Historical Background of Bam

 

Upon examining history, it is found that in the book "History of Cachar," Upendra Chandra Guha describes Bam as follows: "On the banks of the Rukni River in Bam, the capital of the Tripura kingdom was located. Later, the capital was moved to Jaipur in Kailashsahar. The capital was shifted from Jaipur to Manik Bhandar, then relocated to Agartala. Agartala remains the capital of Tripura today." The history book also mentions  Rajghat as the capital of the Tippra kingdom and references the Rajar Dighi in Islamabad, which remains intact.

 In ancient times, kings and rulers dug large water tanks in various locations in their kingdoms to leave behind a lasting legacy. Examples include the Udhardhand's Ranir Dighi of the Cachari king Lakshichandra, the Rajdighi of Pangram, the Shak-Alar Dighi of Hailakandi, and the Joysagar Dighi of Sivasagar. The Rajar Dighi in Bam is one such large pond that still commemorates the once-glorious royal power of the region.

 This vast pond covers 14 bighas (approximately 5 acres). However, in 1957, the Assam government included this pond in a fishery project. On the expansive banks of the pond, offices for the Fishery Department and residential buildings for its employees have been constructed.

 The reasons for the transfer of the capital from Bam to Agartala are still unknown. Investigative researchers are likely to explore this further. One possible reason for the Tripuri rulers' move from Bam could be to escape external threats. British administrative reports from that time serve as reliable documents for historical reference.

 

When Upendra Chandra Guha states in his "History of Cachar" that the Tripura king's capital was in Bam's Rajghat, Ram Mohon Nath, in his book "Antiquities of Cachar," mentions many old ponds, raised earthen forts, and remnants of old buildings or ruins scattered in Telichiba (a part of the village of Islamabad). According to him, these are linked with the headquarters of high-ranking Tripuri officials. Nath also notes that the "Tripura Rajmala" mentions that the Sonai or Rukni valley was known as "Purba-Kul" and that bathing in the Rukni River would absolve one of all sins. The Kukis would come from distant places to fetch water from the Rukni River using bamboo tubes or baskets. This is a real description; the author of the current article observed this practice in his childhood when the Kukis from Kungapunji of Rajgobindapur would come to Rajghat to collect water from the Rukni River in bamboo tubes.

 Evidence of dense habitation in Bam can be found in a report by Lieutenant T. Fisher, an English officer of Cachar, sent to his superior, David Scott, on July 29, 1831. Fisher reported that in the villages on the banks of the Rukni River in Bam, many ruins of old houses were scattered. It is inferred that these places were once inhabited but were vacated for some reason.

 During British rule, the Kukis became increasingly aggressive in the region, often launching sudden and violent attacks on settlements. The Kukis were a pre-Mizo ethnic group. The fearsome memories of their attacks led to proverbs such as "Kuki Bhagan" (flight due to fear of Kukis), "Magar Bhagan" (flight due to fear of Magars), "Jungir Ladai" (the Sepoy Rebellion), "Burma Bhagan" (flight due to Burmese oppression), and "Choytish Banglar Pani" (the great flood of 1336 in Bangladesh). The term "Bhagan" refers to fleeing or taking refuge due to fear of a specific event or oppression. The tales of terror from Bam lingered in popular lore for a long time.

 There are no historical artifacts or analyses that reveal the origin of the name "Bam." Nor is there any apparent logic to the name's origins in popular narratives. It might have been given by non-Aryan tribes. In the Dimasa language, "Bam" means "to take up in the arms or lap." After the rule of the Tripuris in Cachar, the Dimasa Cacharis took over and ruled for a long period. Therefore, the name "Bam" might have originated from the Dimasa language. Dr. Nalini Kanta Sinha, a former Associate Professor in the Geography Department at Northeastern Hill University, suggests that according to the "Assamese Practical Dictionary," the term "Bam" means a high land that is not easily prone to flooding. This meaning fits well with the region of Bam, which is comparatively elevated. Researchers might explore this angle for  the origin of the name "Bam." It can also be investigated whether the term "Bam" came from any language of the neighboring state of Mizoram or Kokborok the language of the then Tripuri rulers.

In the northeastern Manipur state, there is an area named "Jiribam." Whether there is any social, cultural, historical, or political connection between Jiribam and Bam could be a subject of discussion. The Jiribam River flows alongside Jiribam, while the Rukni River flows through South Cachar's "Bam," which could be referred to as Rukni-Bam. However, the region was known as "Bam" even before resettlement. Later, the Davidsonabad sub-district was formed in this Bam region.

                                                                Rajdighi ,Ialamabad

 

Forest Resources and Wildlife of Bam

The brief outline of a region's topography and natural environment also encompasses the region's forest resources and wildlife. In this context, it must be said— the 'Bam' region of South Cachar  is indeed a veritable playground of nature.

 This region's rolling hills and dense forests are home to a variety of remarkable tree species, as well as numerous small and large birds, various species of wild animals, and reptiles. Their appearance, size, and diversity are distinct and unique. The natural environment of this region heightens tourists' interest.

The extensive forests here were and are rich with valuable trees. Among these trees were the prized wild species such as Cham and  Sundi  as well as the popular forest tree Gamari . Additionally, the area contained rare species like Nageshwar, used in house construction, Ramdala , used in boat-making, and other once-rare species like Kurta Rata, Puma, Jam, Gandhari, Tula, Kadamba, Shirish, and many others. There were various types of bamboo, including Ikor and Khag, as well as numerous species of reeds like Galla reed, Jali reed, Sundi  reed, and Annah  reed. Furthermore, the region was rich in rare herbal plants. Naturally, the flowers of the forest attracted honeybees, and the Bam region was famous for its honey, which was abundant and had a unique taste. It is still available today.

Discussing the fauna, it can be said that these areas were once shrouded in dense, eerie forests. The region was home to wild elephants, tigers,  deer, various types of monkeys, wolves, wild cats, striped wildcats, and Khattaas (locally known as Tola), among other diverse animals and reptiles.

The Rukni Valley, the Bam region are known as a land of birds. Many species of both small and large birds could be seen in this valley. In the southern part, near the Mizo hills, even amidst human settlements, the free movement of various birds was once a characteristic feature. The area was lively with local and migratory birds. The chirps of parrots, lorikeets, herons, wild ducks, various types of storks, egrets, kingfishers, colored kites, eagles, hornbills, multiple species of vultures, harriers, pigeons (wild pigeons), blue doves, various mynas, wild cocks, Mouka,Moudhra, yellow birds, bulbuls, woodpeckers, and small sparrows (flower-eating sparrows, Monia, Tekoi) would invigorate the daily life of the inhabitants.

In the forests and jungles, the rich diversity of flora and fauna was matched by the variety of fish in the rivers and streams, including Kacchap(turtle), Shushuk (dolphin, locally known as 'Fu'), and aquatic snakes.

Until the mid-20th century, tigers would come into human settlements and freely kill villagers' livestock, and occasionally a stray deer would wander around. At dusk, the hills near human settlements would be filled with the collective cries of owls. The incessant chirping of numerous birds would signal the coming of dawn to the inhabitants of Bam. Perhaps at that time, there were no wildlife conservation laws. Local hunters would kill tigers and bring them to the Dholai police outpost. The practice of rewarding hunters for killing tigers and leopards might have existed, as in 1904, the government rewarded those who killed 17 tigers and 16 leopards in the Cachar district. It is said that the Frenchnagar (locally pronounced as *Peres Nagar*) near the Mizo border got its name from a British gentleman named J. French, who came here for tiger hunting. Due to population growth, although the wildlife of Bam has not been completely extinct, their numbers have rapidly dwindled.

Early Bam was an example of biodiversity. Had the government decided to conserve the forest land instead of settling people, Bam would have become a beautiful sanctuary for wild animals, possibly even housing a one-horned rhinoceros.

Changes have come with the flow of time. Much of the natural wealth that was once stored in the area is now gone. Due to human recklessness and misuse, much has been lost to oblivion. For the people of Bam, there is some good news—recently, the Assam government has declared the eastern part of Bam between the Sonai and Barak rivers as the "Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary."

 

Topography and Natural Description of Bam:

 The Rukni Valley, essentially the Bam region of South Cachar, is renowned for its natural beauty. The Bam area spans the east and west banks of the Rukni River. Originating in the Situal region of Mizoram, approximately 25 km east of Aizawl, the Rukni River flows northward, entering Bam at coordinates 24.43292 N and 92.79669 W between Bishnupur Forest Village in Assam and Bagha Bazar in Mizoram. The river travels through Bam and exits at Ramprasadpur after covering a distance of 18 km. Beyond Bam, the Rukni River merges with the Sonai River in Sundar Part II.

 The Sonai River, another hill river originating in Mizoram, enters Bam 19 km east of Vishnupur Forest Village. It meanders along the eastern fringe of Bam, predominantly passing through extensive forested and hilly lands west of the Bhuban Hill range. The river’s basin in Bam includes Dhlakhal Forest Village, Machkhal Forest Village, Jurkhal Forest Village, Kalakhal Forest Village, and Jurkhal Shukla Vaidya Basti.

 The Rukni or Bam Valley is a picturesque area surrounded by mountains on three sides. To the west, the boundary is defined by the Rengti Hills, a range running from north to south and enveloped by dense forests. The hilly region of Mizoram marks the southern boundary, while the lush forests of the Bhuban Hills cover the eastern side.

 The Bam region is characterized by a combination of mountains, jungles, forests, and hills, interspersed with fertile green fields. About 66% of the area consists of forests and rugged terrain, while the remaining 34% features fertile fields with dense human settlements. Small streams and channels from the forests and mountainous terrain feed the Rukni and Sonai rivers. The fast-flowing rivers, with their winding paths, have created numerous horseshoe-shaped lakes, or “anwas,” by meandering and leaving behind their bends.

  Within the 66% forested area of Bam, 35 forest villages have developed amidst the woods and forests. These villages are home to diverse communities, contributing to a rich cultural environment. Traditional settlements are primarily concentrated in the northern part of Bam, while the southern and eastern regions, characterized by hilly terrain and dense forests, remain sparsely populated.

 Eola Tilla, also known as Gamari Tilla, is the highest point in Bam, located south of Jamalpur. From this hill, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Bam region. To the west, the Rengti Hills form the natural boundary with Hailakandi, extending 4 to 7 kilometers east to west and approximately 13 kilometers north to south. The direct distance between Lailapur in Bam and Bilaipur in Hailakandi is no more than 6 kilometers. The scenic beauty of the Rengti Hills captivates tourists, and viewpoints such as Dholai View Point and Bhaga View Point offer picturesque vistas of Bam. The view from the hilltop, especially towards the east, is particularly mesmerizing.

  

Panoramic view of Bam from EolaTilla :Photo credit-Dr.Anwaruddin Choudhury

Bam’s mountains are adorned with some unique rock formations and waterfalls. Notable waterfalls include the Tingloy Waterfall west of Arjanpur, the Tabatkur Waterfall west of Joydhonpur, the Khiang Waterfall along the Mizoram border, and the Panchora Water Slide. Additionally, the Disharu Waterfall, located 2 kilometers east of Kalakhal, is famous for its water sliding. The Mosinlar Waterfall, situated 2 kilometers east of Smithnagar FV on Bhuban Hill, is another highlight.

 Tabatkur Waterfalls in Rengti Hills near Joydhanpur village

Bam offers extensive opportunities for adventure tourism, with tracks for trekking and hiking, and mountain streams suitable for rafting and rowing. Homestays, if developed in the 35 forest villages will allow visitors to experience the local life and culture of various ethnic and tribal communities. Most of these villages are located in the Shewratol Gaon Panchayat, which borders Mizoram. Nearby, the Turial Dam in Mizoram is a popular tourist attraction. The natural beauty of Bam, highlighted by bloggers and YouTubers, continues to attract nature-loving tourists.

Rukni River flows through Bam at Rajghat :Photo credit-Manjur Ahmed Laskar 

 To the west, the Rengti Hill range marks the boundary between Bam and Hailakandi, while the 10 km wide Bhuban Hill range to the east serves as a natural barrier separating Bam from Manipur. The Bhuban Mountain Range, part of the eastern boundary of Bam, has recently been designated by the Assam government as part of the 320 square kilometer "Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary." This protected area is expected to enhance the appeal of the Bhuban Mountain region and support wildlife conservation efforts in Bam.