The broad sweep survey of the evolution of the Ahom state supplemented with an examination of tools and technology, production and production relations, unveiled hitherto unfocused facets of its history. The attempt at tracing the evolution of the Ahom state through the various stages of its evolution certainly opens up the possibility of placing it under a distinct category. This could be achieved only after determining its dominant mode of production. This is easier said than done as all attempts at determining the dominant mode of production of a society usually lead to the centre stage of a yet unresolved debate on whether India can be categorised under the Asiatic Mode of Production or it would be in the fairness of existing evidence to categorise it as having feudalism.

Here, it needs mention that the debate about the Indian situation basically takes into account the historical developments of north and south India and does not take into account the peculiar circumstances and specific developments in the northeastern region of the country. It was precisely due to this shortcoming that the original idea was conceived to focus the microscope on historical developments in this part of the country, with particular reference to the Ahom state, and ascertain whether the generalisations that had been made regarding the rest of India would also be applicable here. The question is whether, the Asiatic Mode of Production (AMP), generally dismissed as inapplicable to the rest of India, would be relevant in the case of Assam, or whether the feudalism debate could be extended to include historical developments here.

Physical topography and climatic conditions have always exerted an abiding influence on the ebb and flow of human civilisation. Arguably, the nature and quantum of influence would vary in different regions. It has been suggested that the ‘human living environments span a wider range of climatic variations in South Asia than anywhere else in the world at these latitudes’ and it would be worthwhile to examine the case of Assam.

The territory of Assam lies between latitudes 28'18° and 24° N and longitudes 89°46' and 97°4' E. The region has been described as being,

‘Early in the thirteenth century an event occurred at the eastern extremity of the valley which was destined to change the whole course of Assam history. This was the invasion of the Ahoms, a Shan tribe from the ancient kingdom of Mungmau or Pong, which was situated in the upper portion of the Irawaddy valley.’ The credit for the establishment of the Ahom kingdom in Assam is assigned to Sukapha, who was a prince of the Shan state of Maulung in Upper Burma.

The Ahoms were a people with a long heritage of river valley habitation. With it came the knowledge of wet paddy cultivation and the finer nuances of reclaiming swampy land for agriculture and effective methods of flood control and irrigation. There is no disputing the fact that the extensive practise of wet rice cultivation provided the economic foundation to the fledgling Ahom state. But at the same time it needs mention that in addition to agriculture, it was the knowledge and technology used in the non-agrarian sectors that gave the state its distinct characteristics. Two areas that are considered reflective of the science and technological know how of the Ahoms were in the areas of warfare and civil constructions. Thus, it is surmised that in order to gain a comprehensive picture about the developments in the Ahom state, it is essential to have a detailed look at some of their accomplishments in the fields of military technology and civil constructions.

Two small illustrations would help a casual observer gain a broad perspective of the achievements of the Ahoms. First is the fact that the kingdom endured as long as it did, for more than 600 years. Surely, this durability was no accident in history and was undoubtedly based not only on economic solvency but also effective organisational structures in managing society and state. This, in turn, would require coercive power, not only to maintain internal order but also to meet threats of external aggression.

The contention that empire building is more about consolidation of power rather than the mere expansion of territorial frontiers is exemplified in the case of the Ahoms. It is probably true that at no point of their history did they display a singular obsession with frontier expansion without commensurate attempts at consolidation and proper administration. Normally, all areas under their control were placed under a system that exercised a modicum of administrative control and uniformity that extended to the remotest regions of the kingdom. But, at the same time, incorporation of newer regions also brought with it the prospect of intercourse with different cultures and technology. It is to the credit of the Ahoms that they kept themselves open to new ideas and technology. The resilience and strength of the Ahom kingdom can be explained in terms of its ability to incorporate new ideas and technology that it came across. In addition, there were also occasions when the knowledge base of the kingdom was sought to be expanded by inviting experts from different fields. Interestingly, these specialists were drawn from different parts of the subcontinent, be it Kanauj, Bengal or Burma. In the course of time, they were assimilated into the Assamese fold and their knowledge became integral to the Ahom kingdom! In this regard, the sixteenth century probably marks a distinct stage in the evolution of the Ahom state. It was during this time that the Ahom state, after gradual consolidation, was beginning to expand and incorporate newer areas within its frontiers.