1. Write briefly about Assam’s land area, population and population density.
Assam is an important state of North-East India with varied physical features and a growing population.
- The total land area of Assam is 78,438 square kilometres, consisting of plains, hills and river valleys.
- According to the 2011 Census, the population of Assam is about 3.12 crore, which has increased steadily over the years due to natural growth and migration.
- The population density of Assam is 397 persons per square kilometre, with very high density in fertile areas like the Brahmaputra Valley and low density in hill regions.
2. Briefly mention how the literacy rate of Assam is increasing.
The literacy rate of Assam has shown significant improvement after independence.
- The spread of primary and secondary schools even in rural areas has increased access to education.
- Government initiatives such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, adult education programmes, free textbooks and mid-day meal schemes have reduced school dropouts.
- As a result, the literacy rate of Assam increased to 72.19% in 2011, showing growing awareness about the importance of education.
3. How many first class and second class towns are there in Assam as per 2011 Census data?
As per the 2011 Census of India data for Assam:
- There are 7 first-class towns (towns with a population of 100,000 or more).
- There are 6 second-class towns (towns with a population between 50,000 and 99,999).
These classifications are based on the population size of towns as recorded in the 2011 Census.
4. Describe the trend of population growth in Assam during 1901–2011.
The population growth of Assam shows different trends during different periods.
- From 1901 to 1951, population growth was slow due to epidemics, floods, famines and lack of medical facilities.
- Between 1951 and 1971, population increased rapidly because of improved healthcare, decline in death rate and migration.
- From 1971 to 2011, the growth rate gradually declined due to education, awareness, family planning programmes and government policies.
5. Analyse the geographical region-wise distribution of population in Assam.
Population distribution in Assam is highly uneven due to geographical factors.
- The Brahmaputra Valley is densely populated because of fertile alluvial soil, flat land, favourable climate and good transport facilities.
- The Barak Valley has moderate population density due to agriculture, suitable climate and river-based activities.
- The hill regions of Assam are sparsely populated due to rugged terrain, dense forests, poor transport and limited economic activities.
6. Briefly discuss the causes responsible for variation in the distribution of Assam’s population with suitable examples.
Several factors are responsible for uneven population distribution in Assam.
- Physical factors like fertile soil, plain land and availability of water attract dense population, for example the Brahmaputra Valley.
- Economic factors such as agriculture, industries, trade and employment opportunities influence settlement patterns.
- Transport facilities and urban development lead to high population concentration in cities like Guwahati, while remote areas remain sparsely populated.
7. Mention the districts of Assam which have highest population and density and lowest population and density as per 2011 census data.
Answer:
-
Highest population – Nagaon district:
Nagaon has the highest population in Assam because it lies in the fertile Brahmaputra valley. Good agricultural land, better transport facilities and availability of jobs attract people to settle here. -
Lowest population – Dima Hasao district:
Dima Hasao has the lowest population as it is a hilly district. Difficult terrain, poor transport facilities and limited economic activities discourage large settlement. -
Highest population density – Dhubri district:
Dhubri has the highest population density due to fertile soil, flat land and availability of water. Agriculture and trade encourage dense settlement. -
Lowest population density – Dima Hasao district:
The rugged hills, forested land and lack of urban centres result in sparse population in Dima Hasao.
8. Analyse briefly the causes responsible for growth of population in Assam.
Answer:
-
High birth rate:
Early marriage, traditional customs and preference for large families lead to a high birth rate in Assam. -
Decline in death rate:
Improved medical facilities, vaccination and better health awareness have reduced death rates. -
Migration:
People migrate from neighbouring states and countries in search of land, jobs and better livelihood. -
Illiteracy:
Lack of education results in poor awareness about family planning and population control. -
Poverty:
Poor families consider more children as future earning members, increasing population growth.
9. Mention the different human migration streams sequentially coming to Assam since ancient times to the present.
Answer:
-
Austric people:
They were the earliest inhabitants and lived mainly by hunting and gathering. -
Mongoloid people:
They migrated from the north-east and formed many tribal communities of Assam. -
Dravidian people:
They came from central India and contributed to early settlement. -
Aryan people:
They entered Assam later and influenced language, religion and culture. -
Tai-Ahoms:
They came from Myanmar in the 13th century and established a powerful kingdom. -
Modern migrants:
Migration from East Pakistan (Bangladesh) and other Indian states continues in modern times.
10. Give the ethnic identity of the Ahoms.
Answer:
- The Ahoms belong to the Tai ethnic group.
- They migrated from Upper Myanmar.
- Led by Sukapha in 1228 AD, they entered Assam.
- Over time, they adopted Assamese language and culture.
- They played a major role in shaping Assam’s history and society.
11. Briefly state how the transport system of Assam has been helping the state's economy.
Answer:
-
Trade and commerce:
Transport helps in movement of goods like tea, oil and agricultural products. -
Agricultural development:
Farmers can send crops to markets easily, increasing income. -
Industrial growth:
Industries depend on roads, railways and waterways for raw materials and finished goods. -
Tourism:
Good transport helps tourists visit places like Kaziranga and Majuli. -
Employment:
Transport services create jobs for drivers, labourers and technicians.
12. Write a short note on water transport in Assam.
Answer:
- Assam has many rivers, especially the Brahmaputra and Barak.
- Water transport is cheap and economical for heavy goods.
- Boats and steamers are used for passenger and cargo transport.
- National Waterway-2 on the Brahmaputra is important for trade.
- It is very useful in flood-prone and remote areas.
13. Mention five major causes which are regarded as hindrance to the development of transport system of Assam.
Answer:
-
Floods and erosion:
Floods damage roads, bridges and railways every year. -
Hilly terrain:
Construction of roads and railways is difficult and costly. -
Heavy rainfall:
Continuous rain causes landslides and road damage. -
Poor maintenance:
Lack of proper repair keeps roads in bad condition. -
Lack of funds:
Insufficient financial resources slow development.
14. What do you mean by the term ‘resource’? What are the major natural resources of Assam?
Answer:
- A resource is anything available in nature that can be used to satisfy human needs.
Major natural resources of Assam:
- Forest resources: Provide timber, bamboo and wildlife.
- Water resources: Rivers support irrigation and transport.
- Mineral resources: Oil, coal and limestone support industries.
- Agricultural land: Fertile soil helps in crop production.
15. Name the major oil fields of Assam.
Answer:
- Digboi – the oldest oil field in India
- Naharkatiya
- Moran
- Lakwa
- Rudrasagar
16. Write briefly about the water resources of Assam.
Answer:
- Assam is rich in rivers, lakes and wetlands.
- Major rivers include Brahmaputra, Barak, Manas and Subansiri.
- These rivers help in irrigation and fisheries.
- They also support water transport and hydro-electric power.
- Water resources are vital for Assam’s economy.
17. What are the causes responsible for degradation of Assam’s natural resources?
Answer:
- Deforestation: Trees are cut for settlement and fuel.
- Overpopulation: Excess demand leads to overuse of resources.
- Flood and erosion: Destroy forests and fertile land.
- Shifting cultivation: Damages forest cover.
- Urbanisation: Causes pollution and land degradation.
18. How has the growing population of Assam put impact on the natural resources? Discuss.
Answer:
- Forest land is cleared for housing and farming.
- Water resources are overused and polluted.
- Wildlife habitats are destroyed.
- Agricultural land is degraded due to overuse.
- Natural resources are depleting rapidly.
19. Is the vast population of Assam a burden on the resources of the state?
Answer:
- Yes, the large population is a burden on resources.
- Limited resources cannot meet growing demand.
- Unemployment and poverty increase.
- Environmental problems become severe.
- Sustainable development becomes difficult.
20. According to you what steps need to be followed in creating human resource in Assam?
Answer:
- Education: Quality education builds skilled manpower.
- Skill training: Vocational training improves employment.
- Health care: Healthy people are more productive.
- Job creation: Industries and services should be expanded.
- Population control: Reduces pressure on resources.
21. Discuss briefly the role of agricultural sector on Assam's economy.
Answer:
The agricultural sector plays a very important role in the economy of Assam.
- Source of livelihood: A large section of the population depends on agriculture for employment.
- Food production: It supplies food grains such as rice, pulses and vegetables.
- Raw materials: Agriculture provides raw materials to agro-based industries like tea, jute and rice mills.
- Contribution to income: It contributes significantly to the state’s income.
- Rural development: Agriculture helps in the development of rural areas and reduces poverty.
22. What are the agro-climatic regions of Assam? Mention the characteristics of each of them briefly.
Answer:
Assam is divided into three agro-climatic regions:
-
Upper Brahmaputra Valley:
- Fertile alluvial soil
- Suitable for tea, rice and oilseeds
-
Central Brahmaputra Valley:
- Moderate rainfall
- Rice, pulses and vegetables are cultivated
-
Lower Brahmaputra Valley:
- Heavy rainfall and frequent floods
- Rice, jute and sugarcane are grown
23. What are the types of rice cultivated in Assam? Briefly write about these.
Answer:
The main types of rice cultivated in Assam are:
-
Ahu rice:
- Sown in March–April
- Harvested in June–July
-
Sali rice:
- Main crop of Assam
- Sown in June–July and harvested in November–December
-
Boro rice:
- Grown in winter using irrigation
- Harvested in April–May
24. Why is rice considered as the principal crop in Assam?
Answer:
Rice is considered the principal crop of Assam because:
- The climate is warm and humid with heavy rainfall.
- The fertile alluvial soil is suitable for rice cultivation.
- Rice is the staple food of the people of Assam.
- Maximum agricultural land is used for rice cultivation.
25. What are the pulses cultivated in Assam?
Answer:
The important pulses cultivated in Assam are:
- Gram
- Arhar (pigeon pea)
- Masur (lentil)
- Moong
- Black gram
These pulses provide protein and improve soil fertility.
26. Write briefly about jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation) carried out in Assam.
Answer:
Jhum cultivation is a traditional form of agriculture practiced in hilly areas of Assam.
- Forest land is cleared and crops are grown temporarily.
- After a few years, the land is abandoned due to loss of fertility.
- Crops like rice, maize and vegetables are grown.
- It causes deforestation and soil erosion.
27. What are the major aims of the Assam Industrial and Investment Policy, 2014?
Answer:
The major aims of this policy are:
- To promote industrial growth in the state
- To generate employment opportunities
- To encourage investment from private sectors
- To develop backward and rural areas
- To promote skill development and entrepreneurship
28. What do you mean by the term ‘service sector industries’? Briefly explain taking examples from Assam.
Answer:
Service sector industries provide services instead of producing goods.
- Examples include transport, tourism, banking, education and healthcare.
- In Assam, tourism at Kaziranga, transport services and banking are important service industries.
29. What are the major agro-based industries of Assam?
Answer:
The major agro-based industries of Assam are:
- Tea industry
- Rice mills
- Jute industry
- Sugar industry
- Oil mills
30. Write about the tea industry of Assam in brief.
Answer:
The tea industry is the most important industry of Assam.
- Assam is the largest tea-producing state in India.
- The climate and soil are ideal for tea cultivation.
- It provides employment to a large number of people.
- Assam tea is famous all over the world.
31. State the present status of the fish industry of Assam.
Answer:
The fish industry of Assam is developing gradually.
- Fish is an important food item of the people.
- Rivers, beels and ponds support fisheries.
- Fish production is still insufficient to meet demand.
- Government schemes are helping in development.
32. Mention the problems of agricultural development in Assam.
Answer:
The main problems are:
- Frequent floods damage crops.
- Small and fragmented land holdings.
- Lack of irrigation facilities.
- Use of traditional farming methods.
- Poor storage and transport facilities.
33. Why is the industrial development in the state still slow?
Answer:
Industrial development in Assam is slow due to:
- Poor infrastructure and power supply.
- Insurgency and political instability.
- Lack of capital and investment.
- Distance from major markets.
- Shortage of skilled labour.
34. Mention the problems of tourism industry of Assam.
Answer:
The tourism industry of Assam faces many problems.
- Poor transport and communication facilities.
- Lack of proper accommodation.
- Floods and natural disasters.
- Inadequate publicity.
- Security concerns.
35. What are the prospects for economic development of Assam?
Answer:
Assam has good prospects for economic development.
- Abundant natural resources like oil and forests.
- Scope for agricultural and agro-based industries.
- Growing tourism potential.
- Government support through industrial policies.
- Improved transport and connectivity.
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