Modern History of Assam - Questions and Answers

The Assamese Literary Society was established in 1872 to promote Assamese language and literature. It played a crucial role in the language movement when Bengali was imposed as the official language. The society worked to standardize Assamese grammar and promote literary works. It organized literary discussions and published works in Assamese, contributing significantly to the cultural renaissance in Assam.

The Jonaki Age (1889-1900) marked the beginning of romanticism in Assamese literature and a rise in nationalist sentiment. Literary magazine 'Jonaki' became the mouthpiece of this movement. Writers like Lakshminath Bezbaroa, Chandra Kumar Agarwala, and Hemchandra Goswami promoted Assamese identity through their works. This period saw the emergence of modern Assamese literature that expressed cultural pride and laid the foundation for political nationalism in Assam.

Ahom Sabha, established in 1893, initially focused on socio-cultural issues of the Ahom community but gradually expanded to political demands. It demanded adequate representation for Assamese people in government services and legislative bodies. The Sabha sought preservation of Ahom traditions and historical monuments. It also advocated for the rights of indigenous communities and played a role in the early nationalist movement in Assam.

The Assam Association, formed in 1903, raised several issues before the British Government. It demanded increased representation for Indians in legislative councils and government services. The association highlighted the exploitation of tea garden workers and demanded better working conditions. It protested against the unfavorable land settlement policies and revenue systems. The association also advocated for the development of education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Assam.

The Non-cooperation Movement in Assam was led by prominent leaders like Nabin Chandra Bordoloi, Tarun Ram Phukan, and Bishnuram Medhi. Kuladhar Chaliha and Krishna Kanta Bhattacharya also played significant roles in mobilizing people. These leaders organized protests, boycotted British goods and institutions, and promoted khadi. Their leadership was instrumental in making the movement successful across Assam, with widespread participation from students, women, and peasants.

The Cunningham Circular was issued in 1930 by J.R. Cunningham, the Director of Public Instruction in Assam. It prohibited students from participating in political activities and required them to provide assurances of good conduct. The circular mandated that students involved in nationalist movements would face disciplinary action including expulsion. This circular was strongly opposed by students and nationalist leaders, leading to widespread protests across educational institutions in Assam.

After independence, Gopinath Bordoloi's ministry faced numerous challenges including rehabilitation of refugees from East Pakistan. The government had to deal with the problem of illegal immigration and protect Assam's demographic structure. Economic development and infrastructure building were major priorities in the post-partition scenario. Bordoloi also had to navigate the complex process of integrating Assam into the Indian Union while preserving its cultural identity and resources.

Assam Agricultural University was established in 1969 under the Assam Agricultural University Act. It was created to promote agricultural education, research, and extension services in the state. The university was formed by integrating existing agricultural colleges including the College of Agriculture at Jorhat. It played a crucial role in the Green Revolution in Assam by developing high-yield crop varieties and modern farming techniques suitable for the region's conditions.

Assam Medical College was established in 1947, making it the first medical college in Northeast India. It was built on the foundation of the Berry White Medical School which was started in 1900. The college played a vital role in providing medical education and healthcare services in the region. After independence, it was upgraded and expanded to meet the growing healthcare needs of Assam and neighboring states, producing numerous doctors who served across Northeast India.

Asomiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha, established in 1888, played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of Assamese language and literature. The Sabha worked tirelessly to standardize Assamese grammar and promote literary works. It organized regular meetings where literary pieces were read and discussed, fostering a literary environment. The Sabha published journals and books in Assamese, contributing to the growth of modern Assamese literature. It also worked towards the recognition of Assamese as an official language in educational institutions and government offices. Through its activities, the Sabha nurtured a generation of writers and intellectuals who would lead the cultural and political movements in Assam. Its efforts were crucial in the language movement that eventually led to the restoration of Assamese as the official language in 1873.

Assam Chatra Sammilan, established in 1916, made significant contributions to the student movement and nationalist awakening in Assam. It provided a platform for students to discuss political issues and participate in the freedom struggle. The organization played a crucial role in mobilizing student support for the Non-Cooperation Movement and other nationalist campaigns. It published 'Mou' as its mouthpiece, which became an important medium for spreading nationalist ideas among the youth. The Sammilan also worked for educational reforms and promoted the use of indigenous products. Many of its members later became prominent leaders in Assam's political and social life. The organization's activities helped in creating political consciousness among the younger generation and strengthened the freedom movement in Assam.

The Ryot Sabhas were peasant organizations formed to protect the rights and interests of farmers in Assam during the British rule. Their primary objectives included opposing oppressive land revenue policies and demanding fair rent rates. They worked to protect peasants from exploitation by landlords and moneylenders, and advocated for security of land tenure. The Ryot Sabhas played a significant role in mobilizing peasants and creating awareness about their rights. They organized protests against unjust taxation and forced labor practices. The All Assam Ryot Sabha, formed in 1933, coordinated peasant movements across the state and linked them with the broader nationalist struggle. These organizations gave the peasantry a collective voice and made them an important force in Assam's freedom movement, contributing to the growth of rural leadership and political consciousness.

Jorhat Sarbajanik Sabha, established in 1884 under the leadership of Jagannath Barooah, was one of the earliest political organizations in Assam. Its main objectives included promoting political awareness and representing public grievances before the British government. The Sabha worked for the development of education, particularly advocating for the spread of Western education in Assam. It raised voices against administrative injustices and demanded more representation for Indians in government services. The organization discussed social reforms and worked towards the upliftment of marginalized sections of society. It served as a platform for emerging nationalist leaders to express their views and mobilize public opinion. The Sabha's activities laid the foundation for organized political movement in Assam and inspired the formation of similar organizations across the region.

The Assam Association, formed in 1903, made significant contributions to social reform in British-ruled Assam. It worked towards the abolition of oppressive social practices and promoted education, particularly for women and backward communities. The association advocated for widow remarriage and fought against child marriage and purdah system. It emphasized the importance of modern education and worked to establish educational institutions across Assam. The association also addressed issues related to public health and sanitation, creating awareness about hygiene and modern medical practices. It played a crucial role in the temperance movement, campaigning against alcohol consumption. Through its newspaper and public meetings, it spread progressive ideas and created a platform for discussion on social issues. The Assam Association's efforts contributed significantly to the social awakening in Assam and prepared the ground for more radical political movements.

The Assam Provincial Congress Committee (APCC) was formed in 1921 as the provincial wing of the Indian National Congress. Its creation marked the beginning of organized political movement in Assam under the Congress banner. Kuladhar Chaliha became its first President and Nabin Chandra Bordoloi its first Secretary. The APCC played a crucial role in mobilizing people across Assam for the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement. It organized protests, boycotts of British goods, and promoted the use of khadi. The committee worked to include various sections of society including peasants, workers, students, and women in the freedom struggle. It also addressed regional issues like immigration, land rights, and linguistic identity while connecting them with the broader nationalist movement. The APCC provided a platform for Assamese leaders to participate in national politics and later formed the first government in independent Assam.

Assam played a significant role in the Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911), which was sparked by the partition of Bengal. The movement found strong support in Assam, with people boycotting British goods and promoting indigenous products. Students and youth actively participated in picketing shops selling foreign goods. Nationalist leaders like Manik Chandra Barooah and Nabin Chandra Bordoloi mobilized public opinion through speeches and writings. Assam Association supported the movement and organized protest meetings across the state. The movement led to the growth of indigenous industries, particularly handloom and khadi production. Though the movement was more subdued in Assam compared to Bengal, it created political awareness and laid the foundation for future nationalist activities. The Swadeshi Movement in Assam also strengthened cultural nationalism and pride in local traditions and products.

Assam actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) launched by Mahatma Gandhi. The movement found widespread support across the state, with people boycotting educational institutions, courts, and legislative councils. Students left government schools and colleges in large numbers, leading to the establishment of national schools like Jorhat National School. Lawyers including Bishnuram Medhi gave up their practices. The movement saw massive bonfires of foreign cloth and promotion of khadi. Peasants joined the movement through the Ryot Sabhas, protesting against oppressive land revenue policies. The Assam Provincial Congress Committee played a crucial role in organizing the movement at the grassroots level. Though the movement was called off abruptly after the Chauri Chaura incident, it significantly strengthened the Congress organization in Assam and created a mass base for the freedom struggle.

Assam played an active role in the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) launched by Mahatma Gandhi. The movement began with the violation of salt laws through the making of salt in various parts of Assam. Leaders like Nabin Chandra Bordoloi, Bishnuram Medhi, and Tarun Ram Phukan led protests and were arrested. Women participated in large numbers, with leaders like Chandraprabha Saikiani playing prominent roles. The movement included boycott of foreign goods, non-payment of taxes, and picketing of liquor shops. Students actively joined the movement, leading to clashes with authorities and the issuance of the Cunningham Circular. The movement saw widespread rural participation, with peasants protesting against oppressive land revenue policies. Though the movement gradually lost momentum after 1932, it further strengthened nationalist sentiments in Assam and expanded the Congress's support base across different sections of society.

The Quit India Movement (1942) witnessed massive participation from Assam, with widespread protests and demonstrations across the state. The movement began with strikes, processions, and public meetings demanding an end to British rule. Students played a crucial role, with many educational institutions becoming centers of protest. There were attacks on government buildings, railway stations, and telegraph lines disrupting communication. The movement saw unprecedented participation from women, peasants, and tribal communities. Kanaklata Barua became a symbol of sacrifice when she was shot dead while trying to hoist the national flag at Gohpur police station. Kushal Konwar was hanged on charges of derailing a military train, becoming the only martyr in Assam to be executed in the movement. The British government responded with severe repression, arresting thousands of leaders and activists. Though the movement was suppressed by early 1943, it demonstrated the determination of Assamese people for independence and weakened British authority in the region.

The Bordoloi Ministry (1938-1939 and 1946-1950) established several important institutions that laid the foundation for modern Assam. Gauhati University was established in 1948, becoming the first university in Northeast India and a center for higher education. Assam Medical College was formally established in 1947, addressing the critical need for medical education and healthcare services. The ministry focused on agricultural development and established research institutions to improve farming practices. It also worked on building infrastructure including roads, bridges, and irrigation projects. The government established cultural institutions to preserve and promote Assamese language and heritage. Efforts were made to develop industries, particularly those based on local resources like tea, oil, and timber. The Bordoloi Ministry's institution-building efforts were crucial in shaping post-independence Assam and addressing the challenges of development and integration into the Indian Union.