Assam

Assam, located in the northeastern region of India, is the largest state in the northeast by population and the second-largest by area, covering 78,438 km². It is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur to the east, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Bangladesh to the south, and West Bengal to the west. The state’s diverse geography includes the Northern Himalayas (Eastern Hills), the Brahmaputra plain, and the Deccan Plateau (Karbi Anglong), which are three of India’s six physiographic divisions.

Language and Literacy

The primary language spoken in Assam is Assamese, which is also the official language of the state. Bengali is the official language in the Barak Valley’s three districts. According to the 2011 Census, Assamese is the mother tongue of over 15 million people, making it the 12th most spoken language in India. The literacy rate stands at 72.19%, with male literacy at 77.85% and female literacy at 66.27%.

Climate

Assam experiences a Tropical Monsoon Rainforest Climate, characterized by high humidity and heavy rainfall. The state enjoys a moderate climate year-round, with warm summers and mild winters. Spring (March–April) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather with moderate rainfall and temperature.

Natural Resources and Biodiversity

Assam is rich in natural resources, including minerals, forests, water, and agricultural assets. The state is a biodiversity hotspot, with tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, riverine grasslands, bamboo orchards, and wetlands. Assam’s Dipterocarpus macrocarpus (Hollong tree) is the state tree, and its Kopou Phul (Foxtail orchid) is the state flower. The state is home to over 300 medicinal herbs and plants, especially in the Brahmaputra Valley.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Assam is known for its wildlife sanctuaries, including Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other national parks like Dibru Saikhowa, Nameri, and Orang Nationa Park also contribute to the state’s rich biodiversity. Kaziranga is famous for being home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, the state animal, and the white-winged wood duck, the state bird.

Water Resources

The Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, along with their tributaries, are vital water sources for Assam. These rivers support agriculture and the fishing industry, and the state’s potential for hydroelectric power generation is substantial.

Agriculture

Agriculture is a primary sector in Assam, contributing over a third of the state’s income and employing about 69% of the workforce. Assam is renowned for its tea industry, producing over 50% of India’s total tea output. Additionally, the state cultivates rice, mustard, jute, vegetables, and various fruits, including citrus fruits and bananas.

Assam Silk

Assam is famous for its indigenous silk industry, producing three main types: Muga Silk, Pat Silk, and Eri Silk. The state holds a global monopoly on Muga Silk production, accounting for 95% of global output, and is also the largest producer of Eri Silk in India.

Oil and Natural Gas

Assam is a key producer of crude oil and natural gas in India. It was the site of Asia’s first successful mechanically drilled oil well in Makum in 1867. The state has several oil refineries, including those in Digboi, Guwahati, Numaligarh, and Bongaigaon, with a combined capacity of 7 MMTPA.