The name “Assam” and its earlier references such as “Pragjyotisha” and “Kamarupa” have rich mythological, geographical, and political origins. This section explains how ancient texts and tribal influences contributed to Assam’s nomenclature and identity.
3.1 Meaning of “Pragjyotisha”
The term “Pragjyotisha” is derived from Sanskrit, where:
“Prag” means eastern
“Jyotisha” means astronomy or astrology
Thus, Pragjyotisha literally means the “City of Eastern Astrology” or “Eastern Light”.
It is believed to be the place where astronomy first flourished, possibly referring to early scientific and religious learning.
In mythological texts like the Kalika Purana, it is portrayed as a powerful spiritual centre located in the east of the Indian subcontinent.
3.2 Territorial Description from Yogini Tantra
The Yogini Tantra, a significant Tantric text, offers a detailed geographical description of the ancient kingdom.
It states that Kamarupa (ancient Assam) extended:
From the Karatoya River in the west (in present-day Bengal)
To the Dikkaravasini shrine in the east (identified near Sadiya)
This broad territorial claim includes hills, valleys, and plains, indicating the cultural and political influence of Kamarupa over a vast area.
3.3 Regional Divisions: Kampith, Ratnapith, Suvarnapith, Saumarpith
According to both Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra, ancient Assam was divided into four major pithas (sacred zones):
Kampith – Around Kamakhya; the religious and ritual heart of Kamarupa.
Ratnapith – Likely corresponding to parts of western Assam.
Suvarnapith – Often associated with eastern Assam.
Saumarpith – Possibly linked with the southern or hilly regions.
These divisions were both spiritual and administrative, reflecting the religio-political organization of ancient Assam.
3.4 Meaning and Myth of “Kamarupa”
The name “Kamarupa” is rooted in a mythological legend related to Sati and Shiva:
When Sati’s corpse was dismembered, her yoni (womb) is believed to have fallen at Nilachal Hills (Kamakhya).
From Kama (desire) and Rupa (form) emerged the name Kamarupa, meaning the form of desire.
Symbolically, Kamarupa represents:
A land associated with fertility cults
The rise of Shakti worship (especially at Kamakhya)
A divine geography central to Tantric practices in eastern India
3.5 Multiple Theories on the Origin of the Name “Assam”
There are several theories regarding the etymology of ‘Assam’, reflecting linguistic, ethnic, and political influences:
🔸 Theory 1: Derivation from “Asama” (Sanskrit)
Means uneven or peerless, referring to the hilly terrain and distinctiveness of the land.
🔸 Theory 2: Derived from the Ahoms
Comes from “Sham” or “Shan” people (Thai-Burmese origin) who migrated in 1228 CE.
The land ruled by them was called “A-Sham” or Assam by later chroniclers.
🔸 Theory 3: Indigenous origin
Some scholars argue the name may have derived from local tribal usage, especially through phonetic transformations over time.
🔑 All theories highlight Assam’s multi-ethnic past and layered cultural identities.
3.6 Political Intrusions and Tribal Rule (Koch, Mech, Bodo)
Over centuries, Assam saw the emergence of tribal kingdoms, especially in the post-Kamarupa era.
Key ethnic communities involved in regional politics:
Koch – Established the Kamata Kingdom, which played a crucial role in late medieval Assam.
Mech – Related to the Koch and Bodo groups, they held power in western Assam.
Bodo – One of the earliest inhabitants of Assam; influenced language, culture, and territorial politics.
These groups often ruled as autonomous powers or formed confederacies like the Baro-Bhuyans, challenging larger kingdoms.
Their presence shaped Assam’s political decentralization and ethnic integration.