SEBA Class 10 Social Science Chapter 9 in English Geography of Assam

SEBA Class 10 Social Science Chapter 9 in English Geography of Assam | Geography of Assam Class 10 Question Answer | Class 10 Social Science Question Answer in English Chapter 9 As Per New Syllabus to each Chapter is provided in the list of SCERT, NCERT, SEBA Class 10 Social Geography Part 2 Chapter 9 Question Answer in English/Class 10 Social Chapter 9 Question Answer in Geography of Assam.

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Class 10 Social Science Chapter 9 Geography of Assam

SEBA Class 10 Social Science Question Answer Chapter 9 Geography of Assam। Social Science Guide for Class 10th Chapter 9 in English | Also Same NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social In this post we have tried to explain to you that Class 10 Social Science Question Answer Chapter 9 in English. If you are a teacher or Student of English Medium, then this is for you. Notes for Class 10 Social Science In English Medium can be very beneficial। Ncert/Scert Social Class 10 Chapter 9 Please read this carefully. By studying this SEBA Class 10 Social Science Question Answer Chapter 9 carefully, you can get good marks in your upcoming examination.

Chapter 9 Geography of Assam

Part: II Geography

TEXTUAL EXERCISE & ANSWERS

1. Write briefly about Assam’s land area, population and population density with necessary data.

Ans. The extends from 24°09′ N to 27°58’N latitude and 89°42′ E to 96°01’E longitudes. It covers 2.4% of Indian’s total area. i.e. about 78.438km².

According to census of India 2011 about 2.6% population of India live in Assam. Total population of Assam is 312.05 lakh out of which 159.39 lakh male and 152.66 lakh female.

According to the census data the population density of Assam was only 42 person per km² in 1901. In 2001 census population density in Assam increase to 340 persons per km² and in 2011 census. Population increase to 398 persons per km² in Assam.

2. Briefly mention how the literacy rate of Assam is increasing.

Ans. According to 2001 census the literacy rate of Assam was 63.25% and it increased to 72.19% in 2011.

3. How many first class and second class towns area there in Assam as per 2011 census data?

Ans. As per 2011 census data there are 7 first class and 6 second class towns in Assam.

4. Describe the trends of population growth in Assam during 1901-2011.

Ans. Population is a dynamic entity. Alongwith population, its distribution and composition are also continuously changing. The growth and change of population takes place by three ways- birth rate, death rate and migration. Population is growing in all the countries and states of the world.

In a developing country like India the growth of population is generally high. Like the other states of India population is also increasing in Assam. The data on population growth in Assam from 1901 to 2011 are presented in under mentioned table.

According to the data of the table, Assam’s population was 3,289,680 in 1901 which is 1.38 percent of India’s population. Population of the state was gradually increasing in every decade since 1901 and it stood at 6,694,790 in 1941. It is noticed that Assam’s population increased by more than two times during 1901-41. In 1941 its population was 2.10 percent of the country’s total. Looking at the decadal growth rate it is seen that during 1901-11, the population growth rate was 16.99 percent. But after that, during 1911-21 the growth rate increased to 20.48 per cent. However, in the subsequent decades, the growth rate remained more or less same, such as 19.90 per cent in 1921- 31, 20.40 per cent in 1931-41 and 19.93 per cent in 1941-51. But during post Independence period since 1951, the population of the state increase at faster rate.

Especially, during the two decades 1951-61 and 1961-71, the growth rate of population increased to 34.98 per cent and 34.95 per cent respectively against that of the previous two decades. But, the growth of population declined slowly during the next decades which is evident from the tabulated data for the decades 1971-81, 1981-91, 1991-2001 and 2001-2011. This slow decline in population growth rate may be attributed to gradual decrease in birth rate and also the little control of migration from Bangladesh due to growing awareness of the public and the governments in recent years. Comparative data on decadal growth of population in Assam and India during 1901-2011 are presented in the following table-

Table-Trend of Population Growth in Assam (1901-2011)

Years	Population	Percentage of India’s population	Decadal Growth Rate (in percentage)	Population (in percentage)
1901	3,289,680	1.38	–	42
1911	3,848,617	1.52	16.99	49
1921	4,636,980	1.84	20.48	59
1931	5,560,371	1.99	19.90	71
1941	6,694,790	2.10	20.40	85
1951	8,028,865	2.22	19.93	102
1961	10,837,329	2.46	34.98	138
1971	14,625,152	2.66	34.95	186
1981*	18,041,248	2.64	23.36	230
1991	22,414,322	2.65	24.24	286
2001	26,655,528	2.59	18.92	340
2011	31,205,576	2.58	17.07	398

5. Analyse the geography region wise distribution of population in Assam.

Ans. Besides population growth, another important aspect is population distribution. Looking at the population distribution pattern of the state, it is observed that distribution of population and settlements is not uniform in all the regions or places. In some regions population is more and its density is also more, while in other regions population is less and density is sparse.

Generally, more settlements and population in a region indicate high density of population. Similarly, the sparse settlements and less population in a region indicate low density of population there.

According to the census data the population density of Assam was only 42 persons per km2 in 1901, i.e., during the beginning of the 20th century. As time passed, population density started to grow along with population increase and the same grew by two times in 1941 (85 person per km²) as compared to 1901.

Just after the Independence, i.e., in 1951 the density of state population increased to 102 persons per km². In the subsequent period, population density increased substantially. It is seen from the table that population density was 286 in 1991, 340 in 2001 and 398 persons per km² in 2011.

Population distribution is not same in all the regions of the state depending on the varied physical environments prevalent in different regions. So, population density is also not same in all the regions. Generally, the regions having no favourable physical conditions, and developed economic and transport system have sparse settlements and less population.

As against this, the regions have high population density where the favourable physical and economic conditions prevail. In the data on population and its density in the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys and also the hill region of Assam during 2001 and 2011 are presented. In the Brahmaputra valley population is thick due to its plain land, fertile soils and favourable conditions for development of agriculture and transport. So, about 85 percent of Assam’s population live in the Brahmaputra Valley. Its population density was 1220 persons per km² in 2001 and this increased to 1502 persons per km² in 2011.

The Upper Brahmaputra Valley region is inhabited by about 21 per cent of the population of the valley accounting for population density of 371 persons per km² according to 2011 census. On the other hand, about 27 per cent of the population of the valley live in the Middle Brahmaputra Valley region which accounts for population density of 50 persons per km² in 2011. Similarly, the Lower Brahmaputra Valley region is inhabited by about 36 percent population of the valley.

Geographical region-wise population distribution in Assam (2001-2011)

6. Briefly discuss the causes responsible for variation in the distribution of Assam’s population with suitable examples.

Ans. There are many important which are responsible for the variation distribution of the people in Assam.

These are:

(i) The physical environment of the place

(ii) The developed economy

(iii) Economic and transport system

(iv) Social and cultural factors etc.

The Brahmaputra and Barak Valley are thickly populated due to its:

(i) Plain land, (ii) Fertile soils and, (iii) Favourable condition for economic development such as agricultural and transport system and communication facility.

Because of all these facilities about 85% population of Assam live in the Brahmaputra valley. According to the 2011 census, the density of population 371 in upper Brahmaputra, 500 persons in middle Brahmaputra and 631 persons in lower Brahmaputra.

On the other hand, Borak Valley also densely populated because of its fertile plain land with favourable conditions for transport and communication and agricultural production. The density of population is 545 persons in the valley.

7. Mention the districts of Assam which have highest population and density and lowest population and density as per 2011 census data.

Ans. Following are the highest and lowest population and highest and lowest density districts of Assam:

(i) Highest population district – Nagaon district.

Lowest population district – Dima Hasao.

(ii) Highest density district – Kamrup (Metro) district.

Lowest density district – Dima Hasao.

8. Analyse briefly the causes responsible for growth of population in Assam.

Ans. There are many causes responsible for growth of population in Assam.

These are:

(i) The natural growth of population,

(ii) The large-scale migration into the state from outside.

The natural growth of population mainly depends on birth and death rates. The birth and death rates of Assam’s population are not much difference with the average rates of Indian rate of population. If there was no large scale migration of Assam from the out side foreign country, the growth rate of Assam’s population would have not taken place at 80 high rate. So the migration from the outside is regarded as the main cause of population growth in the state of Assam.

9. Mention the different human migration streams sequentially coming to Asssam since the ancient times to the present.

Ans. Each flow of migration to Assam taking place from different region can be recognised as a human stream.

The social scientists have the opinion that the first human stream migrated to Assam was probably the Austric growth of people. They came from South-East Asia. The Khasis and Jaintias widely inhabited in Meghalaya state belong to this Austric group. Some of these people are found to live in the areas of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao bordering Meghalaya.

The second human stream coming to Assam after the Austiric group was the Tibeto Barman language speaking Mongoloid people. These people came across the Himalaya from central Asia and settled in different parts of Assam. Almost all the tribes except this Khasis presently residing in Assam are basically of Mongoloid origin.

The Indo Aryan language speaking group of people migrated to Assam from the Mangalic plain just after the flow of the Mongoloid people. They are originally of Cacucasiod racial stock. The Brahmins, Kayasthas, Kalitas, Nath-Jogi, Koibartas etc. are the people of this racial group.

In the early part 13th century another group of Islamic people of Ind-Aryan origin came to Assam under Mahammad Bin Bakhtiar Khiliji, a Muslim General of Kutubuddin on their way to Tibet. The expanded their settlement gradually and established Muslim society and culture in the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley.

Another important ethnic group who migrated to Assam was the Ahoms. The Ahoms basically belong to the Mongoloid stock. They came to Myanmar from China and then in 1228 under the leadership of Seu-Ka-Pha the Ahoms came across the Patkai hills, from the Shan Plateau of Northern Myanmar. They settled first in upper Assam and established the Ahom kingdom. Presently, the Ahoms have their settlements mainly in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Lakipmur and Dhemaji district of Upper Assam region and also in Morigaon, Nagaon and Sonitpur district of middle Assam region.

An important human stream to Assam was the migration of the landless Muslim peasants from the East Bengal. This migration continued from about the last decade of 19th century to just before the Independence. At first under the patronage of the landlord’s of the undeveloped Goalpara district and later on the interest of the administrators the landless peasant of the East-Bengal migrated to Assam and settled in the vast fertile land and sparsely populated region.

In this way as mentioned above, the people of various ethnic groups have been migrating to Assam from different places since ancient period to the present.

10. Give the ethnic identity of the Ahoms.

Ans. Another important ethnic group who migrated to Assam was the Ahoms. TheAhoms basically belong to the Mongoloid stock. They came to Myanmar from China and then in 1228 under the leadership of Seu-Ka-Pha the Ahoms came across the Patkai hills from the Shan plateau of northern Myanmar. They settled first in upper Assam and established the Ahom kingdom. Later on, they brought almost the entire Brahmaputra Valley under their rule. The Ahoms ruled for about six hundred years and made substantial contributions to the society and culture of Assam. Presently, the Ahoms have their settlements mainly in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji district of upper Assam region and also in Morigaon, Nagaon and Sonitpur district of middle Assam region.

11. Briefly state how the transport system of Assam has been helping the states economy.

Ans. Presently transport is an essential component of economic development. Besides, establishing communications and linkages among different regions, a good transport system helps in the exchange of resources, knowledge, culture and civilization. In addition to the of employment opportunities, a country may attain overall development through an efficient transport system. A well co-ordinated transport system covering land, water and air ways is the life line of a country. The development of economic sectors like agriculture, industry, commerce, communication etc. depends on efficient transport system. The transport system, besides in the economic sectors plays an important role in the development of social, cultural and political fields of a country. A well developed transport system strengthens national integration and unity amidst inequalities, variations and diversities prevalent in a country.

Assam is the gateway of the North-East India. Through this gateway the states of North-East India are maintaining links with entire India. So, the economic development of North-East India is closely associated with the development of the transport system of Assam. Again as Assam stands geographically at a distant location within India, the transport system has become one of the essential requisites for its economic development. The available transport systems of Assam are the road transport, rail transport, water transport and air transport. But there is more scope for development of these transport systems.

12. Write a short note on water transport in Assam.

Ans. The water transport system of Assam is basically the inland water transport system. Assam is a land of rivers. The Brahmaputra and Barak and their numerous tributaries, which account for 32 per cent of the total water resources of India are serving as the waterways of the the state. The 891 km. long course of the Brahmaputra from Sadiya to Dhubri and 121 km. long course of the Barak are navigable. The navigable waterway of the Brahmaputra (891 km. long) was declared in 1988 as the second National Waterway of the country. This waterway has been contributing much to the economic development of entire North-East India including Assam.

On the other hand, the 121 km. long waterway of the Varak river extending from Lakhipur to Bhanga was declared by the central government in 2013 as the 6th National Waterway of the country. This waterway is expected to be helpful in enhancing the economic development of the entire North- East India, especially Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh by transporting goods through ships at cheaper rate. There are two government agencies which are engaged in promoting the water transport system of Assam. These two agencies are the Central Inland- waterways Corporation and the Directorate of Inland Water Transport.

The main responsibilities of these two agencies are the effective utilization of water resources in water transport, transportation of goods and passengers using waterways as the cheapest mode of transport, proper use of the waterways of the region on commercial basis etc.

There are a number of river ports including Pandu along the Brahmaputra river. In addition to these, there are more than 30 pairs of ferry ghats on the Brahmaputra for transporting both passengers and cargo. At present, as many as 96 ferry services are operating on the river Barak, Brahmaputra and its tributaries under the three divisions of the Inland Water Transport.

Besides, the IWT department has introduced 61 numbers of cargo cum passenger services in the state connecting the interior places where road communications are not available. Moreover, large number of ferry and bhoot-bhoot services of private owners are also operating under unorganised sector for transporting goods and passengers.

The advantages of the inland water transport of Assam are:

(a) There are more scope and opportunities for expansion of the water transport system in Assam being a land of rivers.

(b) Expenditure for fuel in water transport is less as compared to other modes of transport.

(d)The inland water transport has been serving for the transport of goods and passengers within the state.

(e) Like the road transport, the water transport has no such problem of air pollution.

(f) The water transport system has been extending help to the people of places backward in road communication for movement of goods and passengers.

(g) During natural disasters, especially flood in the state the water transport plays an important role.

(h) There are no problems like repairing, maintenance, road construction etc. in the case of water transport system, because the natural rivers and streams are used as waterways.

13. Mention the five major causes which are regarded as hindrance to the development of transport system of Assam.

Ans. The five major causes which are regarded as hindrance to the development of transport system of Assam are:

(a) It is really difficult to expand the transport system in Assam which is characterised by varied topographic features like hills, plateaus, plains, floodplains, wetlands etc.

(b) Assam is linked with the mainland of India through a narrow corridor on the west and this has caused difficulties in the expansion of transport network.

(c) In some areas the soil properties of Assam are not suitable for construction and maintenance of roads. Moreover, high rainfall during summer causes damage to the roads easily. Also, the roads get damaged within a short period as no suitable and modem technologies are applied in their construction..

(d) In the case of industrial development, Assam is still backward as compared to some other states of India. One of the major causes for this is the underdeveloped transport system of the state. But, the industrial development, on the other hand may encourage the development of the transport system.

(e) In spite of immense scope and potentiality for development of tourism industry in Assam, no proper measures are taken so far for its development. If due importance is given on the development of tourism industry of the state, it is sure that the transport sector will also flourish altogether.

(f) Due to lack of large market in the state the transport system has not developed. Assam has largely failed to be actively associated with the field of trade and commerce at inter-state as well as international level and consequently the infrastructure of transport system has not been developed.

(g) The national and foreign investment in the state shows a declining trend due to some social and political unrest arising out of ethnic, communal and insurgency problems emerging from time to time. As a result, the expansion of trade and commerce has become limited and the transport sector has suffered a lot.

(h) Although the transport system has developed quantitatively, its qualitative expansion is not upto the mark. Lack of operative and technical efficiency is usually noticed in the case of road, railway, water and air transport.

(i) In order to achieve overall development of the transport system, there is the utmost need for proper transport co-ordination among the road, railway. water and air transport. But, lack of such co-ordination is commonly observed in the state.

(j) Rapid development of transport sector has not become possible in the state, because the schemes undertaken by the governments for development and expansion of transport system are not executed in time and in proper way.

14. What do you mean by the term resource? What are the major natural resources of Assam?

Ans. Resources are those materials and substances present in our environment using which we meet our needs and desire. Resources are mainly of two types- Natural resources and human and man-made resources. The natural resources are created in nature by the natural factors. Some natural resources are renewable while other are non-renewable.

The natural resources of Assam are created under its favourable environmental conditions. As the natural environmental conditions vary from regions to regions, the natural resources also vary term of their types, characteristics and distributional patterns over the regions. Assam has a large varieties of natural resources and the major ones are land resources, forest resources, mineral resources and water resources.

15. Name the major oil field of Assam.

Ans. Major oil field of Assam are- (i) Digboi oilfield, (ii) Naharkatia oil field. (iii) Moran-Hugrijan oil field, (iv) Rudrasagar oil field, (v) Lakoa oil field, (vi) Geleki oil field, (vii) Borhola oil field, (viii) Amguri oil field, (ix) Duliajan oil field.

16. Write briefly about the water resources of Assam.

Ans. The North-East India including Assam is rich in water resources. Assam has plenty of surface and ground water resources. High rainfall, perennial water flows of the rivers, water of the ponds, marshes, wetlands etc. have all enriched the surface water resource of the state. The Brahmaputra and Barak- the two main rivers and their tributaries of the state altogether carry about one-third of the water resources of the country. Besides some large and small marshes and pits Assam has more than three thousand wetlands. Various types of fishes and different species of aquatic plants are found in these wetlands and marshy lands.

The surface water, especially the water of the rivers are utilized in the industrial and transport sectors in addition to agricultural and domestic uses. The ground water resources are also abundant in the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys. In the plains the underground water level exists within a range of 5 metre from the surface. Like the surface water, the underground water resources are also used in agricultural, industrial and domestic purposes. In spite of plenty of surface as well as groundwater resources in the state, these are not yet tapped and utilized and desired level.

17. What are the causes responsible for degradation of Assam’s natural resources?

Ans. The natural resources are degraded not only by human factors but also by natural factors. Generally man have misconception that natural resources are the free gift of nature we can uses as we wise.

There are three major problems arises:

(i) Resources get polluted and damaged,

(ii) Resources become scarce and

(iii) Severe environmental land socio economic problems arise.

Natural resources are essential for sustaining the existence of mankind as well as standard of living. But the natural resources of Assam are now not so protected. The resources are getting degraded day by day. The causes are: (i) The development of transport communication system, industry and energy sector effect the forest resources, (ii) The highest growth of population, (iii) Urbanization, deforestation impact the severe degradation of natural resources,

(iv) Indiscriminate use of resources by human being etc.

18. How has the growing population of Assam put impact on natural resources?

Ans. Natural resources are essential for sustaining the existence of mankind as well as standard of living. There is, in fact a misconception among us that natural resource is the free gift of nature. With such misconception in mind man haphazardly uses the natural resources.

As a result, three major problems arise, such as:

(a) Resources get polluted and damaged

(b) Resources become scarce and

The natural resources of Assam are now not so protected. The resources are getting degraded day by day. At present the human-induced factors have become more active and influential than the natural factors.

Population of Assam has increased at faster rate during last few decades. As a result, pressure of population on natural environment is increasing. Growth of population has led to expansion of human settlements and increase in food crop production. Man has started to settle by clearing forests and also filling up the wetlands etc. Moreover, fertile alluvial agricultural lands are being used for human settlements.

In this way the valuable resources like the forest areas, marshy lands, wetlands, agricultural lands etc. are gradually decreasing due to expansion of human settlements. Land use pattern has changed under population pressure on land and land has been put to some misuses. Because of this, problems like land erosion, loss of land fertility, soil pollution etc. are created.

Again, the agricultural lands are needed as emphas is is given to increase food crop production due to increasing population. But the agricultural lands go on deceasing as these are also used for human settlements.

So, man has expanded agricultural activities by converting the forest lands and wetlands into agricultural lands. Moreover, the natural properties of cropland soils are lost due to use of high amount of chemical fertilizers with the purpose to increase crop production.

Like the land resources, the forest resources of the state are also affected by human activities. If the on-going forest destruction process is not checked by now, the forest resources of the state will soon disappear. Massive environmental problems would emerge if the forests become insufficient to maintain the ecological balance in the state. Similarly, the mineral resources are being increasingly used especially for the development of the transport, industry and energy sector and one day these non-renewable resources would be certainly exhausted.

Presently the dimension of man’s economic activities has increased. The processes of urbanization and industrialisation in the state have progressed gradually and there are some direct and indirect impacts of these process on the natural resources. If urbanization and industrialisation continue without proper planning, the air, water and land resources will be polluted. Now it has been realised that natural resources of the state should be utilized properly and rationally and for this, resource planning is very essential. Misuse of resources should be checked by conserving them through proper planning and only then the overall development of the state can be achieved.

19. Is the vast population of Assam a burden (Problem) or resource for the state? Discuss.

Ans. It is a fact that the fast growing population has become a burden the state. Population problem has created many problems of the state. If the population problem is not controlled and the large population can not be developed as human resources, the population will assume serious dimension.

Assam’s population as per 2011 census is about 31 million and this accounts for 2.58 per cent of the total population of the country. Overall literacy rate of the state is 73 per cent and the male and female literacy rates are 78 per cent and 67 per cent respectively.

Again rural and urban literacy rates are 70 per cent and 88 per cent respectively. Looking at the age-wise population structure, it is seen that the population of India as well as Assam is not ageing as in the case of Japan or China.

Importantly about 35 per cent or more than 10 million people of Assam are in the age group from 15 to 34 years. It is certainly good that the youth is dominating the Assam’s population. The youth in the age group between 15 years and 34 years represents a major portion (more than one-third) of the state population. This youth force should be made efficient in education, intelligence, technical know-how etc. through proper management.

Besides, the weaker sections of the people, especially the poor communities, differently disabled persons and women should be empowered and only then human resource development is possible in the true sense. It is the time to plan about how the large population of the state can be developed to human resource before being the burden for the state. Now, this is the great challenge before all of us.

20. According to you what steps need to be followed in creating human resources in Assam?

Ans. From my point of view, following steps to be taken in creating human resource in Assam.

(i) Proper provisions should be made by the govt. to minimize unemployment problem of Assam.

(ii) The govt should take strong steps to stop child labour or child trafiking and free education should be given for them under proper supervision.

(iii) Women employment should be developed. Preferences should be given to common in different sectors. Principles on “Save girl chid’ should be work out.

(iv) Proper provisions should be made available for weaker section of society, minorities, disable person, poor communities. Scholarship should be made available to them.

(v) Vocational, technical and computer education should be expanded from secondary level of education.

(vi) Job opportunities should be made available for aged women, widows and unmarried women.

(vii) Special care unit should be opened in educational institution for human resource development.

(viii) NGO’s and other social service organisation should take project on development of human resources specially weaker section and women.

21. Discuss briefly the role of agricultural sector on Assam’s economy.

Ans. Assam is an agricultural state. Majority of its people (about 75 per cent) are engaged in agricultural activities. Agriculture is the foundation of Assam’s economy and the agricultural sector is the main driving force of its economy. The agricultural sector has been playing an important role in the development of state economy. More than 53 per cent of the working population of Assam are directly or indirectly engaged in the agricultural sector.

According to the Agricultural Census, Assam a total of 28.11 lakh hectares of lands were cultivated in Assam during 2010-11, which is about 88 per cent of the total land available for cultivation. Like in the other states of India, the majority of the farmers of Assam cultivate on small plots of land. About 85 per cent of the farmers of the state are small and marginal farmers.

Amount of rainfall and temperature, soil types and topographical characteristics are not same in all places of Assam. As a result, there are variations in crop varieties, production, methods of agriculture etc over the region.

Therefore, the whole of Assam has been divided into six agro-climatic zones based on variation in soil types and properties topographical characteristics, and rainfall and temperature distribution over the state.

Rice is the principal .crop in Assam. Rice is cultivated in all the agro- climatic zones, i.e all the districts of the state. Rice was cultivated in an area of 25.45 lakh hectares during 2011-12 and about 50.45 lakh metrictonnes of rice were produced.

Three types of rice are cultivated in Assam, such as Autumn rice, Winter rice, and Summer rice. Among these the winter rice (sali rice) is extensively cultivated. It is cultivated in about 70 per cent areas of the total rice growing areas of Assam. Winter rice grows well in the fertile alluvial soils of the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley.

Besides rice, the other principal food crops of the state are wheat, maize and different varieties of pulses. Blackgram, greengram, lentil, pea, arahar, gram etc. are the pulses which were cultivated in 1.32 lakh hectares of land during 2011-12 with a total production of 0.76 lakh metrictonnes.

Again oilseeds like-mustard, sesamum, linseed, castor etc. were grown in 2.76 lakh hectare of lands and a total of 1,56 lakh metrictonnes was produced. Among the other crops vegetables and fruits were cultivated respectively in 2.66 and 1.36 lakh hectares of lands. On the other hand, potato and spices were grown each in equal amount of lands (0.98 lakh hectares).

Jute has been extensively cultivated in Assam by the farmers migrated from East Pakistan (Now Bangladesh). It is cultivated mostly on the floodplains of the middle and lower Brahmaputra valley. Presently jute cultivation has declined to some extent. Although jute was cultivated in 0.88 lakh hectares of lands during 1995-96, its cultivation came down to 0.66 lakh hectares during 2011-12.

22. What are the agro-climate region of Assam? Mention the characteristics of each of them in brief.

Ans. The agro-climate region of Assam are:

(i) Lower Brahmaputra valley zone

(ii) North bank plain zone

(iii) Central Brahmaputra Valley zone

(iv) Upper Brahmaputra valley zone

(v) Bark valley zone

(vi) Hill zone.

(i) Lower Brahmaputra valley zone: The Lower Brahmaputra valley zone comprising ten districts including Kamrup has 9.30 lakh hectors cultivated land and out of this 4.69 lakh hectar (50.43%) of areas are shown more than once.

(ii) North Bank plain zone: In the North Bank Pain zone covering five districts including-

Darrang about 5 37 lakh hectares of lands are cultivated out of which 3.36 lakh hectares of lands (62.57%) are used for raising more than one crop.

(iii) Central Brahmaputra valley zone: The central Brahmaputra valley zone have respectively 3.28 lakh hectares of cultivated lands. Out of 0.86 lakh hectares (26.21%) of lands in the central zone of lands are used for sowing more than once.

(iv) Upper Brahmaputra Valley zone: The upper Brahmaputra Valley zone have respectively 6.20 lakh hectares of cultivated lands. Out of 1.94 lakh hectares (31.29%) of lands in the upper Brahmaputra valley zone of lands are used for sowing more than once.

(v) Barak valley zone: In the Barak valley zone covering Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi district, all total 2.42 lakh hectares of lands are cultivated out of which 1.02 lakh hectares of land (42.15%) are used to grow more than one crop.

(vii) Hill zone: The Hill Zone comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hassao district has all total 1.54 lakh hectares of cultivated land where the area sown more than once covers about 1.01 lakh hectares of lands. (65.58%)

In Assam as a whole, total cultivated area (Net Cropped Area) amounts to 28.11 lakh hectares during 2010-2011 out of which the area sown more than once is 12.88 lakh hectares (45.82%).

23. What are the types of rices cultivated in Assam? Briefly write about these.

Ans. There are three types of rice cultivated in Assam.

These are:

(i) Autumn rice (ii) Winter riec (iii) Summer rice.

(i) Autumn rice: Autumn rice is called the Ahu rice. Autumn rice is cultivated in the fertile soils of the plains and it is extensively cultivated, especially in the lower parts of the Brahmaputra Valley. This type of rice is grown using both sowing and plantation methods. It is first cultivated during February-March and harvested during June-July.

(ii) Winter rice: Winter rice is called the Sali raice. It is extensively cultivated almost all agricultural zones in Assam. It is cultivated in about 70% areas of total rice growing area of Assam. Winters rice grows well in the fertile alluvial soils of the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley. Using plantation method this rice is cultivated during July-August and crops are harvested during November-December.

(iii) Summer rice: Summer rice is called the Bodo rice. Summer rice is cultivated more or less in all the district of Assam. This rice in grown generally in the low lying areas during the winter months and harvested during the summer months of June-July just before flood comes. Since the winter rice is become more popular among the farmers living in the flood- affected regions.

24. Why is rice considered as the principal crop in Assam?

Ans. Rice is considered as the principal crop in Assam. Because:

(i) Rice is cultivated in all the agro-climetic zones and all the district of Assam.

(ii) Rice is the principal flood gain of the Assamese people.

(iii) The production of rice is more than in any other crops.

(iv) Rice is cultivated area of 25.45 lakh hectares and produced about 50.45 lakh metrictones as data based on 2011-2012.

(v) Rice is cultivated in all the agro-climatic zones. i.e. all the districts of the state.

(vi) As the 70% of total land in Assam are concerned to rice production.

(vii) The three types of rice are cultivated in Assam. These types of rice are completely covered the total population of Assam in regard to their main food.

25. What are the pulse cultivated in Assam?

Ans. Blackgram, Greengram, lentil, Pea, arhar gram etc pulses are the cultivated in Assam.

26. Write briefly about Jhum cultivation (Shifting cultivation) carried out in Assam.

Ans. The agro-climatic zone in the hills of Assam covering Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao hill district is chiefly characterised by jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation). About 66 per cent area of Karbi Anglong district and 85 per cent area of Dima Hasao are covered by hills. In these hills, jhum cultivation is practised. Jhum cultivation spans over about 5452 km² area of Karbi Anglong district and 2597 km² area of Dima Hasao district.

Generally, the tribal people carry out jhum cultivation with traditional methods by burning and clearing the forests on the suitable slopes of the hills. When soil fertility gets reduced after carrying out jhum cultivation on a plot of land for several years together, a new plot of land is selected for jhum cultivation. Jhum cultivation characterised by its shifting nature is very closely associated with the society, culture and living style of the hill tribes.

Although this type of cultivation is a type of mixed agriculture, it fails to give good production. Some environmental problems like forest destruction, soil erosion, loss of soil fertility etc. have cropped up due to this method of cultivation. So, there arises a need for eco friendly practice of jhum cultivation and more essentially efforts should be made to popularise the practice of terrace cultivation instead of jhum cultivation among the tribal people of the hills.

27. What are the major aims of the Assam Industrial and Investment policy, 2014.

Ans. The major aims of the Assam Industrial and Investment policies 2014 are:

(a) To increase the Gross Domestic product to the state by developing the manufacturing and service sectors along with various economic activities.

(b) To increase the per capita income and employment opportunities in the state, especially in the rural areas.

(d) To create large number of skilled personnel.

28. What do you mean by the term ‘Service sector industries’? Briefly explain taking examples from Assam.

Ans. The ‘Service sector Industries’ are those industries which service can be given to the public. For example: Trade, transport and communication, tourism industry, hotel business, banking and insurance services all types of business, public administration etc.

29. What are the major agro-based industries of Assam?

Ans. The major agro-based industries of Assam are- tea industry, silk industry, rubber industry, paper industry, fishery industry, food processing industry, etc.

30. Write about tea industry of Assam in brief?

Ans. Tea industry is the largest agro-based industry of the state. Assam has earned a good name in tea industry not only in India but also in the world. This industry plays an important role in state economy. Assam alone produces more than half of the total tea production of India. Tea industry in Assam has flourished due to luxuriant growth of tea under favourable climatic conditions.

Assam has a total of 765 tea estates and also 78,091 small tea gardens with area less than 10.12 hectares as per data of 2012. Tea is cultivated in Assam in a total of 318 thousand hectares of land.

About 500 thousand tonnes of tea were produced in 2009 and it increased to 590 thousand tonnes in 2012. A large number of people are now employed in tea industry. More than 6.86 lakhs people are engage on daily average in the tea industry of Assam.

According to an another source of the Tea Board of India, the small tea growers of the state now cultivate tea in about 88 thousand hectares of land and produce about 107 thousand tonnes of tea. The leading position of Assam in tea production in India. Assam has earned the glory of producing 51 to 53 percent alone of the total tea production of India during 2001-2012.

Comparative data on Tea production in Assam and India

31. State the present status of the fish industry of Assam.

Ans. Presently fishery is gradually gaining importance in the economic sector of Assam. There is immense prospect for fishery development in the state. Assam is a star full of rivers and tributaries. Fishes are found in its rivers, wetlands, abandoned channels, marshes, waterbodies etc. Plenty of fishes are naturally available in the wetlands of the Barak and Brahmaputra plains and floodplains.

Fish production can be increased by multiplying fish population in these wetlands through scientific methods and plans. In spite of more demand for fish and more scope for fish production in the state, the vast wetlands and waterbodies are not properly utilized for producing fishes.

As per 2011-12s data, there are 430 government registered wetlands in the state covering about 60 thousand hectare areas. Again, there are another 767 non-registered wetlands covering a total of 40 thousand hectares of area. In addition to these wetlands, a large number of tanks, marshylands, waterbodies etc. are regarded as the fish producing grounds.

During 2011-12 all total about 4490 million fish seeds were produced from 3.94 lakh hectare of fishing ground and in the same period 2.44 lakh tonnes of fishes were produced in the state. It is observed that production of fish seeds increased by 2.5 times and fish production increased only by 1.5 times during the last ten years.

District-wise production pattern of fish seeds during 2011-12 reveals that Barpeta district is the highest producer of fish seeds in the state and Karimganj and Nagaon district have attained the second and third position respectively. Similarly, Nagaon district ranks first in fish production in the state during the year, while Cachar and Dhubri district occupy the second and the third position respectively. The fishery sector nominally contributes to the state domestic products, which is only two per cent. Fish production in the state is not satisfactory in spite of tremendous prospects. At present, Assam imports about 0.26 lakh tonnes of fish annually from other states of the country. But, the amount of fish produced in the state as well as imported from outside is not sufficient to meet the domestic demand. As a result, there is an annual deficit of 0.52 lakh tonnes of fish in the state and so the price of fish has increased more and more.

32. Mention the problems of agricultural development in Assam.

Ans. The problems of agricultural development in Assam are:

(a) Traditional agriculture in the plains and jhum cultivation in the hills are still practised through the age-old methods.

(b) The agricultural lands of the farmers are fragmented into small plots, where it is difficult to use the modern agricultural implements and techniques.

(d) Rice is extensively cultivated in the state and it has its significant impact on agro-economy, But, no due importance is given on application of modern agricultural methods for development of rice cultivation.

(e) Agriculture of the state is badly affected by flood and bank erosion Annually crops of more than 25 per cent croplands of the state are damaged by flood and large areas of fertile alluvial lands are also lost annually due to river bank erosion.

(f) In order to protect the agricultural activities as well as the farmers from severe drought, there is no proper agricultural planning.

(g) Crop protection and crop harvesting methods are not developed.

(h) Facilities for crop preservation, especially for the food crops are very limited.

(i) Farmers have become poor, because there is no provision that the farmers can directly get the reasonable price for the crops they produce.

(j) Farmers are in want of facilities for easily obtaining high quality seed, necessary fertilizers, agricultural implements and loans at subsidised rates.

(k) There is lack of developed communication and transport system linking the interior agricultural regions with the markets of towns and cities.

(l) The agricultural sector and the agro-based industrial sectors are not progressing parallely.

(m) There is limited use of comparatively low cost electricity in mechani-zation of agriculture. and

(n) The overall infrastructure actually lacks in the state for agricultural development of the state.

33. Why is the industrial development in the state still slow?

Ans. Like the agricultural sector, the industrial sector has also important role in economy. But, the ongoing industrialization process in the state is slow in spite of having more prospects.

The main reasons for this are:

(a) There is lack of integrated planning for industrial development through proper utilisation of the natural resources of the state.

(b) Progress of development of agro-based industries is limited and slow in spite of more prospects.

(d) Insufficient capital.

(e) In proportion to demand and requirement, supply and distribution of energy is not adequate.

(f) No proper planning to generate enterprising zeal among the local people.

(g) There is lack of a simple and flexible industrial policy in the state.

(h) Investment in industrial sector is not satisfactory, because the investors from outside are not so interested to invest, especially due to insurgency problem arising in the state.

(i) In spite of plenty of prospects, the tourism industry of the state is not so developed due to problems like inadequate capital investment. underdeveloped transport system, lack of environment to attract foreign tourists, poor infrastructure of the tourist spots etc.

(j) Due to lack of proper storage for preservation of perishable agro-products, the food processing industry has not developed much.

(k) Above all, there is lack of necessary infrastructure for industrial development in the state.

34. Mention the problems of tourism industry of Assam.

Ans. The problems of tourism industry are mentioned below:

(i) Lack of adequate capital investment in tourism development of the state.

(ii) Lack of transport and strong communication system to meet the need of the foreign tourists.

(iii) Poor infrastructure, poor accommodation, poor hotel and inn for foreign tourists.

(iv) Weak security system of Assam is also another problem.

(v) Lack of proper preservation of historical monuments wildlife, national properties bird sanctuary it hindrances in the development of Assam tourism.

(vi) Unconsciousness of public about the tourism is another problem. People are not awake about to save wildlife of Assam.

(vii) Lack of proper maintenance of tourist spot fails to catch the eye of tourists. Govt has failed to sanction proper aid for the maintenance of tourism.

There is no International Airport to directly came to Assam. The Railway System of Assam is non standard.

35. What are the prospects for economic development of Assam?

Ans. The economy of Assam is mainly depend on agriculture. About 75% people of Assam lives on agriculture. Application of modern agricultural method recently has developed this sector to a limited extent. As a result the production has increased. Food crops are grown up to a remarkable extent. Among them, tea, jute, sugarcane, fruits and vegetable, fishing, rice etc. Rice is extensively cultivated in Assam. Now a days tea and Veg Rice has made strong contribution to the economy of Assam. Efforts are being made to increase the production, efforts are made to promote necessary importance for endutrialisation the small scale tea cultivation is also developed properly. Industries like oil refinary, cement industry, Paper Mill, handicraft industry, metal industry etc are developed in Assam. Assam also rich in mineral resources and ample scope available to develop these industries to a great extent. In future these industries coill rise the economic development of Assam. For this proper plan, necessary fund, human resources it should be made available by the govt.

Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the correct answer:

1. The total area of Assam-

(a) 76.334 s km.

(b) 77.338 s km.

(d) 79.438 sq km.

Ans. (c) 78.438 s km.

2. The percentage of Assam’s population to the India’s total as per census is-

(a) 2.39%

(b) 2.69%

(d) 3.29%

Ans. (c) 2.59%.

3. In respects of race the largest district of Assam is-

(a) Kokrajhar.

(b) Karbi Anglong.

(d) Cachar.

Ans. (b) Karbi Anglong.

4. The hill and Mountain ranges of Dima Hassao district in Assam.

(a) The Lushai mountain ranges.

(b) The Patkai mountain ranges.

(d) The Barail mountain ranges.

Ans. (c) The Meghalaya.

5. The national Highway (NH) that connect Guwahati with Shillong is-

(a) NH52

(b) NH 40

(d) NH 31

Ans. (b) NH40.

6. In which National Park of Assam we find wild-horse and white winged duck?

(a) Nameri National park.

(b) Manas National park.

(d) Dibru Saikhowa National park.

Ans. (d) Dibru Saikhowa National park.

6. Which one of the following population groups follows Buddhism-

(a) Khassi

(b) Adi

(d) Karbi

Ans. (c) Khamti

25. First stream of human migration to Assam was-

(a) Austric group of people.

(b) The Tibeto-Burman language Speaking Mongoloids.

(d) The Koch Rajbongshi.

Ans. (a) Austric group of people.

Very Short Type questions and Answers:

1. Which National Park is famous Wild-horse and for white-winged duck?

Ans. Dibru-Saikhowa national park.

2. When was BTAD formed?

Ans. In 2003, 30th October.

3. Name one major cash crop produced in the Barak Valley.

Ans. Tea or Sugarcan

4. How many population of Assam according to Census 2011?

Ans. 26,655,528.

5. How many administration districts of Assam at present?

Ans. 31 districts.

6. Name the largest district of Assam in term of land area.

Ans. Karbi Anglong (10,434 s km)

7. How many towns and villages are there in Assam according to Census, 2011?

Ans. Town-102, Village-26247.

8. Name the hill region of Dima Hasao.

Ans. Bariale hill region.

9. In which part of Assam tropical evergreen forest is pridominantly found?

Ans. In the foot hills of North-east part of Assam boundary of Arunachal and Nagaland.

10. How many Indian states share boundary with Assam?

Ans. There are seven Indian states share boundary with Assam.

11. With how many foreign countries does Assam share her boundary?

Ans. Assam shares her boundary with two foreign countries.

12. Name the state which is in the North of Assam.

Ans. Arunachal Pradesh is in the north of Assam.

13. Name the states which is in the South of Assam.

Ans. Mizoram and Meghalaya are in the South of Assam.

14. Name the states which is in the east of Assam.

Ans. West Bengal and Tripura are in the east of Assam.

15. Name the states which is in the west of Assam.

Ans. Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram are in the west of Assam.

16. Name the Country which is in the north of Assam

Ans. Bhutan is in the north of Assam.

17. Name the country which is in the west of Assam.

Ans. Bangladesh is in the west of Assam.

18. Name the state which is called the gate way of North-East India.

Ans. Assam is called the gateway of North-Eastern.

19. What is the latitude of Assam that extends from?

Ans. Assam extends from 24°09′ N to 27°58′ N latitude.

20. What is the longitude of Assam that extends from?

Ans. Assam extends from 89°42’E to 96°01’E longitude.

21. What is the total area of Assam?

Ans. The total area of Assam is 78,438 S Km.

22. What percent of India’s total area covered by Assam?

Ans. Assam covered by 2.4% of India’s total area.

23. What percent of population of India live in Assam as per 2011 census?

Ans. According to census of India 2011 about 2.6% population of India live in Assam.

24. What was the total population of Assam as per 2011 census?

Ans. The total population of Assam as per 2011 census was 312.05 lakh.

25. What was the total male population of Assam as per 2011 census?

Ans. The total male population of Assam as per 2011 census was 159.39 lakh.

26. What was the total female population of Assam as per 2011 census?

Ans. The total female population of Assam as per 2011 census was 152.66 lakh

27. What was the literacy rate of Assam as per 2001 census?

Ans. The literacy rate of Assam as per 2001 census was 63.25%.

28. What was the literacy rate of Assam as per 2011 census?

Ans. The literacy rate of Assam as per 2011 census was 72.19%.

29. What was the sex ratio of Assam as per 2001 census?

Ans. The sex ratio of Assam as per 2001 census was 935.

30. What is the sex ratio of Assam as per 2011 census?

Ans. The sex ratio of Assam as per 2011 census is 958.

31. What was the rural percentage of population as per 2001 census?

Ans. The rural percentage of population as per 2001 census was 87%.

32. What was the rural percentage of population as per 2011 census?

Ans. The rural percentage of population as per 2011 census was 85.90%.

33. What was the urban percentage of population as per 2001 census?

Ans. The urban percentage of population as per 2001 census was 12.90%.

34. What was the urban percentage of population as per 2011 census?

Ans. The urbal percentage of population as per 2011 census was 14.09%.

35. What is the population of Guwahati as per 2011 census data?

Ans. The population of Guwahati as per 2011 census data is 9,68,549.

36. Which is the most urban centre of Assam?

Ans. Guwahati is the most Urban centre of Assam.

37. Name the second highest and third highest population of Assam.

Ans. Second-Silchar town of Barak Valley.

Third-Dibrugarh town of upper Brahmaputra.

38. Which is the most populous town among the six second class town of Assam?

Ans. Dhubri is the most populous town among the six second class towns of Assam. (65,756 person).

39. Which town is the second of the five second class town of Assam?

Ans. Diphu is the second of the six second class towns of Assam.

40. What was the population of Assam as per 1901 census data?

Ans. The population of Assam as per 1901 census data was 3,289,680.

41. What was the population of Assam as per 1941 census data?

Ans. The population of Assam as per 1941 census data was 6,694,790.

42. What was the total population of Assam as per 2001 census data?

Ans. The total population of Assam as per 2001 census data was 26,655,528.

43. What is the total population of Assam as per 2011 census data?

Ans. The total population of Assam as per 2011 census data is 31,205,576.

44. What is the population density of Assam as per 1901 census data?

Ans. The population density of Assam as per 1901 census data was 42 person per S Km.

45. What is the population density of Assam as per as 1941 census data?

Ans. The population density of assam as per 1941 census data was 85 person per S km.

46. What was the population density of Assam as per 1951 census data?

Ans. The population density of Assam as per 1951 census data was 102 person per S km.

47. What was the population density of Assam as per 1991 census data?

Ans. The population density of Assam as per 1991 census data was 286 person per S Km.

48. What was the population density of Assam as per 2001 census data?

Ans. The population density of Assam as per 2001 census data was 340 person per s km.

49. What is the population density of Assam of per 2011 census data?

Ans. The population density of Assam as per 2011 census data is 398 person s km.

50. What is the population density of the Brahmaputra Valley as per 2011 census data?

Ans. The population density of the Brahmaputra Valley as per 2011 census data is 1502 person per s km.

51. What is the population density of the upper Brahmaputra Valley as per 2011 census data?

Ans. The population density of the upper Brahmaputra Valley as per 2011 census data is 371 persons per s km.

52. What is the population density of the Middle Brahmaputra Valley as per 2011 census data?

Ans. The population density of the middle Brahmaputra valley as per 2011 census data is 500 persons per s km.

53. What present of the Brahmaputra Valley’s population live in the lower Brahmaputra Valley region as per 2011 census data?

Ans. 36% of the Brahmaputra Valley’s population live in lower Brahmaputra valley region as per 2011 census data.

54. What is the population density of the lower Brahmaputra valley region as per 2011 census data?

Ans. The population density of the lower Brahmaputra Valley as per 2011 census data is 631 persons per s km.

55. What is the population density of the Barak Valley as per 2011 census data?

Ans. The population density of the Barak Valley as per 2011 census data Is 545 persons per s km.

56. What is the population density of Kamrup(Metro) as per 2011 census data?

Ans. The population density of Kamrup (metro) as per 2011 census data is 2010 persons per s km.

57. What is the population density of Dima Hasao as per 2011 census data?

Ans. The population density of Dima Hasao as per 2011 census data is 44 persons per s km.

58. Name the first human stream migrated to Assam.

Ans. Austric.

59. Write two human streams involved with Austric.

Ans. Khasi and Jaintias.

60. Name the 2nd human stream migrated to Assam.

Ans. Tibeto-Bruman language speaking Mongoloid people.

61. Write the 2nd largest populated human stream of Assam.

Ans. Mishing.

62. Name the Karbi’s living land (home).

Ans. Karbi Anglong.

63. Name the third largest tribe on the Basis of population size?

Ans. Karbi.

64. Which district we find the Kuki and Hmar people.

Ans. Dima Hasao Districts.

65. When did the Islamic people come to Assam?

Ans. The Islamic people came to Assam in the early part of 13 century.

66. Under whom, the Islamic people came to Assam?

Ans. The Islamic people came to Assam under a Muslim General of Kutubuddin.

67. Who was Muhammad Bin Bakhtiar Khiliji?

Ans. Muhammad Bin Bakhtiar Khiliji was a Muslim General of Kutubuddin.

68. When did Ahoms come to Assam?

Ans. Ahoms came to Assam in 1228 AD.

69. Which stock do the Ahoms belong to?

Ans. The Ahoms belongs to the Mongoloid stock.

70. Who led the Ahoms to Assam?

Ans. Seu-Ka-Pha led the Ahoms to Assam

71. From where did the Ahoms to Assam.

Ans. The Ahoms came to Assam from the Shan Valley of Myanmar.

72. From where did the British bring the labourers to work in the tea gardens?

Ans. The British brought the labourers to work in the tea gardens from the chotangpur plateau of central India.

73. Which language is spoken by the tea tribes?

Ans. The languages which is spoken by the tea tribes is Mundari group of languages.

74. Which religion has greater population in Assam?

Ans. Hindus religions.

75. How many Hindu Population represented of the total state population according to Census of India, 1991?

Ans. 67.13%

76. How many Hindu population represented of the total population according to census of India, 2001?

Ans. 64.91%.

77. How many percentage of Nepali speaking people in Assam?

Ans. 2.30%.

78. Where is the Head quarter of North-East frontier Railway?

Ans. The Head quarter of North-East frontier Railway is at Maligaon,Guwahati.

79. Which is the total road length of Assam in 2011-13?

Ans. The total road length of Assam in 2011-13 was 52099.22 km.

80. What is the total length of rail lines in Assam during 2012-13?

Ans. The total length of the rail lines in Assam during 2012-13 was 2458.93 km.

81. When did the navigable waterway of the Brahmaputra declare as second National Waterway?

Ans. The navigable waterway of the Brahmaputra (891 km long) was declared in 1988 as the second national waterway of the country.

82. Name the 6th national waterway of Barak Valley.

Ans. The 121 km long waterway of the Barak river extending from Lakhimpur to Bhanga was declared by the central government in 2013 as the 6th National waterway of country.

83. How many percentage of the total lands of Assam brought under cultivation as per data of 2009-10.

Ans. As per data of 2009-10 about 35% lands the total lands of Assam were brought under cultivation.

84. What is the total forest areas of Assam as per 2011 census data?

Ans. The state Forest Report of India 2011 has revealed that Assam has a total forest areas of 16,832 km² which is about 34% of its total geographical area.

85. How many National parks in Assam?

Ans. There are five national parks in Assam.

86. How many wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam?

Ans. There are 20 wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam.

87. How many percent of the total forest areas fall under the reserved forest?

Ans. About 72% of the total forest areas of the state fall under the reserved forest.

88. Which is known is liquid gold?

Ans. Mineral oil is known as liquid gold.

89. Which is the oldest oil field in India?

Ans. Digboi is the oldest oil field in India.

90. What is the principal crop in Assam?

Ans. Rice is the principal crop in Assam.

91. In which year the north-east industrial investment promotion policy was declared?

Ans. The North-East Industrial Investment Promotion Policy announced in 2007.

92. In which year the State Industrial policy of Assam declared?

Ans. The government of Assam has industrial scheme by announcing the state Industrial Policy in 2008.

93. Where is the food processing park located in Assam?

Ans. The food processing Park located at Chaygaon in Assam.

94. What is the another name of Muga Silk?

Ans. Golden silk.

95. How many looms are there in Assam at present?

Ans. At present there are more than 13 lakh looms in Assam.

96. Name the largest agro-based Industry of Assam.

Ans. Tea industry in the largest agro based industry of the State.

97. How many hectares of land cultivated by tea in Assam?

Ans. Tea is cultivated in Assam in a total of 318 thousand hectares of land.

98. Which district was the highest producer of fish during 2011-12?

Ans: Nagaon was the highest producer of fish during 2011-12.

99. Which district were the 2nd and 3rd position of fish producer during 2011-12?

Ans. 2nd- Cachar district; 3rd- Dhubri.

100. Which district was the highest produce of fish seeds during 2011-12?

Ans. District-wise production pattern of fish seeds during 2011-12 reveals that Barpeta district is the highest producer of fish seeds in the state.

101. When was the first exploration of oil production started in Assam?

Ans. The first exploration of oil production started in Assam in 1889 at Digboi.

102. When was the oil explored and production started in Naharkatia oil field?

Ans. The oil was explored and production started in Naharkatia oil field in 1954.

103. When was the oil production started in Moran-Hugrijan oil field?

Ans. The oil was production started in Moran-Hugrijan oil field in 1956.

104. In which National Park Royal Bengal Tiger is found?

Ans. In Manas National Park of Barpeta district.

105. Name the biggest town of Karbi Anglong district.

Ans. Diphu is the biggest town of Karbi-Anglong district.

Short Type Questions and Answers

1. What surrounds the Assam?

Ans. The Assam is surrounds by:

Northern: Arunachal Pradesh and foreign country Bhutan.

Southern: Mizoram and Meghalaya.

Eastern: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur.

Western: West Bengal, Tripura and foreign country Bangladesh.

2. How is Assam linked with the rest of India geographically?

Ans. Assam is linked with the rest of geographically through a narrow land corridor on the west which is about 50 km.

3. Why is Assam called the gateway of North-East India?

Ans. The entire north eastern region is connected with India through the narrow landmass of Assam and so, Assam is called the gateway of north-East India.

4. Name the first class towns of Assam.

Ans. There are seven first class towns of Assam as per 2011 census data.

They are:

(i) Guwahati

(ii) Silchar

(iii) Dibrugarh

(iv) Jorhat

(v) Nagaon

(vi) Tinsukia

(vii) Tezpur 2.5. Name the second class towns of Assam.

Ans. There are six second class towns in Assam as per 2011 census data.

They are: (i) Dhubri, (ii) Diphu, (iii) North Lakhimpur, (iv) Karimganj, (v) Sibsagarh, (vi) Goalpara.

6. Where is Dhubri located? What is the urban population of Dhubri as per 2011 census data?

Ans. Dhubri is located in the Lower Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. census data.

The urban population of Dhubri is 65,756 as per 2011.

7. How population has grown and changed?

Ans. The growth and change of population takes place by three ways:

(i) Birth rate (ii) Death rate and (iii) Migration.

8. Name the district created in 2011.

Ans. There are four district created in 2011.

They were:

(i) Chirang (ii) Kamrup (Metro) (iii) Baska and (iv) Udalguri.

9. Name the district of upper Brahmaputra valley that have population density more than the average density of Assam.

Ans. Lakhimpur and Sivasagar are the districts of upper Brahmaputra valley that have population density more than the average density of Assam.

10. Name the district of Middle Brahmaputra Valley that have population density more than the average density of Assam.

Ans. Morigaon, Nagaon, Darrang and Udalguri.

11. Name the district of Barak Valley that have population density more than the average density of Assam.

Ans. The district of Barak Valley that have population density more than the average density of Assam are – Karimganj, Hailakandi and Cachar.

12. Write two causes of the growth of population in Assam?

Ans. The two causes of the growth of population in Assam are:

(i) Natural growth of population.

(ii) The large scale migration into the state from outside.

13. Name the different tribes of Mongoloid living in the Assam.

Ans. The different tribes of Mongoloid living in the Assam are- Bodo, Mishing, Rabha, Tiwa, Deori, Sonowal Kachari, Mech, Barmans of Cachar, Karbi, Dimasa Kachari, Garo, Kuki, Hmar, Hajong, Rengma Naga and Zeme Naga.

14. Name the tribes that are recoginsed as plain tribes

Ans. The tribes that are recognised as plain tribes are – Bodo, Mishing, Rabha, Tiwa, Deori, Sonowal, Kachari, Mech and Barmans of Cachar.

15. Name the tribes that are recognised as hill tribes.

Ans. The tribes that are recognised as hill tribes are Kachari, Garo, Kuki, Hmar, Hajong, Rengma and Zeme Naga. Karbi, Dimasa.

16. In which part of Assam, do we find Bodos.

Ans. Bodos are mainly founds to the north Bank of the Brahmaputra, especially in Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Baska and Udalduri district and the northern parts of Darrang and Sonitpur districts.

17. Mention the district where we find Mishings.

Ans. The districts where we found Mishing are:

Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Jorhat and Sonitpur districts.

18. Mention the districts where we find Rabha.

Ans. The district where we found Rabha tribes are:

Goalpara, Kamrup and Darrang districts.

19. Mention the places where we find the Tiwas.

Ans. Tiwa, Lalung are mostly found in Morigaon and Nagaon district of middle Assam and also in Sonapur region of Kamrup districts, Dhemaji region of Dhemaji district and Titabor region of Jorhat district.

20. Mention the district where we find the deories.

Ans. The districts where we found the Deories are-Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar and Jorhat district.

21. Mention the districts where we find the Sonowal Kachari.

Ans. The district where we found the Sonowal Kacharı are:

Upper Assam region, especially in Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Tinsukia, Jorhat and Golaghat districts.

22. Mention the districts where we find the Mech.

Ans. The districts where we found the Mech are:

South salmara of Goalpara district, Khowang of Dibrugarh districts and Parakhowa of Karbi Anglong district.

23. Mention the districts where the find the Karbis.

Ans. The districts where we found the Karbis are:

Kamrup, Nagaon, Sonitpur and Dima Hasao districts.

24. Mention the places where we find the Garos.

Ans. The Garos have their settlements along the southern parts of Dhubri, Goalpara and Kamrup district bordering the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.

25. Mention the places/districts where we find the Hajongs.

Ans. The Hajong mainly live in the Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts. Some settlements of the Hajongs are found in Goalpara districts along the Meghalaya border.

26. Mention the districts where we find the Rengma Naga people.

Ans. The Rengma Naga people are found to settle in the hilly region between Chokihola in the north and Barpathar in the south of Karbi Anglong district.

27. Mention the places where we find the Zeme Naga people.

Ans. The Zeme Naga people are found in north eastern part and south Maibong area of Dima Hasao districts.

28. Name a group of people in Assam that belongs to the Caucasian stock.

Ans. The Kalitas, Kayasthas, Brahmins etc. belong to the Caucasian stock.

29. In which part of Assam, do we find Ahoms?

Ans. The Ahoms have their settlements mainly in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh Sibsagar, Jorhat. Golaghat, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji district of upper Assam region and also in Morigaon, Nagaon and Sonitpur district of middle Assam region.

30. Whom did the British bring for carrying out their administrative economic and commercial activities?

Ans. The British brought skilled persons from Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan etc. for carrying and their administrative economic and commercial activities.

31. How many Assamese speaking people and Bengali speaking people are there in Assam according to 1991 data?

Ans. In 1991 Assamese speaking population and Bengali speaking population are 57.29% and 21.51% respectively of the Assam, total population.

32. How many Hindi speaking population of Assam had in censused during 1991-20017?

Ans. As per census data the Hindi speaking population of the state had increased from 3.43% to 6.40% during 1991-2001.

33. Name the districts where we find the Nepali?

Ans. The Nepalis are found in Sonitpur, Nagaon and Tinsukia district.

34. What are the available transport system of Assam?

Ans. The available transport system of Assam are:

(i) Road transport

(ii) Rail transport

(ii) Water transport

(iv) Air transport.

35. How many types of roads are there in the roads transport system of Assam? Name them.

Ans. There are total seven types of roads in the roads transport system of Assam.

They are:

(i) surface road

(ii) unsurface road

(iii) National Highway

(iv) State Highway

(v) Major district roads

(vi) Rural roads

(vii) urban roads.

36. What are the total length of Broad Gauge lines and Meter Gauge lines in Assam during 2012-13?

Ans. The total lengths of Broad Gauge lines and Meter Gauge lines in Assam during 2012-13 were- Broad Gauge-1470.06 km; Meter Gauge – 988.87 km.

37. How much long navigable waterway of Brahmaputra and Barak from Sadia to Dhubri?

Ans. The 891 km long course of the Brahmaputra from Sadia to Dhubri and 121 km long cause of the Barak are navigable.

38. How many government agencies are there which are engaged in promoting the water transport of Assam? Name them.

Ans. There are two government agencies which are engaged in promoting the water transport of Assam.

They are:

(i) The Central Inland Waterways corporation

(ii) The Directorate of Inland water Transport (IWT)

39. What is the responsibility of the government agencies in the context of the water transport system of Assam?

Ans. The main responsibilities of the government agencies are:

(i) The effective utilization of water resources in water transport

(ii) Transportation of goods and passengers using waterways as the cheapest mode of transport.

(iii) Proper use of the waterways of the region on commercial basis etc.

40. Name the major minerals of Assam?

Ans. The major minerals of Assam are:

(i) Coal

(ii) Mineral oil

(iii) Natural gas

(iv) limestone.

41. Name the tall trees found in the forest of Assam?

Ans. Nahar, Bonchom, Cham, Sirish, Ok, Amari, Agaru, Poma, Simul, Khair etc are the tall trees found in the forest of Assam.

42. Name the animals that are found in the forest in Assam.

Ans. One-horned rhino, elephants, tigers, bears, wild buffaloes, deers, monkeys, reptiles etc are the animals are found in the forest in Assam.

43. Where is coal found in Assam?

Ans. Coal is found in Assam:

(i) Makum region of Dibrugarh district,

(ii) Dilly-Jaipur region under Dibrugarh and Sibsagar district.

(iii) Charaipung-Tarajan region of Tinsukia districts.

(iv) Kaliajan and Silbheta region of Karbi-anglong district.

(v) Umrangchu and Garampani region of Dima Hasao district etc.

44. Where is limestone found in Assam?

Ans. Limestone is found in Assam:

(i) Kaliajan- Manza region, Dilai hill, Silbheta region and eastern part of Bokajan of Karbi-Anglong district.

(ii) Panimur, Garampani, Tombung and Umrangchu region of Dima Hasao district.

45. Where is Iran ore found in Assam?

Ans. Iran ore is found in:

(i) Chandardinga, Lengupara and Kumari region of Goalpara district.

46. Where is Fuller’s clay found in Assam?

Ans. Fuller’s clay found in Assam:

Subankhata on the bank of Pagladia river and also in Bhutan Khati region of Nalbari district.

47. Where is China clay found in Assam?

Ans. China clay found in Assam:

Silbheta, Silonijan and Deopani region of Karbi Anglong district.

48. Where is quartz found in Assam.

Ans. Quartz found in Assam:

Jiajuri hill, Borhola, Chapanala and western part of Karbi-Anglong district.

49. Where is Felspar found in Assam.

Ans. Felspar is found in little amount at Hahim area of Kamrup district.

50. What are the problems arise due to man’s haphazard use of the natural resources?

Ans. The problems arise due to man’s haphazard use of the natural resources are:

(i) Resources get polluted and damaged

(ii) Resources become scarce

(iv) Severe environmental and socio-economic problems arise.

51. How much rice cultivated area and produced are there in Assam during 2011-12.

Ans. During 2011-12 rice was cultivated in an area of 25.45 lakh hectares and about 50.45 lakh metrictonnes of rice were produced.

52. How much area of Karbi Anglong and Dima-Hasao covered by Jhum cultivation?

Ans. Jhum cultivation spans over about 5452 km² area of Karbi Anglong district and 2597 km² area of Dima Hasao district.

53. How many commercial and industrical estates have been establish in different district of Assam under the central and state industrial policies?

Ans. Presently, as many as 64 commercial estates/areas and 50 industrial estates/areas have been established in different district of Assam under the central and state industrial policies.

54. Mention the places where we find the Industrial Growth centre?

Ans. There are three industrial growth centres are established at:

(i) Balipara of Sonitpur district.

(ii) Matia Goalpara district.

(iii) Chaygaon Patgaon of Kamrup district.

55. Where are the eleven Integrated Infrastructure Development centres set up?

Ans. The eleven Integrated Infrastructure Development centres set up in Assam are:

(i) Silapathar (Dhemaji)

(ii) Bandardewa (Lakhimpur)

(iii) Dalgaon (Darrang)

(iv) Rangia (Kamrup)

(v) Malinibil (Cachar)

(vi) Demow (Sibsagar)

(vii) Naltoli-Bhomoraguri (Nagaon)

(viii) Parbotipur (Tinsukia)

(ix) Titabor (jorhat)

(x) Tihu (Nalbari)

(xi) Cherfangguri (Kokrajhar).

56. What are the different types of the Industries of Assam?

Ans. The Industries of Assam can be broadly divided into five types:

(i) Mining industries

(ii) Handicraft industries

(iii) Agro-based industries

(iv) Power Industries

(v) Service Sector industries.

57. Name the industries under the Mining Industries sector.

Ans. The industries which are under the Mining Industries sector are:

(i) Oil and natural gas industry

(ii) Coal industry

(iii) Limestone industry.

58. Name some industries under the Handicraft Industries sector.

Ans. The industries which are under the Handicraft Industries sector are:

(i) Handloom and textile industries

(ii) Bamboo-cane industries

(iii) Brass and bell metal industries

(iv) Pottery industry.

59. Name some industries under the Agro-based and allied industries sector.

Ans. The industries which are under the Agro-based and Allied industries sector are:

(i) Tea industry

(ii) Silk industry

(iii) Rubber industry

(iv) Food processing industry

(v) Paper industry

(vi) Forestry industry.

Allied industries are:

(i) Fishery

(ii) Animal husbandry etc.

60. Name some industries under the power industries sector.

Ans. The industries which are under the power Industries sector are:

(i) Hydropower industry.

(ii) Oil-coal-gas based energy industry.

61. Name some industries under the service sector Industries?

Ans. The industries which are under the service sector Industries are:

(i) Trade.

(ii) Transport and communication.

(iii) Tourism industry.

(iv) Hotel business.

(v) Banking and insurance services.

(vi) All types of business.

(vii) Public administration etc.

62. How many kinds of silks are produced in Assam?

Ans. There are three kinds of silk produced in Assam-

(i) Eri.

(ii) Muga.

(iii) Mulberry yarn (pat).

63. As per 2012 how many tea estates and small tea estates are there in Assam?

Ans. Assam has a total 765 tea estates and also 78,091 small tea gardens with area less than 10.12 hectares as per data of 2012.

64. As per 2011-12 how many govt registered and non-registared wetlands in Assam?

Ans. There are 430 government registered wetlands and 767 non- registered wetlands as par 2011-12 census data.

65. Name the second and third highest fish seeds districts of Assam.

Ans. 2nd Karimganj district, 3rd Nagaon.

66. Name some cash crops in Assam.

Ans. The major cash crops in Assam are: tea, jute, sugarcane and tobacco.

67. How many medium scale and small scale industries in the state?

Ans. There are more than 100 medium scale and about 17,500 small scale industries in the state.

68. Name some handloom and handicraft industries in Assam.

Ans. The main handloom and handicraft industries in Assam are: Eri, Muga and pat textiles, bamboo cane industries, brass and bell material industries.

69. The the biggest and second biggest city of Assam.

Ans. The biggest city of Assam in Guwahati and second biggest.

70. Name the location of two cotton mills of Assam? city is Jorhat.

Ans. The cotton Mill of Chariduar in Sonitpur district and chandrapur in Kamrup district.

Long Questions and Answers:

1. Give the ethnic identity of the Mongoloid people.

Ans. The second human stream coming to Assam after the Austric group was the Tibeto-Burman language speaking Mongoloid people. These people came across the Himalayas from Central Asia and settled in different parts of Assam. Almost all the tribes except the Khasis presently residing in Assam are basically of Mongoloid origin.

The different tribes of Mongoloid living in the hills and plains of Assam mainly include the Bodo, Mishing, Rabha, Tiwa, Deori, Sonowal Kachari, Mech, Barmans of Cachar, Karbi, Dimasa Kachari, Kuki, Hmar, Hajong, Rengma Naga and Zeme Naga. Among these tribes the Bodo, Mishing, Rabha, Tiwa Deori, Sonowal Kachari, Mech and Barmans of Cachar are recognised as plain tribes, while the Karbi, Dimasa Kachari, Garo, kuki, Hmar, Hajong, Rengma and Zeme Naga are recognised as hill tribes.

However, the Koch-Rajbongshis residing in Assam basically are of Mongoloid origin. The distribution of Mongoloid people in the state reveals that they generally live in the plains and near the river banks, foothills and hill slopes. Among all these tribes, the Bodos form the largest tribal group on the basis of population size.

2. Write six main advantage of road transport systems?

Ans. The main advantages of road transport are:

(a) Road transport is convenient, fast and reliable.

(b) It can easily make linkage and connections with the small and interior places.

(d) In transporting the agricultural and industrial products, road transport system is especially useful.

(e) In the ease of repairement, construction etc. the road transport system invades less expenditure as compared to some other transport system.

(f) Road transport system has directly helped in the development of tourism industry of the state by connecting the tourist spots by road.

3. Write five main advantages of Railway transport system?

Ans. The five main advantages of Railway transport system are:

(a) Railway transport convenient and reliable in carrying passengers and goods for longer distance.

(b) In the case of transport of necessary resources essential the infrastructural and industrial development along with the economic development of Assam, the railway transport system has been playing a vital role.

(d) This transport system has enhanced national unity by connecting Assam with the distant states of the county.

(e) Railway transport has become to the development of road transport system.

4. Write some advantages of the inland water transport system of Assam.

Ans. The some advantages of the inland water transport system of Assam are:

(a) There are more scope and opportunities for expansion of the water transport system in Assam being a land of rivers.

(b) Expenditure for fuel in water transport is less as compared to other modes of transport.

(d)The inland water transport has been serving for the transport of goods and passengers within the state.

(e) Like the road transport, the water transport has no such problem of air pollution.

(f) The water transport system has been extending help to the people of places backward in road communication for movement of goods and passengers.

5. Write a short note on Air transport?

Ans. Air transport is an integral component of the modern transport system. At present the air transport sector of Assam has made some developments. Assam now stays connected with different places of India through air transport. The air transport of the state is in operation through the civil airports located at Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, North Lakhimpur and Silchar. In addition, one more civil airport located at Rupshi. Dhubri is lying closed for long time. All the major airlines under private sectors are operating regular flights to and from Guwahati.

Besides these, some private companies and agencies are also operating helicopter services within the state or connecting the interior places of the states of North-East India.

The airport located at Borjhar (Guwahati) is known as the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. This is the only international airport in whole of North-East. The number of aircrafts, passengers and loads of cargo handled (at domestic and international level) in this airport are mentioned in below.

Year	Average number of flight Handled per day	Average number of Passengers Handled per day	Average cargo (commercial Handled (per day) tones)
2009-10	72	4357	14.45
2010-11	74	5301	23.45
2011-12	77	6150	21.26
2012-13	74	5690	16.47

The data mentioned in the table show that there is no difference in number of daily flights handled by the LGB International Airport during 2009-10 and 2012-13. But the number of passengers on daily average has increased by more than 1000 passengers during that period and during 2011-12 year there was the record of highest 6150 number of passengers on daily average basis. The cargo transported on commercial basis increased in subsequent years from 2009-10 and the highest amount of cargo was 23.34 tonnes on daily average basis transported during 2010-11.

6. Write a short notes on railway transport in Assam.

Ans. The railway components of the transport system has substantially contributed towards the economic development of India. Presently the railway transport has gradually progressed in Assam and it has been able to influence the economy of the state.

The railway transport system has also some advantages. These are:

(a) Railway transport convenient and reliable in carrying passengers and goods for longer distance.

(d) This transport system has enhanced national unity by connecting Assam with the distant states of the county.

(e) Railway transport has become to the development of road transport system. The railway transport system of Assam comes under the railways known as North-East Frontier Railway. The Head Quarter of this zone is located at Maligaon, Guwahati. According to data available with the North-East Frontier Railway zone, the total length of rail lines in Assam was 2458.93 km during 2012-13 Out of this total length, Broad Gauge line extends for 1,470.06 km and Metre Gauge line extends for 988.87 km. Presently almost all the districts of Assam are connected by railways.

7. What are the different types of soils available in Assam?

Ans. The four types of soils available in Assam These are:

(i) Alluvial soils of the plains.

(ii) Piedmont soils.

(iii) Hill soils.

(iv) Laterite soils.

Among these the alluvial soils are important from the economic point of view. Alluvial soils are of two types-new alluvial soils and old alluvial soils. The new alluvial soils are found on the floodplains and river-side plains of the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers and their tributaries. This type of soil is suitable for cultivation of rice, jute, pulses and vegetables.

On the other hand, the old alluvial soil are found on the relatively higher. plains of the Brahmaputra and Barak river These soils are fertile and suitable mainly for rice and tea cultivation. Agricultural lands are not equally distributed in the state. As per data of 2009-10 about 35 per cent lands of the total lands of Assam were brought under cultivation.

8. What are the different types of forest found in Assam? Discuss briefly.

Ans. There are different types of forest found in Assam. These are:

(i) Tropical evergreen forest.

(ii) Tropical semi-evergreen forest.

(iii) Reverine forest.

(iv) Tropical moist deciduous forest.

(v) Tropical dry deciduous forest.

These forests are rich in biodiversity and these provide habitat for a large varieties of plant and animal species. In the forests valuable tall trees like Nahar, Bonchom, Cham, Sirish, Ou, Gandhsoroi, Amari, Agaru, Poma, Simul, Khair etc. and short trees and grass vegetations such as Bamboo, Cane, Nal, Khagori, Birina, Tora, Koupat, Dhekia, Jhao, Kohua etc. are available. These plant resources of supply bamboo, wood, firewood, thatch, vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants etc. to the people alongwith the raw materials necessary for preparing articles for their daily use. Bamboo is extensively found in the forests of Assam and it is one of the main forest resources of the state. The forests of Assam, especially the reserved forests are the habitats for a large variety of wild animals. Among these animals the world famous one-horned rhinos, elephants, tigers, bears, wild buffaloes, different kinds of deers, monkeys and reptiles are notable. The hill region comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao district has naturally more forests.

9. Write a short notes about resources in Assam.

Ans. Resources are those materials and substances present in our environment using which we meet our needs and desire. There are various kinds of resources in the environment and those can be classified to different types on the basis of their characteristics. Similarly, the sources of Assam can also be classified.

Resources are mainly two types:

(i) Natural resources.

(ii) Human and man-made resources.

(i) Natural resources: The natural resources are created in nature by the natural factors. Some natural resources are renewable while others are non- renewable. The resources which can be renewed or newly produced or filled up again are called renewable resources. Alongwith solar energy and air the resources like water, vegetations, wildlife etc. of Assam come under this category of resources.

On the other hand, some resources have formed and are getting deposited beneath the earth’s surface for long period of time. But, if such resources are used continuously, their deposits will be reduced and exhausted at one time and then these can not be refilled. These resources are called non-renewable resources.

The mineral resources of Assam like coal, mineral oil, natural gas etc. belong to this category. Among the renewable and non-renewable resources, again some are biotic and some are abiotic resources. Vegetations, wildlife etc. are the biotic, while wind, water minerals, soils etc. are the abiotic resources.

(ii) Human and man-made resources: The other type of resources is the human and man-made resources. Man collects resources from nature. Again man creates resources. Man with his knowledge, intelligence, skills and efficiency creates resources for his suitable uses and these resources are called man-made resources.

For example, man creates agricultural resources by using the land resources and also creates hydro-electric power resource by using the water resources.

In order to utilize and mobilize the resources, man builds up necessary infrastructure and different institutions, which also come under man-made resources. So, man is really a valuable resource which is called human resource. Man should be made efficient in terms of his education, knowledge and intelligence, art and skills etc. for the development of human resources.

10. Write short notes:

(a) Food processing industry.

Ans. Food processing industry: Food processing industry is a major type of agro-based industry Recently this industry has gained importance and it is expected to put a positive impact on the state economy within a short period of time. The forests of Assam are full of various forest resource and the industries like paper, plywoods etc. have already grown-up based on these forest resources. But, the various types of fruits, vegetable plants and medicinal plants found in the forests of Assam are not so far collected and utilized on commercial basis. However, some agro-based industries are now set up based on the fruits and vegetables produced in the rural areas of Assam. Among these, the food parks established at Chaygaon and Nathkuchi (Tihu) are notable.

(b) Silk industry.

Ans. Silk industry: Silk industry is one of the major agro-based industries of the state. Traditionally three kinds of silks are produced in Assam- Eri, Muga and Mulberry yarn (Paat). These three silk types have occupied unique position in Assamese culture and society. The Eri, Muga and Paat cloths prepared from these silks have received popularity not in India but also in different countries of the world. Assam is one of the major Eri producing states accounting for about 65 per cent production of the country. But, the production of Mulberry yarn is not so high in the state. On the other hand, Assam has become world famous in the production of Muga yarn commonly known as ‘Golden Silk’.

More than 97 per cent Muga yarn of India is produced in Assam. Along With substantial production of silk, its associated handloom industries have also developed in the state. At present, there are more than 13 lakh looms in Assam and about 25 lakhs people are directly or indirectly associated with weaving industry.

(c) Rubber industry.

Ans. Rubber industry: Rubber industry is an another important agro- based industry of Assam. Next to tea plantation, rubber plantation has now become popular in the state. The Rubber Board of India has identified Assam as a most prospective state for rubber plantation based on its suitable climate. Rubber was planted on about 16.5 thousand hectares of land during 2006-07 But, during 2012-13 the plantation area was increased by more than two times to 34.5 thousand hectares of land. In view of more prospect for rubber production in the state, the Rubber Board of India has taken scheme to extend the rubber plantation area upto 2 lakh hectares by the end of the 12th five-year plan.

(d) Oil industry.

Ans. Oil industry: Assam is rich in oil resources. First exploration of oil production in the state started in 1889 at Digboi Digboi is the oldest oil field of India. When the oil fields of Western India did not produce oil, the Digboi oil field then earned the pride of producing three-fourth of the total oil production of the country This oil field covering an area of about 13 km² supplies oil to the Digboi refinery.

After Digboi, Naharkatia oil field was explored and oil production started from 1954. Annually 2.5 million tonnes of oil and one million cubic meter of natural gas are produced from this oil field Oil from this field is transported to Noonmati Refinery of Guwahati and Barauni Refinery of Bihar through pipe lines. Oil production from the Moran-Hugrijan oil field was started from 1956. Moreover, oil is produced from the major oil fields like Rudrasagar, Lakowa, Geleki, Borbola and Amguri.

Presently, there are four oil refineries in Assam. These are Digboi Refinery, Guwahati Refinery, Bongaigaon Refinery and Numaligarh Refinery. Digboi Refinery is the oldest of the country. It has its annual refining capacity of 0.7 million metrictonnes Guwahati Refinery and Bongaigaon Refinery have their annual refining capacity of 1 million metric tonnes and 2.4 million metrictonnes of oil respectively. On the other hand, Numaligarh Refinery has its annual refining capacity of 3 million metrictonnes of oil Assam produced about 4.86 million metrictonnes of crude oil and 2681 milion cubicmeter of natural gas in 2012-13 But, these productions were somewhat less than that of the previous year, 1.e., 2011-12.

11. Mention some cause of population growth.

Ans. Basically two causes are responsible for high population growth in Assam. One of these causes is the natural growth of population and the other is the large scale migration into the state from outside.

But the contribution of migration towards population growth in the state is more than that of the natural growth. The natural growth of population, in fact depends on birth and death rates. The birth and death rates of Assam’s population are not much different from the average rates of Indian population This means that due to natural growth the population of Assam is growing almost at the same rate the India’s population is growing. Thus migration is regarded as the main cause of population growth in the state.

Although migration into Assam was continuous since the time of the Britishes took over India in 1826, it occured at slower rate. But, migration had started actively from the beginning of the last century During the time of partition in 1947 a large number of Hindu refugees migrated to Assam from the then East Pakistan (Now Bangladesh).

Again the population of Assam increased rapidly during the post Independence period from 1951 to 2001. During this period the growth rate of Assam’s population was 232 per cent against national growth rate of 185 per cent. Such an abnormal growth of population in the state is due to unabated flow of migrants from Bangladesh.

On the other hand, population has also increased slowly due to decrease in death rate caused through applications of modern medical facilities However, very recently it has been observed that the growth rate of population in the state has slightly declined. The main reasons behind this are the slowly decreasing birth rate and nominal check of migration from Bangladesh in recent years.

12. Discuss some characteristics of Assam’s population as per 2001-2011 census data.

Ans. According to census of India 2011, about 2.6 per cent population of India live in Assam. Total population of Assam is 312.05 lakh out of which 159.39 lakh male and 152.66 lakh female. Literacy rate in the state was 63 25 per cent in 2001 and it increased to 72.19 per cent in 2011. Sex ratio (number of female per 1000 male) indicates that in 2001 sex ratio was 935 which increased to 958 in 2011. This suggests that the rate of birth of female child has slightly increased in the state.

Table: Some Characteristics of Assam’s Population (2001-2011).

Population Characteristic	2001	2011
(a) Literacy rate (%)	63.25	72.19
(b) Sex ratio (No. of female per 1000 male)	935	958
(c) Rural population (%)	87.10	85.90
(d) Urban population (%)	12.90	14.09
(e) Scheduled caste population (%)	7.40	7.15
(g) Scheduled tribe population (%)	12.83	12.45

On the other hand, as per population data of 2001, about 87 per cent population of Assam lived in villages, which decreased to 85.90 per cent in 2011 Against this the urban population, however increased from 12.90 per cent to 14.09 per cent during 2001-2011 So, it is clear that there is ongoing migration from village to town due to which the percentage of people living in village has decreased while the same has increased in towns. On the other hand, the percentages of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe population have remained same in 2001 and 2011 indicating the almost same growth of population of the two groups during the period.

13. Write briefly about the forest resorce of Assam.

Ans. Assam was very rich in forest resources. But subsequently the forest resources started decreasing fast due to rapid growth of population and human encroachment of the forest lands. However, various types of forest are found in the plains, plataeus and hills of Assam.

There are different types of forest found in Assam.

These are:

(i) Tropical evergreen forest.

(ii) Tropical semi-evergreen forest.

(iii) Reverine forest.

(iv) Tropical moist deciduous forest.

(v) Tropical dry deciduous forest.

These forests are rich in biodiversity and these provide habitat for a large varieties of plant and animal species. In the forests valuable tall trees like Nahar, Bonchom, Cham, Sirish, Ou, Gandhsoroi, Amari, Agaru, Poma, Simul, Khair etc. and short trees and grass vegetations such as Bamboo, Cane, Nal, Khagori, Birina, Tora, Koupat, Dhekia, Jhao, Kohua etc. are available. These plant resources of supply bamboo, wood, firewood, thatch, vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants etc. to the people alongwith the raw materials necessary for preparing articles for their daily use. Bamboo is extensively found in the forests of Assam and it is one of the main forest resources of the state. The forests of Assam, especially the reserved forests are the habitats for a large variety of wild animals. Among these animals the world famous one- horned rhinos, elephants, tigers, bears, wild buffaloes, different kinds of deers, monkeys and reptiles are notable. The hill region comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao district has naturally more forests.

14. Describe briefly the agro-based Industries of Assam.

Ans. The major agro-based industries of Assam are:

(i) tea industry.

(ii) Silk industry.

(iii) rubber industry paper industry.

(iv) paper industry.

(v) fishery industry.

(vi) food processing industry etc.

Tea Industry: Tea industry is the largest agro-based industry of the state. Assam has earned a good name in tea industry not only in India but also in the world. This industry plays an important role in state economy Assam alone produces more than half of the total tea production of India. Tea industry in Assam has flourished due to luxuriant growth of tea under favourable climatic conditions.

Silk industry: Silk industry is one of the major agro-based industries of the state. Traditionally three kinds of silks are produced in Assam- Eri, Muga and Mulberry yarn (Paat). These three silk types have occupied unique position in Assamese culture and society. The Eri, Muga and Paat cloths prepared from these silks have received popularity not in India but also in different countries of the world Assam is one of the major Eri producing states accounting for about 65 per cent production of the country. But, the production of Mulberry yarn is not so high in the state. On the other hand, Assam has become world famous in the production of Muga yarn commonly known as ‘Golden Silk’.

(c) Rubber industry: Rubber industry is an another important agro-based industry of Assam. Next to tea plantation, rubber plantation has now become popular in the state. The Rubber Board of India has identified Assam as a most prospective state for rubber plantation based on its suitable climate. Rubber was planted on about 16.5 thousand hectares of land during 2006-07 But, during 2012-13 the plantation area was increased by more than two times to 34.5 thousand hectares of land. In view of more prospect for rubber production in the state, the Rubber Board of India has taken scheme to extend the rubber plantation area upto 2 lakh hectares by the end of the 12th five-year plan.

Food processing industry: Food processing industry is a major type of agro-based industry. Recently this industry has gained importance and it is expected to put a positive impact on the state economy within a short period of time. The forests of Assam are full of various forest resource and the industries like paper, plywoods etc. have already grown-up based on these forest resources. But, the various types of fruits, vegetable plants and medicinal plants found in the forests of Assam are not so far collected and utilized on commercial basis. However, some agro-based industries are now set up based on the fruits and vegetables produced in the rural areas of Assam. Among these, the food parks established at Chaygaon and Nathkuchi (Tihu) are notable.

15. Briefly describe the mineral resources of Assam.

Ans. Assam in rich in mineral resources. Coal, oil, natural gas and limestone are the major mineral resources of Assam A good amount of royalty is obtained from these resources. Similarly, substantial amounts of revenue are collected from the forest products, such as wood, bamboo, cane, firewood, thatch etc. Fish resources of waterland sand-gravels of the river beds. Some revenues are also obtained from the tourism sector However, there is more prospect of tourism development in the state Assam is also rich in land and water resources.

But, no suitable land use planning is taken up on the basis of soil properties of the states. It is a fact that proper use of land resources may accelerate the economic development of the state. On the other hand, the water resources of the Brahmaputra and Barak and their innumberable tributaries are not utilized properly. It the water resources are used in the agricultural, industrial, energy and transport sectors with suitable planning. only then the state economy will flourish.

15. Show the location of five national parks in a sketch map of Assam and give a short.

Ans. Kaziranga National Park: This park is located in the Bokakhat sub-divisions of the Golaghat district. The major wild animal found are one-horned Asian rhino-ceros, elephant, gibbon, wild buffalo etc.

14. Draw a sketch map of Assam and lo-cate the following in it:

(a) A national park,

(b) Monabari Tea Garden.

Ans.

15. Draw a sketch map of Assam and locate the following in it:

(a) The first oil refinery of Assam.

(b) A national park of south bank of the Brahmaputra.

Ans.

16. Draw a sketch map of Assam and locate the following in the map.

(i) Subansiri.

(ii) Barpeta.

(iii) Chandrapur.

(iv) Majuli.

Ans.

17. Draw a sketch map of Assam and locate the following in the

(i) Jatinga.

(ii) Majuli.

(iii) Manas national park map.

Ans.

18. Draw a sketch map of Assam and locate the therein the following with names.

(i) An oil Refinery.

(ii) Export promotion Industrial park.

Ans.

Notes of Class 10 Social Science in English Medium | English Medium Class 10 Social Notes In this post we have tried to explain to you that English Medium Class 10 Social Science Question Answer | SEBA Class 10 Social Science Question Answer In English Chapter 9 If you are a English Medium Teacher or Student then it can be beneficial for you.

Note: If you find any Mistakes in this chapter, please tell us or correct yourself and read. Thank you.

Class 10 Social Science Chapter 9 Geography of Assam

Chapter 9 Geography of Assam

TEXTUAL EXERCISE & ANSWERS

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