Capital of Assam – Dispur

Capital of Assam

Dispur is the capital of Assam, a state in northeastern IndiaIt is a sub-urban locality in Guwahati and serves as the seat of the Government of Assam. The capital was shifted to Dispur after the administrative reorganization of the region in 1972. Earlier, Shillong was the capital of Assam, but when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam, Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya, and in 1973, Dispur was made the capital of Assam

Here are some key facts about Dispur and Assam:

• Assam is famous for its tea and silk.
• The first site where oil drilling took place in Asia was Assam.
• As per the 2011 census, around 61% of the population of Assam are Hindus, and around 34% of the population of Assam are Muslims.
• Assam has many engineering colleges and universities.
• Assam is one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world and consists of riverine grasslands, deciduous forests.
• More than half of the tea produced in India is from the state of Assam.
• Around 25% of India’s oil reserves are found in the Assam-Arakan basin.

Dispur offers easy access to some of the region’s most spectacular attractions, such as the picturesque hills of Shillong and the famous Kaziranga National Park, known for its one-horned rhinoceros.

Overview of Dispur

Here is the detail overview if capital of Assam Dispur

Geography

Dispur, the capital of Assam, is a sub-urban locality in Guwahati, situated in the Kamrup Metropolitan district. It covers an area of only 10 square kilometers and is part of the Gauhati Lok Sabha constituency. The Bharalu river flows through the heart of the town, and it offers easy access to the region’s spectacular attractions, such as the picturesque hills of Shillong and the famous Kaziranga National Park, known for its one-horned rhinoceros.

Politics

Dispur serves as the administrative capital of Assam and is the seat of the Government of Assam. It is home to the Assam Secretariat and hosts the Assam Legislative Assembly. The city was chosen as the capital primarily because of its strategic location, being an important commercial and transportation hub in the region.

Tourist Attractions

Dispur is known for its tourist spots, such as Shilpagram, famous for the cultural and handicraft heritage of Assam and other northeastern states, and Basistha Ashram, which is popular for a Lord Shiva temple. The city also houses the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, a museum that showcases the tradition and culture of Assam and other Northeast states.

Healthcare

Dispur is home to many hospitals and healthcare centers, including the Guwahati Neurological Research Dispur Hospital and Capital State Dispensary.

Cultural and Religious Sites

Dispur is culturally significant, with the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra museum displaying the tradition and culture of Assam and other Northeast states. Additionally, Basistha Ashram, known for its famous Shiva temple, is a theologically important site located near Dispur.

Also Check Capital of Other States

Capital of Assam State

Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati, is the capital of the Indian state of Assam. It became the state capital in 1973, following the creation of the state of Meghalaya, which took over the former capital, Shillong. Dispur is a well-planned city that houses the Assam Secretariat and the Assam Assembly House. The city is known for its strategic location, making it an important commercial and transportation hub in the region

Some key features of Dispur include:

• Assam Secretariat: The seat of power of the Assam government, the Assam Secretariat is located in Dispur, along with the Assam Legislative MLA Hostels and the State Emergency Operations Centre.
• Wide Avenues and Government Buildings: Dispur is known for its wide avenues, government buildings, and the tranquil Assam Secretariat Complex.
• Cultural and Religious Sites: Some popular tourist attractions in and around Dispur include Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, a museum showcasing the tradition and culture of Assam and other Northeast states, Basistha Ashram, a theologically significant site known for its Lord Shiva temple, and Shilpagram, a tourist spot offering a glimpse into the handicrafts and cultural heritage of Assam and the northeastern states.

While Dispur serves as the administrative capital, Guwahati remains the commercial, educational, and cultural hub of Assam.

First Capital of Assam

The first capital of Assam was originally Shillong, which is now the capital of Meghalaya. However, the capital was later shifted to Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati, in 1972. The historical significance of these capital shifts is often discussed in the context of the region’s indigenous narratives and cultural identity. The search did not provide more specific historical details, but it is widely acknowledged that the first capital of Assam was indeed Shillong, which later became part of Meghalaya.

Cultural Capital of Assam

Tezpur, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra river, is widely recognized as the cultural capital of Assam. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, being home to numerous historic temples and sculptures. It has played a significant role in preserving the core Assamese culture and has been the birthplace of many prominent figures such as Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Phani Sarma, and Ananda Chandra Agarwala. Tezpur’s green charm and unhurried pace of life attract tourists from around the globe. Other cities in Assam, such as Majuli and Jorhat, are also renowned for their cultural significance.

Jorhat, another city in Assam, is also often referred to as “The Cultural Capital of Assam.” It has earned this title due to its historical significance, literary contributions, vibrant performing arts scene, emphasis on art and craft, presence of cultural institutions, and celebration of festivals. Jorhat has been a hub for cultural exchange, welcoming artists, performers, and scholars from different parts of India and the world, further enriching its cultural landscape.

Cultural Capital of Assam in India Map

Tea Cultural Capital of Assam

Jorhat, known as the “Tea Capital of India,” is often referred to as the “Tea Cultural Capital of Assam.” The city is home to a significant number of tea gardens, with a total of 135 tea gardens, making it a hub for high-quality tea production. The tea industry in Assam, which is about 172 years old, holds a crucial place in the national economy and has an international reputation, with Assam alone producing more than half of India’s tea production. Jorhat’s deep-rooted connection to tea cultivation and production has earned it the title of the “Tea Cultural Capital of Assam” due to its sprawling tea gardens, vibrant culture, and rich history.

Shillong Capital of Assam

Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, a state in Northeast India. It was originally a part of Assam and served as capital of Assam during the British colonial period. However, after India gained independence in 1947, Shillong became the capital of the newly formed state of Meghalaya in 1972.

Capital of Assam During Ahom Rule

The Ahom kingdom was established in 1253 AD by Chaolung Sukapha, who founded the first capital of the kingdom, Charaideo, located about 30 km away from present-day Sivasagar. The Ahom dynasty ruled over the region of present-day Assam in Northeast India for nearly 600 years (1228-1826 AD) and had a stable government, which allowed them to establish their dynasty in five capital cities, including Chargua, Gargaon, Rongpur, and Jorhat. The Ahom rulers were known for their strong military strategies and alliances, blending indigenous traditions with elements from other cultures. The Ahom Dynasty left a lasting impact on the socio-cultural fabric of Assam, with their legacy visible in the rich heritage, traditions, and customs of the region to this day.

Assam Overview

History of Assam

Assam, a state in northeastern India, has a rich historical background. It was the center of the powerful Ahom kingdom, which retained its independence for nearly 600 years. During the British Raj, Assam comprised most of Northeast India, except for some small neighboring territories. In the 1970s, the government of India divided Assam into several states to satisfy national aspirations and for political reasons. The state has a multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic, and multi-religious society, with people speaking languages belonging to four main language groups.

Neighbor States of Assam

Assam is bordered by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Meghalaya. It also shares its borders with Bangladesh and the small country of Bhutan. The state used to have extensive international borders with China/Tibet and Burma, but its modern international borders are limited to those with Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Indian states mentioned above.BiodiversityAssam is known for its rich biodiversity. It is home to the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major habitat for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The state also has the Manas National Park, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Project Tiger reserve. Assam’s diverse ecology includes tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, riverine grasslands, and numerous rivers, making it a significant part of the global biodiversity hotspot, the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.

Economy

Assam’s economy is primarily agrarian, with tea and oil being significant contributors. The state is the world’s largest tea-growing region, known for Assam tea, and it has a substantial oil and natural gas industry. Additionally, Assam is rich in mineral resources such as coal, limestone, and natural gas. The state’s economy also includes forestry, tourism, and handloom and handicraft products.

Interesting Facts about Assam

• Assam has a unique cultural heritage, with diverse traditional crafts, such as handloom weaving, and a rich tradition of performing arts, including the classical dance form Sattriya.
• The state is known for its traditional festivals, such as Bihu, which marks the Assamese New Year and is celebrated with dance, music, and feasting.
• Assam’s cuisine is distinct, with a focus on rice, fish, and various types of meat, and it is known for its use of indigenous herbs and spices.

FAQs on Capital of Assam, Dispur

Is Guwahati the capital of Assam?

Yes, Guwahati is the largest city in Assam and serves as the state's largest metropolis. However, it is not the capital of Assam. The capital of Assam is Dispur, which is located in the outskirts of Guwahati.

What is the tea capital of Assam?

Assam is the largest tea-growing region in the world, and the city of Jorhat is known as the tea capital of Assam. It is home to the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, which is the oldest and largest tea research station in the world.

What is the old capital of Assam?

The old capital of Assam was Shillong, which served as the capital of the undivided state of Assam during the British Raj. However, after the creation of Meghalaya in 1972, Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya, and Assam's capital was shifted to Dispur.

How many capitals does Assam have?

Assam has only one capital, which is Dispur. It is located in the outskirts of Guwahati and serves as the administrative capital of the state.

What was the capital of Assam before Dispur?

Before Dispur became the capital of Assam, Shillong served as the capital of the undivided state of Assam during the British Raj. However, after the creation of Meghalaya in 1972, Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya, and Assam's capital was shifted to Dispur.

When did Dispur become the capital of Assam?

Dispur became the capital of Assam in 1973. It was chosen as the new capital after Shillong, the old capital of Assam, became the capital of Meghalaya after its creation in 1972.

What is the name of the first capital in Assam?

The first capital of Assam was Pragjyotishpura, which is now known as Guwahati. It was the capital of the ancient state of Kamarupa, which included the Brahmaputra River valley, Bhutan, the Rangpur region (now in Bangladesh), and Koch Bihar, in West Bengal state.

Does Assam have two capitals?

No, Assam has only one capital, which is Dispur. It is located in the outskirts of Guwahati and serves as the administrative capital of the state.