Steeped in thousands of years of history, much of east India still remains untouched by time.
It is in the unimaginably fertile Ganga delta that the ancient kingdoms with lilting names
like Anga, Banga, Kalinga flourished at least 3000 years ago. It is in Bihar and
neighboring Uttar Pradesh region that the Buddha and
Mahavira preached the gentle way of
life which changed human history. It is in Orissa that the cataclysmic Kalinga war was
fought, an experience that chastened Emperor Ashoka
into becoming one of the greatest
rulers of ancient times. It is in Bengal where the British metamorphosed from traders to
supreme rulers of India - an historical event that altered India's national psyche for
centuries. As powers and persona rose and fell, history shaped the people of the plains.
It is in the east that early industrialization of India took place, due to the incredibly
rich hinterland, access to river and ocean commercial transport and British investment in
technology. Many of India's largest corporate houses are still based in Calcutta. Most of
India's steel industry is located in Bihar and West Bengal region due to its proximity to
coal/ iron ore belt here.
In strange contrast are the States in the north east, only lightly touched by time and
history. Here the Ahoms came to conquer from across the borders in ancient times, but
settled down to integrate peacefully. It is here in the dense forests the rhinos thunder,
orchids beckon and birds and butterflies paint the air in brilliant shades.
The tribal life goes on as always, serenely unconcerned about modern upheavals.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands present yet another vista -emerald dollops in the sapphire
ocean still primeval in their pristine beauty.
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