EXERCISE

Very short answer questions 

Q1. When was the Treaty of Yandaboo signed?
Answer: The Treaty of Yandaboo was signed on February 24, 1826.

Q2. Which period is known as Company Raj in Assam?
Answer: The period from 1826 to 1858 is known as the Company Raj in Assam.

Q3. When was Bengali Language introduced in Assam?
Answer: The Bengali language was introduced in schools, offices, and courts in Assam in 1836.

Q4. When was Bengali Language replaced by Assamese language?
Answer: The Assamese language was re-established in place of Bengali in 1873.

Q5. What was the mouthpiece of Assam Chatra Sanmilan?
Answer: The mouthpiece of Assam Chatra Sanmilan was MILAN.

Q6. What was main objective of the Ryot Sabha?
Answer: The main objective of the Ryot Sabha was to resolve the problems faced by the peasants.

Q7. When was All Assam Ryot Sabha established?
Answer: All Assam Ryot Sabha was established on April 8, 1933.

Q8. Who was the Secretary of Ahom Sabha?
Answer: The provided text does not explicitly mention the name of the Secretary of Ahom Sabha.

Q9. When and under whose leadership was Jorhat Sarbajanik Sabha constituted?
Answer: Jorhat Sarbajanik Sabha was founded in 1884 by Jagannath Barua at Jorhat.

Q10. Who were the first President and Secretary of Assam Provincial Congress Committee?
Answer: The first President of the ad hoc Assam Provincial Congress Committee was Kuladhar Chaliha, and the Secretary was Nabin Chandra Bordoloi.

Q11. Who was the first formally elected president of APCC?
Answer: Bishnuram Medhi was the first officially elected President of the Assam Provincial Congress Committee (APCC).

Q12. Who was the first Prime Minister of Assam and when was he elected?
Answer: Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi was the first Prime Minister (Chief Minister) of Assam. He was elected in the general elections held in 1946.

Q13. On what crime Kushal Konwar was hanged?
Answer: Kushal Konwar was hanged in connection with the derailment of a train at Sarupathar.

Q14. When was Gauhati University established?
Answer: Gauhati University was established on January 26, 1948.

Q15. When the name Assam Medical College was formally introduced?
Answer: The name Assam Medical College was formally introduced on November 3, 1947.

Q16. When was Gauhati Medical College formally started?
Answer: Gauhati Medical College was formally inaugurated on September 20, 1960.

Short Answer Type Questions:

Q1. Write a brief note on Assamese Literary Society.
Answer: The Assamese Literary Society, established in 1872 under the leadership of Devicharan Barua and Gangagovinda Phukan, was one of the earliest associations formed by Assamese students in Calcutta. Though primarily literary, it played a political role. Members Jagannath Barua and Manik Chandra Barooah submitted a memorandum to the Viceroy for the development of Assam’s natural resources and railway links. The society remained active until 1885.

Q2. Give a brief trace of important nationalist rise in Jonaki Age.
Answer: The Jonaki Age, named after the journal Jonaki published by the Asomiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha, marked cultural and literary regeneration in Assam. Articles and poems expressed nationalistic views, highlighting the decline of indigenous industries and the need for economic self-reliance. Writers like Kanaklal Barua and Kamalakanta Bhattacharya emphasized Assam’s progress, while Lakshminath Bezbarua popularized nationalistic sentiments through works like Mor Desh, Assam Sangeet, and Been Boragi.

Q3. Write briefly on the political demands of Ahom Sabha.
Answer: The political demands of Ahom Sabha were:

1. Revival of Ahom culture, religion, language, and social customs.
2. Special privileges for Ahoms in British administration.
3. Recognition of Ahoms as a minority community.
4. Reservation of seats in the Assembly and a separate electorate for Ahoms.

Q4. What were the issues raised by Assam Association before the British Government?
Answer: The issues raised by Assam Association before the British Government were :

1. Democratization of Local Bodies: Criticized dominance of officials and tea planters; demanded democratic structure.
2. Fiscal Policies: Opposed tax enhancement, demanded prohibition of opium, and reform of excise policy.
3. Educational Reforms: Representation in Calcutta University Syndicate, appointment of Assamese teachers in Cotton College, establishment of technical institutions.
4. Territorial Integrity: Opposed Assam’s merger with Eastern Bengal in 1905; submitted memorandum for separation.

Q5. Mention about the Assamese leaders who had led the Non-cooperation Movement in Assam.
Answer: The Non-Cooperation Movement in Assam saw active participation from leaders across different sections of society. Among the youth leaders, Chandranath Sarma, Hemchandra Barua, Omeo Kumar Das, and Muhibuddin Ahmed played a prominent role by boycotting government schools and inspiring students to join the movement.

Lawyers and government officials also contributed significantly. Leaders like Nabin Chandra Bordoloi, Kuladhar Chaliha, Tarunram Phukan, and Kamini Kumar Chanda gave up their professions to participate actively. In addition, many teachers and government employees resigned from their positions, demonstrating their commitment to the cause of Non-Cooperation in Assam.

Q6. Write about Cunningham Circular.
Answer: Issued in May 1930 by R. J. Cunningham, it demanded written guarantees from students and parents to avoid political participation. Violators faced fines, scholarship withdrawal, or expulsion. The circular sparked student unrest and increased participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Q7. Write briefly about the problems faced by the Ministry of Gopinath Bordoloi after independence.
Answer: The problems faced by the Ministry of Gopinath Bordoloi after independence were :

1. Partition of India: Disrupted communications; only a 12 km corridor connected Assam with India.
2. Economic Disruption: Broken trade ties with Bengal-Assam-Arakan regions.
3. Immigrant Problem: Influx of migrants to be managed.
4. Geographical Isolation: Region became strategically sensitive.

Q8. Write brief history of establishment of Assam Agriculture University.
Answer: Began with Karimganj (1913) and Titabar (1923) research stations. Assam Agricultural College (Jorhat) and Assam Veterinary College (Nagaon) were established in 1948. Merged in 1969 to form Assam Agricultural University, the first in Northeast India. Veterinary College later moved to Khanapara, Guwahati.

Q9. Write brief history of establishment of Assam Medical College.
Answer: Originated from Berry White School of Medicine (1900) in Dibrugarh. Relocated post-WWII to US Army hospital premises. Formally renamed Assam Medical College on November 3, 1947. Gauhati Medical College started in 1960, and Silchar Medical College in 1968.

Long Answer Type Questions:

Q1. Discuss the role and activities of Asomiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha.
Answer: The Asomiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha was founded in 1888 by Assamese students in Calcutta with the aim of enriching and developing the Assamese language and literature. The Sabha worked to promote the language by standardizing grammar for schools and fostering unity and national awareness among the people. It also focused on historical and literary works, compiling Assam’s social history, translating Sanskrit texts, and publishing Hemchandra Barua’s Hemkosh dictionary. The Sabha encouraged scholarly discussions on Assam’s history and culture and expanded by establishing branches in towns like Tezpur, Dibrugarh, and Guwahati. Additionally, it initiated the Jonaki Age in Assamese literature, marking a significant period of literary growth.

Q2. Write about the contribution of Assam Chatra Sanmilan.
Answer: Established in 1916 under Lakshminath Bezbarua.The contribution of Assam Chatra Sanmilan were :

1. Enriching Assamese Language: Development and preservation of mother tongue; forum for students.
2. Fostering Conscious Youth: Encouraged student political participation.
3. Platform for Prominent Personalities: Annual sessions included education, politics, and literature leaders.
4. Mouthpiece MILAN: Platform for discussion and ideas; promoted socially and politically aware youth.

Q3. Give an account on the objectives and role of the Ryot Sabhas.
Answer: Objectives of Ryot Sabhas were :

1. Address the problems faced by peasants under British land policies.
2. Demand abolition of grazing tax and reduction of land revenue.
3. Restrict migration from East Bengal to protect local peasants’ interests.

Role of Ryot Sabhas were :

1. Raised voice against new land settlements and unfair revenue policies.
2. Re-established during the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34), demanding 50% reduction in land tax.
3. Formation of All Assam Ryot Sabha (1933) and establishment of around 300 local sabhas by 1939.
4. Merged with Congress committees by 1940, strengthening the nationalist movement.

Q4. Write about the objectives and activities of Jorhat Sarbajanik Sabha.
Answer: Objectives of Jorhat Sarbajanik Sabha was to Represent people’s aspirations; explain government policies; improve social conditions.
Activities of Jorhat Sarbajanik Sabha were :

1. Opposed Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act (1886); protested revenue increase (1892-93).
2. Memorandum to Royal Commission on Opium (1893).
3. Opposed Partition of Bengal (1905); demanded job reservation for Assamese. Active until 1921.

Q5. Write on the contribution of Assam Association towards social reform in British ruled Assam.
Answer: The contribution of Assam Association towards social reform in British ruled Assam were :

1. Democratization of Local Bodies: Advocated democratic structure.
2. Opposition to Opium: Protested excise policy; demanded prohibition.
3. Educational Development: Representation in Calcutta University Syndicate; Assamese teachers in Cotton College; technical institutions; university in Assam (1920).
4. Joining National Movement: Sent delegates to Congress; merged with APCC in 1921.

Q6. Give brief description on the creation and the role of Assam Provincial Congress Committee.
Answer: Formed June 1921, HQ in Guwahati; President: Kuladhar Chaliha, Secretary: Nabin Chandra Bordoloi.
Role of Assam Provincial Congress Committee were :

1. Implemented Non-Cooperation Movement; organized bonfires of British goods.
2. Hosted 41st All India Congress Committee session (1926); mobilized masses for Civil Disobedience and Quit India Movements.
3. Political leadership: APCC won 1946 elections; Gopinath Bordoloi became Premier; prevented Assam’s merger with East Bengal.

Q7. Give brief description on the role of Assam in Swadeshi Movement.
Answer: Assam played an important role in the Swadeshi Movement, mainly as a reaction to the creation of the Eastern Bengal and Assam province, which was viewed as a threat to regional interests. Student activism was a major feature. Leaders like Ambikagiri Raychoudhury encouraged the use of indigenous products and organized fundraising to strengthen the movement.

Assam also contributed through literature. Raychoudhury’s drama Bandini Bharat inspired nationalist feelings and motivated people to join the struggle. In response, the British introduced certain reforms such as Assamese language in examinations, degree departments in Cotton College, and changes in the Moujadary system.

Q8. Give an account on the role of Assam in Non-cooperation movement.
Answer: Assam played an active role in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22), following the call of the Indian National Congress. The Assam Association joined in 1920, and the Assam Provincial Congress Committee (APCC) was formed in 1921 to direct activities.

Mahatma Gandhi’s visit in 1921 inspired mass involvement, including bonfires of British goods. Students boycotted schools, national schools were set up, and several lawyers and officials resigned from service as acts of protest. Constructive work was also encouraged through the anti-opium campaign and promotion of Khadi. Tea garden labourers joined through strikes demanding higher wages, showing worker participation in the wider movement.

Q9. Give an account on the role of Assam in Civil Disobedience Movement.
Answer: Assam took an active part in the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34) started by Mahatma Gandhi. The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee led the movement in the province. People boycotted foreign goods and liquor, and promoted the use of Khadi. Important leaders like Tarun Ram Phookan and Nabin Chandra Bardoloi guided the people. Students, women, and workers joined in large numbers through marches, picketing, and demonstrations.

In Surma Valley, peasants protested against high taxes, while tea garden workers also supported the movement. The British tried to crush the movement with arrests and punishments, but people did not lose courage. The movement created unity among the people and strengthened Assam’s role in India’s freedom struggle.

Q10. Write about the Quit India Movement in Assam.
Answer: The Quit India Movement began in August 1942 and spread to Assam. People joined through hartals, processions, and picketing, while some attacks targeted government buildings, railways, and supply lines. Many sacrificed their lives for the cause. Kushal Konwar was hanged, and police firings killed hundreds, including Kanaklata Barua.

Underground activities were also important. Leaders like Sankar Chandra Barua and Jyotiprasad Agarwala guided the people secretly. Parallel governments were set up in some areas, and no-revenue campaigns were organized. These efforts showed Assam’s courage and active participation, highlighting its significant role in India’s struggle for independence during the Quit India Movement.

Q11. Give a brief description about the institutions established in Assam under the leadership of Bordoloi Ministry.
Answer: Under the leadership of the Bordoloi Ministry, several important institutions were established in Assam. The Assam Agricultural University was formed in 1969 by merging the Assam Agricultural College at Jorhat and the Veterinary College, first at Nagaon and later shifted to Khanapara. These institutions aimed to promote agricultural and veterinary education in the state.

Higher education also made great progress. Gauhati University was set up on January 26, 1948, with 17 affiliated colleges and 8 postgraduate departments. Assam Medical College was renamed in 1947, and later Gauhati Medical College (1960) and Silchar Medical College (1968) were established.