About The Book
The History of Assam by Edward Gait (1905) is one of the earliest and most authoritative works on the history of Assam. Drawing from ancient Sanskrit sources, copper-plate inscriptions, Ahom Buranjis, and colonial records, Gait presents a clear and systematic narrative of Assam's past. The book begins with the region's geography, early inhabitants, and prehistoric cultural layers. It explains how ancient Assam was known as Pragjyotisha and later Kamarupa, ruled by the Varman, Mlechchha, and Pala dynasties. A major portion focuses on the rise of the Ahoms under Sukapha in 1228 and their gradual expansion over the Brahmaputra Valley. Gait describes Ahom administration, the Paik system, cultural assimilation, and conflicts with the Mughals, highlighting the Battle of Saraighat and Lachit Borphukan's leadership. The book also provides valuable ethnographic notes on tribes such as the Khasis, Nagas, Garos, Chutias, and Cacharis. Gait traces the decline of the Ahom kingdom through the Moamoria rebellion and Burmese invasions, ending with British annexation in 1826. Despite being written from a colonial perspective, the work remains a foundational reference, admired for its extensive use of primary sources and its detailed overview of Assam's political and cultural evolution.
About The Author
Edward Albert Gait (1863-1940) was a British civil servant. historian, and one of the earliest systematically document the history and culture of Assam Born in London, he joined the Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1882 and was posted to Assam, where he developed a deep interest in the region's past. its people, and its unique blend of tribal and non-tribal cultures. Gait travelled widely across Assam, studying inscriptions, manuscripts, copper-plate grants, and especially the Ahom Buranjis, which he translated and analysed. His dedication to collecting original sources helped him produce A History of Assam (1905), the first scholarly and comprehensive account of Assam's political evolution. His work set the foundation for modern Assamese historiography Apart from being a historian, Gant held significant administrative roles, serving as the Chief Commissioner of Assam, and later becoming the Lieutenant Governor of Bihar and Orissa. He encouraged archaeological surveys, preservation manuscripts, and academic research in Eastern India. Of Edward Gait is remembered not only as a capable administrator but also as a pioneering historian who brought Assam's history to broader scholarly attention through meticulous research and respect for indigenous sources.
Hindu (947)
Agriculture (125)
Ancient (1104)
Archaeology (805)
Architecture (568)
Art & Culture (932)
Biography (730)
Buddhist (550)
Cookery (165)
Emperor & Queen (587)
Islam (245)
Jainism (324)
Literary (888)
Mahatma Gandhi (393)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Visual Search
Manage Wishlist