Patterns of Socio-Economic Transformation in Early Medieval Bengal and Assam: A Historical Perspective

The early medieval period (c. 6th–13th century CE) witnessed significant socio-economic transformations in Bengal and Assam, driven by political realignments, agrarian expansion, trade, and cultural exchanges. This period was marked by the emergence of feudal structures, the proliferation of land grants, and the rise of regional polities that reshaped the economic and social fabric. The introduction of settled agriculture, particularly in Bengal, led to the growth of agrarian economies and the establishment of village communities. In Assam, the rise of the Kamarupa polity and the assimilation of tribal communities into mainstream agrarian society transformed socio-economic relations. This study analyzes epigraphic evidence, literary sources, and archaeological data to explore the evolving patterns of land use, social hierarchy, and economic exchange. The research highlights the role of Brahmanical institutions in facilitating socio-economic change and examines the impact of shifting political configurations on local economies. By comparing Bengal and Assam, the study reveals nuanced patterns of transformation that contributed to the formation of distinct socio-economic identities in the region