Human- Landscape Interactions in Assam 1200-1900

The present book is in continuation of our earlier work Early Anam Shaping of the Cultural Landscape authored jointly with Prof. Oinam Ranjit Singh, dealing with myriad changes in the landscape during the stretch from prehistoric era to the eve of Ahom rule. At the onset I would like to thank Prof. Oinam Ranjit Singh, Head of Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Manipur University for collaborating and authoring jointly the previous part. Unlike the previous part the present subject matter conceived both latent and obvious shift pertaining to the historical period. Most of the sources referred are historical, accessible in libraries and web sources. As I look back, I will always feel indebted to my supervisor late Prof. Abdullah Ali Ashraf of Anthropology department. Gauhati University for mentoring and always showing confidence upon me. I pray his soul may rest in eternal peace.

Shaping of cultural landscapes is result of nature-human interaction. The human footprints on landscape are based upon human perception and motives. The relationship remained symbiotic till pre-industrial period therefore the adverse impact and alteration was minimal. The alteration and transformation of landscape in early Assam is induced by gradual expansion of land use by humans for agriculture and settlements. From prehistoric to present every subsequent culture and technological phase had considerable effect on the nature and landscape. Subsistence pattern, habitation, religion and other socio-economic beliefs plays crucial role in shaping and sizing of cultural landscape of early Assam. The methodology of the present part is much different from the earlier. The early part was largely based on archaeological and religious sources however the present work is highly based on historical sources.

Since the previous book I was occupied with the thought of continuing the study into colonial period. The changes in the landscape during the early period were mild and largely agriculture driven and rural. With the establishment of powerful kingdoms like Ahoms and Koch in medieval times which have ambitious designs resulting in the construction of roads, bridges and defensive structures perchance apparent transitions. The political tussles of various kingdoms of that era played significant role in the shaping of cultural landscape of the period.