The Ahoms were a people with a long heritage of river valley habitation. With it came the knowledge of wet paddy cultivation and the finer nuances of reclaiming swampy land for agriculture and effective methods of flood control and irrigation. There is no disputing the fact that the extensive practise of wet rice cultivation provided the economic foundation to the fledgling Ahom state. But at the same time it needs mention that in addition to agriculture, it was the knowledge and technology used in the non-agrarian sectors that gave the state its distinct characteristics. Two areas that are considered reflective of the science and technological know how of the Ahoms were in the areas of warfare and civil constructions. Thus, it is surmised that in order to gain a comprehensive picture about the developments in the Ahom state, it is essential to have a detailed look at some of their accomplishments in the fields of military technology and civil constructions.

Two small illustrations would help a casual observer gain a broad perspective of the achievements of the Ahoms. First is the fact that the kingdom endured as long as it did, for more than 600 years. Surely, this durability was no accident in history and was undoubtedly based not only on economic solvency but also effective organisational structures in managing society and state. This, in turn, would require coercive power, not only to maintain internal order but also to meet threats of external aggression.