EXERCISE

Q1. Write briefly about Assam’s land area, population and population density with necessary data.
Answer: Assam is a state in North-East India that covers a total area of approximately 78,438 km². This accounts for about 2.4% of India’s total area. According to the 2011 Census of India, Assam’s total population was 312.05 lakh (31.2 million). This population size makes up about 2.6% of India’s total population. In terms of population density, Assam had 398 persons per km² in 2011, a significant increase from 42 persons per km² in 1901.

Q2. Briefly mention how the literacy rate of Assam is increasing.
Answer: The literacy rate in Assam has been steadily increasing. According to data from the Census of India, the literacy rate of the state was 63.25% in 2001 and had increased to 72.19% by 2011.

Q3. How many first class and second class towns are there in Assam as per 2011 census data?
Answer: According to the 2011 census data, there are seven first-class towns and six second-class towns in Assam. First-class towns are defined as having a population of one lakh (100,000) or more, while second-class towns have a population ranging from 50,000 to one lakh. Guwahati is the most populous urban center in the state.

Q4. Describe the trend of population growth in Assam during 1901-2011.
Answer: Assam’s population has shown a significant growth trend between 1901 and 2011. The population was 3,289,680 in 1901 and grew to 6,694,790 in 1941, more than doubling in four decades.
Post-independence, the growth rate accelerated sharply. During the 1951-61 and 1961-71 decades, the growth rate was exceptionally high, at 34.98% and 34.95% respectively. However, since 1971, the population growth rate has shown a slow but steady decline. It dropped to 23.36% in 1981, 24.24% in 1991, 18.92% in 2001, and 17.07% in 2011. This decline is attributed to a gradual decrease in the birth rate and some control over migration from Bangladesh in recent years.

Q5. Analyse the geographical region-wise distribution of population in Assam.
Answer: The distribution of population in Assam is uneven, with significant variations across its geographical regions. The state can be broadly divided into three regions: the Brahmaputra Valley, the Barak Valley, and the Hill Region.

1. Brahmaputra Valley: This is the most populous region, with about 85% of Assam’s total population. The population density here was 470 persons per km² in 2011. Favorable conditions like plain land, fertile soils, and a developed transport system support dense settlements. The population density is highest in the middle and lower parts of the valley compared to the upper part.
2. Barak Valley: This region is also densely populated due to its fertile alluvial plain and good conditions for agriculture and transport. It is home to about 11% of Assam’s population and had a population density of 524 persons per km² in 2011, which is higher than the Brahmaputra Valley’s average.
3. Hill Region: This region, comprising the districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, has sparse settlements and a low population. The population density was only 76 persons per km² in 2011, the lowest in the state. This is primarily due to its difficult physiographic conditions.

Q6. Briefly discuss the causes responsible for variation in the distribution of Assam’s population with suitable examples.
Answer: The variation in Assam’s population distribution is primarily due to a combination of physical and economic factors:

1. Favorable physical environment: Alluvial plains like Brahmaputra and Barak valleys have fertile soil and rivers, supporting farming and transport. Example: Brahmaputra Valley has about 85% of Assam’s population.
2. Unfavorable physical environment: Hilly regions such as Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao have rugged terrain, making farming and transport difficult, so population is sparse.
3. Economic development: Areas with better transport and economic facilities, like the middle and lower Brahmaputra Valley, have higher population densities than less developed regions.

Q7. Mention the districts of Assam which have highest population and density and lowest population and density as per 2011 census data.
Answer: Based on the 2011 census data:

• Highest Population: Nagaon district had the highest population in Assam, with 2,823,768 people.
• Highest Population Density: Kamrup (Metro) district had the highest population density, with 2010 persons per km².
• Lowest Population: Dima Hasao district had the lowest population, with 214,102 people.
• Lowest Population Density: Dima Hasao district also had the lowest population density, with only 44 persons per km².

Q8. Analyse briefly the causes responsible for growth of population in Assam.
Answer: The high growth of Assam’s population is attributed to two main causes: natural growth and migration.

1. Natural growth: Population increases when birth rates exceed death rates. Assam’s birth and death rates are close to the national average, so natural growth alone gives normal population increase.
2. Migration: The main reason for high population growth. Migration started during the British era and increased after independence, especially with Hindu refugees from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1947. Between 1951–2001, Assam’s population grew by 232%, higher than the national average of 185%. Growth has slightly declined recently due to lower birth rates and measures to control migration.

Q9. Mention the different human migration streams sequentially coming to Assam since the ancient times to the present.
Answer: Assam has been a melting pot of different ethnic and linguistic groups due to successive waves of migration from ancient times to the present. The major migration streams in chronological order are:

1. Austric Group: First migrants from South-East Asia; includes Khasis and Jaintias.
2. Tibeto-Burman (Mongoloid) People: Came via the Himalayas from Central Asia; includes Bodo, Mishing, Rabha, Karbi tribes.
3. Indo-Aryan (Caucasoid) People: Migrated from the Gangetic Plain; settled in Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys, forming the Vaidic culture.
4. Islamic People (Indo-Aryan origin): Muslim soldiers arrived with Mahammad Bin Bakhtiar Khiliji in the 13th century; later settlements expanded Muslim communities.
5. Ahoms: Mongoloid group from Myanmar, migrated in 1228 under Seu-Ka-Pha; ruled Upper Assam for 600 years.
6. British-era Migrants: Educated and skilled people from Bengal, Bihar, and others for administration; Nepalis brought for military service.
7. Tea Garden Workers: Tribals from Chotanagpur plateau brought by the British to work in tea gardens.
8. Landless Peasants and Refugees: From late 19th century, Muslim peasants from East Bengal and later Hindu refugees from East Pakistan settled in Assam’s fertile plains.

Q10. Give the ethnic identity of the Ahoms.
Answer: The Ahoms basically belong to the Mongoloid ethnic stock. They came to Assam from the Shan plateau of northern Myanmar in 1228 under the leadership of Seu-Ka-Pha.

Q11. Briefly state how the transport system of Assam has been helping the state’s economy.
Answer: Assam’s transport system is crucial for its economic development, especially since it serves as the “gateway of North-East India”. The transport system connects the state to the rest of India and links different regions internally. This facilitates the exchange of resources, goods, and services, which is essential for economic growth. An efficient transport system supports various economic sectors like agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism. It also helps in creating employment opportunities and strengthens national integration.

Q12. Write a short note on water transport in Assam.
Answer: Water transport in Assam is primarily an inland water transport system, utilizing the state’s numerous rivers and tributaries. The Brahmaputra and Barak rivers are the main waterways, carrying about one-third of India’s total water resources. The 891 km long stretch of the Brahmaputra from Sadiya to Dhubri was declared the second National Waterway of India in 1988. The 121 km long course of the Barak river from Lakhipur to Bhanga was declared the 6th National Waterway in 2013. These waterways are managed by the Central Inland Waterways Corporation and the Directorate of Inland Water Transport (IWT). The system is considered a cheap mode of transport for both goods and passengers, especially for transporting heavy goods. It is also vital for communication in regions without proper road connections and during natural disasters like floods.

Q13. Mention five major causes which are regarded as hindrance to the development of transport system of Assam.
Answer: Five major hindrances are:

1. Challenging Topography – Hills, plains, and floodplains make road and rail construction costly.
2. Geographical Location – Assam is linked to the rest of India by a narrow 50 km Siliguri Corridor.
3. Poor Infrastructure & Technology – Roads suffer damage due to heavy rainfall and lack of modern construction.
4. Low Industrial Growth – Weak industrialization reduces the demand for advanced transport networks.
5. Lack of Co-ordination – Poor integration of road, rail, and water transport affects efficiency.

Q14. What do you mean by the term ‘resource’? What are the major natural resources of Assam?
Answer: A resource is any material from nature that fulfills human needs and has utility. Assam is rich in land and forest resources. Its fertile alluvial soil supports crops like rice and tea, and its forests provide bamboo, cane, valuable timber, and wildlife.

The state also has abundant minerals and water resources. Important minerals include coal, oil, natural gas, limestone, and clay. Assam’s rivers, especially the Brahmaputra and Barak, along with plentiful surface and groundwater, make water a vital natural resource for the state.

Q15. Name the major oil fields of Assam.
Answer: Digboi, Naharkatia, Mora-Hugrijan, Rudrasagar, Lakoa, Geleki, Borhola, Amguri.

Q16. Write briefly about the water resources of Assam.
Answer: Assam receives heavy rainfall throughout the year, which, along with its two major rivers, the Brahmaputra and Barak, makes the state rich in surface water resources. The state also has over 3,000 wetlands, including lakes, ponds, and marshes, which support fisheries, aquatic plants, and rich biodiversity. These wetlands act as natural reservoirs, help in flood control, and maintain ecological balance.

The state’s groundwater resources are also abundant, with water available at a shallow depth of around 5 meters in the plains, making it accessible for domestic and agricultural use. Water from rivers and groundwater is used for irrigation, transport, industries, and household needs. Despite this abundance, the potential of water resources in Assam remains underutilized, and better management and conservation practices are required to meet future demands.

Q17. What are the causes responsible for degradation of Assam’s natural resources?
Answer: The causes responsible for degradation of Assam’s natural resources are :

1. Rapid population growth: Increases pressure on land and resources.
2. Deforestation: Land cleared for settlements and agriculture.
3. Wetland encroachment: Wetlands converted for housing and construction.
4. Land misuse: Excessive use of fertilizers and poor farming reduces soil fertility.
5. Overexploitation of minerals: Mining of coal, oil, and other resources beyond sustainable limits.
6. Pollution: Urbanization and industrial activities contaminate air, water, and soil.

Q18. How has the growing population of Assam put impact on the natural resources?
Answer: The growing population of Assam has put considerable pressure on the state’s natural resources. Expansion of settlements has led to the clearing of forests and filling of wetlands, reducing biodiversity and natural habitats. Increased demand for food has resulted in more land being converted into agricultural fields, often replacing forests and wetlands. Intensive farming and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers have caused soil degradation, reducing soil fertility over time. Overexploitation of resources such as timber, water, and minerals has led to resource scarcity, while urbanization and industrial activities have increased pollution, further straining the environment. Overall, the rapid population growth has intensified the degradation and unsustainable use of Assam’s natural resources.

Q19. Is the vast population of Assam a burden (problem) on resources of the state? Discuss.
Answer: The vast population of Assam can be seen as both a burden and a resource. As a burden, it leads to deforestation, land degradation, wetland loss, and overexploitation of natural resources, putting pressure on the state’s environment and reducing the availability of essential resources. On the other hand, Assam has a large youth population of about 10 million people aged 15–34, which can be transformed into a productive workforce if provided with proper education, skill training, and empowerment. The key challenge is to convert population pressure into human resource strength, turning potential problems into opportunities for economic and social development.

Q20. According to you what steps need to be followed in creating human resource in Assam?
Answer: To develop Assam’s human resource effectively, it is important to provide quality education that emphasizes not only basic literacy but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills. Vocational training and skill development programs should be promoted to prepare youth for employment in industries, agriculture, and the service sector. Empowering women, the poor, and differently-abled people is essential to ensure inclusive growth. Access to healthcare, proper nutrition, and sanitation will create a healthy and productive workforce. Encouraging entrepreneurship through supportive policies, loans, and startup initiatives can generate employment and innovation. Finally, raising awareness about sustainable development will help balance economic growth with the conservation of Assam’s natural resources, ensuring long-term prosperity for the state.

Q21. Discuss briefly the role of agricultural sector on Assam’s economy.
Answer: Agriculture is the backbone of Assam’s economy, providing livelihood to about 75% of the population. It contributes significantly to the state’s GDP and ensures food security, with rice as the staple crop grown extensively in the fertile plains of the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys. The sector also supports agro-based industries, especially tea, jute, sugarcane, and pulses, by supplying raw materials. Cash crops like tea generate revenue, foreign exchange, and employment, while smaller crops provide income for rural households. Agriculture also helps in rural development, maintaining traditional occupations, and sustaining the local economy. Overall, the agricultural sector is crucial for Assam’s economic stability, employment, and industrial growth.

Q22. What are the agro-climatic regions of Assam? Mention the characteristics of each.
Answer: Assam has six agro-climatic zones:

1. Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone – 9.30 lakh ha; 50.43% land sown more than once.
2. North Bank Plain Zone – 5.37 lakh ha; 62.57% land sown more than once.
3. Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone – 3.28 lakh ha; 26.21% multiple cropping.
4. Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone – 6.20 lakh ha; 31.29% multiple cropping.
5. Barak Valley Zone – 2.42 lakh ha; 42.15% multiple cropping.
6. Hill Zone – 1.54 lakh ha; 65.58% multiple cropping; shifting cultivation (jhum) common.

Q23. What are the types of rice cultivated in Assam? Briefly write about these.
Answer: Assam cultivates three main types of rice based on the season of cultivation. Autumn rice is sown in February–March and harvested in June–July; it is usually grown in upland and medium land areas. Winter rice (Sali) is the most important variety, covering about 70% of the rice-growing area; it is sown in July–August and harvested in November–December. This rice is mainly cultivated in the fertile alluvial plains of the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys. Summer rice (Bodo) is grown in low-lying areas that remain submerged during the monsoon; it is harvested in June–July, just before the arrival of floods. These seasonal rice varieties ensure food security and allow multiple cropping in Assam’s fertile plains.

Q24. Why is rice considered as the principal crop in Assam?
Answer: Rice is the principal crop of Assam due to its widespread cultivation across all districts and agro-climatic zones. It covers the largest area under cultivation in the state, about 25.45 lakh ha in 2011–12, and plays a vital role in ensuring food security for the population. Rice is also a key economic crop, supporting the rural economy and providing raw materials for agro-based industries. The climatic conditions of Assam, including heavy rainfall, high humidity, and warm temperatures, along with fertile alluvial soils of the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys, make it ideal for rice cultivation. The possibility of multiple cropping, particularly with autumn, winter (Sali), and summer (Bodo) rice varieties, further strengthens its position as the main crop, contributing significantly to the state’s agricultural production and rural livelihoods.

Q25. What are the pulses cultivated in Assam?
Answer: The pulses cultivated in Assam include blackgram, greengram, lentil, pea, arahar, and gram. In 2011-12, these were grown in 1.32 lakh hectares of land, with a total production of 0.76 lakh metric tonnes.

Q26. Write briefly about jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation) carried out in Assam.
Answer: Jhum cultivation, also called shifting cultivation, is a traditional farming method practiced mainly in the hill regions of Assam, especially in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts. Tribal communities clear and burn patches of forest on suitable slopes to create fields for cultivation. After a few years, when soil fertility declines, they abandon the plot and move to a new area.

This type of mixed agriculture is closely linked to the culture and lifestyle of hill tribes. However, it has low productivity and causes environmental problems, including deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of soil fertility. To mitigate these effects, eco-friendly alternatives like terrace cultivation need to be promoted among the tribal population.

Q27. What are the major aims of the Assam Industrial and Investment Policy, 2014.
Answer: The Assam Industrial and Investment Policy, 2014, was announced by the Government of Assam to promote industrial development in the state. Its principal aims are:

1. To increase the state’s Gross Domestic Product by developing the manufacturing and service sectors.
2. To increase per capita income and create employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
3. To encourage and increase investment in micro, small, and medium industries.
4. To create a large number of skilled personnel to meet the needs of the industrial sector.

Q28. What do you mean by the term ‘service sector industries’? Briefly explain taking examples from Assam.
Answer: The term ‘service sector industries’ refers to industries that do not produce tangible goods but provide services to the public and other businesses. This sector is a crucial part of a modern economy.

In Assam, service sector industries include:

1. Trade, Transport, and Communication: These industries facilitate the movement of goods, people, and information. Assam’s transport system, including road, rail, water, and air transport, falls under this category.
2. Tourism Industry: Provides services related to travel and hospitality, such as hotels, guides, and recreational facilities. Assam has significant potential for tourism, with its wildlife sanctuaries and rich cultural heritage.
3. Banking and Insurance: Financial services essential for supporting other economic activities.
4. Public Administration: Services provided by government bodies and administrative systems.

These industries play a key role in generating employment and contributing to the state’s economy.

Q29. What are the major agro-based industries of Assam?
Answer: The major agro-based industries of Assam are:

1. Tea Industry: The largest agro-based industry in the state, playing a vital role in Assam’s economy.
2. Forestry: Industries based on forest resources, such as paper, plywood, and other wood-based products.
3. Silk Industry: A traditional industry producing three types of silk: Eri, Muga, and Mulberry (Pat). Muga, or “Golden Silk,” is especially famous, with Assam producing over 97% of India’s Muga yarn.
4. Rubber Industry: Rubber plantations are increasingly popular, with Assam recognized as a prospective state for cultivation by the Rubber Board of India.
5. Food Processing Industry: Based on fruits and vegetables, this sector is gaining importance, with food parks established at locations like Chhaygaon and Nathkuchi.
6. Allied Industries: Includes fishery and animal husbandry, contributing to the agro-based economy of Assam.

Q30. Write about the tea industry of Assam in brief?
Answer: The tea industry is the largest agro-based industry in Assam and holds a prominent position both nationally and globally. The favorable climatic conditions in Assam have allowed tea to flourish.
Assam is a major tea producer, contributing to more than half of India’s total tea production. In 2016, Assam produced 669,500 tonnes of tea, accounting for 54.11% of India’s total production. The state has 765 tea estates and over 78,000 small tea gardens. The industry provides employment to a large number of people, with more than 6.86 lakh people engaged on a daily average.

Q31. State the present status of the fish industry of Assam.
Answer: The fish industry in Assam has significant potential due to the state’s abundant rivers, wetlands, and other water bodies. However, its current status is not very satisfactory.

In 2011-12, Assam produced 2.44 lakh tonnes of fish and 4,490 million fish seeds. Despite a 1.5-fold increase in production over ten years, the supply still does not meet domestic demand. There is an annual deficit of 0.52 lakh tonnes of fish, resulting in higher prices, and Assam imports about 0.20 lakh tonnes annually from other states to meet this demand.

The vast fishing grounds, which include 430 government-registered wetlands and 767 non-registered ones, are not fully utilized through scientific methods and proper planning. Consequently, the fishery sector’s contribution to the state’s domestic product remains low, at only about 2%.

Q32. Mention the problems of agricultural development in Assam.
Answer: The agricultural sector in Assam, despite being the backbone of the state’s economy, faces several challenges:

1. Traditional methods: Agriculture in the plains and jhum cultivation in the hills are still practiced using age-old methods, which limit productivity and efficiency.
2. Land fragmentation: Farmers cultivate small and scattered plots of land, making it difficult to use modern agricultural tools and adopt mechanized farming.
3. Lack of irrigation and planning: Irrigation facilities are insufficient, and there is no proper agricultural planning to protect crops from droughts and seasonal variations.
4. Natural disasters: Agriculture is heavily affected by floods and riverbank erosion, with more than 25% of the state’s cropland damaged annually.
5. Poor infrastructure and limited resources: Facilities for crop protection, harvesting, storage, and transport are underdeveloped. Farmers also struggle to access quality seeds, fertilizers, and loans at reasonable rates.

Q33. Why is the industrial development in the state still slow?
Answer: Industrial development in Assam remains slow due to several factors:

1. Lack of integrated planning: No comprehensive strategy exists to properly utilize the state’s natural resources.
2. Underdeveloped infrastructure: Transport and communication systems are insufficient for industrial growth.
3. Insufficient capital and investment: External investors are often hesitant due to social and political unrest.
4. Inadequate energy supply: The supply of power is not enough to meet industrial demands.
5. Weak entrepreneurship: Local population lacks proper support and training to start industries.
6. Competition from outside: Traditional industries like handloom and handicrafts struggle against imported modern products.
7. Ineffective policies: Industrial policies have not always been simple or flexible enough to attract investment.

Q34. Mention the problems of tourism industry of Assam.
Answer: The tourism industry in Assam, despite its potential, faces several challenges:

1. Inadequate capital investment: There is insufficient funding to develop tourist destinations and related infrastructure.
2. Underdeveloped transport system: Poor connectivity makes it difficult for tourists to reach various attractions.
3. Poor infrastructure: Many tourist spots lack proper facilities to accommodate and attract visitors.
4. Lack of an appealing environment: The overall environment and amenities may not be attractive enough to draw a significant number of foreign tourists.

Q35. What are the prospects for economic development of Assam?
Answer:

Assam has several prospects for economic development that can help improve the state’s economy:

1. Abundant Resources: Assam is rich in natural resources (land, forests, water, minerals) and human resources. Proper utilization and management can drive growth.
2. Agricultural Potential: Fertile lands support agro-based industries, including tea and fruit/vegetable cultivation, which can boost the economy.
3. Mineral and Energy Resources: Coal, oil, natural gas, and water resources can provide revenue and hydroelectric power for industries and agriculture.
4. Tourism: Assam’s diverse culture and natural beauty offer immense potential for tourism development, generating revenue with proper investment and infrastructure.
5. Human Resource Development: The large youth population can be transformed into a skilled workforce through education and training, supporting growth in secondary and tertiary sectors.

Overall, coordinated development across agriculture, industry, energy, transport, and services is essential for Assam’s economic progress.