📚 Part of: Assam History And Culture Mcqs

In which year Shillong was made capital of Assam

Category: Assam Gk

Correct Answer: C) 1874.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, State PSC, History Exams, Geography Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

Shillong was made the capital of Assam in 1874, replacing the previous capital, Gauhati. This change was part of the administrative reorganization of the region under British colonial rule. Shillong, located in the Khasi Hills, was chosen for its cooler climate and strategic location.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the year with other significant dates in Assam's history.
  • Misremembering the year due to similar events in the region.
  • Not distinguishing between the administrative changes and other historical events.
Explanation:

Shillong, the present-day capital of Meghalaya, was made the capital of Assam in 1874. This decision was part of a broader administrative reorganization of the region under British colonial rule. Prior to 1874, the capital of Assam was Gauhati, which is now known as Guwahati. The British colonial government chose Shillong for several reasons, including its cooler climate and strategic location in the Khasi Hills, which provided a more comfortable environment for the colonial administrators compared to the plains of Gauhati.

The decision to move the capital to Shillong was made in the context of the broader administrative changes that were taking place in the region. The British colonial government was constantly reorganizing territories to better manage the diverse and complex regions under their control. Shillong's elevation to the status of capital was a reflection of the colonial government's efforts to consolidate control over the northeastern part of India.

It is important to note that the year 1874 is significant in the history of Assam and the northeastern region of India. This change in the capital city marked a shift in the administrative focus and strategy of the colonial government. Understanding the historical context and the reasons behind such administrative decisions is crucial for comprehending the broader political and social changes that occurred during the colonial period.

In summary, Shillong was made the capital of Assam in 1874, a decision that reflected the strategic and climatic considerations of the British colonial government. This change was part of a series of administrative reorganizations that took place during the colonial period, and it is an important historical fact to remember for those studying the history of Assam and the northeastern region of India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The year 1872 is not the correct year when Shillong was made the capital of Assam. This might be a common mistake due to confusion with other historical events in the region. Shillong was chosen as the capital in 1874, two years later.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The year 1873 is not the correct year when Shillong was made the capital of Assam. This might be a plausible mistake due to the proximity to the correct year, but the administrative change occurred in 1874.
  • Option C: This option is correct. Shillong was made the capital of Assam in 1874. This change was a significant administrative decision made by the British colonial government, reflecting the strategic and climatic advantages of Shillong over the previous capital, Gauhati.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The year 1875 is not the correct year when Shillong was made the capital of Assam. This might be a plausible mistake due to the proximity to the correct year, but the administrative change occurred in 1874.

Mnemonic: S-CAP: Shillong became Assam's Capital in 1874

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