Assam, lying between 89° 42' E and 96° E longitudes and 24° 8' N and 28° 2' N latitudes, occupies the central location in north-east India. With its western border directly connected to West Bengal, the State is also regarded as the gateway to the north-eastern States. During the epic period, the State was known as Pragjyotisha. It meant, 'the land of eastern astronomy'. Subsequently, the State came to be known as Kamarupa as testified by the Allahabad Pillar Inscription of King Samudragupta. This name remained in vogue till about the 12th century CE. From the 13th century CE the State came to be ruled by the Ahoms. According to some scholars, the State owes its present name to them. However, going by another interpretation, the State may have drawn its current name from the Sanskrit word asoma, which means 'peerless' or 'unparalleled'. The Ahoms remained in power for about six hundred years. Thereafter, the State passed into the hands of the Burmese. However, the British seized it from them through the Treaty of Yandaboo signed in 1826 CE. Finally, the State was incorporated into the Indian Union.

The present State of Assam, covering an area of 78,438 square kilometers, mainly consists of two extensive river valleys: the valley formed by the River Brahmaputra and its tributaries in the north; and the valley formed by the River Barak and its tributaries in the south. Between these two valleys run the long range of hills (Karbi, North Cachar and Barail), which account for much of the State's greenery and wildlife. It is because of this unique topographical feature that the State is also known as the 'Land of Red River and Blue Hills'.