Assam Polity Before Independence – Key Events, Leaders & Governance
Explore Assam’s political history before 1947, including early leaders, Assam Association, Congress role, and pre-independence governments in Assam.
Assam has played a significant role in India’s political history, with its engagement in political movements tracking back to the pre-independence era. The political evolution of Assam began even before it became a formal province under British India.
Although Assam was officially included as a separate province of British India in 1874, with Shillong as its capital, its political fate had already been influenced by colonial powers much earlier. This transition was initiated with the signing of the Treaty of Yandabo on 24th February 1826, which marked the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War and brought Assam under British control.
The state’s political awakening was evident with the formation of its first political organisation, the Assam Association, in 1903. The association was header by Prabhat Chandra Baruah as its president, and Manik Chandra Baruah served as its secretary. This organisation laid the foundation for active civic participation and became a precursor to modern political movements in the region.
Later, in 1921, Assam witnessed the establishment of its own branch of the Indian National Congress, further integrating the state into the national freedom struggle and fostering deeper political consciousness among its people.
Governments in Assam Pre-Independence
Between 1937 and 1947, Assam experienced six separate terms of governance, including a 242-day period of administrative vacuum – which can be interpreted as Governor’s Rule.
During this period, Syed Muhammed Saadulah became the first Chief Minister of Assam. His first term in office lasted from 1 April 1937 to 19 September 1938, marking the beginning of ministerial governance in the state under the Government of India Act, 1935.
🧠 Practice Quizes
- Gopinath Bordoloi
- Bishnu Ram Medhi
- Bimala Prasad Chaliha
- Mahendra Mohan Chaliha
Answer: Bishnu Ram Medhi
💡 Key Explanations
- Bishnu Ram Medhi was the second chief minister of Assam after independence from 9 August 1950 to 27 December 1957.
- He was also the first Assamese to hold a Governor post in Indian State.
- He was a freedom fighter and also known as iron man of Assam.
- Syed Muhammad Saadulah
- Bishnu Ram Medhi
- Amiyo Kumar Das
- Gopinath Bordoloi
Answer: Syed Muhammad Saadulah
💡 Key Explanations
- There were a total of six separate terms of government in Assam, including a 242-day vacant term which can be considered as governor's rule, from 1937 to 1947.
- During this period, the first Chief Minister of Assam was Syed Muhammed Saadullah.
- From 1 April 1937 to 19 September 1938, the first government under Saadullah was formed.
- The first government lasted for one year and 171 days.
- The second government was formed under the leadership of Gopinath Bordoloi.
- Dibrugarh
- Guwahati
- Jorhat
- Golaghat
Answer: Jorhat
💡 Key Explanations
The All People’s Party of Assam, also known as Sarbadal, was a regional political party established on 8 May 1945 in Dibrugarh by Ahom elites, the All Indian Muslim League, the Tribal League, and the Ahom Sabha.
It aimed to challenge the dominance of the Indian National Congress and advocate for marginalised ethnic communities in Assam.
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
Answer: Four
💡 Key Explanations
- President’s Rule is imposed under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions.
- Assam has experienced President’s Rule four times since Independence.
- The impositions occurred due to political instability, law and order breakdown, and failure of constitutional machinery.
- Notable instances include:
- 1979-1980: Due to law-and-order crisis during the Assam Agitation.
- 1981-1982: Continued unrest and failure to conduct elections.
- 1990-1991: Following insurgency and rise of ULFA violence.
- 1996: Post-election political turmoil.
- Each period marked a significant transition in Assam’s political history, often leading to new governments or elections after central intervention.
- 30 June 1981
- 12 December 1979
- 19 March 1982
- 28 November 1990
Answer: 12 December 1979
💡 Key Explanations
- Assam came under President’s Rule for the first time on 12 December 1979 due to political instability and growing insurgency issues.
- The political crises was largely fueled by the Assam Agitation (1979-1985), led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), demanding detection and deportation of illegal immigrants.
- During President’s Rule, the Governor administers the state on behalf of the President of India.
- Assam has experienced multiple instances of President’s Rule after 1979, the second President’s Rule was imposed in Assam on 30 June 1981.
- Lallan Prasad Singh was the Governor of Assam during the first President's rule in Assam.
Conclusion
Assam’s political history is deeply rooted in the broader Indian struggle for independence. From early treaties and administrative changes to the formation of local political bodies and Congress activities, Assam polity has significantly contributed to shaping both regional and national political landscapes.
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B. Nironjan
B. Nironjan is a skilled full-stack web developer, content creator, and educator. He specializes in building scalable web applications and simplifying complex tech and education topics. He also writes engaging articles on technologies and education news.