The History of Assam: From Yandabo to Partition

by Priyam Goswami

This text covers an important period in the history of modern northeast India, from the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826 that marked the beginning of British expansion in the region, till Partition in 1947.
It discusses the history of the colonial province of Assam, which included most of modern Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
It details the colonial expansion and associated political developments and also analyses the important social, cultural and economic changes during the period.
A key aspect is its focus on the growth of political consciousness in the region and the impact of the pan-Indian national movement on the society and politics of the region.

Genres: History

308 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Ajay Ramaseshan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and elaborately covers the history of a region not covered much in school books and popular discourse. Starting from the last years of the grand Ahom dynasty, to the Treaty of Yandabo in the early 19th century upto independence and partition. A valuable resource to get ourselves acquainted with the freedom fighters of the North East. In addition to political history, the book also touches upon Economic and Socio-cultural changes in Assam during this period. After reading this book, one understands that current burning issues like illegal migration, or the Assamese - Bengali language issue have roots way back to the early 1800-1850s. And thus we are able to understand how utterly complicated the situation has become. Anecdotes about things that we take for granted today, like the discovery of tea, and oil would surely pique the reader's curiosity.

Post 1900, only the story of Assam is discussed and surrounding hilly areas like Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura have been ignored. While I do understand that it is the history of speciifically Assam it would have been better if a few pages had been devoted to the changes happening in these parts of the NorthEast as well. And the Second World War, where the Indian National Army led by Subhash Chandra Bose, bitterely fought the British in Nagaland is skimmed over briefly.

10-15 pages in the middle of the book were missing and that was a minor bummer :(. Overall, this is a lovely book for a personal collection.

[Ashique Iqbal · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was good. But many points were missing

[Basanta Bharali]

Great book

[Arin Goswami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good enough textbook, but has the obvious centrist / Congress lean found in most coursework in India.

[Steamboy Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A conclusively well nationalist prodded history textbook by Priyam Goswami. The empathy for the Ahom identity and the turmoils of its politics are the pivotal notions of this entire book.

The printing & binding are flawlessly confirmed with the price at which I bought this book.
The reader beneficial's References & Suggested Reading at end of each chapter made this book one of the finest of all the colonial books in the Indian diaspora.