Assams

Assams, commonly referred to as Assam, is a state in the northeastern part of India. It is bordered by Bhutan to the north, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura to the east and south, and by Bangladesh and the state of West Bengal to the west. The state capital is Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati, which is the largest city. The name derives from historical terms used for the region and its inhabitants.

Geography and environment: The Brahmaputra River traverses the state, creating the fertile Brahmaputra Valley. The hills of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar form the southern and eastern terrains. Assam has a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. The state hosts diverse ecosystems, including Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site, and Majuli, a large river island on the Brahmaputra that is a center of local culture and learning.

History and governance: The Ahom kingdom ruled much of the region from the 13th to the 19th century before becoming part of British India. After independence, Assam became a state of India; the Assam Movement in the 1980s led to the 1985 Assam Accord. Today, the state has a unicameral legislature and is governed by a Chief Minister and a Governor, with Dispur serving as the administrative capital.

Economy and culture: The state is globally known for Assam tea, produced in extensive plantations in the Brahmaputra Valley. Other major sectors include oil and natural gas extraction, rice farming, horticulture, and tourism. The population is ethnically and linguistically diverse, including Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, and various tribal communities. Assamese is the official language; other languages are spoken across communities. Major festivals include Bihu, Durga Puja, and Eid.

Demographics and environment: Assam faces challenges from seasonal floods and riverbank erosion. It remains a biodiversity hotspot with several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation and sustainable development are ongoing priorities.