Impact of Line System on Assam Politics during the Late Colonial Period

Abstract

The execution of the Line System in Assam in order to restrict the settlements of immigrant from Bengal was one of the important issues that influenced the Assam politics, most particularly the Muslim politics, during the late colonial period. It was first implemented in 1920 in Nowgong district and also in the Barpeta sub-division of Kamrup district. The Bengali speaking immigrants, mostly peasants, resisted against the Line System designed by the district administration and in that they got the support of the Assam Provincial Muslim League. The provincial league under the leadership of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani condemned the Line System and protested against its implementation. The Muslim League organized meetings, demonstrations and hartals throughout the province to get it abolished. The indigenous inhabitants, however, strongly advocated the retention of the Line System and demonstrated their support for the Line System.