5. Historical Background of Bam:Jiyauddin Choudhury

Historical research reveals that in his book 'Kacharer Itibritta' (History of Cachar), Upendra Chandra Guha, while describing Bam, stated that the capital of the Tripura kingdom was located at Rajghat on the banks of the Rukni River in Bam. Upendra Chandra Guha also mentioned that in present-day Islamabad (Islampur), "the old royal road, ponds, brick-built steps, etc., still exist in that place and the surrounding area." This pond, known as Rajdighi among the residents of Bam, remains intact to this day. The book 'Kacharer Itibritta' was published in 1910. According to information, Upendra Chandra Guha himself visited this Rajdighi in Bam. Later, the capital was shifted from Bam to Jaipur in Kailashahar. From Jaipur, the capital was moved to a place called Manik Bhandar. After that, the capital was shifted to Agartala. The capital of Tripura is still located in Agartala. Many folk tales about Bam are prevalent among the Tripuri people. Upendra Chandra Guha has mentioned several such folk tales in his book 'Kacharer Itibritta'. These folk tales suggest that at one time, Bam was the capital or kingdom of the Tripuris.

In ancient times, kings and rulers, to leave a lasting legacy of their achievements, would excavate large ponds in various parts of their kingdoms. There are examples of this, such as the Rani's pond in Udharband of the Cachar king Lakshmichandra, the Rajdighi of Pangram, or the Shak-Ala pond of Hailakandi, the Jaysagar pond of Sibsagar, etc. The Rajdighi of Islamabad in Bam is also one such large pond that commemorates the glorious royal power of the past in the area.

This vast pond covers approximately 10-12 bighas of land. In 1957, the Assam government included this pond in its fisheries project. The Fisheries Department's own office and residential buildings for its employees have been constructed on the wide banks of the pond.

However, the reason why the capital of Tripura was shifted from Bam to Agartala is still unknown. Investigative researchers will surely explore the reasons for this. One reason the Tripuri kings moved away from Bam was likely to protect themselves from attacks by external enemies. The reports of British colonial officials on this matter are undoubtedly reliable historical documents.

When Upendra Chandra Guha, in his book "Itibritta of Cachar," suggests that the Tipra king's capital was located at Rajghat in Bam, Rajmohan Nath, in his book "Antiquities of Cachar," mentions numerous old ponds, earthen forts, and bricks at a place called Telichiba in Bam (which is part of Islamabad village). According to him, these are connected to the headquarters of high-ranking officials of the Tripura kingdom. Rajmohan Nath further mentions that the "Tripura Rajmala" states that the Cachar plains, encompassing the Sonai or Rukni valley, were known as the "Purvakul" province, and that a dip in the Rukni River would absolve one of all sins. The Kukis would come from far and wide to collect water from the Rukni River in bamboo tubes. This is a factual description, as the present author witnessed this phenomenon in his childhood: the Kukis of Kunga Punji in Rajgovindpur would come to Rajghat and fill bamboo tubes with water from the Rukni River.

Evidence of a once densely populated area in Bam can be found in the report on Cachar sent by the English ruler of Cachar, Lieutenant T. Fisher, to his superior British officer, David Scott, on July 29, 1831. Regarding Bam, he stated that numerous ruins of old houses are scattered in the villages along the banks of the Rukni River – suggesting that the area was once inhabited, but for some reason, the people left and moved elsewhere.

The atrocities of the Kukis had increased in the area under British rule. The Kukis frequently launched sudden and violent attacks on the settlements. They were primarily a community preceding the Mar-Mizos. The horrific memories of their attacks were later preserved in proverbs that were passed down orally, as the ancients used to say—'Kuki Bhagān' (fleeing in fear of the Kukis), 'Magar Bhagān' (fleeing in fear of the Magh pirates). Similarly, 'Jangir Larai' (the Sepoy Mutiny's war against the British), 'Burmar Bhagān' (fleeing in fear of the atrocities of the Burmese army), 'Chhatish Banglar Pani' (the great flood of 1336 Bengali year), etc. The word 'Bhagān' refers to fleeing or moving elsewhere in a state of confusion for self-preservation due to fear of a particular event or atrocity. Because this terrorist incident occurred in the Bam region, the stories of 'Bhagān' remained prevalent in folklore for a long time.

In the mid-seventeenth century, after the decline of the Tripura kingdom, a small king named Madan Raja appeared on the banks of the Rukni River. However, no historical account of Madan Raja has been found. Although many folk tales and village songs about Madan Raja were prevalent. Probably his kingdom existed in a few villages at the northern end of Bam.

There are no historical records or analyses available to explain the origin of the name 'Bam'. Nor can any logic be found in the folk explanations of the naming of 'Bam'. It is possible that this name was given by non-Aryan tribes. In the Dimasa language, the word "Bam" means to be taken into the lap or embrace. After the rule of the Tripuri kings in Cachar, it came under the rule of the Dimasa Kacharis, and they ruled in Cachar for a long time. Therefore, the name Bam may have originated from the Dimasa language. Dr. Nalini Kanta Sinha of Bekirpar, former Associate Professor of the Geography Department of North Eastern Hill University, believes that according to the "Assamese Practical Dictionary," the word Bam means high land surrounded by water.This meaning fits the "Bam" region. The "Bam" region is a relatively elevated area, and the name "Bam" may also originate from this Assamese word.

                                                                Rajdighi ,Ialamabad

In the mid-16th century, Tripuri rule in Cachar came to an end when the Koch general Chilarai defeated the Tripuris. The Koch kings ruled from Khaspur for some time. They were known as "Dheyan". There is still an Assamese village near Udharband. Many Assamese or Dheyan words have found their way into the local vocabulary of Cachar, such as 'bikroy-becha' (buying and selling), 'bar cha' (wait), 'cha' (tree), 'theng' (leg), 'pani' (water), 'panimach' (turtle). Similarly, the word 'Bam' is also likely to have come from the Assamese language.

Researchers can examine this claim regarding the origin of the name Bam. It can also be investigated whether the word "Bam" originated from any language of the neighboring state of Mizoram, or from Kokborok, the language of the Tripuris, who were the rulers of Bam at that time.

In the northeastern region, in the state of Manipur, there is an area called 'Jiribam'. Whether there is any social, cultural, historical, or political connection between Jiri-Bam and Bam can also be a subject of discussion. The Jiri River flows beside Jiri-Bam, and in the "Bam" of South Cachar, there is the Rukni River, which can be called Rukni-Bam. Until the British annexation of the Cachar kingdom in 1832, Jiribam was a part of the Cachar kingdom.

According to some, the area finally established on the left bank of the Barak River is known as Bam. Many believe that the area between the present-day Panibhara and Ramprasadpur villages, up to the Inner Line, was previously under the control of the Mizos. Later, for various reasons, the Mizos left this place. Later, non-Mizo people started living here. Therefore, because it was a non-Mizo inhabited area, it was named Bairam, and from Bairam came Bam. The meaning is the dwelling place of non-Mizo people. However, some people say that the word Dimasa originated from the word Bam Dig Dig, and the name Bam is derived from it.

But it is true that this region was known as "Bam" even before the resettlement of the Bams. The Davidsonabad pargana was later formed from this Bam region.

4. Forest Resources and Wildlife of Bam:Jiyauddin Choudhury

The topic of forest resources and wildlife of the region is naturally included in a brief overview of the natural environment. In this context, it must be said that the 'Bam' region of South Cachar is a playground of nature. This region, with its undulating hills and dense forests, boasts a variety of spectacular species of trees, as well as numerous small and large birds of various colors, and different species of wild animals and reptiles. They differ in appearance, size, and variety. The natural environment of this region attracts tourists.

Flora and Fauna of Bam

The vast forests here were once abundant with valuable trees and plants. Among these trees were two valuable types of wild trees, Cham and Sundi, as well as the popular Gamar tree, along with the extremely durable and rare Nageshwar, Ramdala used for building materials, and Jarul, a popular tree for shipbuilding; besides these, there were numerous species of now endangered trees such as Kurta, Rata, Puma, Jam, Gandarai, Tula, Kadam, Shirish, etc. There were many types of bamboo, Ikra and Khag on the slopes of the hills, Tera, and various species of rattan—Golla rattan, Jali rattan, Sundi rattan, Annah rattan, etc.  Along with these, various rare medicinal plants and herbs make this region rich in forest resources. Naturally, the various types of flowers in the forest attract bees to Bam, and Bam is famous for its honey. At one time, a large quantity of forest honey was available. Its taste was unique. Of course, it is still available.

 

Regarding the animals and birds, it can be said that the areas were once covered with dense, eerie forests. The area was roamed by wild elephants, ferocious tigers, timid deer, various species of monkeys, wolves, wild cats, striped wildcats, and civets (locally known as Tola), and other diverse types of animals and reptiles such as snakes.

The Rukni Valley and the surrounding region are a land of birds, a gift of nature. A ​​keen observer can see how many different types of small and large birds roam in this valley. In this area bordering the Mizo Hills to the south, the free movement of various birds amidst human settlements was once a symbol of its unique character. The area was vibrant with the presence of local and migratory birds. Parrots, mynas, storks, wild ducks, various types of herons, waterhens, kingfishers, colorful kites, eagles, hornbills, multiple species of vultures, orioles, wild pigeons, blue doves, various types of mynas, wild roosters, cuckoos, yellow birds, bulbuls, woodpeckers, and small sparrows (flowerpeckers, munias, tailorbirds), etc., enlivened human life with their sweet melodies and cooing.

Just as the trees, forests, and diverse animal life created a rich biodiversity on land, the rivers and streams also teemed with various types of fish, river turtles, dolphins (locally called 'Phu'), and aquatic snakes.

Until the middle of the last century, tigers would come into the villages, freely killing the livestock of the villagers. Occasionally, deer would wander around. In the evenings, groups of gibbons would howl in unison on the hillocks near human settlements. The chirping of countless birds would announce the arrival of dawn to the residents of the area. Probably, there was no wildlife conservation law in existence at that time. Rural hunters would kill tigers and carry them to the Dhalai police outpost. The practice of rewarding hunters for killing tigers and leopards may have originated from the fact that in 1904, the government awarded prizes for killing 17 tigers and 16 leopards in the Cachar district. It is said that the village of French Nagar (locally pronounced as Perech Nagar), located near the Mizoram border in Bam, is named after a British gentleman, J. French, who used to come here for tiger hunting.

In Bam, young elephants were captured through elephant drives. Professionals, with licenses from the forest department, would capture young elephants from the forests of Bam, train them, and domesticate them. Reportedly, the last elephant captured in an elephant drive in Bam was caught in 1957 near Bhubandahar, east of Dholai Bazaar, in the Bhuban Hills region. The elephant was trained for a month in Channighat village before being domesticated.

 

Although the wildlife of Bam has not become extinct due to population growth, their numbers have decreased rapidly.

Early Bam was a haven of biodiversity. If the government had decided to conserve the forest land instead of settling people there, Bam would have become a beautiful sanctuary for wild animals. One-horned rhinoceroses would also have been present.

With the passage of time, changes have occurred. Much of the wealth that nature had accumulated in the area is now gone. Due to indiscriminate and thoughtless exploitation by humans, much of it is now on the verge of extinction. A piece of good news for the people of Bam is that the Assam government has recently declared the eastern part of Bam, between the Sonai River and the Barak River, as the "Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary".

 

3. Topography and Natural Description of Bam:Jiyauddin Choudhury

The Rukni Valley, adorned with natural beauty, is essentially the Bam region of South Cachar. It extends along both banks of the Rukni River. The Serlui River, originating from Nisapui in Kolasib district, located 22 kilometers north of Aizawl, enters Bam at coordinates 24.43292 N and 92.79669 E, between Bishnupur Forest Village in Assam and Bagha Bazar in Mizoram. There, it takes the name Rukni River and flows northward through Bam, dividing it into two parts.

Rukni River flowing through Singerhawaor

 After traversing 18 kilometres of the narrow, gradually sloping Rukni Valley, the Rukni River leaves Bam at Ramprasadpur. After leaving Bam, the Rukni River merges with the Sonai River in Sundari Part-1 . The Rukni River is a witness to the small and large events, joys and sorrows of Bam. The Rukni River is the lifeline of Bam. The network of the Rukni River and its tributaries, streams, and canals carries the local rainwater runoff from the hilly terrain of the Bam region. Rukni is a rain-fed river.

During its 18-kilometer journey through Bam, many tributaries join the Rukni River on its eastern and western banks.

Tributaries on the eastern bank of the Rukni River:

1. Punikhal:

                                        Tabatkur Waterfalls in Rengti Hills near Joydhanpur village

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

1. An unnamed stream, which originates from Dhalaikhal and joins Natachhara near the Rukni River, west of the Bhaga Bazar-Saifai Road.

1. Balikhal, which originates from Dhalaikhal Forest Village, crosses the Bhaga Bazar-Saifai Road, and joins Natachhara slightly west of the Bhaga Bazar-Saifai Road.

1. Chailtakhai, which originates from Dhalaikhal Forest Village, crosses the Bhaga Bazar-Saifai Road, and falls into the Rukni River a little further west.

1. An unnamed tributary, which originates from Garultalekh Forest Village and joins Natachhara.

1. Plalthleng Lui, which originates from Garultalekh Forest Village and joins Natachhara.

Punikhal originates from Hadama in the south of Bam and flows northward. It crosses Jamalpur, Bishnupur, Gajalghat, Mahadevpur, Malugram, and Suktala before leaving the Bam area and joining the Rukni River at Punirmukh village. A tributary originating from Punir Haor Forest Village joins Punikhal at Punikhal Punji.

2. Singarkhal:

This tributary originates in Gamalpur, near the source of Punikhal. It flows northwest through Jamalpur, Narayanpur, and Shyamacharanpur, and finally merges with the Rukni River near Khaspur LP School (No. 224) in Khaspur. The Singorkhal has three branches:

• Udkhali: Originating near Bidyaratnapur Bazaar Mosque, it joins the Singorkhal in Shyamacharanpur.

• Dharmakhal: Originating from Saranagar, it merges with the Singorkhal in Jamalpur.

• Baskhal: Originating from Mohanpur, it joins the Singorkhal in Jamalpur.

 

3. Napitkhal: The Napitkhal originates in Japirband, near Shyamacharanpur, and joins the Rukni River in Rajgobindpur, opposite Rajghat Part ll.

4. Sheorartal Nala: It originates from Anua in Tin Ghari village and flows through Sheorartal to the northern part of Aradhanpur village, where it falls into the Rukni.

5. Feukhal: It originates from the southern hill of Sheorartal village and joins the Rukni River towards the north of Panchhara.

6. Panchhara: Originating from Bandarkhal, the Panchhara flows through Hadamba, Dhalakhal Forest Village (FV), Kalarhaowar Forest Village (FV) and falls into the Rukni River at the southern end of Sheorartal Forest Village, opposite Bagewala.

It has four tributaries:

• Payokhal: Originates from Natachhara Forest Village.

• Kalakhal: Originates in Barman Nagar (near Saranagar/Baranagar) and joins the Panchhara in Natachhara Forest Village.

• Camp Nala: Originates from Dhalaikhai Forest Village and joins the Panchhara in Natachhara. Dhalakhal is a branch of Camp Nala, originating from Dhalaikhai Forest Village and merging with Camp Nala.

• Tankuang: Starts in Jamirkhal Forest Village and merges with the Panchhara in Dhalaikhai Forest Village.

• Muolawang: Originates from Supari Khal Forest Village and joins the Panchhara in Panchhara Forest Village as ‘Suanglaon Lui’.

7. Biresnagar Canal: Originating from Biresnagar village, it flows into the Rukni River near Tularthal ME School.

8. Natachhara:  Natachhara is practically the natural boundary between Assam and Mizoram. It flows along the border of Assam and Mizoram in southern Assam, between the entry points of the Rukni River and the Sonai River, under various names. It initially flows from the Sonai River as Bagkhal, then as Tuisheh Lui, Lungjaon Lui, and finally as Natachhara, crossing the Bhaga Bazar-Saifai Road and falling into the Rukni River at the southern end of Tularthal village.

It has five tributaries, which flow from Assam:

 

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

Tributaries of the Rukni River on its western bank:

1. Dhalaikhal: Originating from the Bilkhawthir village in Mizoram, south of Bam, it flows westward near the Bam-Mizoram border and enters Bam between Vairengte and Bilaipur. In Mizoram, it is known as "Chhimlung Lui". After entering Bam, it flows along the western edge of the Rengti Hills through Dhalaikhal Basti and Jamirkhal. From Jamirkhal, it is known as Dhalaikhal and flows through Supari Khal, Arjanpur, Gurudayalpur, and enters the plains of the Rukni valley near Dhalaibasti. Finally, it joins the Rukni River at Sadagram.

2. Panisagar:

This tributary originates from the Taaiya Beel in Frenchnagar at the foothills of the Mizo Hills. It reaches Hawaithang and is known as "Chagir Anua Khal" and flows north through Hawaithang, crossing NH 306.

A stream called ‘Ranga Khal’ originates from the Rengti Hills near the army camp in South Lailapur and falls into Barala Beel in North Hawaithang.

Barala Khal drains water from Barala Beel and flows, joining the North Lailapur Tabatkur stream and the Sonachhara stream (the Sonachhara stream forms the Jaydhanpur Tabatkur waterfall in the Rengti Hills). This combined stream joins the Chagir Anua Khal in North Hawaithang. From here, it is known as "Panisagar" and flows through Jaydhanpur, Rajghat Part I, Loknathpur, Arjanpur, and Saptagram. Then it crosses NH 306 and flows past the Dhalaighat cremation ground on the northern boundary of Saptagram, joining Dhalaikhal and falling into the Rukni River at Sadagram.

3. Hawaithang Khal:

It flows into the Rukni River at Hawaithang market. The Paglachhara and Bishnuchhara streams, originating in Mizoram, merge at Frenchnagar Khasi Punji and flow as the Hawaithang Canal. Another branch, named Lalchhara, joins the Hawaithang Canal through Singua village.

4. Khulichhara:

Two streams—'Dhalakhal' originating from Phainung Forest Village and 'Saiphal Lui' originating from Mizoram—merge to form the Khulichhara. It joins the Rukni River between Khulichhara village and Bagewala village. A branch of Saiphal Lui, 'Thangtepui Lui', originates in Mizoram and joins Saiphal Lui.

5. Baghkhal:

Originating north of Maulvi Khal, Baghkhal joins the Rukni River at Bagewala.

6. Maulvi Khal:

Originating near the Mizoram border, it merges with the Rukni River in North Tularthal village. This canal is named after Maulvi Abdur Rezzak Chowdhury, a teacher at Bam Nityananda High School. He was involved in the timber business in the late 1970s and transported timber through this canal.

7. Khergulnala:

It joins the Rukni River near Khergul Bridge and originates in Mizoram.

The river mentioned as Sonai is another hilly river. Originating from North Chawilang in Mizoram, it enters Bam 11 kilometers east of Bishnupur Forest Village and flows through the eastern edge of Bam. This river mainly flows through the western edge of the vast Bhuban Hill  forest land west of the Barak River. The river basin includes Chekharcham, Dhalakhal Forest Village, Machkhal Forest Village, Jurakhal Forest Village, Kalakhal Forest Village, and Jurkhal.

 

Along its course flowing through the eastern edge of Bam, many small tributaries of the Sonai River drain the water of the Bam region into the Sonai River. These are:

On the eastern bank of the Sonai River:

• Japlakhal: Originating in Mizoram, it flows along the border and joins the Sonai River slightly north of the Mizoram border.

• Baraha Khal: Originating near the Mizoram border, it flows north parallel to the Sonai River and merges with the Sonai River near Hathikhal Bongram. Barak Khal, Saikah Lui, and Bhaoklian Lui are its tributaries.

 

• Jorkhal: Originating in Metnakhai village, it merges with the Sonai River in Smithnagar Forest Village.

• Nagakhal: Originating from Chandikhal Forest Village, it merges with the Sonai River in Sonitpur village.

On the western bank of the Sonai River:

• Tiamakhal: Originating from the west of Suparikhal Forest Village, it merges with the Sonai River in Suparikhal Forest Village.

• Hathikhal: Originating in Punirhaor village, it flows through Hathibhanguri Chakma village and Hathikhal Riang Punji and merges with the Sonai River in Hathikhal Forest Village.

• Agrikhal: Originating from Anandakhal Forest Village, it merges with the Sonai River in Gorkhal Forest Village.

The extensive structure or network of the Rukni and Sonai rivers:

The Rukni and Sonai rivers, through their numerous branches, streams, unnamed rivulets and canals, carry water from the hilly and plain areas of Bam, converging in Sundari village to flow as the Sonai River, which then joins the Barak River.

The Rukni or Bam valley is situated in a picturesque environment surrounded by hills on three sides. To the west, the Rangti Hill, a forest-covered mountain range extending from north to south, marks the boundary between Bam and Hailakandi. This range extends 4 to 7 kilometers from east to west and approximately 13 kilometers from north to south. To the south lies the towering mountainous region of Mizoram.

The entire Bam region is a distinctive area with a landscape of hills, forests, woodlands, and undulating terrain, along with fertile plains. In the plains of the Bam valley, many scattered hillocks are present at the foothills of the Mizo Hills, Rangti Hills, and Bhuban Hills. According to geographer and former Associate Professor of North-Eastern Hill University, Dr. Nalinikanta Sinha, these hillocks are mainly spurs emanating from the nearby mountains, which have become detached from the main mountains due to the continuous erosional work of fast-flowing rainwater along the slopes of the surrounding hills. For this reason, these hillocks are considered geographical features created by the erosional work of flowing rainwater. Approximately 66% of this region is covered with forests and undulating, rugged terrain with sparse settlements. On the other hand, 34% of the land is a vibrant area of ​​Bam, characterized by fertile fields and a charming environment with dense settlements.

Small streams or canals from the forests and hilly areas carry water to supply the Rukni and Sonai rivers. These fast-flowing rivers, in an attempt to shorten their extremely winding courses, have left behind many oxbow lakes or meanders.

Within the 66% forest area of ​​Bam, 35 forest villages have been established. People from various communities live in these forest villages, creating a diverse environment. The main area with traditional settlement characteristics is located in the northern part of Bam. The southern and eastern regions are mainly sparsely populated areas of forested hills.

It is noteworthy that the Eola Tila or Ghamari Tila is located south of Jamalpur. Eola Tila or Ghamari Tila is the highest point of Bam, and a panoramic view of Bam can be enjoyed from Eola Tila or Ghamari Tila. The straight-line distance between Lailapur in Bam and Bilaipur in Hailakandi is not more than 6 kilometers. The picturesque beauty of the Rengti Hills captivates and delights the eyes of travel enthusiasts. A scenic view of Bam can be obtained from the Dhalai Viewpoint in the western Rengti Hill range and the viewpoint near Tabatkur. Looking east from the hilltop, the exquisite beauty of Bam mesmerises the viewer.

Panoramic view of Bam from Rengti Hill's Tabatkur viewpoint at twilight.

The area's hills have several waterfalls and streams emerging from the rocky strata. There are two waterfalls: Tingloy Waterfall in the Rengti Hills west of Arjanpur, and Tabatkur Waterfall in the Rengti Hills west of Jaydhanpur and North Lailapur. Due to lack of road connectivity, the Tabatkur waterfall in North Lailapur has not yet attracted the attention of tourists. To the south, on the border of Mizoram, is the Khiang waterfall of the Nathchhara River, and nearby is the Panchhara stream. Another waterfall is the Dishru waterfall, 2 km east of Kalakhal, which is famous for water sliding in the hilly river. To the east of Bam, 2 km from Smithnagar FV, there is the Mosinala waterfall in the Bhuban Hills. Besides these well-known waterfalls, many more springs and waterfalls scattered in the deep hills and forests are waiting to be discovered.

Bam offers opportunities for adventure tourism. There are trekking and hiking trails for adventurous tourists. The hilly Rukni River and other mountain streams offer immense opportunities for rafting and rowing. Homestays will be an option for those seeking adventure tourism. Homestays will allow tourists to experience the life and culture of the diverse ethnic and tribal communities living in the 35 forest villages of Bam. Most of these forest villages are located in the Sheorartal Gram Panchayat. This Gram Panchayat borders Mizoram to the south. The natural beauty of Bam attracts nature-loving tourists. Thanks to bloggers and YouTubers, the tourist spots of Bam are becoming popular destinations.

While the Rengti hill range in the west marks the boundary of Bam with Hailakandi, the Bhuban Hills in the east distinguish the Bam region from Manipur, giving it a unique identity.

The Bhuban Hills, situated between the Sonai and Barak rivers, form a natural barrier to the east of Bam. This mountain range separates Bam from Manipur. This part of the Bhuban mountain range, located to the east of Bam, is part of the 320 sq km "Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary" recently declared by the Assam government. It is hoped that this protected sanctuary will further enhance the attractiveness of the Bhuban hilly area and the natural environment and wildlife conservation projects of Bam.