Assam was separated from the Bengal Presidency in 1874 and made a Chief Commissioner’s Province with Shillong as capital. The period saw the rise of extractive industries like tea, oil, and coal, along with agrarian unrest and the Patharughat peasant uprising (1894). Political awareness emerged with the formation of the Assam Association in 1903.
Formation and Administrative Status
In 1874, Assam was separated from the Bengal Presidency and elevated to the status of a Chief Commissioner’s Province.
The district of Sylhet was merged with Assam, which led to strong protests from the Sylheti population.
The capital of the province was established at Shillong.
Language Reforms
The Assamese language, which had been replaced by Bengali as the official language in 1837, was reinstated alongside Bengali during this period.
This move marked a significant linguistic revival for the Assamese-speaking population.
Economic Developments and Colonial Industries
Discovery of Oil at Digboi (1889)
Oil was discovered at Digboi in 1889, laying the foundation for the Assam oil industry.
This was one of the earliest oil discoveries in Asia and became a major colonial economic asset.
Growth of Extractive Industries
The period witnessed the expansion of the tea, oil, and coal-mining industries.
These industries were developed under British colonial interests and contributed little to the welfare of local agrarian communities.
Demographic and Agricultural Impact
The indigenous population declined during this period due to starvation and poor living conditions, particularly in areas like Nagaon.
However, the population loss was compensated by the inflow of immigrant labourers, mainly for tea plantations.
This shift in population created long-term demographic changes in Assam.
Rural Distress and Revolts
Causes of Peasant Distress
Peasants suffered from:
Colonial opium monopoly
Usurious moneylenders
High taxation
This led to widespread agrarian discontent.
Raiz Mels and the Patharughat Uprising (1894)
Raiz Mels (people’s assemblies) began deciding to boycott tax payments.
The movement culminated in a violent crackdown at Patharughat in 1894, where:
British forces fired on unarmed protesters.
At least 15 peasants were killed in the bayonet charge.
Villagers were tortured, and their homes and properties were looted in the aftermath.
🔑 The Patharughat incident remains a landmark in Assam’s peasant resistance against colonial rule.
Rise of Political Consciousness
In 1903, the Assam Association was formed — the first political body in Assam.
Manik Chandra Baruah was elected as the first secretary.
The association became a platform for voicing regional concerns and marked the beginning of organised political movements in Assam.
Conclusion
The Chief Commissioner’s Province phase (1874–1905) was marked by administrative restructuring, industrial growth, and intensifying colonial exploitation.
Despite economic developments like oil and tea, the agrarian population faced hardship, leading to protests and revolts.
The formation of the Assam Association reflected a new phase of political awakening among the Assamese people.