History of the North East India: Modern Period

North East is a collective term which is used for the eight States of India, namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. It has some very unique features such as dominance of Mongoloid race of people, tribal culture, ‘Hot Spot of Biodiversity‘, and immense potential for hydro-electricity. Its proximity to countries like China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh has made it special from strategic point of view. Modern period in the history of North East begins with the foundation of British rule in Assam following the first Anglo-Burmese War (1824-26). After this most of the parts of the North East came under the British domination and the so called isolation of the North East came to an end. This book deals with the forces and factors of change which gave to the North East its present identity. The book starts with an introduction on the land and people and historiography of the North East. It further acquaints the readers with the Ahom rule in Assam and describes the factors that led to its downfall after a long period of rule extending over six centuries. The book covers a description on the coming of Europeans and the Anglo-Burmese War (1824-26) followed by the policy of annexation of North Eastern states. It further goes to examine the frontier policy followed by the British government in the North East. The book also presents a description on the freedom struggle which the Indian people and the people of North East started against the colonial rule. Finally, the book also deals with the events and progress of the North East since independence and gives a concluding remarks on recent social and economic development in the North East.