Which City is known as the Gateway to the North-East in India?

North-East India, commonly known as the "Land of Seven Sisters," is the easternmost region of the country. North-East India has multiple communities, faiths, and cultures. 

Today it comprises 8 states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura - often called "The Seven Sisters", and Sikkim - referred to as the "Brother" to the seven states. 

It is believed that these specific names were given to this region due to their interdependence on each other. 

North-East India is officially part of the North Eastern Council (NEC), constituted in 1971 as the nodal agency for the development of the northeastern states. 

The entire region is connected to the mainland through a narrow strip of land known as the "Chicken Neck", which was created in 1947.

But apart from this, which city is the Gateway to the North-East in India?

So, let’s explore this particular city in more detail.

Which City is known as the Gateway to the North-East in India?

The City of Guwahati in Assam is known as the "Gateway to the North-East". It is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River.

Guwahati (also known as Gauhati) is a large city in the state of Assam in Northeast India. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and is also known as the “City of Temples”

Why is Guwahati known as the Gateway to the North-East in India?

Guwahati is called the gateway to the North-east because it is the largest city in the northeastern region of India and serves as the main entry point for travellers going to the states in the North-east. 

The City of Guwahati has a well-developed transport infrastructure, including an airport, railway station, and road networks, which makes Guwahati the principal hub for commerce, tourism, and logistics in the region.

The connectivity from Guwahati allows easy access to the other seven sister states of the North-east because of these reasons, which include:

• Largest city in Northeast India

• Major transport hub: airport, railway, roads

• Entry point for expansion towards the seven sister states

• An important centre for trade and tourism

Thus, Guwahati acts like a 'gateway' giving access to the otherwise mountainous and remote northeastern states.

What is the History of Guwahati?

The origin of Guwahati city dates back to ancient times when it was called Pragjyotishpura, the capital of Pragjyotisha(the light of the East).

Guwahati derives its name from the Assamese words “Guwa,” which means areca nut, and “Haat,” which means market.   

According to the Kamrup Metropolitan District, the demon king Narakasura is said to have built this ancient city. 

This is another factor that makes Guwahati so appealing, in that it is the ancient centre of the body of goddess Sati, which has fallen to Guwahati and is also the birthplace of Kamdeva, the God of love. 

Pragjyotishpur is also commonly referred to in the Mahabharata, other Sanskrit epics and mythology. The area that was formerly at the middle of two great kingdoms: the Ahoms and Koch.

Neither the Mughals nor the Koch were able to hold power in Guwahati however, and it is more commonly remembered as the seat of the Borphukan, the civil and military arm of the land installed in and appointed by the Ahom King.

What are the Geographical locations of Guwahati?

Guwahati is located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in western Assam, India. Situated at the foothills of the Shillong plateau, it is surrounded by eighteen hills, creating an amphitheatre-like landscape. It acts as the primary gateway to Northeast India. 

Geographical Features of Guwahati: 

• Coordinates: Approximately 26° 6' 54.3708'' N and 91° 42' 11.6604'' E

• River: Situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River.

• Elevation: Positioned on an undulating plain at an altitude ranging from 49.5 to 55.5 meters above mean sea level.

• Topography: Surrounded by 18 hills and lies at the foothills of the Shillong plateau.

• Regional Position: Located in Western Assam, serving as the gateway to the Northeast Indian states.

• Area: The metropolitan area covers approximately 1,528 km2

Famous Place in Guwahati

The city of Guwahati is a perfect blend of nature, culture, heritage, religion, and buzzing nightlife. There are several leisure parks in Guwahati, and it is one of the best places to savour Assamese cuisine. Here are some famous places given below:

• Kamakhya Temple, the oldest among the Shakti pethas, is located on Nilachal hills.

• Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site recognised by UNESCO

• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

• Guwahati Planetarium

• Assam State Museum

• Chandubi Lake

In conclusion, Guwahati, the "Gateway to the North-East," is the indispensable hub linking the Indian mainland to the diverse seven sister states. 

Its strategic location, major transport infrastructure, and ancient history as Pragjyotishpura cement its role as the region's primary economic, logistical, and cultural access point, making it truly vital.