Ancient Salt Production of Assam: History, Tribal Practices, and Geology

Khela Well

The Ancient Salt Production of Assam

Salt, often taken for granted in modern times, was once one of the most crucial commodities in the history of human civilization. It influenced trade, shaped political alliances, sparked wars, and led to the rise and fall of empires. In ancient Assam, where access to sea salt was lost, the people turned to their land, developing ingenious methods to produce salt locally. This process not only met their needs but also became a cornerstone in the region’s economy, society, and politics.

The Historical Role of Salt in Assam

The significance of salt in Assam dates back to the ancient Kingdom of Kamrupa, which existed between the 4th and 13th centuries. During this period, Kamrupa extended its influence up to the Bay of Bengal, allowing the kingdom to benefit from the sea’s resources, including salt. However, by the late 8th century, political upheavals led to the loss of these trade routes, forcing the people of Assam to find alternative sources of salt.

Salt became a critical commodity, not just for daily consumption, but as a symbol of wealth and power. Its production, control, and trade were intertwined with the politics of the region. Wars were fought over salt wells, and rulers gained or lost their influence based on their ability to control these precious resources.

By the medieval period, Assam’s rulers, especially the Ahoms, recognized the importance of local salt production. They developed organized systems to manage and tax salt extraction, which became a vital aspect of their economy and diplomacy.

Major Salt-Producing Regions

Assam is home to several salt-producing regions, each with a unique history. These regions were the lifeblood of the local economy, sustaining the people of Assam and allowing them to remain independent of external salt supplies.

Ahom Dynasty map

• Mohong Area – The Mohong region, stretching across modern-day Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, was historically one of the most important salt-producing areas. The name ‘Mohong’ itself derives from the Dimāsā language, where mo means ‘mine’ and hong means ‘to boil,’ signifying the area's role in salt production. Salt wells were abundant here, and the area became a focal point of salt extraction.
• Semkhor Village – Semkhor, located in the Barail range of Assam, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in the region. It became a significant center for salt production, and even today, its salt wells are part of local traditions and rituals.
• Sodiya Region – This frontier area in eastern Assam, near the border with Arunachal Pradesh, also played a critical role in the salt trade. Historical records indicate that salt wells in Sodiya were overseen by high-ranking officials known as Mohongghat Baruahs, who ensured the smooth production and supply of salt.
• Borduaria and Khela – In the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, the villages of Borduaria and Khela were known for their active salt wells. The salt wells in Khela are still in use today, maintaining traditional salt-making techniques.

The Tribal Connection to Salt Production

Several tribes were instrumental in the production and trade of salt in Assam. Each tribe had its own methods and practices, passed down through generations. Among these tribes, the Dimāsā or Kachāris were some of the earliest salt producers. They were the original inhabitants of the Mohong area and continued their salt production practices even after the Ahoms arrived in the 13th century.

The Noctes, a tribe that migrated from Myanmar to Arunachal Pradesh, became well-known for their salt production. By the 16th century, they controlled numerous salt wells in the Mohong area. Salt production became such a central part of their economy that salt wells were often considered sacred and protected by tribal kings. To this day, the Noctes are one of the last tribes in the region still producing salt using traditional methods.

The Lonpungias were another group historically associated with salt production. They were a contingent sent by the Ahom kings specifically for salt extraction. This group was composed of people from various tribes, including the Ahoms, Kachāris, and Chutias, highlighting the importance of salt across different communities in Assam.

Geology and Chemistry of Salt in Assam

The salt found in Assam is unique in that it is primarily extracted from brine springs, rather than mined as rock salt. These brine springs occur in various geological formations, including the Dishang Shale and Barail Sandstone. These formations, which date back to the Tertiary period, are rich in groundwater, and saltwater seeps out naturally from the subsurface, creating salt springs.

Geologically, the salt springs appear to be controlled more by the structure of the earth (such as faults or lineaments) rather than the specific type of rock. For instance, the salt springs in the Mohong area follow a northwest-southeast trend, which is consistent with the regional geological structures.

Chemical analysis of the salt from these wells shows that it is primarily composed of sodium chloride (NaCl), with traces of other elements like calcium and magnesium. Despite its simple composition, the salt holds significant cultural and historical value, especially among the tribes that continue to produce it using traditional methods.

The Role of Ahom Kings in Salt Production

Salt production in Assam reached its zenith during the Ahom dynasty, which ruled from 1228 to 1826 CE. The Ahoms recognized the strategic importance of controlling the region's salt wells and implemented a system of management and taxation to ensure a steady supply of salt for both the royal family and the general population.

The Ahom kings appointed officials, known as Mohongia Baruah, to oversee salt production in the Mohong area. These officials were responsible for maintaining the salt wells, collecting taxes, and ensuring that a portion of the salt was reserved for the royal family. The rest of the salt was sold in local markets, contributing significantly to the kingdom's economy.

Diplomacy also played a crucial role in maintaining control over salt production. The Ahom kings often formed alliances with salt-producing tribes, offering them positions in the court or sending spiritual leaders to mediate conflicts. This delicate balance of power allowed the Ahoms to maintain control over the region's salt production for centuries.

Decline of Traditional Salt Production

By the 19th century, with the advent of British colonial rule, the traditional methods of salt production in Assam began to decline. The British found it more economical to import salt from Bengal than to produce it locally. As a result, many of the traditional salt wells were abandoned, and the once-thriving salt industry faded into obscurity.

However, the legacy of salt production in Assam lives on, particularly in the rituals and traditions of the region's tribes. In some remote villages, traditional salt production methods are still practiced, serving as a reminder of the region's rich history and the vital role that salt played in shaping the culture and economy of ancient Assam.