3 - Laying the Foundations
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 May 2013
Summary
Physical topography and climatic conditions have always exerted an abiding influence on the ebb and flow of human civilisation. Arguably, the nature and quantum of influence would vary in different regions. It has been suggested that the ‘human living environments span a wider range of climatic variations in South Asia than anywhere else in the world at these latitudes’ and it would be worthwhile to examine the case of Assam.
The territory of Assam lies between latitudes 28'18° and 24° N and longitudes 89°46' and 97°4' E. The region has been described as being,
hemmed in between the Eastern Himalayas, southern Tibet, China, Burma and Nepal, the hills and valleys of the Brahmaputra, occupy a somewhat secluded and inaccessible portion of Asia … the upper central valley throws out on either side into the adjoining mountains hundreds of rugged glens… Then rounding the rocky promontory of the Garo hills, the valley turns at a right angle sharply southern to the delta of Bengal, extending a branch eastwards to the Cachar hills.
‘Early in the thirteenth century an event occurred at the eastern extremity of the valley which was destined to change the whole course of Assam history. This was the invasion of the Ahoms, a Shan tribe from the ancient kingdom of Mungmau or Pong, which was situated in the upper portion of the Irawaddy valley.’ The credit for the establishment of the Ahom kingdom in Assam is assigned to Sukapha, who was a prince of the Shan state of Maulung in Upper Burma.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Publisher: Foundation BooksPrint publication year: 2012