Assamese perspectives on England in colonial travel writing: navigating utopian visions and critical reflections

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ABSTRACT This paper examines Assamese perspectives on England during the colonial era through an analysis of Assamese travel writings. It begins with Assam's integration into British colonial rule in 1826 and investigates the interplay between colonial modernity, colonial narratives, and the responses of the Assamese intelligentsia. The study traces the intellectual progression from an initial, uncritical admiration for British civilisation to a more critical and nuanced evaluation of England. By examining Assamese travelogues, it highlights significant shifts in perceptions of the West over time. By the early twentieth century, a nationalist discourse had emerged, challenging colonial narratives and reshaping Assamese views of England. The paper concludes by emphasising the pivotal role of Assamese travelogues in offering unique insights into the region's evolving perceptions of the West and the transformative dynamics of this historical period.