The Early Assam

 Assam has a long history with its evidence of human settlement from all periods in Stone age. The earliest ruler was named Mahiranga. He was followed by many like Hatakasura, Sambarasura, Ratnasura and Ghatakasura. Naraka removed this line of rulers and established his own dynasty. Naraka’s victory marked the beginning of sanskritization in this region. Kalika Purana mentions about Narakasura, as slained by Krishna. Mahabharata mentions about his son Bhagadatta who fought for Kauravas in the battle of Kurukshetra.

Medieval Period

 Known as “Kamapura” or “Kamata”, Assam was ruled by many dynasties. Popular among them was the Varman Dynasty. During the reign of the great ruler, Bhaskaravarman of this dynasty, the Chinese traveler, Xuanzang visited the region, and has recorded the details. Later, many other dynasties, the Kacharis, the Chutias, belonging to the Indo-Tibetan groups ruled the region.

The Ahoms, a Tai group, ruled eastern Assam for nearly 600 years (1228-1826), created a greater impact in the region. The Koch, a Tibeto-Burmese/Dravidian group, established their sovereignty in 1510. The Koch kingdom later divided into two where the western kingdom became a vassal of the Moghuls, whereas the eastern kingdom became an Ahom satellite state.

Aurangzeb’s Governor, Mir Jumla occupied Gargaon, the then capital of Ahoms.  Rebellious Guerrilla attacks forced Jumla’s army to leave the region. An attempt by the Moghuls under the command of Raja Ram Singh resulted in the victory for the Ahoms at Saraighat (1671) under the Ahom general Lachit Borphukan.