Assam's history spans over two millennia, encompassing ancient kingdoms, medieval dynasties, colonial transformations, and modern political movements. For aspirants preparing for APSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, and other competitive examinations, Assam History MCQs form a crucial part of the syllabus. This article covers important events, dynasties, personalities, and movements that shaped Assam's journey from ancient times to the present day.
Understanding Assam's past helps aspirants answer questions on ancient Kamrup, the Ahom kingdom's 600-year rule, the Treaty of Yandaboo, colonial developments, and the state's role in India's freedom struggle. The questions below are curated to match the difficulty and pattern of various competitive exams.
Assam History MCQs
1. The ancient kingdom of Pragjyotishpur, mentioned in the Mahabharata and Kalika Purana, was located in which modern-day region?
- Lower Assam
- Western Assam (Kamrup region)
- Upper Assam
- Barak Valley
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. Western Assam (Kamrup region)
Explanation: Pragjyotishpur, also known as Pragjyotisha Kingdom or Kamrup, was an ancient kingdom centered in present-day Western Assam. It finds mention in the Mahabharata and Kalika Purana. The region corresponds to the modern Kamrup district and surrounding areas.
2. Who was the founder of the Ahom kingdom in Assam?
- Lachit Borphukan
- Piyoli Phukan
- Sukaphaa (Siu-ka-Pha)
- Rudra Singha
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: C. Sukaphaa (Siu-ka-Pha)
Explanation: Sukaphaa, a Tai prince from Mong Mao (present-day Yunnan, China), entered Assam in 1228 CE and established the Ahom kingdom at Charaideo. His arrival marked the beginning of the 600-year Ahom rule in Assam.
3. The Battle of Saraighat, a famous naval battle fought in 1671 CE, was between the Ahom kingdom and which empire?
- Mughal Empire
- British East India Company
- Maratha Empire
- Delhi Sultanate
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: A. Mughal Empire
Explanation: The Battle of Saraighat was fought between the Ahom kingdom led by Lachit Borphukan and the Mughal forces under Raja Ram Singh I. It took place near the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati. The Ahoms decisively defeated the Mughals, preventing their expansion into Assam.
4. Under which treaty did the British East India Company permanently acquire Assam in 1826?
- Treaty of Allahabad (1765)
- Treaty of Yandaboo (1826)
- Treaty of Bassein (1802)
- Treaty of Purandar (1776)
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. Treaty of Yandaboo (1826)
Explanation: The Treaty of Yandaboo, signed on February 24, 1826, between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Ava (Burma), ended the First Anglo-Burmese War. As per the treaty, Assam, along with Arakan and Tenasserim, was ceded to the British. This marked the beginning of British rule in Assam.
5. The Moamoria rebellion, a significant uprising in Assam's history, was primarily against which ruling dynasty?
- Koch dynasty
- Ahom dynasty
- Chutiya dynasty
- Baro Bhuyan
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. Ahom dynasty
Explanation: The Moamoria rebellion (1769–1805 CE) was a major uprising of the Moamoria sect of Vaishnavism against the Ahom monarchy. Led by the Moamoria religious leaders, the rebellion significantly weakened Ahom authority and paved the way for Burmese invasions and eventually British annexation.
6. Who was the Ahom commander popularly known as the “Tiger of Assam” for his heroic role in the Battle of Saraighat?
- Sukaphaa
- Lachit Borphukan
- Piyoli Phukan
- Bagh Hazarika
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. Lachit Borphukan
Explanation: Lachit Borphukan was the commander-in-chief of the Ahom army during the Battle of Saraighat (1671 CE). He is celebrated as a national hero in Assam for his strategic brilliance and patriotism. November 24 is observed as Lachit Diwas in his memory.
7. The first railway line in Assam was started between Dibrugarh and which other place in 1882?
- Guwahati
- Jorhat
- Ledo
- Tinsukia
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: C. Ledo
Explanation: The first railway line in Assam was started in 1882 between Dibrugarh and Ledo (approximately 30 miles) to facilitate the transportation of tea and coal. Later, the railway network expanded across the state. Assam's railway played a crucial role in the colonial economy, particularly for the tea industry.
8. The Treaty of Yandaboo (1826) was signed between the British and which kingdom?
- Ahom kingdom
- Kingdom of Ava (Burma)
- Koch kingdom
- Maratha Empire
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. Kingdom of Ava (Burma)
Explanation: The Treaty of Yandaboo was signed on February 24, 1826, ending the First Anglo-Burmese War. It was signed between the British East India Company and King Bagyidaw of the Kingdom of Ava (Burma). As per the treaty, Assam, Arakan, and Tenasserim were ceded to the British for 10 million rupees.
9. Who was the first Indian to be appointed as a Minister in the Assam Legislative Council in 1913?
- Gopinath Bardoloi
- Manik Chandra Baruah
- Syed Abdul Malik
- Chandra Kumar Agarwala
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. Manik Chandra Baruah
Explanation: Manik Chandra Baruah was the first Indian to be appointed as a Minister in the Assam Legislative Council in 1913. He was a prominent leader from Upper Assam and played a significant role in the early political movements of Assam.
10. The Assam Association, the first political organization in Assam, was founded in 1903 by whom?
- Gopinath Bardoloi
- Manik Chandra Baruah
- Padmanath Gohain Baruah
- Lakshminath Bezbaroa
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: C. Padmanath Gohain Baruah
Explanation: The Assam Association was founded in 1903 at Sivasagar with Padmanath Gohain Baruah as its first president. It was the first political organization in Assam, working for the welfare and political rights of Assamese people. Later, in 1921, the Assam Association merged with the Indian National Congress.
11. The Chutiya kingdom, which ruled parts of Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, was finally annexed by the Ahoms in which year?
- 1518 CE
- 1523 CE
- 1543 CE
- 1563 CE
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. 1523 CE
Explanation: The Chutiya kingdom was annexed by the Ahom king Suhungmung (1497–1539 CE) in 1523 CE. The Chutiya kingdom had ruled over areas of present-day Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. After the annexation, many Chutias were absorbed into the Ahom administrative and military system.
12. Piyoli Phukan was executed in 1830 for his role in which uprising against the British?
- Moamoria rebellion
- Bagh Hazarika's revolt
- Piyoli Phukan's rebellion
- Kolaamar revolt
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: C. Piyoli Phukan's rebellion
Explanation: Piyoli Phukan, son of Late Purnananda Burhagohain, led an armed rebellion against the British in 1830 to drive them out of Assam. He gathered a large force but the plot was betrayed. He was captured and executed on February 26, 1830, at Jorhat. His rebellion was one of the earliest armed struggles against British rule in Assam.
13. The ancient kingdom of Kamrup is associated with which famous temple mentioned in the Kalika Purana?
- Kamakhya Temple
- Umananda Temple
- Bhairabi Temple
- Navagraha Temple
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: A. Kamakhya Temple
Explanation: The Kamakhya Temple, located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, is one of the most famous Shakti Peethas. It is associated with the ancient kingdom of Kamrup and is mentioned in the Kalika Purana. The temple was reconstructed in 1565 CE by Naranarayana, the Koch king.
14. The Tungkhungia Ahoms were a sub-group of the Ahom dynasty. Who was the first Tungkhungia Ahom king?
- Sukaphaa
- Suhungmung
- Gobar Roja
- Rudra Singha
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: C. Gobar Roja
Explanation: The Tungkhungia Ahom dynasty was founded by Gobar Roja (also called Gobar Chandra) in 1681 CE after the defeat of the previous ruler. This dynasty ruled Assam until the end of Ahom monarchy. Notable Tungkhungia kings include Rudra Singha, Siva Singha, and Lakshmi Singha.
15. The Kolaamar Revolt of 1832–1833 CE in Assam was led by whom?
- Dhaneshwar Gam
- Birsa Munda
- Sukaphaa
- Bagh Hazarika
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: A. Dhaneshwar Gam
Explanation: The Kolaamar Revolt (1832–1833 CE) was led by Dhaneshwar Gam, a Kachari leader, against the British. The rebellion was primarily in the Kolaamar (now Kalasibari) area. It was brutally suppressed by the British, but it marked early tribal resistance in colonial Assam.
16. Who among the following was NOT a prominent leader associated with the Quit India Movement in Assam?
- Gopinath Bardoloi
- Bishnuram Medhi
- Lakshminath Bezbaroa
- Bardekanta Saikia
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: C. Lakshminath Bezbaroa
Explanation: Lakshminath Bezbaroa (1868–1938) was a literary genius and social reformer, but he passed away in 1938, before the Quit India Movement (1942). Gopinath Bardoloi, Bishnuram Medhi, and Bardekanta Saikia were actively involved in the Indian independence movement in Assam.
17. The Kamatapur kingdom, which ruled parts of Lower Assam and North Bengal, was founded by which dynasty in the 13th century?
- Ahom dynasty
- Koch dynasty
- Chutiya dynasty
- Baro Bhuyan
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. Koch dynasty
Explanation: The Koch dynasty, founded by Biswa Singha in 1515 CE, established the Kamatapur kingdom. It ruled over areas of present-day Lower Assam and North Bengal. Biswa Singha unified several tribal groups and established a powerful kingdom that later split into Koch Bihar and Koch Hajo.
18. Who was the Ahom king who adopted the title “Swargadeo” and was known for his administrative reforms and cultural patronage?
- Sukaphaa
- Suhungmung
- Rudra Singha
- Lachit Borphukan
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: C. Rudra Singha
Explanation: Rudra Singha (1696–1714 CE) was one of the most powerful Ahom kings. He adopted the title “Swargadeo” and was known for administrative reforms, military expansion, and cultural patronage. He established the Garhgaon as the capital and encouraged temple construction, including the famous Rang Ghar.
19. The Baro Bhuyan was a confederacy of twelve landlords that resisted which empire's expansion into Assam in the 16th century?
- Mughal Empire
- Ahom kingdom
- British East India Company
- Koch kingdom
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: A. Mughal Empire
Explanation: The Baro Bhuyan (meaning “Twelve Bhuyans”) was a confederacy of powerful landlords who resisted Mughal expansion into Assam during the 16th century. They played a significant role in defending Assam against the Mughals before the rise of the Ahom kingdom as the dominant power.
20. When was the Anchalik Sahitya Sabha Parishad, an important literary organization in Assam, founded?
- 1917 CE
- 1920 CE
- 1925 CE
- 1930 CE
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. 1920 CE
Explanation: The Anchalik Sahitya Sabha Parishad was founded in 1920 to promote Assamese language and literature in the greater Assamese-speaking areas. It later played an important role in the linguistic reorganization movement. The organization worked for the inclusion of Assamese-speaking areas in undivided Assam.
21. The Bagh Hazarika, a famous Ahom warrior, originally belonged to which community before being inducted into the Ahom army?
- Ahom community
- Mishing community
- Naga community
- Bodo community
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. Mishing community
Explanation: Bagh Hazarika (also called Dadha Hazarika) was originally from the Mishing community. He was inducted into the Ahom army by Lachit Borphukan due to his exceptional strength and valor. He became famous for carrying a baby elephant on his shoulders during the Battle of Saraighat.
22. The Ahom kingdom adopted which religion during the reign of Suklenmung (1539–1552 CE)?
- Buddhism
- Vaishnavism
- Hinduism
- Shaktism
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. Vaishnavism
Explanation: Vaishnavism began to spread in Assam during the reign of Suklenmung, the third Ahom king. However, it was during the reign of Suhungmung that the formal adoption began. The Neo-Vaishnavite movement initiated by Srimanta Sankardeva later became deeply influential in Assamese society.
23. Who among the following was NOT a Tungkhungia Ahom king?
- Siva Singha
- Lakshmi Singha
- Jayadhwaj Singha
- Sukaphaa
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: D. Sukaphaa
Explanation: Sukaphaa was the founder of the Ahom kingdom and belonged to the initial Ahom dynasty. The Tungkhungia Ahoms were a later sub-dynasty that started with Gobar Roja (1681 CE). Siva Singha, Lakshmi Singha, and Jayadhwaj Singha were all Tungkhungia Ahom kings.
24. The Assam Movement (1979–1985) was primarily launched to detect and deport which category of people?
- Bangladeshi infiltrators
- Nepali settlers
- Bihari migrants
- Rohingya refugees
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: A. Bangladeshi infiltrators
Explanation: The Assam Movement (1979–1985) was launched by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP) primarily to detect and deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from Assam. The movement culminated in the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985.
25. The Assam Accord was signed in 1985 between the Government of India and the representatives of the Assam Movement. Who was the Prime Minister of India at that time?
- Indira Gandhi
- Rajiv Gandhi
- Morarji Desai
- Charan Singh
Click to Reveal Answer
Answer: B. Rajiv Gandhi
Explanation: The Assam Accord was signed on August 15, 1985, between the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and the representatives of the Assam Movement (AASU). The accord provided for the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants who entered Assam after March 25, 1971.
Quick Revision Points
- Ancient Assam: Pragjyotishpur/Kamrup kingdom mentioned in Mahabharata; Kamakhya Temple is an ancient Shakti Peetha.
- Ahom Kingdom (1228–1826 CE): Founded by Sukaphaa; 600-year rule; capital at Charaideo and later Garhgaon.
- Battle of Saraighat (1671 CE): Lachit Borphukan vs Mughals; decisive Ahom victory; naval warfare on Brahmaputra.
- Treaty of Yandaboo (1826): First Anglo-Burmese War; Assam ceded to British; marked beginning of British rule.
- Moamoria Rebellion (1769–1805): Sectarian uprising against Ahom monarchy; weakened Ahom power.
- Piyoli Phukan (1830): Early martyr against British; executed for planning armed rebellion.
- Assam Association (1903): First political organization in Assam; founded by Padmanath Gohain Baruah.
- Assam Accord (1985): Ended Assam Movement; signed by Rajiv Gandhi; cut-off date March 25, 1971.
- Koch Dynasty: Founded by Biswa Singha in 1515 CE; ruled Kamatapur kingdom.
- Chutiya Kingdom: Annexed by Ahoms in 1523 CE; ruled Upper Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Assam History important for competitive exams?
Assam History is a significant portion of the APSC (Assam Public Service Commission) syllabus, including both APSC CCE and other state-level exams. It also forms part of Indian History for SSC, Banking, Railway, and UPSC examinations. Questions on Ahom kingdom, Treaty of Yandaboo, and Assam Movement are frequently asked.
How many years did the Ahom kingdom rule Assam?
The Ahom kingdom ruled Assam for nearly 600 years, from 1228 CE (arrival of Sukaphaa) to 1826 CE (when Assam was ceded to the British under the Treaty of Yandaboo).
What was the main cause of the Moamoria rebellion?
The Moamoria rebellion (1769–1805 CE) was primarily a sectarian uprising of the Moamoria Vaishnavites against the Ahom monarchy. The Moamorias felt discriminated against in the Ahom administrative and religious system, leading to a prolonged rebellion that severely weakened Ahom authority.
When is Lachit Diwas celebrated and why?
Lachit Diwas is celebrated on November 24 every year in Assam to commemorate the death anniversary of Lachit Borphukan, the Ahom general who defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat (1671 CE). It is observed to honor his patriotism, valor, and strategic brilliance.
What was the significance of the Treaty of Yandaboo for Assam?
The Treaty of Yandaboo (1826) ended the First Anglo-Burmese War and resulted in the cession of Assam, Arakan, and Tenasserim to the British East India Company. This marked the end of Ahom rule and the beginning of British colonial administration in Assam, transforming its political, economic, and social landscape.
What was the Assam Movement and what was its outcome?
The Assam Movement (1979–1985) was a popular mass movement led by AASU and AAGSP demanding detection and deportation of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The movement lasted six years, resulting in the Assam Accord (1985), which fixed March 25, 1971, as the cut-off date for detecting and deporting foreign nationals. It also led to the formation of political parties like AGP.
Who founded the Ahom kingdom and when?
Sukaphaa (also called Siu-ka-Pha), a Tai prince from Mong Mao (Yunnan, China), founded the Ahom kingdom in Assam in 1228 CE. He entered Assam with about 9,000 followers and established his capital at Charaideo.
What was the Kolaamar Revolt?
The Kolaamar Revolt (1832–1833 CE) was an early tribal uprising against British colonial rule in Assam. Led by Dhaneshwar Gam, a Kachari leader, the revolt took place in the Kolaamar (Kalasibari) area. It was brutally suppressed, but it marked one of the first instances of armed resistance against the British in Assam.
Name two important ancient kingdoms of Assam before the Ahoms.
The two important ancient kingdoms before the Ahoms were: (1) The Kamrup (Pragjyotishpur) Kingdom, ruled by the Varman and Pala dynasties; (2) The Chutiya Kingdom, ruling Upper Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, which was annexed by the Ahoms in 1523 CE.
When was the Assam Association founded and by whom?
The Assam Association was founded in 1903 by Padmanath Gohain Baruah. It was the first political organization in Assam, established at Sivasagar. In 1921, it merged with the Indian National Congress, strengthening the freedom movement in the state.
Conclusion
Assam History is a rich tapestry of ancient kingdoms, medieval resistance, colonial transformation, and modern political movements. From the legendary Ahom dynasty's 600-year reign to the struggles against British colonialism and the modern Assam Movement, each era offers valuable lessons in governance, resistance, and cultural identity. Regular practice with these MCQs will help aspirants strengthen their grasp of Assam's historical timeline and perform better in examinations. For more practice on related topics, explore our sections on Indian History and Assam GK.
