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India.com
a day ago
- India.com
10 Facts About Guwahati City You Must Know
Guwahati, the oldest city in Assam, is one of India's oldest cities steeped in history, and culture blending perfectly with modernity. Guwahati is strategically situated on the Brahmaputra River; this busy metropolitan area is also known as one of the gateways to northeast India. Guwahati is renowned for its rich culture, stunning views, and strategic point which puts it on the radar of tourists. Below, you will find ten outstanding facts about Guwahati's identity. 1. One of the Oldest Cities in Asia Guwahati is, has, and will be one of Asia's oldest continuously populated cities. With its archaeological evidence, the city seems to be dating over 2000 years ago. The term Guwahati translates to the market of an 'areca nut (Guwa)', this signifies its importance as a trading center during the ancient times. 2. Gateway to Northeast India Regarded as the 'Gateway to Northeast India' due to the economic region, Guwahati is one of the popular cities of Northeast India. It is one of the important regions because of its economy, the city is well connected via road, railway, airports, and even water. Guwahati is of vital importance to trade, tourism, and commerce. 3. Guarding Ancient Temples Guwahati's popular temples mark her as a pious existence, hence the nickname 'City of Temples.' The following is an incomplete list of temples of Guwahati: Kamakhya Temple : This temple of Shakti Peeth Kamakhya attracts thousands of pilgrims a year. The Ambubachi Mela and Bhadra Kamakhya Mela draw the largest crowds. Umananda Temple : The temple marks the situs of the smallest inhabited river isle, Peacock Island, settled in the Brahmaputra river. Navagraha Temple : Also known as the temple of nine planets, the Navagraha temple reflects deep astrological traditions Guwahati is known for. 4. City's position along the Brahmaputra One of the main facets regarding the city's geography is the expanding stretch along the southern bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra; it's essential to the city, given the value of its economical and geographic resources. An important aliment source of the city is fishing and agriculture is also aided by the fertile alluvial soil offered by the river. Guwahati is well connected with the other parts of Assam through the Saraighat Bridge. It is an important infrastructural advancement in the state, as it is built over the Brahmaputra. 5. Keys of Technology and Research Heinachi is home to many reputed institutions that offer higher education and research. Thus it is the region's most important educational hub. Gauhati University : Founded in 1948, this university is also among the oldest teaching universities in north east india. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati: First in the northeastern region of India and among the top engineering institutes in India, it nurtures innovation and advancement in technology. Assam Agricultural University: Primary center in the field of agriculture as well as for rural development. 6. Rich Culture Heritage Guwahati is a place with various cultures, languages, and traditions. The city is famous for a number of festivals which are celebrated with great grandeur like Bihu (the harvest festival), Durga Puja, Diwali, Eid, and Christmas. Traditional forms of art like Sattriya dance, folk music, and handicrafts are also commonplace marking the cultural richness of the region. 7. Eco-Friendly Initiatives Of note is the fact that in recent years, Guwahati has made considerable strides in the direction of sustainable development. The city has adopted conservation measures like waste management schemes, tree planting campaigns, and development of public transport facilities. The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) works proactively to enhance urban design and promote environmental preservation. 8. Wildlife Nature Tourism Guwahati is endowed with greenery and wildlife sanctuaries. Shown below are some of the attractions to nature enthusiasts: Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary: A Ramsar designation wetlands site known for its routes and homes for migratory birds, fish, and other aquatic animals. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: Well known for housing the largest concentration of Indian rhinoceroses. Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden: Includes a rich variety of flora and fauna. Wildlife and nature enthusiasts, as well as photographers, will find these nature reserves around Guwahati to be breathtaking. 9. Historical Importance Guwahati advanced as a military station during the colonial period, coming into focus in the region of a military station during the Branch rule. The renowned Battle of Saraighat which was fought and continues to be fought around saraighat bridge in the year 1671 is popularly known among the locals as something that completely changed the chapter of assamese history when the Ahom Kingdom came out victorious over ramsingh mughal was the defeatist commander in charge of the Mughals Forces. This fight is popularly known and is a part of an amazing local living folklore. 10. Burgeoning Economic Center In Assam the main city Guwahati is regarded as the capital of commerce for the state and is one of the major metropolitan areas to contribute significantly towards Assam's economy. Assam's economy is driven by the tea processing, petroleum industry, textile industry as well as handicraft business, all of which are based in Guwahati. The trendy shopping destinations like Fancy Bazaar, Paltan and Pan Bazaar are attuned to the rhythm of trade and commerce all round the year. With the coming up of start up companies as well as establishing IT parks, the city is living up to its expectation of being a modern city. Conclusion Guwahati is not just a city; it is a city which showcases history, tradition and progress that spans over centuries. Guwahati ancient temples and beautiful resorts alongside its modern growing industries and educational institutions showcase the seamless blend of ancient and modern life. Be it working marvels or taking a leisurely stroll, the developmental wonders of Guwahati are bound to take your breath away. Guwahati is certainly a place which every tourist must experience. Guwahati is another incredible jewel of India which is remarkable in its own way and prides itself of a unique feature for every traveler. Both natives and travelers will appreciate and love the beauty of this outstanding jewel and the reasons for Guwahati's pride are countless.
Deccan Herald
3 days ago
- Science
- Deccan Herald
Unique cave fish species found in Meghalaya by Gauhati University, Lady Keane College researchers
Dr Kangkan Sarma and his team from #GauhatiUniversity have discovered Schistura densiclava ~ a new species of cave-dwelling loach from #Meghalaya, marking their ninth such discovery. This remarkable contribution to global biodiversity has been featured by @BBC News, bringing… — Gauhati University (@GauhatiUniv) May 30, 2025 Intrigued by the discovery of a new blind cave dwelling fish species 'Schistura 'densiclava'' in Krem Mawjymbuin, a limestone cave near Mawsynram, Meghalaya. This is the sixth discovery of unique cave fish species in Meghalaya. These discoveries are testament to Meghalaya's… — Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) May 30, 2025
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Cave-dwelling fish that can survive on surface found in Meghalaya
A team of zoologists from Gauhati University, Lady Keane College in Shillong, and the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources in Lucknow discovered Schistura densiclava — a new species of fish that thrives underground but can adapt to surface conditions as well — in Krem Mawjingbuiñ, a cave in Meghalaya. The limestone cave is located just 15 kilometres from Mawsynram, one of the wettest places on earth. Most hypogean (underground-dwelling) species lose their eyesight and pigmentation over generations, relying on heightened non-visual senses to navigate pitch-dark waters. Unlike them, this unique species of stone loach has eyes and shows off its colours too. Published in the Journal of Fish Biology, a prestigious journal by the Fisheries Society of the British Isles, the discovery has drawn international attention and national applause. Assam's education minister Ranoj Pegu took to social media platform X to congratulate the team, calling it 'a proud moment for Northeast India's scientific community.' With a pale yellow-green body and bold black bars numbering between 14 and 20, the fish sports a distinctive thick stripe near its dorsal fin — the very feature that earned it the species name densiclava, meaning 'dense stripe' in Latin. 'This discovery highlights the untapped biodiversity thriving in Meghalaya's underground ecosystems. It's the ninth new fish species we've described from Northeast India, and the sixth known cave-associated fish from Meghalaya' said Professor Dandadhar Sarma, head of Zoology department at Gauhati University. Unlike fully cave-adapted species such as Schistura papulifera and Neolissochilus pnar — which are pigmentless, blind, and cannot survive in a surface environment— Schistura densiclava thrives inside caves but isn't entirely dependent on subterranean life. Researchers said that the fish was found exclusively in a cool, fast-flowing stream some 60 metres inside the cave, where water temperatures hover at a chilly 18°C and oxygen levels are low. The fish's resilience in such nutrient-scarce conditions is remarkable. Its diet includes copepods, tiny shrimp, insect fragments, and even bat guano. According to Kangkan Sarma, one of the study's lead authors, the species shows clear sexual dimorphism. 'Males are slimmer with irregular patterns and puffier cheeks, while females are more robust and display more uniform markings,' he noted, adding, 'DNA sequencing confirms that this is a genetically distinct species, unlike any other Schistura found in the region.' The East Khasi Hills region, where Krem Mawjingbuiñ lies, is a part of Meghalaya's celebrated cave systems — one of the richest and least explored subterranean landscapes in the world. With over 1,700 caves and cave locations documented, but only a fraction thoroughly studied, Meghalaya is considered a global hotspot for cave biodiversity. 'There were no visible signs of human disturbance inside Krem Mawjingbuiñ,' said one researcher, noting how seasonal access and the surrounding dense forest have kept the cave largely untouched by tourism or ecological isolation, researchers said, is a double-edged sword — protecting species for now, but making them vulnerable to even minor intrusions.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Flutes crafted out of NE bamboos go global
1 2 3 Guwahati: Flute makers of the city are witnessing a significant surge in demand for their handcrafted instruments as music practitioners turn to locally manufactured flutes, crediting the superior quality of northeast's indigenous bamboo varieties. Northeast's humid subtropical climate and rich alluvial soil create the ideal growing conditions for several bamboo species, particularly the ones well suited for musical instruments. The most used variety is the Schizostachyum dulloa, known locally as 'dolu bamboo', which grows abundantly in the hilly areas of Assam and other northeastern states. This species has thin walls and narrow bore dimensions, essential for producing flutes with superior acoustics and resonance. A flute-maker and researcher Rahul Nayak, who has been making flutes with his wife's support for over six years, said they witnessed a 50% annual growth in orders over the last five years. "Classical musicians from across the country are now seeking our flutes as northeastern bamboos have lesser nodes and unique tonal qualities," Nayak added. Nayak said bamboos are typically harvested during winter months when moisture content is lowest, then seasoned for six to twelve months in controlled conditions. The manufacturing process remains largely traditional, with artisans carefully selecting bamboo culms based on diameter, wall thickness and natural segmentation. Each flute requires precise measurement and drilling of finger holes, with the bore being fine-tuned through traditional fire-heating techniques. Director in charge of the performing arts department of Gauhati University, Pranjal Saikia, said, "Over the years I have seen tremendous growth in the numbers of flautists, earlier flutes were used mostly in folk songs but pioneers like Prabhat Sarma and Dipak Sarma popularised flute as a musical instrument for classical songs across the state." Saika, who is also a music instructor, added that because of the new National Education Policy (NEP), music as a subject is getting much recognition. Courses related to flutes will also be incorporated in the performing arts course at Gauhati University. Most people learn how to play the flute for a short duration of time and they eventually dropout after learning basic tricks, said Kishore Bharali, a music instructor and flute-maker. There is a significant growth in flute sales but there is a need for qualified music teachers to promote the art form, Bharali added.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Meghalaya's new cave-dwelling fish adapts to streams overground
GUWAHATI An underground cave in Meghalaya, in focus for a conflict over a Shivalinga-like stone formation, has yielded a new-to-science fish that adapts to streams overground. A team of zoologists, led by Kangkan Sarma of Gauhati University's Department of Zoology, has recorded Schistura densiclava as a new species of troglophile loach from Krem Mawjymbuin in the State's East Khasi Hills district. A troglophile animal is essentially a cave-dwelling animal that can thrive and reproduce in epigean, or aboveground, environments. Krem means cave in the indigenous Khasi language. Mr. Sarma and D. Khlur Baiaineh Mukhim are the lead authors of the study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Fish Biology, a peer-reviewed publication of the Fisheries Society of the British Isles. The other authors are Hrishikesh Choudhury, Rajdeep Das, Rejani Chandran, Rajeev K. Singh, Deisakee P. Warbah, Wandalin Lyngdoh, Uttam Kumar Sarkar, and Dandadhar Sarma. A 206-metre-high cave, Krem Mawjymbuin, has a surveyed length of about 1.6 km. The newly described loach, a bottom-dwelling fish with barbels hanging from the mouth, was found in a cool, fast-flowing stream about 60 meters inside the cave, where the temperature was 18°C and oxygen levels were low. Belonging to the Nemacheilidae family, Schistura densiclava is adapted to the dark, subterranean environment but can also survive in surface waters. According to the authors, it retains pigment and eyesight, unlike other cave-dwelling fishes such as Schistura papulifera or Neolissochilus pnar, also recorded from Meghalaya. The newly described loach has a pale yellow-green body 'marked with 14-20 greyish black to faint black bars' and a thick stripe near the dorsal fin. This stripe gave the loach its name – densiclava, which means 'thick stripe' in Latin. The study said the Schistura densiclava males are slimmer with irregular patterns and puffier cheeks, while the females are sturdier with consistent markings. 'Genetic testing confirmed it as a completely new species... The distribution of the new species is limited to the cave, which suggests endemism in this cave system,' the researchers said. Schistura densiclava is the sixth cave-dwelling fish recorded from Meghalaya, three of which were described by Gauhati University scientists. Krem Mawjymbuin, among the most difficult to access, is one of several complex limestone cave systems in Meghalaya. The cave was in the news in 2024 when the Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong, the traditional village institution that controls the area, cited ecological reasons for banning the worship of the Shivalinga-like structure inside it.
