Assam , a chunk of land in the Northeastern stretch of India is located south of the eastern Himalayas. Assam comprises of the Brahmaputra Valley and the Barak Valley along with the Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts with an area of 30,285 sq meters. It is interesting to note that geographically Assam and the seven sister states are connected to the rest of India via a 22 kilometres strip of land in West Bengal called the Siliguri Corridor also known as the "Chicken's Neck". Assam shares an international border with Bhutan and Bangladesh; and its culture. It goes without any doubt that the civilization of Assam flourished because of the mighty Brahmaputra. No such state in India has such a widely flowing river like that of Assam.
This unique state has an enviable mosaic of cultures, motifs, and milieu . The splendiferous natural beauty of the national parks, abundant flora and fauna, lush green widely spread tea gardens,splendid beauty of the mighty Brahmaputra, and multi hued ethnicity in the tribes makes the state an outstanding place for everyone. As the state is home to various tribes, caste and creed, the places is blessed with fables, anecdotes and relics of the past that bring sheer disbelief to people around the world. Coupled with the grandeur of the heroic past, the state has often appeared in the textbooks as an ideal example of true Indian identity. Extra-ordinary culinary, mouth watering dishes, costumes and customs mark a special place in our heart.
The biggest and the most magnificent riverine island in the world, Majuli, is simply treat to the eyes to the hundreds of thousands of visitors. Spread over 352 square kilometers, the island is a paradise for the nature-lovers.
The precise etymology of "Assam" originated from the Ahom Dynasty. In the classical period and up to the 12th century, the region to the east of the Karatoya river, largely congruent to present-day Assam, was called Kamarupa, and alternatively, Pragjyotishpur. In medieval times the Mughals used Asham (eastern Assam) and Kamrup (western Assam),and during British colonialism, the English used Assam. Some say that the name may have Sanskrit origin too.
Assam is popularly known for wildlife, archeological sites,Assam silk and tea plantations.If Pennsylvania is the first place, where petroleum was discovered in the year 1859, Makum in Assam was the second place where petroleum was drilled from the well in the year 1867.
The state has conserved the one-horned Indian rhinoceros from near extinction, along with the wild water buffalo, pygmy hog, tiger and various species of Asiatic birds. It provides one of the last wild habitats for the Asian elephant.
The luscious greenery in the sanctuaries attract innumerable visitors from all-over the world. Among the sanctuaries, the Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuaries are the biggest forested areas. The exceptional flora and fauna has earned them places among the UNESCO World Heritage sites.The Kaziranga is a refuge for the fast-disappearing Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The state is the last refuge for numerous other endangered and threatened species including the white-winged wood duck or Deohanh.Sal tree forests are found in the state which, as a result of abundant rainfall, looks lush green all year round. Assam receives more rainfall compared to most parts of India. This rain feeds the Brahmaputra River, whose tributaries and oxbow lakes provide the region with a hydro-geomorphic and aesthetic environment .
Assam is a globally important area. In addition to the above, there are three other National Parks in Assam namely Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Nameri National Park and the Orang National Park.
The state has the largest population of the wild water buffalo in the world. The state has the highest diversity of birds in India with around 820 species. With subspecies the number is as high as 946. The mammal diversity in the state is around 190 species.
Assam being rich in flora and fauna, is remarkably rich in Orchid species and the Foxtail orchid is the state flower of Assam. The recently established Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park boasts more than 500 of the estimated 1,314 orchid species found in India.
Assam takes pride in being one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world and consists of tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, riverine grasslands, bamboo orchards and numerous wetland ecosystems; Many are now protected as national parks and reserved forests.
State symbols of Assam
Language Assamese
Dance Bihu dance
Animal One horned rhinoceros
Bird White-winged Wood Duck (Cairina scutulata)
Flower Rhynchostylis retusa(A type of Orchid)
River Brahmaputra
