Assam   *

 

 

    Once among the largest provinces in India, it has shrunk much in size due to partition and many other states having been carved out of its territory since independence. It is the home of the Ahom people. The word is pronounced as Asom.

 

    The present state can be divided in two regions – the Barak valley and the Brahmaputra valley.

 

    Assam is dominated by the Brahmaputra river, that has a total length of 2,900 kilometres and drains an area of over 935.500 square kilometres. The rainfall in Assam varies between 175-305 cm and is among the highest in the world.

 

    Guwahati is the heart of Assam – a town whose history can be traced back to myths and legends. In the 13^th Century A.D. the Ahoms, led by a prince of the Shan tribe, established their sway over almost the entire Brahmaputra valley and appointed an Ahom as their viceroy at Guwahati. Their political ascendancy continued, till a viceroy, dislodged by the Burmese, sought British help.

 

    Assam is rich in mineral wealth – it holds a unique position in the production of oil. There are two oil refineries in the state and one fertilizer plant. Of agricultural produces tea occupies the most important place. There are over 750 tea estates in Assam contributing approximately 15.6 per cent of the world tea production. Paper, plywood, rice, silk, sugar and jute also make valuable contributions to the exchequer.

 

    Kaziranga Sanctuary is famous for its herds of Rhinos and Manas National Park is very popular with wild life lovers. Foreign visitors require a permit from the Union Home Ministry.