Guwahati is a city in India, often considered to be the gateway to the north-east part of the country. A Guwahati suburb, Dispur, is the capital of the Indian state of Assam. The city is between the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river and the foothills of the Shillong plateau. It is also home to the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati

The name Guwahati is derived from two Assamese words: guwa (betel nut) and hat (market place). It was situated midway between two powerful kingdoms: the Ahom and the Koch kingdoms. Later when the Koch regions were overrun by the Mughals, Guwahati would intermittently be the seat of a forward Mughal commander. Neither the Mughals nor the Koch could maintain power at Guwahati, however, and it became better known as the seat of the Borphukan, the civil and military authority of the region appointed by the Ahom king. Gauhati is also known for its reupted Gauhati University. Among its many other institutions of higher learning are Cotton College (with both Arts and Science streams), Gauhati Commerce College, Gauhati Medical College, Assam Engineering College, B. Borooah College, Handique Girls College (the latter two have both Arts and Science streams) and Indian Institute of Technology.

The Ambari excavations trace habitation in the city to the sixth century C.E. Epigraphic sources place capitals of historical kingdoms, like Pragjyotishpurnagara, in the Guwahati area. Guwahati was a Mughal administrative and military center for lower Assam, and it became the seat of the Borphukan, the Ahom viceroy for the western part of the Ahom kingdom.

There are a number of historical features in Guwahati. The Dighalipukhuri is a rectangular lake that was connected to the Brahmaputra, and was probably dug for naval reasons by the Ahoms.

Assam State Museum

Archaeological and ethnographic displays are one of the major attractions in Assam's state museum, situated near the centre of city. The collection includes stone and copper plate inscriptions dating from the 5th century, a 12th century sculpture of 'Surya', terracotta pieces and costumes.

Umananda Temple

The Shiva temple of Umananda stands on an island bluff in the middle of the Brahmaputra. Its location, at the top of a flight of steep steps up from the beach, is more dramatic than the temple itself. Ferries and motor launches leave from Umananda Ghat, on the shore between the State Bank of India and the Ashok Hotel.

Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Devi Temple, Guwahati, Assam On the commanding Nilachal hill, overlooking the river 8-km west of the centre, the important Kali temple of Kamakhya, with its beehive-shaped 'Shikhara', is a fine example of the distinctive Assamese style of architecture. As one of the 'Shaktipiths', it marks the place where Sati's 'Yoni' (vulva) landed when her body fell to earth in 51 pieces, and is one of the three most important tantric temples in India. A short walk up the hill brings one to a smaller and emptier temple with great views of Guwahati and the Brahmaputra.

Navagraha Temple

East of the town centre, atop another hill, is the atmospheric Navagraha temple popularly known as the "Temple of the Nine Planets", an ancient seat of astrology and astronomy - surrounded by large trees that shelter tribes of monkeys. Housed in a single red dome, again in the beehive style, the central lingam is encircled by a further nine representing the planets.

Madan Kamdev

Some 40-km north of Guwahati, Madan Kamdev was the site of a tantric temple of 'Shakti' (Durga) dating back to the Pallava dynasty (11th and 12th centuries). The temple, mentioned in the tantric scriptures known as the "Yogini Tantra", was evidently destroyed, though the cause is unknown. Much of the site remains unexcavated, but a museum preserves many finds including figures in various erotic postures, indeed some archeologists claim only Khajuraho rivals the expressiveness of its erotica.

By Air

Guwahati airport is situated 18-km east of the centre, and is served by taxis and airport buses, including those run by Indian airlines.

By Rail

The railway station is in the centre of town with the state bus stand right behind and operates a very useful left luggage service. The back of the railway station leads into the Paltan Bazaar area, from which most of the private bus companies operate.

By Road

Guwahati is the connector city of NH - 31, 37 and 40 with the other cities of India by road. Buses ply from Guwahati around the cities of Northeast India by National Highways. State Transport Express and Super Express buses of Assam, Meghalaya , Arunachal , Nagaland , and North Bengal ply from Guwahati.

Guwahati is the commercial capital of the North East. Most of the bazaars deal simply in the provisions; silk and other Assamese crafts are sold at several good shops on GNB road. The places to shop for handicraft and handloom items include the State Government's department store.

Pragjyotika at Ambari as well as many privately owned shops in Pan Bazaar and Fancy bazaar, two of the main commercial markets, that sell a range of items - from Mugs silk to bell metal, cane work to woolen shawls and elegant Naga and Manipuri Jackets.