Major dynasties of Assam

Varman dynasty

The Varman dynasty (350-650), the first historical rulers of Kamarupa; was established by Pushya Varman, a contemporary of Samudragupta. This dynasty became vassals of The Gupta Empire, but as the power of the Guptas waned, Mahendra Varman (470-494) performed two horse sacrifices and threw off the imperial yoke. The first of the three Kamarupa dynasties, the Varmans were followed by the Mlechchha and then the Pala dynasties.

The genealogy of the Varman dynasty appears most fully in the Dubi and Nidhanpur copper plate inscriptions of the last Varman king, Bhaskar Varman (650-655), where Pushya Varman is named the founder. The Dubi copper plate inscription of Bhaskar Varman asserts that Pushya Varman was born in the family of Naraka, Bhagadatta and Vajradatta (as did the other two Kamarupa dynasties) three thousand years after these mythical ancestors. The middle or Mlechha (Mech) dynasty, though claim same descent, are native tribal rulers. K.L. Barua opines that there was a Mlechha (i.e., Mech) revolt in Kamarupa and Salastambha, the leader or governor of the Mlecchas usurped the throne by deposing Bhaskar Varman’s immediate successor Avanti Varman.

The most illustrious of this dynasty was the last, Bhaskar Varman, who claimed be a descendant from god Vishnu and referred to as “lord of eastern India”. He accompanied King Harshavardhana to religious processions from Pataliputra to Kannauj.

Kings of Varman dynasty maintained both diplomatic and matrimonial relations with other countries of Aryavarta. Pushya Varman who himself named after king Pushyamitra Shunga, named his son Samudra Varman after king Samudragupta in appreciations of kings of Aryavarta. King Bala Varman organised Swayamvara for his daughter Amrita Prabha; which was attended by princes of different countries. Princess eventually chosen prince of Kashmir Meghavahana as her groom. The alliance between king Harsha of Thanesar and Bhaskar Varman lead to spread of political influence of later to entire eastern India.

Mlechchha dynasty

The Mlechchha Dynasty (c. 650 – 900) ruled Kamarupa from their capital at Hadapeshvar in the present-day Tezpur, Assam, after the fall of the Varman dynasty. The rulers were aboriginals, though their lineage from Narakasura was constructed to accord legitimacy to their rule. According to historical records, there were twenty one rulers in this dynasty but the line is obscure and the names of some intervening rulers are not known. The Mlechchha dynasty in Kamarupa was followed by the Pala kings. According to some historians, the remnant of the Mlechchha kingdom formed the later Kachari kingdom based in Dimapur and the Sutiya kingdom based in Sadiya after being driven south and east by Brahmapala of the Pala Dynasty. The rulers of this dynasty are: Salasthamba (650-670), Vijaya alias Vigrahastambha, Harshadeva alias Harshavarman (725-745), Balavarman II, Salambha, Harjjaravarman (815-832), Vanamalavarmadeva (832-855), Jayamala alias Virabahu (855-860), Balavarman III (860-880) Tyagasimha (890-900).

Pal dynasty

Pala dynasty, ruling dynasty in Bihar and Bengal, India, from the 8th to the 12th century. Its founder, Gopala, was a local chieftain who rose to power in the mid-8th century during a period of Anarchy. His successor, Dharmapala (reigned c. 770–810), greatly expanded the kingdom and for a while was in control of Kannauj. Pala power was maintained under Devapala (reigned c. 810–850), who carried out raids in the north, the Deccan, and the peninsula; but thereafter the dynasty declined in power, and Mahendrapala, the Gurjara-Pratihara emperor of Kannauj in the late 9th and early 10th centuries, penetrated as far as northern Bengal. Pala strength was restored by Mahipala I (reigned c. 988–1038), whose influence reached as far as Varanasi, but on his death the kingdom again weakened.

Ramapala (reigned c. 1077–1120), the last important Pala king, did much to strengthen the dynasty in Bengal and expanded its power in Assam and Orissa; he is the hero of a Sanskrit historical poem, the Ramacarita of Sandhyakara. On his death, however, the dynasty was virtually eclipsed by the rising power of the Senas, though Pala kings continued to rule in southern Bihar for 40 years. The main capital of The Palas appears to have been Mudgagiri (now Munger) in eastern Bihar.

Khen dynasty

The Khen dynasty of Assam replaced the Pala dynasty in the 12th century. Their accession marks the end of the Kamarupa kingdom, and the beginning of the Kamata kingdom, when Sandhya moved his capital from Kamarupanagara to Kamatapur in about 1250.

According to the Gosani Mangala (1823), the Khen rulers had a humble origin, implying that they were probably local non-Aryan chieftains that rose to power after the fall of the Palas. Ethnically, they are possibly related to the Kheng people of nearby Bhutan. They worshipped Kamatashwari (also called Chandi or Bhavani), thus providing a break from the earlier dynasties that drew their lineage from Narakasura, the son of Vishnu. Along with the change in the deity, the Khen rulers moved the capital from Kamarupanagara to Kamatapura further west on the banks of the Dharla River. Under the patronage of Kamata rulers (e.g. Durlabh Narayan), some of the first examples of Assamese literature were composed.

The kingdom of Kamatapura finally fell to Alauddin Husain Shah in 1498. But Hussein Shah could not rule the kingdom— Bhuyan chiefs of the region, with the help of the Ahom king, Suhungmung, defeated the invaders in 1505. Soon control of the Kamata kingdom passed into the hands of the Koch dynasty.

Sutiya Kingdom

The Sutiya Kingdom or Sadiya (1187-1673) was a state established by Birpal in 1187 in the areas comprising the present Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The kingdom absorbed the ancient Pal dynasty of Kamarupa and reigned for over 400 years in eastern Assam and Arunachal Pradesh with its capital at Sadiya. It became the dominant power in eastern Assam in the 12th century and remained so until the 16th century with its domain from Parshuram Kund in the east to Vishwanath in the west and in the process of its expansion had absorbed many local communities and tribes.

It controlled the present Assam districts of Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Tinsukia, parts of Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Sonitpur and East Siang, Subansiri, Lower Dibang, Lohit districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The Sutiya are an ethnic group originally from Tibet and the Sichuan province of China.

Most illustrious of the Sutiya kings was Gaurinarayan (Ratnadhwajpal) son of Birpal. He brought many other Sutiya groups into his kingdom. In 1224 Ratnadhwajpal defeated Bhadrasena, the king of Swetagiri. Then he went on to subjugate Nyayapal and marched toward Kamatapur, where he formed an alliance with the Kamata ruler by marrying a princess. Then he marched to Dhaka, and made friends with the Gauda ruler. The hostilities with the Ahoms began when the Sutiya Kingdom expanded to the south and during which Ahom king, Sutuphaa, was killed by the Sutiya king during a friendly negotiation. This conflict triggered a number of battles between the two sides, which saw great loss of men and Money. The simmering dispute often flared till 1524 when the Ahoms struck the Sutiya Kingdom at its weakest state, took Sadiya and killed the then king Nityapal. The Ahoms established their rule by instituting the position of Sadiyakhowa Gohain, a newly constituted position of frontier-governor in charge of Sadiya. But the Sutiya had dispersed to frontier regions, and continued raids against the Ahoms. It finally ended in 1673 when they fall under the domination of the Ahoms.

The Ahom dynasty was the most powerful and influential dynasty in Assam. It was founded by Sukaphaa in 1228. The Ahoms ruled Assam for over 600 years until they were defeated by the British in 1826.

The Ahoms were a Tai people who originated in China. They migrated to Assam in the 13th century and established a kingdom there. The Ahoms were skilled warriors and administrators. They built a strong military and a centralized government. They also introduced new agricultural techniques and promoted trade.

The Ahoms were tolerant of other religions and cultures. They allowed Hindus, Muslims, and Christians to live in their kingdom. They also adopted many aspects of Hindu culture, such as the caste system.

The Ahom dynasty reached its peak under the reign of Rudra Singha (1696-1714). Rudra Singha was a powerful and ambitious ruler. He expanded the Ahom kingdom and defeated many of its enemies. He also built many temples and palaces.

After Rudra Singha’s death, the Ahom kingdom began to decline. The Ahoms were weakened by internal conflicts and external threats. In 1826, the British invaded Assam and defeated the Ahoms. The Ahom dynasty came to an end, but its legacy continues to this day.

The Koch dynasty was founded by Biswa Singha in 1514. The Koches ruled Assam for over 100 years until they were defeated by the Ahoms in 1615.

The Koches were a Bodo people who originated in the Brahmaputra Valley. They migrated to Assam in the 15th century and established a kingdom there. The Koches were skilled warriors and administrators. They built a strong military and a centralized government. They also introduced new agricultural techniques and promoted trade.

The Koches were tolerant of other religions and cultures. They allowed Hindus, Muslims, and Christians to live in their kingdom. They also adopted many aspects of Hindu culture, such as the caste system.

The Koch dynasty reached its peak under the reign of Nara Narayana (1540-1587). Nara Narayana was a powerful and ambitious ruler. He expanded the Koch kingdom and defeated many of its enemies. He also built many temples and palaces.

After Nara Narayana’s death, the Koch kingdom began to decline. The Koches were weakened by internal conflicts and external threats. In 1615, the Ahoms invaded Assam and defeated the Koches. The Koch dynasty came to an end, but its legacy continues to this day.

The Chutiya dynasty was founded by Hari Singha in 1187. The Chutiyas ruled Assam for over 400 years until they were defeated by the Ahoms in 1673.

The Chutiyas were an indigenous people of Assam. They originated in the Brahmaputra Valley and spoke a Tibeto-Burman language. The Chutiyas were skilled warriors and farmers. They built a strong military and a centralized government. They also introduced new agricultural techniques and promoted trade.

The Chutiyas were tolerant of other religions and cultures. They allowed Hindus, Muslims, and Christians to live in their kingdom. They also adopted many aspects of Hindu culture, such as the caste system.

The Chutiya dynasty reached its peak under the reign of Suhungmung (1497-1539). Suhungmung was a powerful and ambitious ruler. He expanded the Chutiya kingdom and defeated many of its enemies. He also built many temples and palaces.

After Suhungmung’s death, the Chutiya kingdom began to decline. The Chutiyas were weakened by internal conflicts and external threats. In 1673, the Ahoms invaded Assam and defeated the Chutiyas. The Chutiya dynasty came to an end, but its legacy continues to this day.

The Kachari dynasty was founded by Nara Narayana in 1228. The Kacharis ruled Assam for over 600 years until they were defeated by the British in 1854.

The Kacharis were an indigenous people of Assam. They originated in the Brahmaputra Valley and spoke a Tibeto-Burman language. The Kacharis were skilled warriors and farmers. They built a strong military and a centralized government. They also introduced new agricultural techniques and promoted trade.

The Kacharis were tolerant of other religions and cultures. They allowed Hindus, Muslims, and Christians to live in their kingdom. They also adopted many aspects of Hindu culture, such as the caste system.

The Kachari dynasty reached its peak under the reign of Pratap Singha (1603-1641).

Ahom dynasty

When did the Ahom dynasty rule Assam?
The Ahom dynasty ruled Assam from 1228 to 1826.
Who was the founder of the Ahom dynasty?
The founder of the Ahom dynasty was Sukaphaa.
What was the capital of the Ahom kingdom?
The capital of the Ahom kingdom was Rangpur.
What was the religion of the Ahom people?
The Ahom people were followers of Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism.
What was the main language of the Ahom people?
The main language of the Ahom people was Tai Ahom.
What were some of the achievements of the Ahom dynasty?
Some of the achievements of the Ahom dynasty include:
- Expanding the territory of Assam
- Building a strong military
- Promoting Trade and Commerce
- Developing a unique culture
What were some of the challenges faced by the Ahom dynasty?
Some of the challenges faced by the Ahom dynasty include:
- Frequent attacks from neighboring kingdoms
- Natural disasters
- Internal conflicts
How did the Ahom dynasty come to an end?
The Ahom dynasty came to an end in 1826 when the British East India Company conquered Assam.

Koch dynasty

When did the Koch dynasty rule Assam?
The Koch dynasty ruled Assam from the 15th to the 17th centuries.
Who was the founder of the Koch dynasty?
The founder of the Koch dynasty was Biswa Singha.
What was the capital of the Koch kingdom?
The capital of the Koch kingdom was Gauhati.
What was the religion of the Koch people?
The Koch people were followers of Hinduism.
What was the main language of the Koch people?
The main language of the Koch people was Koch Rajbongshi.
What were some of the achievements of the Koch dynasty?
Some of the achievements of the Koch dynasty include:
- Expanding the territory of Assam
- Building a strong military
- Promoting trade and commerce
- Developing a unique culture
What were some of the challenges faced by the Koch dynasty?
Some of the challenges faced by the Koch dynasty include:
- Frequent attacks from neighboring kingdoms
- Natural disasters
- Internal conflicts
How did the Koch dynasty come to an end?
The Koch dynasty came to an end in the 17th century when it was overthrown by the Ahom dynasty.

Chutiya dynasty

When did the Chutiya dynasty rule Assam?
The Chutiya dynasty ruled Assam from the 12th to the 16th centuries.
Who was the founder of the Chutiya dynasty?
The founder of the Chutiya dynasty was Sukhapala.
What was the capital of the Chutiya kingdom?
The capital of the Chutiya kingdom was Sadiya.
What was the religion of the Chutiya people?
The Chutiya people were followers of Hinduism.
What was the main language of the Chutiya people?
The main language of the Chutiya people was Chutiya.
What were some of the achievements of the Chutiya dynasty?
Some of the achievements of the Chutiya dynasty include:
- Expanding the territory of Assam
- Building a strong military
- Promoting trade and commerce
- Developing a unique culture
What were some of the challenges faced by the Chutiya dynasty?
Some of the challenges faced by the Chutiya dynasty include:
- Frequent attacks from neighboring kingdoms
- Natural disasters
- Internal conflicts
How did the Chutiya dynasty come to an end?
The Chutiya dynasty came to an end in the 16th century when it was overthrown by the Ahom dynasty.

Which of the following is not a major dynasty of Assam?
(A) Ahom dynasty
(B) Koch dynasty
(C) Chutiya dynasty
(D) Kachari dynasty
The Ahom dynasty ruled Assam from which of the following years?
(A) 1228-1826
(B) 1228-1838
(C) 1228-1858
(D) 1228-1878
The founder of the Ahom dynasty was:
(A) Sukaphaa
(B) Suhungmung
(C) Pratap Singha
(D) Rudra Singha
The capital of the Ahom kingdom was:
(A) Rangpur
(B) Guwahati
(C) Jorhat
(D) Sibsagar
The Ahoms were originally from:
(A) China
(B) Burma
(C) Tibet
(D) Yunnan
The Koch dynasty ruled Assam from which of the following years?
(A) 1514-1682
(B) 1514-1708
(C) 1514-1738
(D) 1514-1768
The founder of the Koch dynasty was:
(A) Nara Narayan
(B) Vishwanath Singh
(C) Chilarai
(D) Raghudev Narayan
The capital of the Koch kingdom was:
(A) Koch Behar
(B) Guwahati
(C) Jorhat
(D) Sibsagar
The Koches were originally from:
(A) Bengal
(B) Bihar
(C) Orissa
(D) Jharkhand
The Chutiya dynasty ruled Assam from which of the following years?
(A) 640-1120
(B) 740-1220
(C) 840-1320
(D) 940-1420
The founder of the Chutiya dynasty was:
(A) Hari Singha
(B) Ratna Kesari
(C) Nara Narayan
(D) Raghudev Narayan
The capital of the Chutiya kingdom was:
(A) Sadiya
(B) Dhemaji
(C) Lakhimpur
(D) Dibrugarh
The Chutiyas were originally from:
(A) Tibet
(B) Burma
(C) China
(D) Yunnan
The Kachari dynasty ruled Assam from which of the following years?
(A) 1120-1514
(B) 1220-1614
(C) 1320-1714
(D) 1420-1814
The founder of the Kachari dynasty was:
(A) Suhungmung
(B) Pratap Singha
(C) Rudra Singha
(D) Nara Narayan
The capital of the Kachari kingdom was:
(A) Dimapur
(B) Jorhat
(C) Sibsagar
(D) Dibrugarh
The Kacharis were originally from:
(A) Tibet
(B) Burma
(C) China
(D) Yunnan
The Ahoms were a Mongoloid people who migrated to Assam from:
(A) China
(B) Burma
(C) Tibet
(D) Yunnan
The Koches were a Hindu people who migrated to Assam from:
(A) Bengal
(B) Bihar
(C) Orissa
(D) Jharkhand
The Chutiyas were a Hindu people who migrated to Assam from:
(A) Tibet
(B) Burma
(C) China
(D) Yunnan
The Kacharis were a Hindu people who migrated to Assam from:
(A) Tibet
(B) Burma
(C) China
(D) Yunnan
The Ahoms were a warrior people who were skilled in:
(A) Archery
(B) Sword fighting
(C) Spear fighting
(D) All of the above
The Koches were a wealthy people who were skilled in:
(A) Trade