Historiography refers to the study of how history is written, including the sources, methods, and perspectives used by different historians. The history of Assam has evolved through colonial, nationalist, and modern scholarly interpretations.
8.1 Colonial Historians: Edward Gait
Sir Edward Gait, a British administrator and historian, authored the classic work “A History of Assam” (1906).
His work is considered one of the earliest and most influential secondary sources for Assam’s history.
Gait relied heavily on inscriptions, Buranjis (Ahom chronicles), and oral traditions to reconstruct the region’s past.
However, like many colonial historians, he viewed Assamese society as static during the pre-colonial period.
He emphasized that British rule brought socio-economic progress, reflecting a colonial bias.
Despite limitations, his work laid the foundation for future historical research in Assam.
8.2 Nationalist Historians: K.L. Barua, B.K. Barua, P.C. Choudhury
From the early 20th century, a wave of Assamese nationalist historians emerged to challenge colonial narratives.
🔹 K.L. Barua
Authored “Early History of Kamarupa” (1933), one of the first scholarly attempts to trace Assam’s ancient history using epigraphic and literary evidence.
Focused on the three dynasties of ancient Assam: Varman, Salasthambha, and Pala.
🔹 B.K. Barua
Wrote “A Cultural History of Assam” (1951), highlighting Assam’s rich cultural evolution and its religious and linguistic traditions.
His work broadened the scope from political to socio-cultural history.
🔹 P.C. Choudhury
Authored “The History of Civilisation of the People of Assam to the 12th Century A.D.” (1959).
Offered detailed accounts of temple architecture, religious practices, and tribal life.
His analysis showed how local and pan-Indian elements fused in Assam’s cultural fabric.
🔑 These historians used indigenous sources, emphasized regional pride, and presented Assamese identity as rooted in a glorious and continuous civilizational past.
8.3 Recent Trends and Discoveries
The most recent phase of historiography in Assam is marked by scientific analysis, archaeological excavations, and multi-disciplinary research.
🔹 Contributions by D. Chutia, H.N. Dutta, and Others
These scholars used field archaeology, epigraphy, and linguistics to reinterpret early Assamese history.
Focused on areas that had previously been neglected or mythologized.
Their work emphasized micro-regional studies, examining the socio-economic conditions reflected in material remains.
🔹 Inscriptions and Coins from New Discoveries:
Doyang-Dhansiri Valley:
Yielded several inscriptions on stone slabs and chiselled pieces.
Helped reveal local religious practices and political control zones.
Kaliabor Copperplate Grant (Vanamalavarmadeva):
Provided genealogical details of Pala rulers and insights into land grants.
Kuruahbari Copperplate (Harjaravarman):
Added new understanding of the early 9th-century administrative practices.
Numerous inscribed coins discovered in Assam have been deciphered and analyzed, giving insight into regional economy, kingship, and religious affiliations.