Capital of Assam, What is the Capital of Assam?

Dispur, the Capital of Assam

Dispur, the capital of Assam, holds significant administrative importance and is located just on the outskirts of Guwahati. It assumed the role of Assam’s capital in 1973, succeeding Shillong, the former capital, which was designated as the capital of the newly created state of Meghalaya. Let’s delve into the essential features of Dispur in simpler terms.

Dispur – The Seat of Power

Dispur serves as the seat of the Assam government, hosting the Assam Secretariat where key administrative functions take place. It is also part of the Gauhati Lok Sabha constituency.

Cultural and Religious Sites

To the south of Dispur, you can explore the Basistha Ashram, a theologically significant site, known for its Lord Shiva temple. It is situated on the banks of mountain streams, which eventually become the Basistha and Bharalu rivers that flows through the city.

Guwahati Tea Auction Center

Dispur is home to the Guwahati Tea Auction Center, one of the busiest tea trading facilities globally. Assam is renowned for its tea production and this center plays a vital role in the tea industry.

Tourist Attractions of Dispur

As the Capital of Assam, Dispur boasts several tourist attractions:

1. Shilpagram: This is a popular tourist spot, offering a glimpse into the handicrafts and cultural heritage of Assam and the northeastern states. You can find metal and wooden handicrafts, silk sarees, carpets and ethnic jewelry here.
2. Basistha Ashram: Located around 6 km from Dispur, this ashram is famous for its Shiva temple and provides a serene atmosphere for spiritual seekers.
3. Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra: This cultural hub and museum showcase the rich traditions and cultures of Assam and the northeastern states of India. The museum displays a fascinating collection of weapons, articles, statues, costumes and traditional jewelry from Assam and its neighboring states.

Neighbor States of Assam

Assam shares its borders with several states and countries:

• To the south, you will find Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram and Bangladesh.
• In the east, Assam is bordered by Manipur and Nagaland.
• The north of Assam is connected to Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.
• West Bengal forms the western border of Assam.

Fascinating Facts related to Assam

Here are some interesting facts about Assam:

• Assamese and Bodo are the official languages of Assam, but in the Barak Valley districts, Bengali takes precedence and Sylheti is widely spoken.
• Assan is renowned for its tea and silk, contributing significantly to India’s reputation in these industries.
• The first oil drilling site in Asia was right here in Assam.
• In the 2011 census, approximately 61% of Assam’s population practiced Hinduism, while around 34% followed Islam.
• Assam boasts numerous engineering colleges and universities, fostering education and technological development.

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