About Pre and Proto-History of Assam — Stone Age, Neolithic and Early Historic Sites
The pre and proto-history of Assam covers the long period before written records, from the Stone Age hunting bands to the first farming villages and the earliest towns. Because the evidence comes almost entirely from stone tools, pottery and excavated sites, this topic is really about matching a site to its period and culture.
The oldest phase is the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age). Hand-axes and chopping tools of the Soanian–Acheulian (Lower Palaeolithic) type have been found in the Garo hills, and the Rongram valley of the Garo hills has yielded Palaeolithic tools. These finds show that early humans lived in the hills and foothills of the region long before farming began.
The Neolithic (New Stone Age) is the most important prehistoric phase of Assam. Its sites belong roughly to c. 2000–1000 BC, that is, the third to second millennium BC. Daojali Hading in Dima Hasao district and Sarutaru in Kamrup are the best-known sites. They have produced polished stone axes, cord-impressed pottery and jadeite beads; the pottery and beads point to early trade links and influence from the Ban Chiang culture of Thailand. The cultivation of paddy (rice) and the use of polished stone tools mark the beginning of this stage, and the early inhabitants are believed to have practised jhum (shifting) cultivation.
The megalithic culture of Assam is associated with the Khasis, Garos and other hill communities, who erected stone monuments for the dead. In the early historic phase, iron ploughshares and other iron tools were introduced and settled agriculture expanded. Ambari in Guwahati shows evidence of habitation from about the 2nd century AD onward, with Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW)-type pottery and beads that point to contact with the Gangetic plains. Bhaitbari lies near the Krishnai river, and the ruins of Dah Parbatiya near Tezpur are attributed to the Salastambha (Mlechchha) period. Madan Kamdev, near Baihata Chariali, dates to the 9th–10th century AD and is often called the "Khajuraho of Assam".
The earliest inhabitants of the region are believed to have been Austro-Asiatic (like the Khasis) and Tibeto-Burman peoples. The early historic urban centre of ancient Pragjyotisha developed around the area of present-day Guwahati, and rice (paddy) is generally regarded as the crop first domesticated in the Assam region.
Main Facts about Pre and Proto-History of Assam (Quick Revision Bullets)
- Palaeolithic: Garo hills and the Rongram valley; Soanian–Acheulian hand-axes.
- Neolithic: c. 2000–1000 BC; Daojali Hading (Dima Hasao) and Sarutaru (Kamrup).
- Neolithic finds: polished stone axes, cord-impressed pottery and jadeite beads; Ban Chiang (Thailand) influence.
- Agriculture: paddy/rice cultivation and jhum (shifting) cultivation.
- Megalithic culture: Khasis, Garos and other hill tribes.
- Ambari (Guwahati): c. 2nd century AD onward; NBPW-type pottery and beads; links with the Gangetic plains.
- Bhaitbari: near the Krishnai river.
- Dah Parbatiya (near Tezpur): temple of the Salastambha (Mlechchha) period.
- Madan Kamdev (Baihata Chariali): 9th–10th century AD; the "Khajuraho of Assam".
- Earliest inhabitants: Austro-Asiatic (Khasis) and Tibeto-Burman peoples.
- First domesticated crop: rice (paddy).
Why Pre and Proto-History of Assam Matters for Assam Competitive Exams
Prehistoric Assam is a compact, fact-based topic. Examiners usually ask which site belongs to which district, which period a tool type belongs to, or which culture influenced Assam. Remembering a handful of site names, districts and dates is enough for most objective papers.
How to Prepare Pre and Proto-History of Assam for Assam Exams
- Learn the sequence. Palaeolithic, Neolithic, megalithic and early historic — in order.
- Match site to district. Daojali Hading (Dima Hasao), Sarutaru (Kamrup), Ambari (Guwahati), Bhaitbari (Krishnai river).
- Remember the culture links. Ban Chiang (Thailand) influence and Gangetic contact at Ambari.
- Attempt and review. Solve the questions on this page, then revise the missed ones after a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Neolithic site Daojali Hading located?
Daojali Hading is located in Dima Hasao district of Assam.
Which Neolithic site lies in the Kamrup district?
Sarutaru, near Kamrup, has yielded both Stone Age and early historic material.
Which culture influenced the prehistoric pottery of Assam?
The Ban Chiang culture of Thailand influenced the prehistoric pottery of Assam.
Which crop was first domesticated in the Assam region?
Rice (paddy) is regarded as the crop first domesticated in the Assam region.
Which site in Guwahati shows early historic habitation?
Ambari in Guwahati shows evidence of habitation from about the 2nd century AD onward.