The history of Assam is a testament to the self-reliance, innovation, and hard work of its people. From the establishment of crucial railway lines to pioneering the tea industry, the indigenous Assamese have always demonstrated their ability to shape their own future without external help. The legacy of these achievements serves as a reminder that the Assamese are capable of anything if they trust in their inherent strengths and abilities.
While India’s first railway line was inaugurated in 1853 between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Thane, spanning just 32 kilometers, the story of railways in Assam is unique. In 1881, a 65-kilometer meter gauge railway line was constructed between Dibrugarh and Margherita, primarily to transport coal from the rich mines of Margherita and the tea leaves from nearby estates to the docks at Dibrugarh. At a time when many parts of India had no concept of what railways were, Assam became a hub of British economic activity. But this railway wasn’t built for the public good; it was laid down to serve British economic interests, as Assam was central to British India’s economy. The indigenous Assamese labored to create the infrastructure that would soon become a vital artery for transporting the resources of their land. The coal mines in Margherita that fed this railway were also built by the Assamese. Their labor and expertise played a critical role in establishing this infrastructure, which fueled both the local economy and the larger British enterprise.
The contribution of the indigenous Assamese in building their own infrastructure—whether it was the railway lines, the coal mines, or the tea estates—highlights their remarkable resilience and capability. These were not small tasks, nor were they achieved under ideal conditions. Without modern machinery or technology, the Assamese worked with their hands and their hearts to turn their land into an economic powerhouse. It is crucial to remember this legacy today. The narrative that foreign infiltrators are essential for Assam's development is a myth that began during British rule. Even in the 19th century, there was a concerted effort to spread the belief that the Assamese could not farm their own land or build their own industries. Yet, before the British ever brought in laborers, the Assamese were not starving. Quite the opposite: they were self-sufficient, storing enough rice to last two years, a testament to their agricultural expertise.
Today, some argue that Assam’s development is stalled due to a lack of external labor and skills. However, this argument ignores the rich history of Assamese self-reliance and hard work. From resisting Mughal invasions multiple times to building crucial infrastructure, the Assamese have consistently demonstrated their capabilities. As Assam looks toward the future, it is essential to reclaim this legacy of self-sufficiency and labor. The indigenous Assamese have shown time and again that they are not only capable of building, growing, and innovating but that they excel at it. With this history as a guide, there is no reason why the Assamese cannot continue to build their own future, relying on the same strength and resilience that has defined them for centuries.
