Muhammadan
85 Colonel A.B. Beddow European Planting
86 Mr. A.F. Bendall European Planting
87 Mr. J.R. Clayton European Planting
88 Mr. W.R. Faull Eruopean Commerce & Industry.
89 Mr. W. Fleming European
90 Mr. L. J. Godwin European Planting Constituency.
91 Mr. D.B.H. Moore European planting
92 Mr. R.A. Palmer Eruopean Planting
93 Miss Mavis Dunn Women’s (Shillong)
94 Mr. Benjamin Chandra Momin Garo Hills (North)
95 Srijut Bhairab Chandra Das Jorhat (Labour)
96 Srijut Bideshi Pan Tanti Doom Dooma (East)
97 Srijut Binode Kumar J. Sarwan Thakurbari (Darrang Dist)
98 Sirjut Dhirshing Deuri Nowgong (Tribal)
99 Rev. L. Gotphoh Jowai Backward Area
100. Mr. C. Goldsmith Indian Christian
101. Mr. Jobang D. Marak Garo Hills (North)
102. Srijut Karka Dalay Miri Lakhimpur
103. Srijut Khorsing Terang Mauzadar Mikir Hills
104. Mr. P. Parida Silchar (Labour) Constituency
105. Srijut Rabi Chandra Kachari Kamrup Backward Tribal (Plams)
106. Srijut Rupnath Brahma Goalpara (Tribal)
107. Babu Balaram Sirkar Karimganj (East) Res. General.
108. Mr. F.W. Hockenhull European Planting Constituency

Assam Legislative Assembly – MLA 1946-1952

Slno Name of Member Constituency
1. Shri Abala Kanta Gupta South Sylhet (West)
2. Raja Ajit Narayan Dev of Sadli Dhubri (North)
3. Babu Akshay Kumar Das Sunamganj (Reserved seat)
4. The Hon’ble Mr. Baidyanath Mookerjee Indian Planting (Surma Valley)
5. The Hon’ble Mr. Basaanta Kumar Das Sylhet Sadar (South) (Reserved)
6. Srijut Beliram Das Kamrup Sadar (South)
7. Srijut Bipin Chandra Medhi Mangaldoi (North) (Reserved)
8. Srijut Bhadra Kanta Gogoi Dibrugarh (Central)
9. Babu Bidyapati Singha Hailakandi
10. Srijut Bijoy Chandra Bhagavati Tezpur (East)
11. Srijut Bijoy Chandra Saikia Dibrugarh (West)
12. Srijut Bimalaprasad Chaliha Sibsagar (West)
13. The Hon’ble Srijut Bishnuram Medhi Kamrup Sadar (Central)
14. Srijut Dandeswar Hazarika Golaghat (South)
15. The Hon’ble Mr. Debeswar Sarmah Jorhat (North)
16. Srijut Gauri Kanta Talukdar Nalbari
17. Babu Gopesh Chandra Pal Sylhet Sadar (North)
18. The Hon’ble Srijut Gopinath Bordoloi Kamrup Sadar (South)
19. Srijut Haladhar Bhuyan Nowgong (West)
20. Mr. Harendra Nath Sarma Indian Planting (Assam Valley)
21. Srijut Hareswar Das Goalpara (North West)
22. Srijut Harinarayan Baruah Jorhat (South)
23. Srijut Hem Chandra Hazarika North Lakhimpur.
24. Babu Jagat Bandhu Sircar Habiganj (North) Reserved
25. Babu Jatindra Nath Bhadra Sunamganj
26. Srijut Kameswar Das Barpeta (North)
27. Babu Kamini Kumar Sen Karimganj (East)
28. Babu Khagendra Nath Samaddar Nowgaon (N.E.Rev)
29. Srijut Laksheswar Borooah Dibrugarh (East)
30. Srijut Lakshmidhar Borah Kamrup Sadar(South)
31. Srijut Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Barpeta
32. Srijut Motiram Bora Nowgong (South East)
33. Srijut Manisankar Basumatari Goalpara (South East)
34. Professor Nibaran Chandra Lasker Silchar (Reserved)
35. Babu Nirendra Nath Dev Habiganj (South)
36. Srijut Omeo Kumar Das Tezpur (West)
37. Mr. Prabhudayal Himatsingka Indian Commerce and Industry
38. Srijut Purandar Sarma Mangaldoi (North East)
39. Srijut Purna Chandra Sarma Nowgong (North-East)
40. Srijut Purnananda Chetia Sibsagar (East)
41. Babu Purnendu Kishore Sen Gupta South Sylhet (East)
42. Babu Rabindra Nath Aditya Karimganj (West)
43. Srijut Rajendra Nath Barua Golaghat (North)
44. The Hon’ble Srijut Ram Nath Das Jorhat (North) Reserved
45. Babu Ramesh Chandra Das Choudhury Karimganj (East) Reserved
46. Srijut Santosh Kumar Barua Dhubri (South)
47. Srijut Sarat Chandra Sinha Dhubri (Central)
48. Shri Satindra Mohan Dev Silchar
49. Srijut Siddhi Nath Sarma Kamrup Sadar (North)
50. Babu Suresh Chandra Biswas Habiganj(North)
51. Maulavi Muhammad Abdullah Habiganj(South-East)
52. Khan Bahadur Maulavi Abdul Majid Ziaosh Shams Dhubri (West)
53. Maulavi Muhammad Abdul Kasham Dhubri (South)
54. Maulavi Abdul Bari Choudhury Sunamganj (South)
55. Maulavi Dewan Abdul Basith South Sylhet (Central)
56. Maulavi Abdul Hai Kamrup (North)
57. Maulavi Abdul Hamid Sylhet Sadar (Central)
58. Maulavi Abdul Khaleque Ahmed Sunamganj (West)
59. Maulavi Abdul Kuddus Khan Goalpara (East)
60. Maulavi Md. Abdul Latif Karimganj (Central)
61. Maulavi Abdul Matin Chaudhuri Darrang
62. The Hon’ble Maulavi Abdul Matlib Mazumdar Hailakandi
63. Maulavi Abdur Rasheed Sylhet Sadar (East)
64. Maulavi Dewan Abdur Rob Choudhury Sylhet Sadar (South)
65. Maulavi Syed Abdur Rouf Barpeta
66. Maulavi Afazuddin Ahmed Nowgong (East)
67. Maulavi Md. Ali Haidar Khan South Sylhet (East)
68. Emran Hussain Chaudhury Sibsagar
69. Maulana Ibrahim Ali Sylhet, Sadar (North)
70. Maulavi M. Idris Ali Karimganj (West)
71. Maulavi Md. Mafiz Choudhury Sunamganj (West)
72. Maulavi Makabbir Ali Mazumdar Silchar
73. Maulavi Mayeenud Din Ahamed Choudhury South Sylhet (East)
74. Maulavi Md. Mased Ali Dhubri (North)
75. Khan Sahib Maulavi Mudabbir Hussain Choudhuri Habiganj, (South- West)
76. Mumtazul Muhaddisin Moulana Md. Mufazzal Hussain Karimganj (South)
77. Maulavi Munawwar Ali Sunamganj (Central)
78. Maulavi Nasir-ud-Din Ahmed Habiganj (South-West)
79. Maulavi Md. Nazmal Haque Goalpara (West)
80. Khan Sahib Maulavi Nurul Hussain Khan Habiganj (South-West)
81. Khan Bahadur Maulavi Muhammad Roufique. Nowgong (West).
82. Maulavi Saiyid Sir Muhammad Saadulla Kamrup (South)
83. Khan Bahadur Maulavi Sayidur Rahman Lakhimpur
84. Maulavi Dewan Taimur Raza Choudhury Sylhet Sadar (West)
85. Mr. J.C. Horwood European Planting
86. Mr. E.S. Kaye European Commerce & Industry
87. Mr. E.W.B. Kenny European Planting.
88. Mr. G. Kydd European Planting.
89. Mr. H.A. Munro European Planting.
9O. Mr. R.A. Palmer European Planting.
91. Mr. W.D. Rutherfurd European Planting.
92. Dr. C.G.Terrell European Planting.
93. Mr. A. Whittaker European.
94. Mrs. Bonly Khongmen Women’s (Shillong)
95. Mr. Binode Kumar J. Sarwan Biswanath (District Darrang)
96. Srijut Chanoo Kheria Nazira (District Sibsagar)
97. Srijut Dalbir Singh Lohar Tinsukia (District Lakhirnpur )
98. Srijut Dharanidhar Basumatari Kamrup (Tribal) (Plains)
99. Srijut Dhirsingh Deuri Nowgong (Tribal) (Plains)
100. Srijut Jiban Santal Labou Srimangal (South Sylhet)
101. The Hon’ble Rev. J.J.M. Nichols Roy Backward Areas(Hills)
102. Srijut Karka Dalay Miri Lakhimpur and Majuli (Tribal)(Plains)
103. Srijut Khorsing Tarang Backward Areas (Hills) Mikir Hills.
104. Mr. Larsingh Khyrien Backward Areas (Hills )Jowai.
105. Mr. Mody Marak Backward Areas (Hills) Garo Hills (South)
106. Mr. Moniram Marak Backward Areas (Hills) Garo Hills (South).
107. Mr. P.M. Sarwan Indian Christian
108. Srijut Rupnath Brahma Goalpara (Tribal) (Plains)

Assam Legislative Assembly – Members 1952-56

No.

Name of Member

Constituency
1. Mr. A. Alley Nongpoh (for Sch. Tribes)
2. Shri Aaran Sangma Dainadubi(for Sch. Tribes)
3. Maulavi Abdul Matlib Majumdar Hailakandi
4. Maulana Abdul Jalil Badarpur
5. Raja Ajit Narayan Deb Kokrajhar Sidli
6. Mr. A.S. Khongphai Nangstoin (for Sch. Tribes)
7. Shri Akshoy Kumar Das Sorbhog.
8. Shri Anand Ch. Bezbarua Nazira.
9. Shri Baidyanath Mukerjee Ratabari Patharkandi.
10. Shri Baikuntha Nath Das Patacharkuchi (for Sch. Tribes).
11. Shri Baliram Das Marigaon / Dhing (for Sch. Tribes)
12. Shri Barelong Terang Mikir Hills East (for Sch. Tribes)
13. Shri Bijoy Chandra Bhagavati Sootea
14. Shri Bimala Kanta Bora Jamunamukh
15. Shri Bishnu Ram Medhi Hajo
16. Shri Biswadev Sarma Tezpur
17. Pu. Ch. Saprawanga Aijal West (for Sch-Tribes)
18. Shri Chanoo Kheria Golaghat West
19. Shri Dalbir Singh Lohar Digboi (for Sch. Tribes)
20. Shri Dandiram Dutta Kalaigaon
21. Shri Davidson Bhobara Panery (for Sch. Tribes)
22. Shri Debeswar Rajkhowa Dergaon
23. Shri Dharanidhar Basurnatari Rangiya (for Sch. Tribes)
24. Mr. Emonsing Sangama Phulbari (for Sch. Tribes)
25. Mr. Emerson Momin Tura (for Sch. Tribes)
26. Maulavi Faiznur Ali Dibrugarh West
27. Shri Gahan Ch. Goswami Gohpur
28. Shri Gaurisankar Bhattacharyya Gauhati
29. Shri Gauri Shankar Roy Katlicherra
30. Shri Ghana Kanta Gogoi Moran
31. Shri Girindranath Gogoi Sibsagar
33. Shri Hareswar Das North Salmara
32. Shri Hakim Chandra Rabha Goalpara (for Sch. Tribes)
34. Shri Hareswar Goswami Palashbari
35. Shri Harihar Choudhury Doom Dooma
36. Shri Harinarayan Baruah Teok
37. Shri Harrison Momin Baghmara (for Sch. Tribes)
38. Shri Hemchandra Chakravarty Hailakandi, Silchar.
39. Shri Hemchandra Hazarika North Lakhimpur
40. Shri lndreswar Khound Tinsukia North
41. Shri Jadab Chandra Khakhlari Digboi (for Sch. Tribes)
42. Shri Jadunnath Bhuyan Tinsukia South
43. Shri Jatindra Narayan Das Gossaigaon
44. Shri Joybhadra Hagjer Mazumdar North Cachar Hills (for Sch-Tribes)
45. Rev. J.J.M. Nichols Roy Shillong
46. Shri Joga Kanta Baruah Jaipur
47. Shri Kamala Prosad Agarwala Tezpur South
48. Shri Karka Chandra Doley North Lakhimpur (for Sch. Tribes)
49. Shri Khagendra Nath Nath Goalpara
50. Shri Listobin Rymbai Jowai (for Sch. Tribes)
51. Maulavi Kobad Hussain Ahmed Mankachar
52. Swami Krishnananda Brahmachari Bijni
53. Shri Kuladhar Chaliha Jorhat South
54. Pu R. Lalbuaia Aijal East (for Sch. Tribes)
55. Pu R. Lalmawia Lungleh (for Sch. Tribes)
56. Shri Lila Kanta Borah Kaliabar
57. Shri Mahadev Das Barpeta North-East
58. Mr. Maham Singh Cherra (for S.T.)
59. Maulavi Md. ldris Ali Rupahihat
60. Maulavi Mahmud Ali Patharkandi, Karimganj
61. Shri Mahendra Mohan Chaudhury Batpeta North East
62. Shri Mahendra Hazarika Nowgong Raha (for S.C.)
63. Shri Mal Chandra Pegu Golaghat West (for S.T.)
64. Shri Manik Chandra Das Bordubi
65. Maulavi Mehrab Ali Laskar Silchar
66. Shri Mohendra Nath Deka Kamalpur
67. Shri Mohi Kanta Das Dhekiajuli South
68. M. Moinul Haque Chaudhury Silchar Sonai
69. Shri Moti Ram Bora Marigaon Dhing
70. Maulavi Pahar Khan Tarabari
71. Maulavi Muhammad Umaruddin Bilashipara
72. Maulavi Namwar Ali Barbhuiya Katigora
73. Shri Nanda Kishore Sinha Sonai
74. Shri Homeswar Deb Chaudhury Pathacharkuchi Barama
75. Shri Nibarg Rongphe Mikir Hills-West
76. Shri Nilmani Phookan Jorhat North
77. Maulavi Nurul Islam Laharighat
78. Shri Omeo Kumar Das Dhekiajuli North
79. Shri Prabhat Chandra Goswami Nalbari South
80. Sriman Prafulla Chandra Goswami Nalbari South
81. Shri Pratap Chandra Sarma Nowgong Raha
82. Shri Purandar Sarma Mangaldoi
83. Shri Purnananda Chetia Sonari
84. Shri Rabin Kakoti Amguri (for S.T.)
85. Shri Radha Charan Choudhury Boko
86. Shri Radhika Ram Das Pub Bangsar Silasundari Ghopa
87. Shri Raghunandan Dhubi Lakhimpur (for S.C)
88. Shri Raichand Nath Barkhala
89. Shri Rajendra Nath Barua Golaghat East
90. Shri Ramesh Chandra Das Choudhury Ratabari (for S.C.)
91. Shri Ramesh Chandra Barooah Dibrugarh East
92. Shri Ram Nath Das Jorhat North (for S.C)
93. Shri Ramprasad Choubey Lakhimpur
94. Shri Ranendra Mohan Das Karimganj
95. Shri Rup Nath Brahma Kokrajhar (for S. T.)
96. Maulavi Sahadat Ali MandaI South Salmara
97. Shri Santosh Kumar Barua Golokganj
98. Shri Sarju Prosad Singh Titabar
99. Shri Sarveswar Boruwa Bihpuria
100. Shri Sashadhar Ghosh Panery
101. Shri Siddhinath Sarma Rangia
102. Maulavi Tajuddin Ahmed Barpeta West
103. Shri Tamizuddin Prodhani Dhubri
104. Shri Thanuram Gogoi Nazira Sonari
105. Mrs. Usha Barthakur Samaguri
106. Vacant Naga Hills North
107. Vacant Naga Hills Central
108. Vacant Naga Hills North

Assam Legislative Assembly – MLA 1957-62

No.

Name of Member

Name of Constituency
1. Mr.A.Thanglure AijaI West (for S.T.)
2. Shri Abdul Hamid Chowdhury Karimganj South.
3. Maulana Abdul Jalil Choudhury Badarpur.
4. Maulavi Abdul Matlib Mazumdar Hailakandi.
5. Shri Baikuntha Nath Das Rangiya (for S.T.)
6. Shri Bhuban Chandra Pradhani Golokganj.
7. Shri Birendra Kumar Das Patacharkuchi (for
8. Shri Bishnu Ram Medhi Hajo
9. Shri Bishnu Lal Upadhyaya Gohpur.
10. Shri Biswadev Sarma Balipara.
11. Shri Bishwanath Upadhyaya Patharkandi.
12. Shri Brojo Mohan Roy Shillong.
13. Shri C. Thuamluaia Lungleh (for S. T.)
14. Shri Chatrasing Teron Mikir Hills West (for S.T.)
15. Shri Dandeswar Hazarika Morongi.
16. Shri Dandi Ram Dutta Mangaldoi.
17. Shri Debeswar Sarmah Jorhat.
18. Shri Dev Kanta Borooah Nowgong.
19. Shri Devendra Nath Hazarika Saikhowa.
20. Shri Dhirsingh Deuri Laharighat (for S.T.)
21. Shri Durgeswar Saikia Thowra.
22. Shri Dwijesh Chandra Deb Sarma Digboi.
23. Shri Emerson Momin Baghmara (for S. T.)
24. Shri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Jania.
25. Shri Gaurisankar Bhattacharyya Guwahati.
26. Dr. Ghanashyam Das North Salmara (for S.C.)
27. Shri Ghanashyam Talukdar Sorbhog.
28. Shri Girindra Nath Gogoi Sibsagar.
29. Shri Gopesh Namasudra Patharkandi (for S.C.)
30. Shri Gouri Shankar Roy Katlicherra.
31. Shri Hakim Chandra Rabha. Goalpara (for S.T.)
32. Shri Hamdhon Mohan Haplangbar North Cachar Hills (for S. T.)
33. Shri Hareswar Das North Salmara.
34. Shri Hareswar Goswami Rampur.
35. Shri Harinarayan Baruah Teok.
36. Shri Harrison Momin Dainadubi (for S. T.)
37. Shri Hem Chandra Chakravarty Katigora.
38. Mr. Henry Cotton. Nongstoin (for S.T.)
39. Shri Hiralal Patowary Panery
40. Shri Ichubatemsu Aoh Mokokohung (for S.T.)
41. Shri Indreswar Khaound Bogdung.
42. Maulavi Jahan Uddin Ahmed Bilasipara.
43. Rev. J. J. M. Nichols-Roy Cheerrapunji (for S. T.)
44. Shri Joga Kanta Barua Jaipur.
45. U-jor Manik Siem of Mylliem Nongpho (for S. T.)
46. Mrs. Jyotsna Chanda Silchar West.
47. Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tripathi Biswanath.
48. Shri Kamala Prasad Agarwala Tezpur.
49. Shri Karka Chandra Doley North Lakhirnpur
50. Shri Khagendra Nath Goalpara.
51. Shri Khelhoshe Serna Naga Hills-Central (for S. T.)
52. Shri Khogendra Nath Barbaruah Amguri
53. Maulavi Kobad Hussain Ahmed Mankachar.
54. Prof. (Shrimati) Komal Kumari Barua Katonigaon.
55. Swami Krishananda Brahmachari Kokrajhar.
56. Shri Lalit Kumar Doley Moran (for S.T.)
57. P. U. Lalmawia Aijal East (for S.T.)
58. Shri Larsingh Khyriem Jowai (for S.T.)
59. Shri Lila Kanta Barah Kaliabor.
60. Shrimati Lily Sen Gupta Lahowal.
61. Shri Mahadev Das Barpeta (for S.C.)
62. Maulavi Mahammad Idris Rupohihat.
63. Shri Mahendra Nath Hazarika Nowgong (for S.C.)
64. Shri Manik Chandra Das Tengakhat
65. Shri Methias Tudu Gossaigaon
66. Md. Matlebuddin Dalgaon.
67. Shri Mody K. Marak Tura (for S.T.)
68. Shri Mohananda Bora North Lakhimpur.
69. Shri Mohidhar Pegoo Jorhat (for S.T.)
70. Shri Mohi Kanta Das Barchalla.
71. M. Moinul Haque Choudhury Silchar East.
72. Shri Molia Tanti Doom Dooma.
73. Shri Moti Ram Bora Laharighat.
74. Shri Nanda Kishore Singha Sonai.
75. Shri Narendra Nath Sarma Dergaon.
76. Shri Nilmoney Borthakur Dibrugarh.
77. Maulavi Nurul Islam. Dhing.
78. Shri Omeo Kumar Das Dhekiajuli.
79. Smti. Padma Kumari Gohain Moran.
80. Shri Pakhirai Deka Panery (for S. T.)
81. Shri Prabhatnarayan Choudhury Nalbari-East.
82. Kumar Prokritish Chandra Barua Gauripur.
83. Shri Purnananda Chetia Sonari.
84. Shri Radha Charan Choudhury Boko.
85. Shri Radha Kishan Khemka Tinsukia.
86. Shri Radhika Ram Das Palashbari.
87. Maulavi Jaimuddin Ahmed Jamunamukh.
88. Shri Rajendra Nath Barua Golaghat East.
89. Shri Ram Nath Das Dergaon (for S.C.)
90. Shri Ram Nath Sarma Lumding.
91. Dr. Ram Prasad Chaubey Lakhipur.
92. Shri Ranendra Mohan Das Karimganj North (for S.T)
93. Shri Rup Nath Brahma Kokrajhar (for S.T.)
94. Maulavi Sahadat Ali South Salmara.
95. Shri Sai Sai Terang Mikir Hills East (for S. T.)
96. Shri Sarat Chandra Goswami Kamalpur.
97. Shri Sarbeswar Bordoloi Titabar.
98. Shri Sats.uo Angami Kohima (for S. T.)
99. Shri Siddhi Nath Sarma Rangiya.
100. Dr. Srihari Das Barpeta.
101. Shri Surendra Nath Das Patacharkuchi.
102. Shri Tajammul Ali Barlaskar Uderband.
103. Maulavi Tajuddin Ahrnrned Tarabari.
104. Shri Tamizuddin Prodhani Dhubri.
105. Shri Tankeswar Chetia Nazira.
106. Shri Tarun Sen Deka Nalbari West.
107. Mrs. Usha Barthakur Samaguri.
108. Capt. Williamson A. Sangma Hulubari (for S.T.)

Assam Legislative Assembly – MLA 1962-67

No.

Name of Member

Name of Constituency </TH< tr>

1. Moulana Abdul Jalil Choudhury Badarpur.
2. Moulana Abdul Munim Choudhury Karimganj South.
3. Shri Abu Nasar Md. Ohid. Rupohihat.
4. Begum Afia Ahmed. Jamunamukh.
5. Raja Ajit Narayan Deb. Kokrajhar.
6. Shri Akshoy Kumar Das Sarbhog.
7. Shri Bahadur Basumatary Panery
8. Shri Baidyanath Mookherjee. Ratabari.
9. Shri Baliram Das Marigaon
10. Shri Bazlul Basit South Salmara
11. Shri Bimala Prasad Chaliha Sanari.
12. Shri Bishnulal Upadhyaya Gohpur.
13. Shri Biswadev Sarma Balipara
14. Shri Brington Buhai Lyngdoh Nangpoh (S.T.)
15. Shri Chanoo Kheria Morangi.
16. Shri Ch.Chhunga Aijal West (S.T.)
17. Shri Chatrasing Teron Mikir Hills West (S. T)
18. Shri Dandeswar Hazarika Golaghat.
19. Shri Dandi Ram Dutta Kalaigaon.
20. Shri Derajuddin Sarkar Bilasipara
21. Shri Dev Kant Borooah Samaguri
22. Shri Devendra Nath Hazarika Saikhowa.
23. Shri Devendra Nath Sarma Gauhati.
24. Shri Dulal Ch. Barnah Jorhat.
25. Shri Durgeswar Saikia Thowra
26. Shri Dwarikanath Tewari Udharband
27. Shri Dwijesh Chandra Dev Sarma Digboi
28. Shri Emerson Momin Tura (S. T)
39. Shri Emonsing Sangma Phulbari
30. Shri nowell Pohshana Jowai (S. T.)
31. Shri Fakharuddin Ali Ahmed, Jonia
32. Dr. Ghanashyam Das North Salmara (S.T.)
33. Shri Girindra Nath Gogoi Sibsagar
34. Shri Gouri Sha~1car Roy Katlichera
35. Shri Hakim Chandra Rabha Dudhnai (S.T.)
36. Shri Haladhar Uzir Tamulpur (S. T.)
37. Shri Harendra Nath Talukdar Rampur
38. Dr. Homeswar Deb Choudhury Patacharkuchi
39. Shri Wilson ~eade Shillong
40. Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh Nongstain (S. T.)
41. Shri Indreswar Khaund Jaipur
42. Shri R.Thanhlira Aijal East (S.T.)
43. Shri J.B. Hajer North Cachar Hills
44. Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tripathi Biswanath
45. Shri Kamala Prasad Agarwala Tezpur
46. Shri Khagendra Nath Barbarna Amguri
47. Shri Khagendra Nath Nath Goalpara
48. Prof. Komal Kumari Barna Katigora
49. Shri Lakshmi Prasad Goswami Laharighat
50. Shri Lalit Kumar Doley Dhakuakhana (S. T.)
51. Shri Madhusudhan Das Barpeta
52. Shri Lila Kanta Borah Kaliabar
53. Smti. Lily Sell Gupta Lahawal
54. Shri Lokhyanath Doley North Lakhimpur(ST)
55. Shri Mohammad Idris Dhing
56. Shri Maharnmad Umaruddin Dhubri.
57. Shri Mahadev Das Bhabanipur (Tea T)
58. Shri Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hajo
59. Shri Mohendra Nath Hazarika Raha (SC)
60. Shri Mal Chandra Pegu Majuli (ST)
61. Shri Manik Chandra Das Tengakhat.
62. Shri Mathias Tudu Gosaigaon
63. Shri Matlebuddin Dalgaon
64. Shri Mohananda Bora Bihpuria.
65. Shri Mohi Kanta Das Barchala.
66. Moinul Haque Choudhury Silchar East.
67. Shri Molia Tanti Doom Dooma
68. Shri Nanda Kishore Sinha Silchar West.
69. Shri Nalindra Sangma Dainadubi (ST)
70. Shri Narendra Nath Sarma Bokakhat.
71. Shri Orneo Kumar Das, Dhekiajuli
72. Shri Ram Nath Das Dergaon (SC)
73. Shri Saprawnga Lungleh
74. Shri Pabin Sarma Nalbari East.
75. Smti. Padma Kumari Gohain Morah.
76. Shriman,Prafulla Goswarni Nalbari West.
77. Shri Prabin Kumar Choudhury Boko
78. Shri Pulake Shi Singh Sonari
79. Shri Radhakishan Khemka Tinsukia.
80. Shri Radheka Ram Das Palasbari.
81. Dr. Rarn Prasad Choubey Lakhipur.
82. Shri Rarndev Malah Patherkandi (ST)
83. Shri Ramesh Ch. Barooah Dibrngarh.
84. Shri Rampirit Rudrapaul Hailakandi.
85. Shri Rathindra Nath Sen. Karimganj North.
86. Shri Rup Nath Brahma. Sidli (ST)
87. Shri Sai Sai Terang Mikir Hills East (ST)
88. Shri Mati Ram Bora Nowgoan.
89. Shri Santi Ranjan Das Gupta Lumding.
90. Shri Sarat Chandra Sinha Goalpara.
91. Shri Sarat Chandra Goswami Kamalpur.
92. Shri Sarbeswar Bordoloi Titabar.
93. Shri Siba Prasad Sarma Mangaldoi.
94. Shri Siddhinath Sarma Rangiya.
95. Shri Stanlley D.D. Nichols Roy Cherrapunji (ST)
96. Shri Surendra Nath Das Barma (ST)
97. Shri Syed Ahmed Ali Gauripur.
98. M. Tajuddin Ahmed Tarabari.
99. Shri Tarapada Bhattacherjee Katigaon.
100. Shri Tankeswar Chutia Nazira.
101. Shri Tilok Gogoi Teok
102. Shri Upendra Nath Sanatan Bagdung.
103. Cpt. Williamson A. Sangma Baghmara (ST)
104. Shri Zahirnl Islam Mankachar.
105. Shri Ram Prasad Das Bijni.

Assam Legislative Assembly – MLA 1972-78

No.

Name of Member

Constituency
1. Shri Suranjan Nandy Ratabari
2. Shri Bishwanath Upadhyaya Patharkandi
3. Shri Abdul Muqtadir Choudhary Karimganj North
4. Shri Sudarsan Das Karimganj South
5. Shri Maulana Abdul Jalil Choudhury Badarpur
6. Shri Abdul Rahman Choudhury Hailakandi
7. Shri Santosh Kumar Roy Katlicherra
8. Shri Mahitosh Purkayastha Silchar
9. Shri Nurul Haque Choudhury Sonai
10. Shri Digendra Ch. Purkayastha Dholai (S.C.)
11. Shri Subhankar Sinha Lakhipur
12. Shri Jagannath Sinha Udharbond
13. Dr. Lutfur Rahman Borkhola
14. Shri Abdul Hamid Majumdar Katigora
15. Shri S.C. Daolagupu Haflong (S.C.)
16. Shri Sai Sai Terang Bokajan (S.T.)
17. Shri Chatrasing Teron Howraghat(S.T.)
18. Shri Dhani Ram Rongpi Baithalangso (S.T.)
19. Shri Nurul Islam Mankachar
20. Shri Bazlul Basit South Salmara
21. Shri Mohammad Umaruddin Dhubri
22. Shri Syed Ahmed Ali Gauripur
23. Shri Kabir Chandra Roy Pradhani Golakganj
24. Shri Giasuddin Ahmed Bilasipara
25. Shri Mithias Tudu Gosaigaon
26. Shri Charan Narzary Kokrajhar West (S.T.)
27. Shri Sarat Ch. Sinha Kokrajhar East
28. Shri Uttam Brahma Sidli(S.T.)
29. Shri Golak Ch. Patgiri Bijni
30. Shri Ayodhya Ram Das Abhayapuri (S.C.)
31. Shri Dhruba Barua Bongaingaon
32. Shri Samsul Haque Golapara West
33. Shri Balabhadra Das Goalpara East
34. Smti. Anandi Bala Rava Dudnai(S.T.)
35. Shri Pranita Talukdar Sorbhog
36. Shri Ghana Kanta Boro Bhabanipur
37. Dr. Krishna Kanta Lahkar Patacharkuchi
38. Dr. Surendra Nath Das Barpeta
39. Shri Ataur Rahman Jania
40. Shri Jalaluddin Ahmed Baghbar
41. Shri Kandarpa Kr. Das Sarukhetri(S.T.)
42. Shri Abdul Hannan Choudhury Chenga
43. Shri Probin Kr. Choudhuri Boko
44. Smti. Satyabati Goswami Chaygoan
45. Shri Harendra Nath Talukdar Palasbari
46. Shri Atul Ch. Saikia Gauhati East
47. Shri Biren Ram Phookan Gauhati West
48. Smti. Rebati Das Jhalukbari
49. Smti. Renuka Devi Barkataki Hajo
50. Dr. Bhumidhar Barman Nalbari West
51. Shri Badan Chandra Talukdar Nalbari East
52. Shri Gaurishankar Bhattacharyya Borbhag
53. Shri Surendra Nath Das Barama(S.T.)
54. Shri Ambarish Chandra Lahari Tamulpur (S.T.)
55. Shri Manabendra Nath Sarma Rangiya
56. Shri Girindra Chandra Choudhury Kamalpur
57. Shri Ramesh Chandra Saharia Panery
58. Shri Lakshmi Kanta Saikia Kalaigaon
59. Shri Upendra Das Rangamati (S.C.)
60. Smti. Syada Anwara Taimur Mangaldai
61. Shri Hashimuddin Ahmed Dalgaon
62. Shri Bahadur Basumatari Udalguri (S.T.)
63. Shri Hiranya Bora Dhekiajuli
64. Shri Bijoy Chandra Sarmah Missamari
65. Dr. Robindra Kumar Goswami Tezpur
66. Shri Golok Rajbanshi Balipara
67. Smt. Swarna Prabha Mahanta Sootea
68. Dr. Kosheswar Bora Biswanath
69. Shri Ram Chandra Sarmah Gohpur
70. Shri Pitsing Konwar Morigaon(S.T.)
71. Shri Jagadish Das Bokani(S.C.)
72. Shri Abdul Kasem Laharighat
73. Shri Gunendra Nath Pandit Raha
74. Shri Abdul Hussain Mir Dhing
75. Shri Mahammed Idris Rupohihat
76. Shri Lila Kanta Bora Nowgaong
77. Shri Kehoram Hazarika Barhampur
78. Shri Golap Chandra Barua Kaliabor
79. Shri Bishnu Prasad Samaguri
80. Shri Debendra Nath Bora Jamunamukh
81. Shri Idris Ali Fakir Hojai
82. Shri Santiranjan Dasgupta Lumding
83. Shri Tulsi Das Bokakhat (S.C.)
84. Shri Chatra Gopal Karmakar Sarupathar
85. Shri Soneswar Bora Golaghat
86. Shri Nagen Baruah Dergaon
87. Shri Mal Chandra Pegu Majuli (S.T.)
88. Shri Bijoy Krishna Handique Jorhat
89. Shri Dulal Chandra Barua Charaibahi
90. Shri Joy Chandra Bora Titabar
91. Shri Gajen Tanti Mariani
92. Shri Dulal Chandra Khound Teok
93. Shri Pushpadhar Chaliha Amguri
94. Shri Promode Chandra Gogoi Sibsagar
95. Shri Narad Kumar Thowra
96. Shri Hiteswar Saikia Nazira
97. Shri Khogen Gogoi Mahmara
98. Shri Janakinath Handique Sonari
99. Shri Premodhar Bora Bihpuria
100. Shri Lilakanta Das Naoboicha (S.C.)
101. Shri Govinda Chandra Bora North Lakhimpur
102. Shri Lakshyanath Doley Dhakuakhana (S.T.)
103. Shri Romesh Mohan Kouli Dhemaji (S.T.)
104. Shri Tarun Chandra Chutiya Moran
105. Shri Ramesh Chandra Barooah Dibrugarh
106. Shri Dipak Moormoor Lahowal
107. Shri Indreswar Khaund Tengakhat
108. Shri Rajendra Nath Phukan Tingkhong
109. Shri Khirode Chandra Saikia Joypur
110. Shri Upendra Nath Sanatan Bagdung
111. Shri Paramananda Gogoi Tinsukia
112. Shri Chandra Bahadur Chetri Digboi
113. Shri Malia Tanti Doom Dooma
114. Smti. Tarulata Bora Saikhowa

Assam Legislative Assembly – MLA 1978-83

No.

Name of Member

Constituency
1. Shri Lilamoy Das Ratabari (SC)
2. Shri Fokhrul Islam Patharkandi
3. Shri Nishith Ranjan Das Karimganj North
4. Shri Abdul Muqtadir Choudhury Karimganj South
5. Shri Ramendra De Badarpur
6. Shri Dipak Bhattacharjee Hailakandi
7. Shri Gouri Sankar Roy Katlicherra
8. Shri Nepal Chandra Das Algapur
9. Shri Noorul Huda Silchar
10. Shri Altaf Hussain Mazumdar Sonai
11. Shri Sisir Ranjan Das Dholai(SC)
12. Shri Jagannath Sinha Udharband
13. Kazi Kutub-Uddin Ahmed Lakhipur
14. Shri A.F. Golam Osmani Borkhola
15. Shri Abdul Kiyum Choudhury Katigora
16. Shri Sora Ram Thaosen Haflong (ST)
17. Shri Bilton G. Momin Bokajan (ST)
18. Shri Barelong Terang Howraghat (ST)
19. Shri Gandhi Ram Timung Diphu (ST)
20. Shri Dhani Ram Rongpi Baithlangso (ST)
21. Shri Zahirul Islam Mankachar
22. Shri Dewan Joynal Abedin Salmara (South)
23. Shri Mohammad Umarddin Dhubri
24. Shri Mohammad Azad Ali Gauripur
25. Shri Alauddin Sarkar Golokganj
26. Shri Giasuddin Ahmed Bilasipara West
27. Shri Sarat Chandra Sinha Bilasipara East
28. Shri Methias Tudo Gosaigaon
29. Shri Ranendra Narayan Basumatary Kokrajhar West (ST)
30. Shri Samar Brahma Choudhury Kokrajhar East(ST)
31. Shri Panchanan Brahma Sidli (ST) 1
32. Shri Mathura Mohan Sinha Bongaigaon
33. Shri Padmolochan Boro Bijni
34. Shri Phani Medhi Abhayapuri North
35. Shri Robindra Nath Chowdhury Abhayapuri South
36. Shri Jagat Chandra Patgiri Dudhnai (ST)
37. Shri Birendra Nath Choudhury Goalpara East
38. Shri Nazmul Haque Goalpara West
39. Shri Afzalur Rahman Jaleswar
40. Shri Hemen Das Sorbhog
41. Dr. Tarini Charan Das Bhabanipur
42. Shri Bhubaneswar Barman Patacharkuchi
43. Shri Abdul Latif Barpeta
44. Shri Abdus Sobhan Jania
45. Shri Ibrahim Ali Baghbar
46. Shri Sirajul Haque Sarukhetri
47. Shri Danes Ali Ahmed Chenga
48. Shri Umesh Chandra Das Boko (SC)
49. Shri A.N. Akram Hussain Chaygaon
50. Shri Harendra Goswami Palasbari
51. Shri Lakshyadhar Choudhury Jalukbari
52. Dr. Tarini Mohan Barooah Dispur
53. Shri Ajoy Kumar Dutta Gauhati East
54. Shri Kiran Chandra Bazbaruah Gauhati West
55. Shri Rabindra Nath Malakar Hajo
56. Shri Daibasakti Deka Kamalpur
57. Shri Puma Boro Rangiya
58. Shri Padam Bahadur Chouhan Tamulpur
59. Shri Narendra Nath Dutta Nalbari
60. Shri Seikh Chand Mohammad Barkhetri
61. Shri Ramani Barman Dharampur
62. Shri Baikuntha Nath Das Barama
63. Shri Manik Chandra Das Chapaguri
64. Shri Ramesh Chandra Saharia Paneri
65. Shri Nagen Sarma Kalaigaon
66. Shri Madhab Rajbanshi Sipajhar
67. Shri Anil Das Mangaldoi
68. Smt. Syeda Anwara Taimur Dalgaon
69. Shri Binoy Kumar Basumatary Udalguri
70. Shri Silvius Condpan Mazbat
71. Shri Pratap Kalita Dhekiajuli
72. Shri Kamal Chandra Basumatari Barchalla
73. Shri Jiban Bora Tezpur
74. Shri Golok Rajbanshi Rangapara
75. Shri Golok Kakati Sootea
76. Dr. Kosheswar Bora Biswanath
77. Shri Bishnulal Upadhyaya Behali
78. Shri Ram Chandra Sarmah Gohpur
79. Shri Prasad Chandra Dalai Jagiroad(SC)
80. Shri Kaliram Deka Raja Morigaon
81. Shri Abdul Kashem Laharighat
82. Shri Baliram Das Raha (SC)
83. Md. Shamsul Huda Dhing
84. Shri Baneswar Saikia Batadraba
85. Shri Mohammad Idris Rupahihat
86. Shri Mukut Sarma Nowgong
87. Shri Lakheswar Gohain Barhampur
88. Shri Bhabendra Kumar Saikia Samaguri
89. Shri Atul Chandra Goswami Kaliabar
90. Md. Mazammil Ali Chowdhury Jamunamukh
91. Shri Santi Ranjan DasGupta Hojai
92. Shri Biresh Misra Lumding
93. Shri Chatra Gopal Karmakar Bokakhat
94. Shri Akalius Tirkey Sarupathar
95. Shri Soneswar Bora Golaghat
96. Shri Nagen Baruah Khumtai
97. Shri Ramesh Das Dergaon
98. Shri Dulal Chandra Baruah Jorhat
99. Shri Chakbhal Kagyung Majuli
100. Shri Giridhar Thengal Titabar
101. Shri Gajen Tanti Mariani
102. Shri Devanda Bora Teok
103. Shri Khagen Barbaruah Amguri
104. Shri Hiteswar Saikia Nazira
105. Shri Buddha Baruah Mahmora
106. Shri Satya Tanti Sonari
107. Shri Jogen Gogoi Thowra
108. Shri Promode Gogoi Sibsagar
109. Shri Premadhar Bora Bihpuria
110. Shri Afazuddind Ahmed Naoboicha
111. Shri Sula Bora Lakhimpur
112. Shri Lakhya Nath Doley Dhakuakhana
113. Shri Puma Chandra Bora Dhemaji (ST)
114. Shri Romesh Mohan Kouli Jonai
115. Shri Joy Chandra Nagbanshi Moran
116. Shri Keshab Chandra Gogoi Dibrugharh
117. Shri Dipak Moormoor Lahowal
118. Shri Jogendra Nath Hazarika Duliajan
119. Shri Bhadreswar Gogoi Tinkhong
120. Shri Sasha Kamal Handique Naharkatia
121. Shri Jnan Gogoi Chabua
122. Shri Golap Borborah Tinsukia
123. Shri Rameswar Dhanowar Digboi
124. Shri Kul Bahadur Chetri Margherita
125. Shri Dileswar Tanti Doom Dooma
126. Shri Bipin Hazarika Sadiya

Assam Legislative Assembly – MLA 1983-85

No.

Name of Member

Constituency
1. Shri Subal H. Das Ratabari (S C)
2. Shri Main Uddin Patharkandi
3. Shri Ketaki Prasad Dutta Karimganj (North)
4. Shri Abdul Muqtadir Choudhury Karimganj (South)
5. Shri Gulam Subhany Choudhury Badarpur
6. Shri Abdul Muhib Mazumdar Hailakandi
7. Shri Tajamul Ali Laskar Katlicherra
8. Maulana Abdul Jalil Choudhury Algapur
9. Shri Jagdish Ch. Choudhury Silchar
10. Shri Nurul Haque Choudhury Sonai
11. Shri Sisir Ranjan Das Dholai (SC)
12. Shri Jagannath Sinha Udharbond
13. Shri Dinesh Prasad Gowala Lakhipur
14. Shri Altaf Hossain Majumdar Barkhola
15. Shri Nepal Ch. Das Katigora
16. Shri G.C. Langthasa Haflong (S T)
17. Shri Rajen Timung Bokajan (S T)
18. Shri Dorsing Terang Howraghat
19. Shri Kaizasong Diphu ( ST)
20. Shri Dhani Ram Rangpi Baithalangshu (ST)
21. Shri Zahirul Islam Mankachar
22. Md. Bazlul Basit Salmara South
23. Md. Umaruddin Dhubri
24. Shri Joynal Abedin Gouripur
25. Shri Kabir Ch. Roypradhani Golokganj
26. Shri Siraj Uddin Bilasipara (West)
27. Shri Rookmini Kanta Roy Bilasipara (East)
28. Shri Methias Tudu Gossaigaon
29. Shri Ranendra Narayan Basumatrai Kokrajhar (west)(ST)
30. Shri Dambarudhar Brahma Kokrajhar (East)
31. Shri Luis Islari Sidli (ST)
32. Vacant Bongagaon
33. Vacant Bijani
34. Vacant Abhayapuni (North)
35. Vacant Abhayapuri South(SC)
36. Shri Jagat Pargiri Dudhnai (ST)
37. Md. Ali Goalpara (East)
38. Shri Hassanuddin Ahmed Goalpara (West)
39. Shri Afzalur Rahman Jaleswar
40. Shri Hemen Das Sorbhog
41. Shri Mir Abdul Halim Bhabanipur
42. Shri Rabi Ram Das Pathacharkuchi
43. Shri Ismail Hussain Barpeta
44. Shri Abdus Sobhan Jania
45. Ibrahim Ali Baghbor
46. Shri Amir Hacha Talukdar Sarukhetri
47. Shri Danes Ali Chenga
48. Shri Upendra Das Boko (SC)
49. Shri Harendra Nath Talukdar Chaygaon
50. Shri Mahan Basumatari Palashbari
51. Shri Shah Jalal Ali Jhalukbari
52. Dr. Tarini Mohan Barua Dispur
53. Shri Munin Sarmah Gauhati (East)
54. Shri Tareni Guwahati (West)
55. Shri Barkat Ullah Hajo
56. Shri Mathura Deka Kamalpur
57. Shri Puma Boro Rangiya
58. Shri Padam Bahadur Chouhan Tamulpur
59. Shri Chandradhar Kalita Nalbari
60. Sheikh Chand Mohammad Borkhetri
61. Dr.BhumidharBarman Dharampur
62. ShriAlit Ch. Boro Barama (ST)
63. Shri Bimal Goyari Chapaguri (ST)
64. Smt. Mridula Saharia Paneri
65. Vacant Kalaigaon
66. Vacant Sipajhar
67. Shri Kartik Sarkar Mangaldoi (ST)
68. Smti Sayeda Anwara Taimur Dolgaon
69. Shri Binoy Kr. Basumatari Udalguri (ST)
70. Shri Silvius Condpan Mazbat
71. Vacant Dhekiajuli
72. Vacant Barchalla
73. Shri Nabin Ch. Kath Hazarika Tezpur
74. Shri Golok Rajbanshi Rangpara
75. Vacant Sootea
76. Vacant-Poll Counter manded Biswanath
77. Vacant Bihali
78. Vacant Gohpur
79. Shri Prasad Ch. Dalai Jagiroad
80. Md. Hussain Morigaon
81. Vacant Lahorighat
82. Shri Lakhi Prasad Hazarika Roha (SC)
83. Shri Abu Nasar Ohid Dhing
84. Shri Kiran Borah Batadrava
85. Shri Mohammad Idris Rupahihat
86. Shri Mukut Sarma Nagaon
87. Shri Ramesh Phukan Barharmpur
88. Shri Nurul Hussain Samaguri
89. Shri Baloram Nag Kaliabar
90. Md. Farman Ali Jamunamukh
91. Shri Sadhan Ranjan Sarkar Hojai
92. Shri Debesh Chajaraborty Lumding
93. Shri Dharmeswar Hazarika Bokakhat
94. Shri Abdul Matlib Sarupathar
95. Shri Nagen Neog Golaghat
96. Shri Jiba KantaGogoi Khumtai
97. Shri Hem Prakash Narayan Dergaon (SC)
98. Shri Dinanath Rajkhowa Jorhat
99. Vacant Majuli (ST)
100. Shri Joy Ch. Bora Titabar
101. Shri Siba Buragohain Mariani
102. Shri Tilak Gogoi Tiok
103. Shri Kirti Dutta Amguri
104. Shri Hiteswar Saikia Nazira
105. Shri Narad Kumar Mahmora
106. Shri Satya Tati Sonari
107. Shri Tankeswar Dehingia Thowara
108. Shri Debananda Konwar Sibsagar
107. Shri Borgoram Deuri Bihpuria
110. Shri Affazuddin Ahmed Naoboicha
111. Shri Lekhan Lahan Lakhimpur
112. Shri Ragunath Pamegam Dhakuakhana (ST)
113. Shri Durgeswar Patir Dhemaji (ST)
114. Shri Puspadhar Pegu Jonai (ST)
115. Shri Joy Chandra Nagbanshhi Moran
116. Shri Keshab Ch. Gogoi Dibrugarh
117. Shri Dipok Moormoor Lahowal
118. Vacant Duliajan
119. Vacant Tinkhong
120. Vacant Naharkatia
121. Shri Upen Sanaton Chabua
122. Shri Rajendra Nath Phukan Tinsukia
123. Shri Rameswar Dhanowar Digboi
124. Shri Kul Bahadur Chetri Margherita
125. Shri Dileswar Tanti Dooma -Dooma
126. Shri Lambheswar Sonowal Sadiya

Assam Legislative Assembly – Members 1985-91

No.

Name of Member

Constituency
1. Shri Kumari Rabidas Ratabari (SC)
2. Shri Moni Lal Gowala Patharkandi
3. Shri Sirajul Haque Choudhury Karimganj North
4. Shri Abdul Muqtadir Choudhury Karimganj South
5. Shri Ramendra De Badarpur
6. Shri Abdul Muhib Mazumdar Hailakandi
7. Shri Gautam Roy (Tulshi) Katlichera
8. Shri Sahidul Alam Choudhury Algapur
9. Shri Karendu Bhattacharjee Silchar
10. Shri Abdul Rob Laskar Sonai
11. Shri Digendra Purkayastha Dholai (SC)
12. Shri Joy Prakash Tewari Udharbond
13. Shri Dinesh Prasad Goala Lakhipur
14. Shri Altaf Hussain Mazumdar Barkhola
15. Shri Abdul Hamid Mazumdar Katigora
16. Shri Gobinda Chandra Langthasa Haflong(ST)
17. Shri Rajen Timung Bokajan
18. Shri Khorsing Engti Howraghat
19. Shri Samsing Hanse Diphu (ST)
20. Shri Holi Ram Terang Baithalangsu (ST)
21. Shri Arninul Islam Mankachar
22. Shri Dewan Joynal Abedin Salmara South
23. Shri Mosiruddin Sheikh Dhubri
24. Shri Anirudha Singha Chowdhury Gauripur
25. Shri Dalim Roy Golakganj
26. Shri Yusuf Ali Ahmed Bilasipara West
27. Shri Sarat Chandra Singha Bilaspara East
28. Shri Mithias Tudo Gossaigaong
29. Shri Arnirt Lal Basumatary Kokrajhar West(ST)
30. Shri Charan Narzary Kokrajhar East(ST)
31. Shri Janendra Basumatary Sidli (ST)
32. Shri Phanibhusan Choudhury Bongaigaon
33. Shri Ganesh Boro Bijni
34. Shri Mokbul Hussain Abhayapuri North
35. Shri Ratneswar Sarkar Abhayapuri South (SC)
36. Shri Akan Chandra Rabha Dudhnoi (ST)
37. Shri Maziruddin Ahmed Goalpara East
38. Shri Sheikh Saman Ali Goalpara West
39. Shri Afzalur Rahman Jaleswar
40. Shri Hemen Das Sorbhog
41. Shri Surendra Nath Medhi Bhabanipur
42. Shri Prabin Chandra Deka Patarcharkuchi
43. Shri Kumar Deepak Das Barpeta
44. Shri A.F. Golam Osmani Jania
45. Shri Sheikh Abdul Hamid Baghbar
46. Shri Dinabandhu Choudhury Sarukhetri
47. Shri Muktar Hussain Chenga
48. Shri Gopinath Das Boko (SC)
49. Shri Kamala Kalita Chaygaon
50. Shri Jatin Mali Palasbari
51. Shri Bhrigu Kumar Phukan Jalukbari
52. Shri Atul Bora Dispur
53. Shri Biraj Kumar Sarma Guwahati East
54. Shri Ramendra Narayan Kalita Guwahati West
55. Shri Kamakhya Charan Choudhury Hajo
56. Shri Mayidul Islam Bora Kamalpur
57. Shri Thaneswar Boro Rangia
58. Shri Bhaben Narzary Tamulpur
59. Shri Nagen Sarmah Nalbari
60. Shri Pulakesh Barua Borkhetri
61. Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary Dharmapur
62. Smt. Rekha Rani Das Boro Barama (ST)
63. Shri Suren Swargiary Chapaguri (ST)
64. Shri Durga Das Boro Panery
65. Shri Mohendra Mohan Rai Choudhury Kalaigaon
66. Shri Zoii Nath Sarma Sipajhar
67. Shri Nilamoni Das Mongaldoi
68. Shri Abdul Jobbar Dalgaon
69. Shri Binai Khungur Basumatari Udalguri (ST)
70. Shri Silvius Condpan Majbat
71. Shri Hiranya Bora Dhekiajuli
72. Shri Prafulla Goswami Barchalla
73. Shri Brindabon Goswami Tezpur
74. Shri Golak Rajbangshi Rangapara
75. Shri Robin Saikia Sootea
76. Shri Padmanath Koiri Biswanath
77. Shri Swarup Upadhaya Behali
78. Shri Ganesh Kutum Gohpur
79. Shri Moti Das Jagiroad(SC)
80. Shri Harendra Bora Marigoan
81. Shri Abdul Jalil Laharighat
82. Shri Umesh Chandra Das Raha
83. Shri Shadhidul Islam Dhing
84. Shri Digen Chandra Bora Batadroba
85. Shri Rasidul Haque Rupahighat
86. Shri Parful1a Kumar Mahanta Nagaon
87. Shri Girindra Kumar Barua Barhampur
88. Shri Abdul Hussain Sarkar Samaguri
89. Shri Gunin Hazarika Kaliabor
90. Shri Abdul Jalil Ragibi Jamunamukh
91. Shri Santi Ranjan Dasgupta Hojai
92. Shri Ardhendu Kumar Dey Lumding
93. Shri Bolobhadra Tamuly Bokakhat
94. Shri Binod Gowala Sarupathar
95. Shri Debeswar Bora Golaghat
96. Shri Prabin Kumar Gogoi Khumtai
97. Shri Bhabendra Nath Bharali Dergaon (SC)
98. Shri Abhijit Sarmah Jorhat
99. Shri Padmeswar Doley Majuli (ST)
100. Shri Deba Kumar Bora Titabor
101. Shri Naren Tanti Mariani
102. Shri Lalit Chandra Rajkhowa Teok
103. Shri Prodip Hazarika Amguri
104. Shri Tanu Konwar Nazira
105. Shri Chandra Arandhara Mahmara
106. Shri Bhadreswar Boragohain Sonari
107. Shri Barki Prasad Telenga Thowra
108. Shri Prodip Gogoi Sibsagar
109. Shri Kesharam Bora Bihpuria
110. Shri Jagot Hazarika Naoboicha
111. Shri Utpal Dutta Lakhimpur
112. Shri Bhart Ch. Narah Dhakuakhana(ST)
113. Shri Dilip Kumar Saikia Dhemaji (ST)
114. Shri Phani Ram Tayeng Jonai (ST)
115. Shri Kiron Kumar Gogoi Moran
116. Shri Keshab Gogoi Dibrugarh
117. Shri Dipen Tanti Lahowal
118. Smti Amiya Gogoi Duliajan
119. Shri Atul Chandra Konch Tingkhong
120. Shri Kusumbar Tairai (Gogoi) Naharkatia
121. Shri Bhaben Barua Chabua
122. Shri Shio Shambhu Ojha Tinsukia
123. Shri Rameshwar Dhanowar Digboi
124. Shri Kul Bahadur Chetri Margherita
125. Shri Dileswar Tanti Doom Dooma
126. Shri Jyotsna Sonowal Sadiya

Assam Legislative Assembly – Members 1991-96

No.

Name of Member

Constituency
1. Shri Ram Pyare Rabidas Ratabari (SC)
2. Shri Madhusudan Tewari Patharkandi
3. Shri Mission Ranjan Das Karimganj North
4. Shri Pranab Kumar Nath Karimganj South
5. Shri Abu Saleh Najmuddin Badarpur
6. Shri Chittendra Nath Mazumdar Hailakandi
7. Shri Gautam Roy Katlicherra
8. Shri Sahidul Alam Choudhury Algapur
9. Shri Samarendra Nath Sen Silchar
10. Shri Badrinarayan Singh Sonai
11. Shri Parimal Suklabaidya Dholai (ST)
12. Shri Jagannath Singh Udharbond
13. Shri Dinesh Prasad Goala Lakhipur
14. Dr. Abdul Matin Mazumdar Borkhola
15. Shri Kali Ranjan Dev Katigorah
16. Shri Gobinda Chandra Langthasa Haflong (ST)
17. Shri Monsing Rangpi Bokajan (ST)
18. Shri Babu Rongpi Howraghat (ST)
19. Shri Dipendra Rongpi Diphu (ST)
20. Shri Holiram Terang Baithalanso (ST)
21. Shri Jahirul Islam Mankachar
22. Shri Dewan Joynal Abedin South Salmara
23. Shri Dhruba Kumar Sen Dhubri
24. Md. Mohibul Hoque Gauripur
25. Shri Allauddin Sarkar Golakganj
26. Shri Giasuddin Ahmed Bilasipara (West)
27. Shri Anowar Hussain Bilasipara (East)
28. Shri Tajendra Narzary Gossaigaon
29. Shri Parameshwar Brahma Kokrajhar West (ST)
30. Smti Pramila Rani Brahma Kokrajhar East (ST)
31. Shri Khiren Borgoyary Sidli (ST)
32. Shri Phanibhusan Choudhury Bongaigaon
33. Shri Kamal Brahma Bijni
34. Shri Bhupen Roy Abhayapuri (North)
35. Shri Chandan Kumar Sarkar Abhayapuri (South)
36. Shri Jagat Patgiri Dudhnoi
37. Shri Ratneswar Das Goalpara (East)
38. Shri Nazmul Haque Goalpara(West)
39. Shri Afzalur Rahman Jaleswar
40. Shri Samsul Haque Sorbhog
41. Shri Milan Boro Bhawanipur
42. Shri Krishna Kt. Lahkar Patacharkuchi
43. Shri Ismail Hussain Barpeta
44. Shri Asahaque Ali Jania
45. Shri Dilder Rezza Baghbar
46. Shri Nizamuddin Khan Sarukhetri
47. Shri Liakat Ali Khan Chenga
48. Shri Gopi Nath Das Boko (SC)
49. Dr. Kamala Kalita Chaygaon
50. Shri Jatin Mali Palasbari
51. Shri Bhrigu Kr. Phukan Jalukbari
52. Shri Atul Bora Dispur
53. Shri Chittaranjan Patowary Guwahati
54. Shri Ramendra Narayan Kalita Guwahati (West)
55. Shri Badan Baruah Hajo
56. Shri Hiteswar Deka Kamalpur
57. Shri Thaneswar Boro Rangiya
58. Shri Derhagra Mushahary Tamulpur
59. Shri Nagen Sarma Nalbari
60. Dr. Bhumidhar Barman Barkhetri
61. Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary Dharampur
62. Shri Pani Ram Rabha Barama (ST)
63. Shri Surendra Swargiary Chapaguri (ST)
64. Shri Karendra Basumatary Panery
65. Shri Jew Ram Boro Kalaigaon
66. Dr. Zoii Nath Sarma Sipajhar
67. Shri Nakul Chandra Das Mangaldai (SC)
68. Smti Syeda Anowara Taimur Dalgaon
69. Shri Jaman Singh Brahma Udalguri(ST)
70. Shri Silvius Condpan Mazbat
71. Shri Hiranya Bora Dhekiajuli
72. Shri Rudra Parajuli Borchala
73. Shri Bijit Saikia Tezpur
74. Shri Golok Rajbanshi Rangapara
75. Shri Kushal Sahu Sootea
76. Shri Nurjamal Sarkar Biswanath
77. Shri Barnabash Tantee Behali
78. Shri Kosheswar Barua Gohpur
79. Shri Bubul Das Jagiroad (SC)
80. Shri Munin Mahanta Morigaon
81. Shri Samsul Huda Laharighat
82. Shri Gohin Chandra Das Raha (SC)
83. Shri Muzibur Rahman Dhing
84. Shri Gautam Bora Batadroba
85. Shri Rashidul Haque Rupahihat
86. Shri Mukut Sarma Nowgong
87. Shri Prafulla Kr. Mahanta Barhampur
88. Nurul Hussain Samaguri
89. Shri Boloram Nag Kaliabor
90. Shri Abdul Jalil Ragibi Jamunamukh
91. Dr. Ardhendu Kr. Dey Hojai
92. Shri Debesh Ch. Chakarborty Lumding
93. Shri Bhupen Bhuyau Bokakhat
94. Shri Binod Gowala Sarupathar
95. Shri Nagen Neog Golaghat
96. Shri Jibakanta Gogoi Khumtai
97. Shri Hem Prakash Narayan Dergaon (SC)
98. Shri Hitendra Nath Goswami Jorhat
99. Shri Padmeswar Doley Majuli (S T)
100. Shri Mohendra Bora Titabar
101. Shri Rupam Kurmi Mariani
102. Smti Renu Poma Rajkhowa Teok
103. Shri Anjan Dutta Amguri
104. Shri Hiteswar Saikia Nazira
105. Shri Lakhi Prasad Borgohain Mahmora
106. Shri Sarat Borkataki Sonari
107. Shri Devananda Konwar Thowra
108. Shri Promod Gogoi Sibsagar
109. Shri Borgoram Deori Bihpuria
110. Shri Moni Kr. Subba Nowboicha
111. Shri Indra Gogoi Lakhimpur
112. Shri Bharat Ch. Narah Dhakuakhana
113. Shri Dilip Kr. Saikia Dhemaji (ST)
114. Shri Gomeswar Pegu Jonai (S T)
115. Shri Joy Ch. Nagbanshi Moran
116. Shri Keshab Gogoi Dibrugarh
117. Shri Haren Bhumij Lahowal
118. Smt. Amiya Gogoi Duliajan
119. Shri Prithivi Majhi Tingkhong
120. Shri Sashakamal Handique Naharkatiya
121. Shri Upendra Sanatan Chabua
122. Shri Shio Shambhu Ojha Tinsukia
123. Shri Rameswar Dhanowar Digboi
124. Shri Kulbahadur Chetri Margherita
125. Shri Dileswar Tanti Doomdoma
126. Shri Devendra Nath Barua Sadiya

Assam Legislative Assembly – Members 1996-2001

No.

Name of Member

Constituency
1. Shri Sambhusing Mallah Ratabari (SC)
2. Shri Sukhendu Shekhar Dutta Pathar Kandi
3. Shri Sirajul Haque Choudhury Karimganj (North)
4. Shri Abdul Muqtadir Chaudhary Karimganj (South)
5. Shri Abu Saleh Nizamuddin Badarpur
6. Shri Abdul Muhib Mazumdar Hailakandi
7. Shri Gautam Roy Katlichara
8. Shri Sahidul Alam Choudhury Algapur
9. Shri Bimalangshu Roy Silchar
10. Shri Anwar Hussain Laskar Sonai
11. Shri GirindraMallik Dholai (SC)
12. Shri Jagannath Sinha Udharbond
13. Shri Dinesh Prasad Gowala Lakhipur
14. Shri Misbahul Islam Laskar Barkhola
15. Shri Kali Ranjan Deb Katigora
16. Shri Samarjit Haf1ongbar Haf1ong (ST)
17. Shri Jagat Sing Engti Bokajan (ST)
18. Shri Chandra Kanta Terang Howraghat (ST)
19. Shri Hemsing Tisso Diphu (ST)
20. Shri Holiram Terang Baithalangso (ST)
21. Shri Aminul Islam Mankachar
22. Shri Wazed Ali Choudhury Salmara South
23. Shri Nazibul Umar Dhubri
24. Shri Banendra Kr. Mushahary Gauripur
25. Shri Alauddin Sarkar Golakganj
26. Shri Ali Akbar Miah Bilasipara West
27. Shri Prasanta Kr. Baruah Bilasipara East
28. Shri Rajendra Mushahary Gossaigaon
29. Shri Hemendra Nath Brahma Kokrajhar West(ST)
30. Smt. Pramila Rani Brahma Kokrajhar East(ST)
31. Shri Andrias Hajoary SidIi(ST)
32. Shri Phani Bhusan Choudhury Bongaigaon
33. Shri Mohini Basumatary Bijni
34. Shri Bhupen Ch. Ray Abhayapuri North
35. Shri Rabin Banikya Abhayapuri South(SC)
36. Shri Akan Rabha Dudhnai (ST)
37. Shri Jyotish Das Goalpara East
38. Shri Abu Bakkar S. Jotder Goalpara West
39. Shri Afzalur Rahman Jaleswar
40. Shri Hemen Das Sorbhog
41. Shri Surendra Nath Medhi Bhabanipur
42. Shri Mohan Das Patacharkuchi
43. Shri Ismail Hussain Barpeta
44. Shri Abdur Rouf Jonia
45. Shri Seikh Abdul Hamid Baghbar
46. Shri Nizamuddm Khan Sarukhetri
47. Shri Sukur Ali Chenga
48. Shri Jyoti Prasad Das Boko (SC)
49. Dr. Kamala Kt. Kalita Chaygaon
50. Shri Jatin Mali Palasbari
51. Shri Bhrigu Kr. Phukan Jalukbari
52. Shri Atul Bora Dispur
53. Shri Biraj Kr. Sanna Gauhati East
54. Shri Ramendra N. Kalita Gauhati West
55. Shri Nurul Hussain Hajo
56. Shri Maidul Islam Bora Kamalpur
57. Shri Thaneswar Boro Rangiya
58. Shri Derhagra Mochahary Tamulpur
59. Shri Nagen Sarma Nalbari
60. Shri Pulakesh Barua Barkhetri
61. Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary Dharampur ,
62. Smt. Rekha Rani Das Boro Barama (ST)
63. Shri Jogmohan Basumatary Chapaguri (ST)
64. Shri Kumud Ch. Das Panery
65. Shri Mahendra Mohan Raichoudhury Kalaigaon
66. Dr. Zoii Nath Sarma Sipajhar
67. Shri Hiren Kr. Das Mangaldoi (SC)
68. Shri Abdul Jabbar Dalgaon
69. Shri Deva Kant Ramchiary Udalguri (ST)
70. Shri Silvius Condpan Majbat
71. Shri Joseph Toppo Dhekiajuli
72. Shri Prafulla Goswami Barchalla
73. Shri Brindaban Goswami Tezpur
74. Shri Bhimananda Tanti Rangapara
75. Shri Padma Hazarika Sootea
76. Shri Prabin Hazarika Biswanath
77. Shri Barnabash Tanti Behali
78. Shri Ganesh Kutum Gohpur
79. Shri Bubul Das Jagiroad (SC)
80. Shri Munin Mahanta Morigaon
81. Dr. Nazrul Islam Laharighat
82. Shri Gohin Ch. Das Roha (SC)
83. Shri Mustafa S. Islam Dhing
84. Shri Digen Ch. Borah Batadroba
85. Shri Rashidul Haque Rupohihat
86. Shri Girindra Kr. Barua Nowgaon
87. Shri Prafulla Kr. Mahanta Barhampur
88. Shri Atul Kr. Sarma Samaguri
89. Shri Gunin Hazarika Kaliabor
90. Shri Khalilur R. Choudhury Jamunamukh
91. Dr. Ardhendu Kr. Dey Hojai
92. Shri Haji Abdur Rouf Lumding
93. Shri Bhupendra N. Bhuyan Bokakhat
94. Shri Binod Gowala Sarupathar
95. Shri Atul Bora Golaghat
96. Shri Probin Gogoi Khumtai
97. Smt. Sushila Hazarika Dergaon (SC)
98. Shri Hitendra Nath Goswami Jorhat
99. Shri Karuna Dutta Majuli (ST)
100. Shri Hemanta Kalita Titabar
101. Smt. Rupam Kurmi Mariani
102. Smt. Renupoma Rajkhowa Teok
103. Shri Pradip Hazarika Amguri
104. Dr. Hemo Prova Saikia Nazira
105. Shri Hiranya Kr. Konwar Mahmara
106. Shri Sarat Borkataky Sonari
107. Shri Debananda Konwar Thowra
108. Shri Promode Gogoi Sibsagar
109. Shri Kesharam Bora Bihpuria
110. Shri Mani Kr. Subba Naoboicha
111. Shri Utpal Dutta Lakhimpur
112. Shri Bharat Ch. Narah Dhakuakhana (ST)
113. Shri Dilip Kr. Saikia Dhemaji (ST)
114. Shri Pradan Baruah Jonai (ST)
115. Shri Joy Chandra Nagabanshi Moran
116. Dr. Kalyan Kr. Gogoi Dibrugarh
117. Shri Prithibi Majhi Lahowal
118. Smt Amiya Gogoi Duliajan
119. Shri Etuwa Munda Tingkhong
120. Smt Pranati Phukan Naharkatia
121. Shri Bhaben Barua Chabua
122. Shri Sudhangshu Coomer De-Sirkar Tinsukia
123. Shri Rameswar Dhanowar Digboi
124. Shri Tarun Gogoi Margherita
125. Shri Dileswar Tanti Doomdooma
126. Shri Jagadish Bhuyan Sadiya

Assam Legislative Assembly – Members 2001-2006
(Eleventh Assembly, 2001)

INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS (I)

Sl.

No. & Name of Assembly Constituency

Name of Member
1 1 Ratabari Shri Kripanath Mallah
2 2 Patherkandi Shri Monilal Gowala
3 7 Katlichera Shri Gautam Roy
4 12 Udarbond Shri Ajit Singh
5 13 Lakhipur Shri Dinesh Prasad Goala
6 14 Barkhola Shri Misbahul Islam Laskar
7 16 Haflong (ST) Shri Gobinda Chandra Langthasa
8 19 Diphu (ST) Shri Bidyasing Engleng
9 20 Baithalangso (ST) Shri Rupon Sing Ronghang
10 22 Salmara South Shri Wazed Ali Choudhury
11 23 Dhubri Shri Nazibul Umar
12 28 Gossaigaon Shri Methias Tudu
13 35 Abhayapuri South (SC) Shri Chandan Kumar Sarkar
14 36 Dudhnoi (ST) Shri Pronoy Rabha
15 39 Jaleswar Shri Aftabuddin
16 41 Bhabanipur Shri Sarbananda Choudhury
17 43 Barpeta Shri Ismail Hussain
18 44 Jania Shri Ashaque Ali
19 45 Baghbar Shri Dilder Rezza
20 47 Chenga Shri Sukur Ali Ahmed
21 48 Boko Shri Gopi Nath Das
22 49 Chaygaon Shri Rana Goswami
23 51 Jalukbari Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma
24 52 Dispur Shri Robin Bordoloi
25 53 Gauhati (East) Shri Pankaj Bora
26 54 Gauhati (West) Shri Hemanta Talukdar
27 55 Hajo Dr. Haren Das
28 56 Kamalpur Smti. Uttara Kalita
29 57 Rangiya Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita
30 59 Nalbari Shri Madan Kalita
31 60 Barkhetry Shri Bhumidhar Barman
32 61 Dharmapur Shri Nilamani Sen Deka
33 62 Barama (ST) Shri Paniram Rabha
34 67 Mangaldoi (SC) Shri Basanta Das
35 72 Barchalla Shri Tanka Bahadur Rai
36 74 Rangapara Shri Bhimananda Tanti
37 75 Sootea Shri Praneswar Basumatari
38 76 Biswanath Shri Nurjamal Sarkar
39 78 Gohpur Shri Ripun Bora
40 80 Morigaon Smti. Jonjonali Baruah
41 81 Laharighat Shri Nazrul Islam
42 82 Raha (SC) Dr. Ananda Ram Baruah
43 83 Dhing Shri Idris A1i
44 84 Batadroba Shri Gautam Bora
45 85 Rupohihat Smti. Sarifa Begum
46 88 Samaguri Shri Rockybul Hussain
47 91 Hojai Shri Ardhendu Dey
48 94 Sarupathar Shri Aklius Tirkey
49 95 Golaghat Smti. Ajanta Neog
50 97 Dergaon (SC) Shri Hemprakash Narayan
51 99 Majuli (ST) Shri Rajib Lochan Pegu
52 100 Titabar Shri Tarun Gogoi
53 102 Teok Shri Membor Gogoi
54 103 Amguri Shri Anjan Dutta
55 104 Nazira Dr. (Smti.) Hemo Prova Saikia
56 105 Mahmara Shri Sarat Saikia
57 106 Sonari Shri Sarat Barkataky
58 107 Thowra Shri Devananda Konwar
59 108 Sibsagar Shri Pranab Gogoi
60 112 Dhakuakhana (ST) Shri Bharat Chandra Narah
61 114 Jonai (ST) Shri Pradan Baruah
62 116 Dibrugarh Dr. Kalyan Kr. Gogoi
63 117 Lahowal Shri Prithibi Majhi
64 119 Tingkhong Shri Etuwa Munda
65 120 Naharkatia Smti. Pranati Phukan
66 121 Chabua Shri Raju Shahu
67 122 Tinsukia Shri Rajendra Prasad Singh
68 123 Digboi Shri Rameswar Dhanowar
69 124 Margherita Shri Pradyut Bordoloi
70 125 Doom Dooma Shri Dileswar Tanti
71 115 Moran Smti. Jibantara Ghatowar

ASOM GANA PARISHAD

Sl.

No. & Name of Assembly Constituency

Name of Member
1 8 Algapur Shri Sahidul Alam Choudhury
2 24 Gauripur Shri Banendra Kumar Mushahary
3 26 Bilasipara (West) Shri Ali Akbar Miah
4 27 Bilasipara (East) Shri Prashanta Kumar Baruah
5 32 Bongaigaon Shri Phani Bhusan Choudhury
6 34 Abhayapurl (North) Shri Bhupen Ray
7 66 Sipajhar Dr. Zoii Nath Sarmah
8 68 Dalgaon Shri Abdul Jabbar
9 71 Dhekiajuli Shri Joseph Toppo
10 73 Tezpur Shri Brindaban Goswami
11 79 Jagiroad (SC) Shri Bubul Das
12 86 Nowgong Shri Girindra Kumar Baruah
13 87 Barhampur Shri Prafulla Kumar Mahanta
14 89 Kaliabor Shri Gunin Hazarika
15 90 Jamunamukh Shri Khalilur Rahman Choudhury
16 96 Khumtai Shri Prabin Gogoi
17 98 Jorhat Shri Hitendra Nath Goswami
18 111 Lakhimpur Shri Utpal Dutta
19 113 Dhemaji (ST) Shri Dilip Kr. Saikia
20 126 Sadia Shri Jagadish Bhuyan

BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY

Sl.

No. & Name of Assembly Constituency

Name of Member
1 3 Karimganj (North) Shri Mission Ranjan Das
2 9 Silchar Shri Bimolangsu Roy
3 11 Dholai (SC) Shri Parimal Suklabaidya
4 15 Katigora Shri Ka1i Ranjan Deb
5 25 Golakganj Shri Dinesh Chandra Sarkar
6 77 Behali Shri Ranjit Dutta
7 92 Lumding Shri Sushil Dutta
8 118 Duliajan Shri Rameswar Teli

NATIONALIST CONGRESS PARTY

Sl.

No. & Name of Assembly Constituencies

Name of Member
1 21 Mankachar Smti. Hosenara Islam
2 37 Goalpara (East) Shri Shadeed Mazumder
3 38 Goalpara (West) Shri Sheikh Shah Alam

AUTONOMOUS STATE DEMAND COMMITTEE (UNITED)

1 17 Bokajan (ST) Shri Jagat Sing Engti
2 18 Howraghat (ST) Shri Dharamsing Teron

ALL INDIA TRINMOOL CONGRESS

1 5 Badarpur Shri Jamal Uddin Ahmed *
2 101 Mariani Shri Alok Kumar Ghose

SAMATA PARTY

1 4 Karimganj (South) Shri Siddique Ahmed

SAMAJWADI PARTY

1 10 Sonai Shri Anwar Hussain Laskar

INDEPENDENT MEMBERS

Sl.

No. & Name of Assembly Constituency

Name of Member
1 6 Hailakandi Shri Sahab Uddin Choudhury
2 29 Kokrajhar West (ST) Shri Hemendra Nath Brahma
3 30 Kokrajhar East (ST) Smti. Pramila Rani Brahma
4 31 Sidli (ST) Shri Matindra Basumatary
5 33 Bijni Shri Romio Brahma
6 40 Sorbhog Shri Samsul Hoque
7 42 Patacharkuchi Shri Pabindra Deka
8 46 Sarukhetri Dr. Tara Prasad Das
9 50 Palasbari Shri Pranab Kalita
10 58 Tamulpur Shri Biswajit Daimari
11 63 Chapaguri (ST) Shri Tijen Basumatary
12 64 Panery Smti. Kamali Basumatary
13 65 Kalaigaon Shri Nathu Boro
14 69 Udalguri (ST) Shri Rihon Daimari
15 70 Majbat Shri Karendra Basumatary
16 93 Bokakhat Shri Jiten Gogoi
17 109 Bihpuria Shri Premadhar Bora
18 110 Naoboicha Shri Sultan Sadik

Assam Legislative Assembly – Members 2006-2011

No.

Name of Member

Constituency
1. Shri Sambhu Sing Mallah Ratabari (SC)
2. Shri Kartiksen Sinha Patharkandi
3. Shri Mission Ranjan Das Karimganj (North)
4. Shri Siddeque Ahmed Karimganj (South)
5. Shri Anwarul Hoque Badarpur
6. Shri Hazi Salim Uddin Barbhuiya Hailakandi
7. Shri Gautam Roy Katlicherra
8. Shri Rahul Roy Algapur
9. Smti Bithika Dev Silchar
10. Shri Kutub Ahmed Mazumdar Sonai
11. Shri Parimal Suklabaidya Dholai (SC)
12. Shri Ajit Singh Udharbond
13. Shri Dinesh Prasad Goala Lakhipur
14. Smti Rumi Nath Barkhola
15. Shri Ataur Rahman Mazarbhuiya Katigora
16. Shri Gobinda Chandra Langthasa Haflong (ST)
17. Shri Jagat Sing Engti Bokajan (ST)
18. Shri Khor Sing Engti Howraghat (ST)
19. Shri Bidya Sing Engleng Diphu (ST)
20. Dr.Mansing Rongpi Baithalangso (ST)
21. Dr. Motiur Rahman Mondal Mankachar
22. Shri Wazed Ali Choudhury Salmara South
23. Shri Rasul Hoque Dhubri
24. Shri Mahibul Hoque Gauripur
25. Shri Abul Taher Bepari Golakganj
26. Shri Hafiz Bashir Ahmed Bilasipara West
27. Shri Prasanta Kr. Baruah Bilasipara East
28. Shri Majendra Narzary Gossaigaon
29. Shri Parameswar Brahma Kokrajhar West(ST)
30. Smt. Pramila Rani Brahma Kokrajhar East(ST)
31. Shri Chandan Brahma SidIi(ST)
32. Shri Phani Bhusan Choudhury Bongaigaon
33. Shri Kamal Shing Narzary Bijni
34. Shri Abdul Hai Nagori Abhayapuri North
35. Shri Rabin Banikya Abhayapuri South(SC)
36. Shri Deben Daimary Dudhnai (ST)
37. Shri Dulal Chandra Ghosh Goalpara East
38. Shri Abdur Rashid Mondal Goalpara West
39. Shri Afzalur Rahman Jaleswar
40. Shri Udbhab Barman Sorbhog
41. Dr Monoranjan Das Bhabanipur
42. Dr. Malaya Borman Patacharkuchi
43. Shri Gunindra Nath Das Barpeta
44. Shri Abdul Khaleque Jonia
45. Shri Dildar Rezza Baghbar
46. Shri Tara Prasad Das Sarukhetri
47. Shri Liakat Ali Khan Chenga
48. Shri Jyoti Prasad Das Boko (SC)
49. Dr. Kamala Kanta Kalita Chaygaon
50. Shri Pranab Kalita Palasbari
51. Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma Jalukbari
52. Shri Akon Bora Dispur
53. Capt. Robin Bordoloi Gauhati East
54. Shri Ramendra Narayan Kalita Gauhati West
55. Shri Nurul Hussain Hajo
56. Smti Uttara Kalita Kamalpur
57. Shri Ananta Deka Rangiya
58. Shri Chandi Basumatary Tamulpur
59. Smti Alaka Sarma Nalbari
60. Dr. Bhumidhar Barman Barkhetry
61. Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary Dharampur
62. Shri Maneswar Brahma Barama (ST)
63. Shri Thaneswar Basumatary Chapaguri (ST)
64. Shri Kamali Basumatary Panery
65. Shri Maheswar Baro Kalaigaon
66. Binanda Kumar Saikia Sipajhar
67. Shri Hiren Kr. Das Mangaldoi (SC)
68. Md. Ilias Ali Dalgaon
69. Shri Rihon Daimary Udalguri (ST)
70. Shri Karendra Basumatary Majbat
71. Shri Bhimananda Tanti Dhekiajuli
72. Shri Tanka Bahadur Rai Barchalla
73. Shri Brindaban Goswami Tezpur
74. Shri Abhijit Hazarika Rangapara
75. Shri Padma Hazarika Sootea
76. Shri Nurjamal Sarkar Biswanath
77. Shri Ranjit Dutta Behali
78. Shri Ripun Bora Gohpur
79. Shri Bibekananda Dalai Jagiroad (SC)
80. Smti Jonjonali Barua Morigaon
81. Dr. Nazrul Islam Laharighat
82. Shri Guneswar Das Raha (SC)
83. Shri Mobarak Ali Pathan Dhing
84. Shri Gautam Bora Batadroba
85. Shri Abdul Aziz Rupohihat
86. Shri Girindra Kr. Barua Nawgong
87. Shri Prafulla Kr. Mahanta Barhampur
88. Shri Rockybul Hussain Samaguri
89. Shri Keshab Mahanta Kaliabor
90. Shri Siraj Uddin Ajmal Jamunamukh
91. Dr. Aditya Langthasa Hojai
92. Shri Sushil Dutta Lumding
93. Shri Jiten Gogoi Bokakhat
94. Shri Binod Goala Sarupathar
95. Shri Ajanta Neog Golaghat
96. Shri Probin Gogoi Khumtai
97. Smt. Sushila Hazarika Dergaon (SC)
98. Shri Rana Goswami Jorhat
99. Shri Rajib Lochan Pegu Majuli (ST)
100. Shri Tarun Gogoi Titabar
101. Smt. Rupjyoti Kurmi Mariani
102. Shri Member Gogoi Teok
103. Shri Pradip Hazarika Amguri
104. Shri Drupad Borgohain Nazira
105. Shri Sarat Saikia Mahmara
106. Shri Sarat Borkataky Sonari
107. Shri Kushal Dowari Thowra
108. Shri Pranab Gogoi Sibsagar
109. Shri Bhupen Kumar Borah Bihpuria
110. Shri Sanjay Raj Subba Naoboicha
111. Shri Ghana Buragohain Lakhimpur
112. Shri Bharat Ch. Narah Dhakuakhana (ST)
113. Smti Sumitra Patir Dhemaji (ST)
114. Shri Bhubon Pegu Jonai (ST)
115. Smti Jiban Tara Ghatowar Moran
116. Shri Prasanta Phukan Dibrugarh
117. Shri Prithibi Majhi Lahowal
118. Shri Rameswar Teli Duliajan
119. Shri Anup Phukan Tingkhong
120. Smt Pranati Phukan Naharkatia
121. Shri Raju Sahu Chabua
122. Shri Rajendra Prasad Singh Tinsukia
123. Shri Rameswar Dhanowar Digboi
124. Shri Pradyut Bordoloi Margherita
125. Shri Durga Bhiumij Doomdooma
126. Shri Bolin Chetia Sadiya

MEMBERS OF 13th ASSAM LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Photo

 No. and Name of Assembly Constituency Name of the Elected Member Party Affiliation (if any) Home Address
1-RATABARI (SC) KRIPANATH MALLAH INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Bidyanagar, P.O. Bidyanagar,
Via-Anipur, Dist. Karimganj Assam
2-PATHARKANDI MONILAL GOWALA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Shibergool,
P.O. Bazaricherra
Bazar, Dist. Karimganj, Assam.
3-KARIMGANJ NORTH KAMALAKHYA DEY PURKAYASTHA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS S/O.Lt. Kaushik DeyPurkayastha,Subash Nagar,Vivekananda Lane,P.O.,
P.S. & Dist. Karimganj, Assam,Pin. 788710.
4-KARIMGANJ SOUTH SIDDEQUE AHMOD INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Dhalopar,
P.O. Ashalkandi,
P.S. Patharkandi,
Dist. Karimganj, Assam
5-BADARPUR JAMAL UDDIN AHMED INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Maizdihi B.S.F Camp Road,
P.O. Settlement Road,
P.S. & Dist. Karimganj, Assam.
6-HAILAKANDI ABDUL MUHIB MAZUMDAR INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Hailakandi Town, Ward No. XII,
P.O. & P.S. Hailakandi,
Station Road, Dist. Hailakandi, Assam.
7-KATLICHERRA GAUTAM ROY INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Ekadash Sahid Sarani,
Hailakandi Town, Ward No. 9,P.C. Roy Lane,
P.O. & Dist. Hailakandi, Assam, Pin. 788151.
8-ALGAPUR * MANDIRA ROY INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Hailakandi Town
P.O. Hailakandi,
Ward No. IX
Dist. Hailakandi, Assam.
9-SILCHAR SUSHMITA DEV INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Satindra Mohan Dev Road,
Tarapur, Silchar,
Dist. Cachar, Assam.
10-SONAI ANAMUL HAQUE INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Water Works Road,
P.O. Silchar,
Dist. Cachar, Assam.
11-DHOLAI (SC) GIRINDRA MALLIK INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS S/O Suklal Mallik,
Vill. Dholai Sadagram,
P.O. & P.S. Dholai,
Dist. Cachar, Assam, Pin. 788114.
12-UDHARBOND AJIT SINGH INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Itkhola,
P.O. Silchar-1,
Dist. Cachar, Assam.
13-LAKHIPUR DINESH PRASAD GOALA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. & P.O. Pailapool,
P.S. Lakhipur, Dist. Cachar,
Assam.
14-BARKHOLA RUMI NATH INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS C/O. Mr. T.B. Nath, Ambicapatty,
Silchar-4,
Dist. Cachar, Assam
15-KATIGORA ATAUR RAHMAN MAZARBHUIYA ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Vill. & P.O. Dudpur, (Pt.-III),
P.S. Katigorah,
Dist. Cachar, Assam
16-HAFLONG (ST) GOBINDA CH. LANGTHASA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Convent road,
Haflong Town,
P.O. Haflong,
Dist. N.C. Hills,
Assam, Pin. 788819.
17-BOKAJAN (ST) KLENGDOON ENGTI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS ITI Colony, W/No. 5,
Rongmongve,
P.O. Diphu,
Dist. Karbi Anglong, Assam.
18-HOWRAGHAT (ST) KHOR SING ENGTI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Pan Engtigaon,
P.O. & P.S. Howraghat,
Dist. Karbi Anglong, Assam
19-DIPHU (ST) BIDYA SING ENGLENG INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Rongmongve, Diphu,
Dist. Karbi Anglong, Assam
20-BAITHALANGSO (ST) DR. MANSING RONGPI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Hongkram Sarsing Habai,P.O. Hangkram,
P.S. Baithalangso, Dist. Karbi Anglong, Assam,Pin. 782450
21-MANKACHAR ZABED ISLAM INDEPENDENT Vill. 1 No Bepari Para,
P.O. & P.S. Mankachar,
Dist. Dhubri,
Assam.
22-SALMARA SOUTH ABDUR RAHMAN AJMAL ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Vill. Donkigaon, P.O. & P.S. Hojai,
Dist. Nagaon, Assam.
23-DHUBRI JAHAN UDDIN ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT S/O. Kashem Ali Sarkar,
Vill. Adabari Pr.I,
P.O. Sagolchara,P.S. & Dist. Dhubri (Assam),
Pin. 783324.
24-GAURIPUR BANENDRA KUMAR MUSHAHARY BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Gauripur Town, Ward
No. 3, Hori Shova Road, P.S. Gauripur,
Dist. Dhubri,
Assam,
25-GOLAKGANJ ABU TAHER BEPARI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Chagolia,P.O. Chagolia, P.S. Golakganj,
Dist. DhubriAssam,
Pin. 783335
26-BILASIPARA WEST HAFIZ BASHIR AHMED ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Ward No. 13, Halilapara,
P.O. & P.S. Goalpara,
Dist. Goalpara,
Assam.
27-BILASIPARA EAST GUL AKHTARA BEGUM ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Vill. Jalikura,
P.O. Bahalpur,
P.S. Chapar,
Dist. Dhubri, Assam.
28-GOSSAIGAON MAJENDRA NARZARY BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Vill. & P.O. Raimona,
P.S. Gossaigaon,
Dist. Kokrajhar,
Assam.
29-KOKRAJHAR WEST (ST) PRADIP KUMAR BRAHMA BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Vill. Boragari,
P.O. & P.S. Dotma,
Dist. Kokrajhar,
Assam.
30-KOKRAJHAR EAST (ST) PRAMILA RANI BRAHMA BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Kokrajhar Town,
Ward No. 7,
P.O. & P.S. Kokrajhar,
Dist. Kokrajhar,
Assam.
31-SIDLI (ST) CHANDAN BRAHMA BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Vill. Sauk Kajalgaon,
P.O. Simlaguri,
Dist. Chirang,
Assam
32-BONGAIGAON PHANI BHUSAN CHOUDHURY ASOM GANA PARISHAD Vill. Bakharapara, Pt. –II,
Ward No. 23,
P.O. Bongaigaon,
Dist. Bongaigaon,
Assam.
33-BIJNI KAMAL SHING NARZARY BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Bijni Town,
Ward No. 1,
P.O. & P.S. Bijni,
Dist. Chirang,
Assam.
34-ABHAYAPURI NORTH BHUPEN ROY ASOM GANA PARISHAD Vill. Tulungia,
P.O. North Salmara,
P.S. Abhayapuri,
Dist. Bongaigaon,
Assam.
35-ABHAYAPURI SOUTH (SC) CHANDAN KUMAR SARKAR INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Abhayapuri Town Ward No. 3,Basantpor,
P.O. Abhayapuri, Dist. Bongaigaon, Assam,
Pin. 783384.
36-DUDHNAI (ST) SIB CHARAN BASUMATARY INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Amguri,
P.O. Dahela,
P.O. Dudhnoi,
Dist. Goalpara,
Assam.
37-GOALPARA EAST MONOWAR HUSSAIN ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT J.N. Road, Ward No. 4,
Goalpara Town
, P.O. & P.S. Goalpara
Dist. Goalpara,
Assam.
38-GOALPARA WEST SHEIKH SHAH ALAM ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Vill. Kharmuza,
P.O. Kharmuza,
P.S. & Dist. Goalpara,
Assam,
Pin-783101
39-JALESWAR MOIN UDDIN AHMED ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT C/O Lt. Kefayet Ali,Vill. Haruafuta,
P.O. Dharai,P.S. Lakhipur,Dist. Goalpara,
Assam, Pin. 783732.
40-SORBHOG RANJIT KUMAR DAS BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY Arabinda Complex, Ward No. 6,
P.O. Barpeta Road,
Dist. Barpeta,
Assam, Pin. 781315.
41-BHABANIPUR ABUL KALAM AZAD ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT S/O. Lt. Haji Hussain Ali,
Vill. Porabharal,
P.O. Sukmanah,
P.S. & Dist. Barpeta,
Pin. 781316.
42-PATACHARKUCHI MANORANJAN DAS BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY Pathsala Town,
P.O. Pathsala,
Dist. Barpeta,
Assam,
Pin. 781325.
43-BARPETA ABDUR RAHIM KHAN ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT S/O Lt. Kabiluddin Khan,
Vill. & P.O. Dabaliapara,
P.S. & Dist. Barpeta,
Assam,
Pin. 781316.
44-JANIA RAFIQUL ISLAM ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Vill., P.O. & P.S. Kalgachia,
Dist. Barpeta,
Assam,
Pin. 781319.
45-BAGHBAR SHERMAN ALI AHMED ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Vill. & P.O. Mandia,
Dist. Barpeta,
Assam.
46-SARUKHETRI ALI HOSSAIN ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Vill. Chakir Bhitha,
P.O. Khablar Bhitha,
Dist.Barpeta,
Assam,
Pin. 781352.
47-CHENGA SUKUR ALI AHMED INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Pub Machchara NK,
P.O. & P.S. Kasumara,
Dist. Barpeta,
Assam
48-BOKO (SC) GOPI NATH DAS ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Vill. Dokuchi,
P.O. & P.S. Nagarbera,
Dist. Kamrup,
Assam
49-CHAYGAON REKIBUDDIN AHMED INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Hatigaon (Sijubari), Idgah Road,P.O. & P.S. Hatigaon,Guwahati-38,
Dist. Kamrup,
Assam.
50-PALASBARI JATIN MALI INDEPENDENT Vill. Barkuchi,
P.O. Mirza,
P.S. Palasbari,
Dist. Kamrup,
Assam.
51-JALUKBARI HIMANTA BISWA SARMA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Gandhi Basti, Guwahati-3,
P.O. Silpukhuri, Dist. Kamrup,Assam.
52-DISPUR AKON BORA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Seuji Nagar, Beltola Bazar Area,P.O. Beltola,
Maidamgaon,P.S. Basistha,Dist. Kamrup,
Assam.
53-GAUHATI EAST CAPTAIN ROBIN BORDOLOI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Gopinath Bhawan,
Dr. B.K. Kakati Road,
P.O. Ulubari,
Dist. Kamrup,
Assam.
54-GAUHATI WEST HEMANTA TALUKDAR INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Durga Sarabor, Sangkar
Madhab Path,
P.O.& P.S. Bharalumukh,
Guwahati,
Assam, Pin.781009
55-HAJO DWIPEN PATHAK ALL INDIA TRINAMOOL CONGRESS Vill. Bahana, House No. 94,
P.O. Manahkuchi,
P.S. Hajo, Kamrup, Assam, Pin. 781104
56-KAMALPUR JADAV CHANDRA DEKA BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY Rajgarh Link Road,
Bye-lane No.5,House No. 12, Anilnagar,
Guwahati, Assam,
Pin-781007
57-RANGIYA GHANASHYAM KALITA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Murara,
P.O. Rangia,
Dist. Kamrup,
Assam, Pin. 781354.
58-TAMULPUR EMMANUEL MOSAHARY BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Vill. Horotola,
P.O. Patkijuli,
P.S. Tamulpur,
Dist. Baksa, Assam,
Pin. 781360.
59-NALBARI JAYANTA MALLAH BARUAH INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Chandakuchi,
Dist. Nalbari,
Assam.
60-BARKHETRY DR. BHUMIDHAR BARMAN INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. & P.O. Mukalmua,
Dist. Nalbari,
Assam.
61-DHARMAPUR NILAMANI SEN DEKA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Lachit Nagar,Bharalupar,Kanaklata
Path,Ghuwahati,Kamrup,(Metro).Vill. & P.O. -Belsor, Dist.Nalbari, Assam.
62-BARAMA (ST) MANESWAR BRAHMA BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Kaljar,
P.O. & P.S. Barama,
Dist. Baksa,Assam.
63-CHAPAGURI (ST) HITESH BASUMATARY BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Vill. Belguri,
P.O. Mushalpur,
Dist. Baksa, Assam.
64-PANERY KAMALI BASUMATARY BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Vill. Nagachuba,
P.O. Pachim Patla,
Dist. Udalguri,
Assam.
65-KALAIGAON MUKUNDA RAM CHOUDHURY ASOM GANA PARISHAD Choudhury Para,
P.S. Kalai Gaon
P.O. Tengabari,
Dist. Darrang,
Assam.
66-SIPAJHAR BINANDA KUMAR SAIKIA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. & P.O.Duni,P.S.Sipajhar,Dist. Darrang,Assam.,
67-MANGALDOI (SC) BASANTA DAS INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS S/O Shri Baneswar Das, Ward No. 10, Bhebarghat,
P.O.& P.S.Mangaldoi, Darrang,Assam, Pin. 784125.
68-DALGAON ILIAS ALI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS S/O. Late Idrish Ali, Ward No. 7,P.O. Kharupetia,
Dist. Darrang,
Assam,
Pin. 784115.
69-UDALGURI (ST) RIHON DAIMARI BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Vill. Bekigaon,
P.O. & P.S. Udalguri,
Dist. Udalguri,
Assam,
Pin.784509.
70-MAJBAT RAKHESWAR BRAHMA BODOLAND PEOPLES FRONT Vill. Balisihagaon,
P.O. Rowta Chariali,
Dist. Udalguri,
Assam,
Pin. 784508.
71-DHEKIAJULI HABUL CHAKRABORTY INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS S/O. Late Dilip Kr. Chakraborty,R.K. Tamuli
Road, Ward No.7,P.O. & P.S.Dhekiajuli,Dist.Sonitpur,Assam,Pin.784110.
72-BARCHALLA TANKA BAHADUR RAI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Nombogoribari,
P.O. Natun Sirajuli,
Dist. Sonitpur,
Assam.
73-TEZPUR RAJEN BORTHAKUR INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS S/O Lt. Suren Borthakur,
Vill. & P.O. Haleswar,
Dist. Sonitpur,
Assam.
74-RANGAPARA BHIMANANDA TANTI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Namanigaon,
P.O. Rangapara,
Dist. Sonitpur,
Assam.
75-SOOTEA PADMA HAZARIKA ASOM GANA PARISHAD Vill. Kacharigaon,
P.O. & P.S. Sootea,
Dist. Sonitpur,
Assam.
76-BISWANATH PRABIN HAZARIKA ASOM GANA PARISHAD Vill. Mudoi Gaon,
P.O. Sootea,
Dist. Sonitpur,
Assam, Pin.784175
77-BEHALI PALLAB LOCHAN DAS INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. & P.O. Pabhoi,
P.S. Biswanath Chariali,
Dist. Sonitpur,
Assam,Pin. 784174.
78-GOHPUR MONIKA BORA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Barigaon,
P.O. Gohpur,
Ward No. 5,
Dist. Sonitpur, Assam.
79-JAGIROAD (SC) BIBEKANANDA DALAI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS S/O Prashad Ch. Dalai,
Ward No. 6,
Morigaon Town,
P.O. & Dist. Morigaon,
Assam.
80-MORIGAON JON JONALI BARUAH INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Rajagaon Ward No. 1,
P.O. & P.S. Marigaon,
Dist. Mairgaon,
Assam.
81-LAHARIGHAT DR. NAZRUL ISLAM INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Ulubari,
P.O. Dolaigaon,
P.S. Mairabari,
Dist. Marigaon, Assam.
82-RAHA (SC) PIJUSH HAZARIKA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Garhmari,
Ward No. 1, Raha,
Dist. Nagaon, Assam.
83-DHING AMINUL ISLAM ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Vill. Parmaibheti,
P.O. Dagaon,
P.S. Juria,
Dist. Nagaon, Assam
84-BATADROBA GAUTAM BORA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Ratnanagar,
Dhing Town, Ward No. 1, P.O.
& P.S. Dhing,Dist. Nagaon,
Assam.
85-RUPOHIHAT MAZIBUR RAHMAN ALL INDIA DEMOCRATIC FRONT Vill. Kochgaon,
P.O. Saidoria,
P.S. Rupohihat,
Dist. Nagaon,
Assam.
86-NAWGONG DR. DURLAV CHANDRA CHAMUA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Jalahgaon,
P.O. Upar Ujura,
P.S. & Dist. Nagaon,
Assam
87-BARHAMPUR PRAFULLA KUMAR MAHANTA ASOM GANA PARISHAD Amolapatty,
P.O. Nagaon,
Dist. Nagaon,
Assam.
88-SAMAGURI ROCKYBUL HUSSAIN INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Bimala Bora Road,
Nagaon Town,
P.O. Nagaon,
Dist. Nagaon,
Assam.
89-KALIABOR KESHAB MAHANTA ASOM GANA PARISHAD Vill. Balisatra,
P.O. Kuwarital,
Dist. Nagaon,
Assam.
90-JAMUNAMUKH MOHAMMAD SIRAJ UDDIN AJMAL ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Donkigaon,
Vill. Gopal Nagar,
Hojai,
Dist. Nagaon, Assam.
91-HOJAI ARDHENDU KUMAR DEY INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Thakurbari Road,
Hojai Town,
Ward No. 6,
Dist. Nagaon, Assam.
92-LUMDING SWAPAN KAR ALL INDIA UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT Harulongpher,
Ward No. 9,
P.O. Lumding,
Dist. Nagaon, Assam.
93-BOKAKHAT ARUN PHUKAN INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Kalyanpur, Ward No. 2,
Bokakhat Town,
P.O. & P.S. Bokakhat,
Dist.Golaghat,
Assam, Pin. 785612
94-SARUPATHAR AKLIUS TIRKEY INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Soriakhat,
P.O. Morongi,
Dist. Golaghat,
Assam.
95-GOLAGHAT AJANTA NEOG INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. No. 1 Feshual,
P.O. Baruah Gaon,P.S. Ghiladhari,
Dist. Golaghat,
Assam.
96-KHUMTAI BISMITA GOGOI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Khumtai Chariali,
Vill- Nagaon,
P.O. & P.S. Khumtai,
Dist. Golaghat,
Assam.
97-DERGAON (SC) AROTI HAZARIKA KACHARI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Dergaon 3rd Gate,
Ward No. 6,
Dist. Jorhat,
Assam.
98-JORHAT RANA GOSWAMI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Tocklai,
P.O. Rajabari,
Jorhat-14,
Dist. Jorhat,
Assam.
99-MAJULI (ST) RAJIB LOCHAN PEGU INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Borpomuagaon,
P.O. Jengraimukh,
Majuli,
Dist. Jorhat,
Assam.
100-TITABAR TARUN GOGOI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Nazir Ali,
Ward No. 10,
Dist. Jorhat,
Assam.
101-MARIANI RUPJYOTI KURMI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Rupnagar, Cinnamara,
Near Carmel School,
Jorhat-8, Assam.
102-TEOK MEMBAR GOGOI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Pachim Bangalpukhuri,
Na-Ali,
P.O. & Dist. Jorhat,
Assam
103-AMGURI ANJAN DUTTA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Ward No. 4,
Amguri Town,
Dist. Sivasagar,
Assam.
104-NAZIRA DEBO BRATA SAIKIA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Borduarmukh, Ward No. 4, Simaluguri Town, Borduarmukh
, Ward No. 4,Simaluguri Town, P.O. Simaluguri,
Dist. Sivasagar, Assam.
105-MAHMARA SARAT SAIKIA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Moran Town,
Moranhat,
Dist. Sivasagar,
Assam.
106-SONARI SARAT BORKATAKY INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Sonari Town, Ward No. 12,
Parbatipur, P.O. Sonari,
Dist. Sivasagar, Assam.
107-THOWRA SUSHANTA BORGOHAIN INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Arunodai Path, Ushapur,
P.O. & P.S. Moranhat,
Dist. Sivasagar,Assam,
Pin. 785670.
108-SIBSAGAR PRANAB KUMAR GOGOI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Red Cross Road,
P.O. Sivasagar,
Dist. Sivasagar,
Assam.
109-BIHPURIA BHUPEN KUMAR BORAH INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Silonibari Tea Garden Road,
Naoboicha,
North Lakhimpur,
Dist. Lakhimpur,
Assam.
110-NAOBOICHA SANJAY RAJ SUBBA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Harmoti, P.O. Merbil,
P.S. Laluk,
Dist. Lakhimpur,
Assam
111-LAKHIMPUR UTPAL DUTTA ASOM GANA PARISHAD Ward No. 8,
P.O. North Lakhimpur,
Dist. Lakhimpur,
Assam
112-DHAKUAKHANA (ST) NABA KUMAR DOLEY ASOM GANA PARISHAD Dhakuakhana Chariali,
Knowar Gaon,
Ward No. 2,
Dist. Lakhimpur,
Assam.
113-DHEMAJI (ST) SUMITRA DOLEY PATIR INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Pub Baligaon,
P.O. Gogamukh,
Dist. Dhemaji,
Assam.
114-JONAI (ST) PRADAN BARUA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Vill. Amritpur,
P.O. & P.S. Silapathar,
Dist. Dhemaji,
Assam.
115-MORAN JIBON TARA GHATOWAR INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Ushapur,
P.O.& P.S.Moranhat,
Dist. Dibrugarh,
Assam.
116-DIBRUGARH PRASANTA PHUKAN BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY P.O. C.R. Building (Rupnagar),
Milan Nagar,
Dist. Dibrugarh,
Assam
117-LAHOWAL PRITHIBI MAJHI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Lekai Na-gaon,
P.O. Sessa,
P.S. Barbaruah,
Dist. Dibrugarh,
Assam.
118-DULIAJAN AMIYA GOGOI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Duliajan,
Ward No. 48,
Bamhukuta Goan,
Dist. Dibrugarh,
Assam
119-TINGKHONG ATUWA MUNDA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Joya Nagar Moran,
P.O. & P.S. Moran,
Dist. Dibrugarh,
Assam.
120-NAHARKATIA PRANATI PHUKAN INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Salibasa Near S.B.I.,
P.O. Parbatpur,
Dist. Dibrugarh,
Assam.
121-CHABUA RAJU SAHU INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Subachani Road, Near Civil Hospital,
P.O. Tinsukia,Dist. Tinsukia,
Assam, Pin. 786125.
122-TINSUKIA RAJENDRA PRASAD SINGH INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Radha Nagar,
Bordubi,
Dist. Tinsukia,
Assam
123-DIGBOI RAMESWAR DHANOWAR INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Tupla Bosti Ghos Patty, P.O. & P.S. Digboi,
Dist. Tinsukia,
Assam
124-MARGHERITA PRADYUT BORDOLOI INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS B.K. Chetia Path, (Segunbari),
P.O. Makum Pathar,P.S. Margherita,
Dist. Tinsukia, Assam
125-DOOM DOOMA DILIP MORAN BHARITYA JANATA PARTY Shankardev Nagar,
Ward No. 1,P.O. Doom Dooma,
Dist. Tinsukia, Assam.
126-SADIYA BOLIN CHETIA INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Makum Joyti Nagar,P.O. Makum Jn.,
Dist. Tinsukia, Assam.
* Won bye-election held on 24-02-2013. Result declared on 28-02-2013

Published by Assam Legislative Assembly, Dispur, Guwahati 781006.
Website designed and hosted by National Informatics Centre, Assam State Centre, Guwahati 781006.

ANNEXURE-XIA

Gopinath Bordoloi (1890–1950) was the first Prime Minister of undivided Assam before independence and later Chief Minister of the Indian state of Assam, and also a leading Indian independence activist. He was a follower of the Gandhian principle of non-violence as a political tool. Due to his unselfish dedication towards Assam and its people, the then Governor of Assam Jayram Das Doulatram conferred him with the title “Lokapriya” (loved by all).

Gopinath Bordoloi was born on 6 June 1890 at Raha. His father was Buddheswar Bordoloi and mother Praneswari Bordoloi. He lost his mother when he was only 12 years old. He got admitted in Cotton College after passing matriculation in 1907. He passed I.A. in 1st Div. In 1909 and took admission in the renowned Scottish Church College, Calcutta and graduated in 1911. He then passed M.A. from Calcutta University in 1914. He studied Law for three years but came back to Guwahati without sitting in the final examination. Then on request of Tarun Ram Phukan, he took up the temporary job as Headmaster of Sonaram High School. During that period, he sat and passed in the Law examination and started practising in 1917 in Guwahati.

Assam Association was the only political organisation of Assam in that period. Assam Congress was formed in 1922 as a branch of the Indian National Congress. Gopinath Bordoloi’s political life started when he joined the Indian National Congress as a volunteer in that year. He actively participated in the fight for independence. He was arrested in 1922 due to active participation in the Non-co-operation movement and was put in jail for 1-year. When the movement was called off following Chauri Chaura incident, he went back to practising law. From 1930 to 1933 he kept himself away from political activity and got involved in various social works after becoming member of Guwahati Municipal Board and Local Board. In addition, he was constantly demanding a separate University and High Court for Assam.

In 1935 Government of India Act was articulated with a view to form British India. Congress decided to participate in the Regional Assembly election in 1936. They won 38 seats and became the party with majority in Assembly, but due to a dubious law meant to reduce the power of Ministers and the Cabinet, they decided to remain as opposition party instead of forming the government. Gopinath Bordoloi was elected as the leader of the opposition party. With the support of other parties apart from Congress Md. Sadulla formed the Cabinet of Ministers. Congress party was gaining people’s support as the government remained unaware of the basic problems of Assam. Md. Sadulla Cabinet Ministers resigned in September,1938. Then the Governor invited Gopinath Bordoloi to form the government and accordingly they took oath in 21 September.

The reasons of Gopinath Bordoloi becoming Prime Minister of undivided Assam were his political prowess, superb personality, truthfulness and behaviour which attracted not only his colleagues but also people of various communities. Congress got recognition as a powerful political party in Assam by virtue of his ability and intelligence. His contributions as Chief Ministers were mainly to stop Land Tax, stop giving lands to migrant Muslims to secure the right of indigenous people etc.

The new government didn’t last long as World War II began in 1939. Gopinath Bordoloi’s Cabinet resigned in 1940 following appeal by Mohandas K. Gandhi. He was arrested again in December 1940. However, he was released before completing one year in jail due to ill health. When Quit India movement was launched in August 1942, Congress party was declared outlawed and all leaders were arrested.

In the meantime Md. Sadulla formed the government with the promise to help British in World War II and indulged again in communial activities. Gopinath Bordoloi was released from jail in 1944 and he straightaway started opposing the government with the help of other leaders. Md. Sadulla offered him to discuss the matters. An agreement was reached which included immediate release of all political prisoners, removing the ban on procession or meeting, correcting the process of rehabilitation of migrant Muslims etc.

In July 1945, British announced their decision to form a new constitution for India after holding the central and regional election. Congress too participated in the election in 1946 and they became the major party in Assembly with 61 seats out of 108. They formed the Government and Gopinath Bordoloi was made Prime Minister unanimously.

British Government formed a Cabinet Commission in 1946 to discuss the demands for Indian Independence. The members held meetings with Congress and Muslim League in Shimla and Delhi. Their plan included grouping of states into 3 categories for selecting the candidates to form the constitutional body with Assam and Bengal in third group. Gopinath Bordoloi sensed the ominous sign for Assam in the plan as the inclusion would mean the local representative will become minority in comparison to Bengal. That would be devastating for rights of people of Assam.

The Assam Pradesh Congress committee decided to go against the grouping plan. Gopinath Bordoloi told the Indian National Congress working committee, Cabinet committee and Viceroy that the representative of Assam will form the Constitution of Assam themselves and will decide whether to join the group or not among themselves. Subsequently, the Cabinet commission announced that the grouping will be mandatory for every state and they may later withdraw from the group if they want. This further complicated the situation. Bordoloi met the National Congress leaders to discuss it with no result. He then with Assam Congress Committee decided to start mass agitation in Assam. After that only the National Congress working committee advised them to pass a unanimous decision in Assembly. Later, the members of the Assembly suggested a working formula in which ten representative from Assam would form their own constitution without joining any group and would merge with national committee to form the Indian constitution.

Jawaharlal Nehru and Muslim League were ignorant enough to this grim situation and joined hands to implement the grouping plan. Gopinath Bordoloi requested Mohandas Gandhi for suggestion and the later advised him to continue opposing the grouping vehemently.

In 1947, Lord Mountbeten took over as new Viceroy. He held separate meeting with Muslim League, Congress and Mahatma Gandhi. They decided to go for Partition as a permanent solution instead of grouping. India and Pakistan became separate independent countries.

Thus Gopinath Bordoloi played a major role in securing the future of Assam which would have been included in East Pakistan otherwise. Whether any other leader could have shown the light other than him during that crisis period is in doubt.

After India’s Independence, he worked closely with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to secure the sovereignty of Assam against China on the one hand and East Pakistan on the other. He also helped to organise the rehabilitation of millions of Hindu refugees who had fled East Pakistan due to widespread violence and intimidation in the aftermath of Partition. His work formed the basis for ensuring communal harmony, democracy and stability which effectively kept Assam secure and progressive right up to the 1971 war over East Pakistan’s independence. He was instrumental in establishing Guwahati University, High Court of Assam, Assam Medical College, Assam Veterinary College etc. Gopinath Bordoloi was also a gifted writer. He wrote several books like Annasaktiyog, Shreeramachandra, Hajrat Mohammad, and Budhhadeb while in jail. For all his life he was a stern believer in Gandhian principles. He led a simple life in spite of being a Chief Minister. He died on 5 August 1950.

He was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1999.

Bishnuram Medhi (April 24, 1888–January 21, 1981) was an Indian politician and freedom-fighter who served as the Chief Minister of Assam from 1950 to 1957 and Governor of Madras State from January 1958 till May 1964.

Bishnuram Medhi was born to poor Assamese peasants, Sonaram and Alehi, of Hajo, near Gauhati, on April 24, 1888. Bishnuram studied at Cotton Collegiate School in Gauhati(now Guwahati) and completed his matriculation in 1905. On completion of his schooling, he joined Presidency College, then affiliated with the University of Calcutta, and completed his post graduation in organic chemistry from Dhaka University in 1911. Bishnuram pursued his studies in law and was called to the bar in 1914.

Bishnuram joined the Indian National Congress in the 1920s and participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement. In 1926, he was appointed Joint-Secretary of the Reception Committee of the Pandu session of the Indian National Congress. In 1930, Bishnuram was elected President of the Assam Provincial Congress.

When provincial autonomy was introduced in 1935, Bishnuram served as a minister in Gopinath Bordoloi’s cabinet. In 1950, Bishnuram was elected Chief Minister of Assam and served from 1950 to 1957. From 1958 to 1964, Bishnuram served as the Governor of Madras.

Bishnuram died on January 21, 1981 at the age of 92.

Bimala Prasad Chaliha (March 27, 1912 – February 25, 1971) was a Leader of Indian National Congress and a freedom fighter who was put behind bar in the Jorhat Jail in 1942 for active participation in Mahatma Gandhi’s call of Quit India to the British Govt. He was elected to the post of Chief Minister for three five years terms of Assam State, once from Badarpur Constituency and twice from Sonari Constituency. He was in office from December 28, 1957 to November 6, 1970. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1971.

During his tenure as the Chief Minister, the Assam Official Language Act, 1960 was enacted, which made Assamese language the sole official language of the state. During his terms the Chinese attacked India at Bomdilla then called NEFE now known as Arunachal Pradesh. He strongly opposed the division of Assam State into smaller states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya and was member in various Committees of India’s Central Government. Only after his death the State of Assam was broken down into smaller States. The March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising also happened during his tenure. Earlier he was instrumental in promoting the Assam Plantation Act to safeguard the interest of the Tea Tribes of Assam. During his second term as Chief Minister the issue of illegal migration from then East Bengal came up, he claimed there were 300,000 illegal entrants in Assam, and he took active steps to deport them in his third term.

Mahendra Mohan Choudhury (1908–1982) was a freedom fighter and politician from Nagaon, Undivided Kamrup district of Western Assam. He was Chief Minister of Assam from 1970 to 1972. He also served as Governor of Punjab.

He was born on 12 April 1908 in Nagaon, Undivided Kamrup district (now Barpeta district). He did his graduation in Arts and subsequently completed his LLB.

A great persona and a true Gandhian, he fought for the independence of India during freedom movement and went to jail thrice in 1932, 1941 and in 1945 respectively. He was a member of Assam Bidhan Sabha (1946-1952), Parliamentary Secretary(1947), State Minister (1951, 1955), President of Assam Congress Committee, President of Assam Bidhan Sabha (1967), Cabinet Minister (1967-1970), Chief Minister of Assam (1970-1972) and Governor of Punjab.

He wrote Books, viz. ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ and ‘The Philosophy of Binova Bhabe’. He was associated with many socio-religious instituitions like Sankardev-Kristi Bikash Samiti, Gita Samaj, Madhupur Satra etc.

Mahendra Mohan Choudhry passed away on 26 December 1982.

Sarat Chandra Sinha (1914–2005) was a Chief Minister of Assam and a leader of Indian National Congress, Indian National Congress (Socialist) and Nationalist Congress Party. Known for his value-based politics, Sinha belonged to a rare breed of politicians who sacrificed his life for the welfare of the downtrodden people of Indian society. A true Gandhian, he never compromised with his principle what he preached and practised. His illustrious political life was a rare combination of honesty, simplicity and integrity. He was also a writer.

Born on 1 January 1914 to a poor farmer’s family in Bhakatpara village of Chapar under Dhubri district, Sinha started schooling from his village school. For secondary education, he attended a High School in Bilasipara Indra narayan academy higher secondary school, some 25 km from his home, a distance what he covered daily on foot or by bicycle. He received his bachelor degree from the Cotton College, Guwahati and subsequently moved to Banaras Hindu University for law education. After getting a law degree, Sinha came back to Guwahati and practised law for a short period and then switched to school teachings in different positions from assistant teacher to headmaster in Dhubri district. During the reorganisation of States on the basis of languages in early 50s, a section of people in Western Assam tried to merge the undivided Goalpara district with West Bengal. But Sinha fought the move alone, and kept Goalpara district well embedded within the geographical boundary of Assam.

Sinha entered politics in 1946 through Indian National Congress and elected to Assam state assembly four times from Bilasipara east constituency in 1946-52, 1962–67, 1972–78 and 1985-90. He was first made an interim chief minister in 1972 by Indira Gandhi and subsequently became an elected chief minister and served till 1978. He also served the Congress party in various positions and capacities like general secretary, vice-president and president. However, he later joined Congress (S) after the emergency era which was imposed by Indira Gandhi and became the national president of it in 1987. Sinha faced some challenging task in his tenure of chief ministership like shifting the state capital from Shillong to Dispur, when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam along with Shillong and the language agitation in 1972, which rocked the state, a demand for the introduction of Assamese as the sole medium of instruction in Assam. He was instrumental in setting up the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital and Bongaigaon Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. He believed in decentralisation of power and introduced Panchayati Raj in the State for the welfare of the backward communities. He also sowed the seeds of cooperative movement in Assam to boost State’s economy. When Sharad Pawar left the Congress to form the Nationalist Congress Party, he joined him and led the party in Assam till his death. A man of the masses, Sinha became a living legend during his lifetime. He was the most common man in an uncommon society. Like a young man at the age of 90, he attended literary discussion, drama workshop, dharna, hunger strike or trade union meeting. He died on 25 December 2005 at his Guwahati residence due to old age ailments.,

Golap Borbora (1925-2006) was a chief minister of Indian state of Assam from 1977 to 1979. He was the first non congress chief minister of Assam. Borbora was a member of Rajya Sabha between 1968 and 1974.

He was born in Golaghat. He had his early schooling in Tinsukia and then studied at the University of Calcutta.

Borbora was a follower of Ram Manohar Lohia and Jai Prakash Narayan and was imprisoned several times during the freedom movement.

In free India he was arrested in 1975 for opposing Indira Gandhi’s regime in the emergency in 1975 and spent 18 months in Tihar Jail. Golap Borbora became the State unit president of the Janata Party in 1977 and led the party to victory. He was elected the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Assam in 1978.

The Janata Party Government led by Borbora lasted for 18 months only. However, many think that the government did not last long as he had tried to stop influx of illegal immigrants from neighboring countries and also to demonopolise the liquor trade in tea garden belts. His government exempted land revenue for farmers up to 10 bighas and ordered fee exemptions to school students up to HSLC level and all girls up to high school level. The government also introduced free medical treatment in all the government hospitals and allowed free movement of foods-grains within the state.

He died in 19th March 2006.

Jogendra Nath Hazarika also Known J.N. Hazarika was an Indian Politician.He was the Chief Minister of Assam from September 9, 1979 to December 11, 1979. He was elected to the Lok Sabha, lower house of the Parliament of India from the Dibrugarh constituency, Assam in 1951, 1957, 1962 and 1967. He was first Sonowal Kacharis chief minister of assam

Syeda Anwara Taimur (born 24 November 1936) was the chief minister of the Indian state of Assam from 6 December 1980 to 30 June 1981. She is a leader of the Indian National Congress party in Assam and a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). In the history of Assam, she is the only female and Muslim Chief Minister of the state. Her term as chief minister ended when the state was put under president’s rule for six months. From 1983 to 1985 she was the PWD minister of the same state. Anwara was lecturer in Economics in Debicharan Barua Girls College, Jorhat in 1956. She was an elected member of the Assam Assembly (MLA) in 1972, 1978, 1983, and 1991. In 1988 she was nominated to the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha). In 1991 she was appointed to the post of Minister for Agriculture in Assam.

Kesab Chandra Gogoi was an Indian Politician belonging to the Indian National Congress. He was the Chief Minister of Assam from January 13, 1982 to March 19, 1982. He was member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from Dibrugarh seat. He died on August 5, 1998. His son Justice Ranjan Gogoi is currently a Judge in the Supreme Court of India

Hiteswar Saikia was the chief minister of Assam for two terms, first from February 27, 1983 to December 23, 1985 and then from June 30, 1991 to April 22, 1996. Shri Saikia hail He was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. During his first tenure as the chief minister, the famous Anti Foreigners Movement took place under the joint leadership of Sri Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and the late Bhrigu Kumar Phukan, the President and the General Secretary respectively of the All Assam Students Union. Saikia was a stern nationalist and an opponent of militancy in any situation. He is often criticised for crashing the militancy mercilessly in Assam. Saikia was an able administrator. He is credited for improving the education scenario of the state by provincialising a number of educational institutions. Saikia died while in office.

He allegedly orchestrated a number of “surrenders” of ULFA operatives.

Hiteswar Saikia was married to Hemaprabha Saikia who is also a congress leader.

Prafulla Kumar Mahanta (born 1952) was the leader of the Assam Movement, a former Chief Minister of Assam (two terms) and is the President of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a major political party in the Indian state of Assam. He became the chief minister in the state when the AGP came to power in 1985.[1]

He served as the chief minister of the state for two terms, (1985–1990) and (1996–2001). He is a former president of the All Assam Students Union, a student organization that spearheaded the Assam Movement between 1979 and 1985. In August 2005, his membership in the AGP was terminated. He floated a new political party, Asom Gana Parishad (Progressive), on September 15, 2005.

Despite allegations about secret killings he organized against families of ULFA members, as documented in the report by the Saikia Commission to the Assam Assembly, he was missed from political leadership in the state. He was re-inducted into the AGP after the AGP (Progressive) was dissolved during the Presidency of Chandra Mohon Patowary. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta has been taken back as an integral part of the party.

On 21st October 2013, representatives from eleven political parties of the North-east region came together to form a new political front titled the North-East Regional Political Front (NERPF) to protect the interest of the people of the region. Mahanta was appointed as the chief adviser of this front.

Dr Bhumidhar Barman is an Indian Politician belonging to the Indian National Congress. He was the Chief Minister of Assam from April 22, 1996 to May 14, 1996. He has been a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly being elected 7 times. He was first elected in 1967.

Tarun Gogoi (born 1 April 1936) is an Indian politician who has served as the Chief Minister of Assam since 2001. He is a member of the Indian National Congress and has led the party to a record three consecutive electoral victories in Assam. He has completed 12 consecutive years as Chief Minister of Assam on 18 May 2013 and his term is upto 2016.

Born on 1 April 1936 at Rangajan Tea Estate, erstwhile Sivasagar District, now Jorhat District of Assam.

His father, Dr Kamaleshwar Gogoi was a medical practitioner at Rangajan Tea Estate and his mother, Usha Gogoi, younger sister of the renowned poet, late Ganesh Gogoi, was known for her collection of poetry, Hiyar Samahar (Heart’s Treasures).

Fondly called Punakon by his parents, Tarun Gogoi began his primary education at the No.26 Rangajan Nimna Buniyadi Vidyalaya. From there he moved on to Jorhat Madrassa School where he studied up to class IV, and then moved to Bholaguri High School located near Badulipar Tea Estate where he studied till class VI. In 1949, young Gogoi was enrolled at the Jorhat Government High School, from where he passed the HSLC Examination. He did his graduation from Jagannath Barooah College, located at Jorhat District, of Assam and after that he did LLB from Gauhati University, Assam. He is designated as an alumni of the prestigious Jagannath Barooah College, Jorhat.

Tarun Gogoi married Dolly Gogoi on 30 July, 1972. Dolly Gogoi is a post-graduate in Zoology from Gauhati University. They have two children; daughter Chandrima, an MBA and son, Gaurav, who holds a degree in Public Administration from New York University.

Gogoi has served six terms as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Lok Sabha. He first represented Jorhat in 1971–85. Later Gogoi was elected from Kaliabor (1991–96/1998–2002). Gogoi became a political leader with national stature after he was elected Joint Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in 1976 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He later served as General Secretary of the AICC (1985–90) under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Gogoi served in the Union Cabinet of India under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao as Union Minister of State in the Food and Food Processing Industry departments (1991–96).

Gogoi served as the President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) in 1986–90. He was elected to a second term as President in 1996. Gogoi has since served four terms as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the legislature of Assam. He first represented Margherita constituency in the legislature in 1996–98. Gogoi has represented the Titabar constituency since 2001.

Gogoi was elected Chief Minister of Assam in 2001 after he led the Indian National Congress to victory in the state elections. He has since led the party to a record three consecutive electoral victories in the state as Chief Minister.

Position held in the past:

  • 1968 : Member, Municipal Board, Jorhat.

  • 1968 : Member, Municipal Board, Jorhat.

  • 1971 : Elected to 5th Lok Sabha.

  • 1976 : Joint Secretary, All India Congress Committee.

  • 1977 : Re-elected to 6th Lok Sabha (2nd term).

  • 1983 : Re-elected to 7th Lok Sabha (3rd term).

  • 1983 : Joint Secretary All India Congress Committee (AICC(I)).

  • 1985 : General Secretary, All India Congress Committee (AICC(I).

  • 1986-1990 : President, Pradesh Congress Committee P.C.C.(I)), Assam.

  • 1991-1993 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Food.

  • 1993-1995 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge). Ministry of Food Processing Industry.

  • 1993-1995 : Member, Assam Legislative Assembly.

  • 1997-1998 : Elected as Member of ALA.

  • 1998-99 : Member, Committee on Government Assurances

  • 1998-99 : Member, Committee on External Affairs.

  • 1998-99 : Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

  • 1998 : Re-elected to 12th Lok Sabha (5th term).

  • 1999 : Re-elected to 13th Lok Sabha (6th term).

  • 1999-2000 : Member, Committee on Railways.

  • 18 May 2001 : Assumed the Office of Chief Minister, Assam. (1st Term)

  • Sept-2001 : Elected as Member of ALA.

  • 11 May 2006 : Elected as Member of ALA.

  • 14 May 2006 : Assumed the Office of Chief Minister, Assam (2nd Term)

  • 13 May 2011 : Elected as Member of ALA.

  • 18 May 2011 : Assumed the Office of Chief Minister, Assam. (3rd Term)

Year

Ancient Assam

Contemporaneous events

c350

Pushya Varman establishes the Varman dynasty in Kamarupa

636

 Xuanzang visits the court of Bhaskarvarman in Kamarupa.

650

 Bhaskarvarman dies. End of Varman dynasty

655

 Salasthamba establishes Mlechchha dynasty in Kamarupa

c900

 Brahmapala establishes Pala dynasty in Kamarupa
c1100 Jayapala, the last Pala king removed by Ramapala of Pala empire

Year

Medieval Assam

Contemporaneous events

1185

 Prithu establishes the Khen dynasty and the Kamata kingdom

1187

 Birpal establishes Sutiya kingdom

1228

 Sukaphaa enters Assam

1252

 Sukaphaa establishes capital at Charaideo

1449

 Srimanta Sankardev is born

1490

 First Ahom-Kachari battle

1498

 Alauddin Hussain Shah of Gaur removes the last Khen ruler of Kamata kingdom Vasco da Gama lands at Calicut

1515

 Viswa Singha establishes Koch political power and Koch dynasty

1522

 Sutiya kingdom annexed to Ahom Kingdom under Suhungmung

1527

 Nusrat Shah’s invasion, the first Muslim invasion of the Ahom kingdom, ends in failure.

1532

 Turbak attacks Ahom Kingdom, the first commander to enjoy some success.

1533

 Turbak defeated and killed. Ahoms pursue Gaur army to Karatoya river.

1536

 Ahoms destroy Dimapur, the capital of the Kachari kingdom

1540

 Nara Narayan succeeds his father to the throne of Kamata kingdom

1563

 Chilarai occupies Ahom capital Garhgaon, end with Treaty of Majuli.

1568

 Srimanta Sankardev dies

1581

 Nara Narayana divides Kamata kingdom into Koch Bihar and Koch Hajo (to be governed by Raghudev).

1587

 Naranarayana of Koch dynasty dies.

1588

 Raghudev, son of Chilarai and ruler of Koch Hajo declares independence.

1609

 Momai Tamuli Borbarua restructures Paik system in Ahom kingdom.

1609

 Koch Bihar becomes a Mughal vassal

1613

 Koch Hajo is annexed by the Mughal Empire

1615

 Ahom-Mughal conflicts begin

1637

 Bali Narayan dies of natural causes, and Koch rebellion again Mughals collapse

1639

 Treaty of Asurar Ali signed between the Ahom kingdom and Mughal Empire

1659

 Ahoms take possession of Koch Hajo (up to Sankosh river). Koch Hajo was occupied by rulers of Koch Bihar earlier, who drove out the Mughal faujdar from Guwahati.

1662

 Mir Jumla occupies Garhgaon, the Ahom capital.

1663

 After Treaty of Ghilajharighat Mir Jumla returns to Dhaka, dies on the way.

1667

 Ahoms wrest Guwahati and extend control up to Manas river; begins defence preparations

1668

 Mughals under Ram Singh I advance up to Guwahati to retake it

1671

 Ahoms win Battle of Saraighat and Ram Singh I retreats to Rangamati.

1679

 Laluksola Borphukan deserts Guwahati

1681

 Gadadhar Singha becomes Ahom swargadeo

1682

 Ahoms win battle at Itakhuli. End of Ahom-Mughal conflicts with Ahom win

1714

 Rudra Singha dies, and with him dies the Kachari, Jaintia etc. grand alliance to remove the Mughals from Bengal

1769

 First phase of Moamoria rebellion, Ahom capital falls but recaptured in April, 1770

1783

 Ahom capital Rangpur fell the second time to Moamoria rebellion. Rebel leaders strike coins in their names.

1794

 Captain Thomas Welsh restores Rangpur to Ahom king from Moamora rebels.

1805

 Ahoms come to terms with Sarbananda, the last Moamora rebel leader holding out in Bengmara (Tinsukia). Ahoms declare Sarbananda the Barsenapati of Matak Rajya

1817

 The first Burmese invasion of Assam. Burmese occupation was complete by 1821.

1826

 Treaty of Yandaboo signed between Honourable East India Company and King of Burma; end of Burmese and beginning of British occupation of Assam

1861

 Phulaguri Dhawa, the first peasant uprising against British rule was repressed

1894

 Patharughat raijmel fired upon, villagers tortured and property confiscated

Year

Post Indian Independence Assam

Contemporaneous events

1979

 Assam agitation begins

1985

 Assam Accord signed. End of Assam agitation

Annexure-XII

Simla Agreement on Bilateral Relations between India and Pakistan signed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and President of Pakistan, Z. A. Bhutto, in Simla on July 2, 1972.

The Government of India and the Government of Pakistan are resolved that the two countries put an end to the conflict and confrontation that have hitherto marred their relations and work for the promotion of a friendly and harmonious relationship and the establishment of durable peace in the subcontinent so that both countries may henceforth devote their resources and energies to the pressing task of advancing the welfare of their people.

In order to achieve this objective, the Government of India and the Government of Pakistan have agreed as follows:

(i) That the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations shall govern the relations between the two countries.

(ii) That the two countries are resolved to settle their differences by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations or by any other peaceful means mutually agreed upon between them. Pending the final settlement of any of the problems between the two countries, neither side shall unilaterally alter the situation and both shall prevent the organization, assistance or encouragement of any acts detrimental to the maintenance of peace and harmonious relations.

(iii) That the prerequisite for reconciliation, good neighborliness and durable peace between them is a commitment by both the countries to peaceful coexistence respect for each others territorial integrity and sovereignty and noninterference in each others internal affairs, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. That the basic issues and causes of conflict which have bedeviled the relations between the two countries for the last 25 years shall be resolved by peaceful means.

(v) That they shall always respect each others national unity, territorial integrity, political independence and sovereign equality.

(vi) That in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, they will refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of each other.

Both governments will take all steps within their power to prevent hostile propaganda directed against each other. Both countries will encourage the dissemination of such information as would promote the development of friendly relations between them.

In order progressively to restore and normalize relations between the two countries step by step, it was agreed that:

(i) Steps shall be taken to resume communications, postal, telegraphic, sea, land, including border posts, and air links, including over flights.

(ii) Appropriate steps shall be taken to promote travel facilities for the nationals of the other country.

(iii) Trade and cooperation in economic and other agreed fields will be resumed as far as possible.

(iv) Exchange in the fields of science and culture will be promoted.

In this connection delegations from the two countries will meet from time to time to work out the necessary details.

In order to initiate the process of the establishment of durable peace, both the governments agree that:

(i) Indian and Pakistani forces shall be withdrawn to their side of the international border.

(ii) In Jammu and Kashmir, the line of control resulting from the ceasefire of December 17, 1971, shall be respected by both sides without prejudice to the recognized position of either side. Neither side shall seek to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of mutual differences and legal interpretations. Both sides further undertake to refrain from the threat or the use of force in violation of this line.

(iii) The withdrawals shall commence upon entry into force of this agreement and shall be completed within a period of 30 days thereof.

This agreement will be subject to ratification by both countries in accordance with their respective constitutional procedures, and will come into force with effect from the date on which the instruments of ratification are exchanged.

Both governments agree that their respective heads will meet again at a mutually convenient time in the future and that in the meanwhile the representatives of the two sides will meet to discuss further the modalities and arrangements for the establishment of durable peace and normalization of relations, including the questions of repatriation of prisoners of war and civilian internees, a final settlement of Jammu and Kashmir and the resumption of diplomatic relations.

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto President Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Indira Gandhi Prime Minister India

Simla, the 2 July 1972.

— Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Indira Gandhi.

Annexure-XIII

The Chronology of Assam history


ANCIENT ASSAM
350 AD Pushya Varman became the first king of Kamrupa. He established Varman Dynasty.
594 AD Kumar Bhaskar Varman became the king of Kamrupa.
629 AD Chinese Buddhist scholar/traveler Xuanzang visits Kamarupa.
650 AD Kumar Bhaskar Varman Dies. End of the great Varman Dynasty.
655 AD Salasthamba establishes Mlechchha dynasty in Kamarupa.
900 AD Brahmapala establishes Pala dynasty in Kamarupa.
1100 AD End of Pala Dynasty with the fall of last king Jaypala.

Medieval Assam
1185 AD Prithu establishes the Khen dynasty and the Kamata kingdom.
1187 AD Birpal establishes Chutiya kingdom in Sadiya.
1206 AD Muslims first attack Assam.
1228 AD First Ahom king Sukafa enters Assam.
1252 AD Sukafa establishes first Ahom capital in Charaideo.
1257 AD Malik Uzbek Khan attacks Kamrupa.
1440 AD Xhen Dynasty is established.
1449 AD Srimanta Sankardev is born.
1515 AD Viswa Singha establishes Koch dynasty.
1522 AD Chutiya kingdom annexed to Ahom Kingdom.
1527 AD The first Muslim invasion of the Ahom kingdom by Nusrat Shah fails.
1532 AD Turbak attacks Ahom kingdom, but ends in failure after some initial success.
1539 AD Ahom king establishes capital in Gargaon.
1540 AD Nara Narayan succeeds his father to the throne of Kamata kingdom.
1548 AD Assam witnesses devastating earthquake.
1563 AD Chilarai occupies Ahom capital Garhgaon, ends with Koch-Ahom treaty..
1568 AD Srimanta Sankardev dies.
1587 AD Naranarayana of Koch dynasty dies.
1609 AD Momai Tamuli Borbarua restructures Paik system in Ahom kingdom.
1615 AD Ahom-Mughal conflicts begin.
1662 AD Mir Jumla attacks Ahom kingdom and occupies Garhgaon, the Ahom capital..
1667 AD Mughals under general Ram Singh advanced upto Gauhati to retake it.
1671 AD The battle of Saraighat between Ahom and Mughals. Ahoms under genral Lachit Borphukan wins.
1681 AD Gadadhar Singha becomes Ahom King.
1682 AD Batlle of Itakhuli. Ahom wins and this ends the conflict between Ahom-Mughal
1714 AD The Great Ahom king Rudra Singha dies.
1769 AD First Moamoria rebellion, Ahom capital falls to the rebels.
1783 AD Second Moamoria rebellion, Ahom capital Rangour falls to the rebels for the second time.
1786 AD Third Moamoria rebellion.
1794 AD British Captain Thomas Welsh restores Rangpur to Ahom king from Moamora rebels. The Ahom capital shifts to Jorhat.
1815 AD First Burmese Invasion of Assam.
1819 AD Second Burmese Invasion.
1821 AD Third Burmese Invasion.
1823 AD Tea leaves discovered in Assam.
1825 AD Crude Oil discovery in Assam.
1826 AD Yandaboo treaty between British East India company and Burmese King. The treaty opens door for British occupation of Assam.

Modern Assam
1830 AD The first freedom fighter of Assam, Piyoli Phukan is hanged.
1837 AD Bangla is made official language of Assam by British creating controversy
1843 AD Sivasagar sees first High school of Assam.
1846 AD First assamese magazine Orunodoi published.
1853 AD A giant asteroid strikes the Brahmaputra river.
1858 AD Famous freedom fighter Maniram Dewan is hanged.
1861 AD Phulguri Dhewa, first peasant uprising against British.
1865 AD Assam gets Telegraph and telephone connections.
1873 AD Assamese becomes official language again.
1874 AD Assam is separated from Bengal and becomes an independent state.
1889 AD First publication of Assamese magazine ‘Junaki’.
1894 AD Patharughat raijmel fired upon, villagers tortured and property confiscated.
1897 AD Assam witnesses a devasting earthquake killing thousands of people.
1900 AD Tea research center is established in Tukulai, Jorhat.
1901 AD Cotton is established in Gauhati. Asia’s first Oil refinery is established in Digboi.
1917 AD First meeting of Assam Sahitya Sabha. Padmanath Gohainbaruah becomes the first president.
1921 AD Mahatma Gandhi visits Assam.
1926 AD National Congress conference helds in Pandu.
1942 AD Quit India movement starts in Assam. Kanaklata and her companion Mukunda Kakoti were gunned down by British Police.
1947 AD India gets independence. Assam becomes a state. First medical college is established in Dibrugarh.
1961 AD Assamese becomes state’s official language.
1962 AD China attacks India and Assam becomes the first victim.
1963 AD Nagaland separates out from Assam.
1972 AD Manipur, Tripura, Mijoram and Arunachal Pradesh are also separated out from Assam.
1974 AD Dispur becomes Capital of Assam.
1979 AD Assam Movement starts on demand of stopping Bangladeshi Immigrants. Presidential rule in state.
1987 AD Second Bridge on Brahmaputra Koliabhumura is inaugurated.

 

Annexure-XIV

Annexure-XV

The Tea History Timeline

2727 BC CHINA – The Emperor Shen Nung discovers tea one day while drinking hot water in his garden.
1200 BC Tea is served to King Wen (founder of the Zhou dynasty) as evidenced by early documentation of court life.
350 AD CHINA – Tea plants from the Yunnan Province are planted along the Yangtze river in the Scechwan Province. The cultivation of tea begins.
CHINA – The Erh Ya a dictionary of ancient Chinese origin annotated by scholar Kuo P’o, defines tea as beverage made of boiling leaves from a plant “as small as a gardenia, sending forth its leaves even in winter. What is plucked early is called t’u and what is plucked later is called ming (bitter tea).”
380-400 A dictionary is published which documents the addition of onions, cinnamon, and orange to tea.
400’s Tea joins noodles, vinegar, and cabbage as an item of trade
600’s Chinese character c’ha, meaning tea, comes into use
727 The Japanese Emperor Shomu receives a gift of China tea from a visiting T’ang court emissary.
729 JAPAN – The Emperor Shomu serves Chinese tea to visiting monks. The monks are inspired by the tea and decide to grow it in Japan. The monk Gyoki dedicates his entire life to the cultivation of tea in Japan, during which time he built 49 temples, each with a tea garden.
780 CHINA – The first tax on tea in China, due to its popularity. The first book on tea, the Ch’a Ching (The Classic of Tea), written by the poet Lu Yu is published.
Tea drinking becomes very popular at court, inspiring the custom of “Tribute tea”, whereby tea growers “donate” their very best tea to the Emperor and the Imperial court.
Due to its popularity, tea is taxed for the first tax in China.
794 Japanese monks plant tea bushes in Kyoto’s Imperial gardens.
900 Japan is again influenced by Chinese culture, when Japanese scholars return from a visit to China bearing tea.
1107 The Emperor Hui Tsung (1082-1135) writes about the many aspects of tea in his treatise called Ta Kuan Ch’a Lun.
1191 JAPAN – The Buddhist abbot Yeisei re-introduces tea to Japan after travels in China. He brings tea seeds and knowledge of Buddhist rituals involving a bowl of shared tea. He also writes the first Japanese book about tea.
1261 JAPAN – Buddhist monks travel across Japan, spreading the art of tea and the Zen doctrine
1400’s Tea drinking becomes prevalent among the masses in Japan
1477 The Japanese Shogun Ashikaga-Yoshimasa builds the first tearoom at his palace in Kyoto. He employs the Buddhist priest Shuko to develop a ceremony around the service of tea. The practice and etiquette of “chanoyu” (“hot water tea”) is born.
1521-1591 JAPAN – Sen Rikyu, known as the “father of tea” in Japan, codifies the tea ceremony.
1600 EUROPE – Elizabeth I founded the John Foundation, with the intention of promoting trade with Asia. Chinese ceramics, silks, and exotic spices are much in demand in Europe.
1610 The Dutch procure tea and Chinese clay teapots from Portuguese traders in Macao, and establish a trading relationship with the Japanese. Tea comes to Europe.
1618 RUSSIA – Tea is introduced to Russia, when the Chinese embassy visits Moscow, bringing a chest of tea as a gift for the Czar Alexis.
1635 EUROPE – The “tea heretics” (doctors and university authorities) of Holland argue over the positive and negative effects of tea, while the Dutch continue to enjoy their newfound beverage.
1650/1660 NORTH AMERICA – A Dutch trader introduces tea to the Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (a small settlement in North America). Later, when the English acquired this colony, they found that the inhabitants of New Amsterdam (or New York as they chose to re-name it) consumed more tea than all of England.
1652 EUROPE – Tea is introduced to England by the Dutch East India Company.
1658 For the first time tea is made publicly available at Thomas Garaway’s Coffee House in London.
1660 England’s first tax on tea, levied at 8 pence for every gallon of tea sold at the coffeehouses.
1662 King Charles II married the Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza, who, not only introduced tea at court, but also brought to England (as part of her dowry), the territories of Bombay and Tangiers. This added strategic impetus to the already-strong monopoly of the John Foundation.
1664 Tea drinking becomes very fashionable among the aristocracy of England, although the debate continues as to its medicinal value or harm.
1670 The English begin to make and use silver teapots.
1675 EUROPE – In Holland, tea is widely available for purchase in common food shops.
1680 EUROPE – Tea drinking becomes a popular pastime in Europe, as a result of a craze for anything Oriental. The Marquise Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, is recorded to have added milk to her tea. An addition of milk to hot tea was made to prevent the delicate porcelain cup (Oriental influence) from cracking.
Tea is introduced to the Scottish aristocracy by the Duchess of York (future wife of King James II)
1685 England begins to trade directly with China. Tea and the Chinese word t’e (Amoy dialect) is brought to England directly from the Amoy region.
1689 RUSSIA – The Trade Treaty of Newchinsk establishes a common border between China and Russia, allowing trade caravans to cross freely. The trade caravans consisting of over 200 camels take over 16 months to cross the 11,000 miles between Moscow and Beijing. As a result, the cost of tea in Russia is high, and is drunk only by those who can afford it.
Realizing the potential popularity of tea and the money it could generate, the British Crown levies a 5-shilling per pound tax on dried tea. This will eventually lead to widespread smuggling.
1698 Due to popular demand, English potters of Staffordshire begin a local industry, making earthenware teapots, cups and saucers.
1699 EUROPE – England imports an average of 40,000 pounds of tea.
1707 Thomas Twinning opens his famous Toms Coffee House in London
1708 EUROPE – England imports an annual average 240,000 pounds of tea. People of all levels of society now drink tea in England.
1716 Tea is brought to Canada by the Hudson Bay Company.
1717 Thomas Twinning converts his coffeehouse to the first teashop “The Golden Lyon”, which becomes the first place for women to meet and socialize in public.
1730’s EUROPE – The popularity of tea wanes in France, in favor of coffee, wine and chocolate.
Now viewed as a valuable commodity, the first Chinese teas are sold at auctions in Europe.
1750 Black tea exceeds green tea in popularity in Europe.
1765 Josiah Wedgewood’s ceramic ware creates a splash and sets a new standard for English teaware.
1767 England imposes high taxes on tea and other items sent to the American colonists. The colonists, resenting the monopoly that England has over them, begins to smuggle tea in from Holland.
1773 EUROPE – The John Company and the East India Company merge, forming the New East India Company. This new company had a complete monopoly on all trade and commerce in India and China. Trade with China is expensive however, and England’s solution to its financial problem is opium. They begin to trade opium, (which they could grow cheaply in India) with the Chinese for tea. The Chinese would become addicted to the supply of opium, ensuring a constant supply of cheap tea to the English.
The famous Boston Tea Party occurs when American patriots dressed as Mohawk Indians push 342 chests of tea overboard. This act would eventually lead to the American Declaration of Independence of 1776.
1780 Tea smuggling is rampant in England as people resort to illegal measures to avoid paying the high tax on tea.
1784 The grandson of Thomas Twinning persuades the Prime Minister William Pitt to drop the high taxes on tea, not only eliminating smuggling, but making tea an affordable luxury to Brits of all walks of life.
The Comte de la Rochefoucauld writes:

“Throughout the whole of England the drinking of tea is general. You have it twice a day and though the expense is considerable, the humblest peasant has his tea just like the rich man.”

1789 NORTH AMERICA – The American Revolution is over, and America begins to trade directly with China. They would eventually break England’s tea monopoly with their faster sailing ships, and honest way of doing business (they paid gold, not Opium for tea).
1800 Tea gardens become popular haunts for fashionable Londoners.
1818 The Temperance Movement is founded as a result of rampant alcoholism brought on by the Industrial Revolution. Members seek salvation for the drunken men with “tea and god on their side”. This movement eventually inspired the word “teetotaling”.
1823 The first Indian tea bushes are “discovered” growing wild in the Assam region of India by British Army Major Robert Bruce.
1826 The first packaged tea is made available for purchase in England by the Horniman Tea Company.
1827 The first Chinese tea seeds are planted in Java by an entrepreneurial Dutchman (J.I.L.L. Jacobsen), who smuggled both the seeds and teamen out of China. The Chinese plant did not thrive however, and was later supplanted by the hardier Assam variety.
1834 The “Tea Committee”, appointed by the Governor-General Lord William Cavendish Bentinck, reports that tea can be successfully grown in India.
Experiments with tea planting are conducted in the Darjeeling region of India.
1838 The British seriously set about planting and cultivating tea in the Assam region of India.
1839 The first chests of Assam tea arrive at the London Tea auctions. The British are ecstatic as this means that they are now able to successfully grow their own tea.
1840 EUROPE – Anna the 7th Duchess of Bedford invents “Afternoon Tea” to abolish the “sinking feeling” she experienced during the long gap between breakfast and dinner.
1842 CHINA – The Opium Wars end with England winning “the right” to trade opium for tea.
1843 Tea and ale vie for the place at the breakfast table in England. Brewers lobby the government to increase taxes on tea and spread rumors of its addictive quality, out of fear that tea will become more popular than ale
1850’s EUROPE – The world’s nations competed with one another in global clipper races to lay claim to the fastest ships. The fast sailing ships would race all the way from China to England, and up the Thames river to the Tea Exchange in London, where they would present the year’s first crop of tea to be auctioned. Steamships would replace these tall ships by 1871.
1851 Full of “tea pride” the British exhibit their own Assam-grown tea at the Great Exhibition.
1854 The British introduce tea to Morocco.
1866 The Great Tea Race begins in Foochow on May 28th, and ends in Gravesend on September 7th. The Taeping wins over the Ariel by 20 minutes.
1867 Scotsman James Taylor, manager of a coffee plantation in Ceylon, experiments with growing tea, planting both the China and India seed. The Assam seed flourishes and becomes the first commercial tea from Ceylon.
1869 Ceylon’s coffee industry is devastated by a coffee blight.
1870 Clipper ships are outdated by the development of faster steamers.
1878 The Assam tea seed is planted in Java. It thrives over the earlier planted China variety.
Tea is planted in Malawi, and becomes the first to be cultivated in Africa
1880 Scottish grocer Thomas Lipton buys numerous tea plantations in Ceylon, and goes on to revolutionize tea production in Ceylon.
1894 The first Lyons Tea Shop opens in London. Lyons became famous for the saying “tea for two”, meaning a pot of tea for a two-pence.
1898 Tea is introduced to Iran.
1900 RUSSIA – The Trans-Siberian Railroad is completed, ending camel caravan trade between Russia and China. In Russia, tea has become the national beverage (besides Vodka).
Tea is planted in the Botanical gardens at Entebbe, Uganda.
In England, teashops become the popular place for the working class to take their afternoon tea. By this time Lyon’s has over 250 teashops, and taking tea, as meal away from home becomes a pert of daily life.
The proprietor of the Aerated Bread Company begins to serve tea in the back of her shop to her favorite customers. Her back room becomes such a popular place to take afternoon tea, that the company decides to open an actual teashop, the first of a chain of shops that would come to be known as the ABC teashop.
1903 Tea is planted in Kenya at Limuru.
1904 NORTH AMERICA – The first “iced tea” was served at the St. Louis World’s Fair. A certain tea merchant had planned to give away samples of his tea to the fair-goers, and when unable to think of anything else to do when a heat wave threatened his plans, he dumped ice into his hot tea.
1906 The Book of Tea is written by Okakura Kakuzo, thus introducing the west to the Japanese Tea Ceremony and its history.
1908 NORTH AMERICA – A New York tea merchant named Thomas Sullivan packages his samples of tea in silk sachets, as a way to cut down on his costs. His customers, mistaking his intentions, like the convenience of simply dunking the sachet into hot water, and begin to order their tea in this fashion. The teabag is born.
1914 British workers are given tea breaks throughout the day as this is thought to improve their productivity.
British soldiers are given tea as part of their rations.
1950 The Japanese Grand Tea Master (Urasenke School), Sositsu Sen devotes his life to spreading the Way of Tea around the world.
1953 The paper teabag is developed by the Tetley tea Company, thus transforming tea-drinking habits around the world.

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