My Impressions of Assam

1. What does Verrier Elwin say about the museum in assam?

Ans. Verrier Elwin says that there are no proper museums in Shillong or Guwahati. He reveals that the treasure of A ssam tribes could be found in more number in Oxford or Cambridge than in Assam itself.

2. What does the notice “The World’s most dangerous animal” at the cage in the zoo at Lusaka Zambia, signify?

Ans: The notice in the cage signifies man as the most dangerous of animals living in the earth. Man is the only animal who can do almost anything in the world. He has used the earth brutally for its resources and doesn’t consider the adverse affect which his actions make. This has resulted in the destruction of nature. As a result of his actions the other animal life as well as plant life now face the threat of extinction. This is why Man is called the world’s most dangerous animal.

3. What difference does Verrier Elwin draw between the game sanctuaries of Kenya and Kaziranga?

Ans. The difference Elwin found between the game sanctuaries of Kenya and Kaziranga is that, in Africa the people have a tradition to cooperate and make their sanctuaries a success. This is done by spending a lot of money and resources. It is because of these efforts animals are abound in Africa and live in harmony with man.

In Kaziranga the scenario is completely different. The people of Assam do not cooperate or care deeply for the animals. It is because of such negligence the animals themselves do not feel safe in the presence of man, and hence do not readily appear.

4. Why, according to Verrier Elwin should wood carving be taught and encouraged in our educational centers?

Ans. According to Elwin, the people of Assam especially the hill tribes, are expert in the art of wood carving. They design with extraordinary vigor and beauty. The thing for concern is these talents or skills are not properly passed from one generation to the other. Elwin thinks that if these arts are taught and encouraged in educational centers they would be preserved for the future.

5. What appeal does the author make to the scholars of Assam concerning the songs and the poems of the state? Why does he make this appeal?

Ans. Verrier Elwin laments that the youth of Assam are more interested in the western culture and Art. The young boys like to listen to western music and at the same time like to ignore their own indigenous ones. Elwin thinks that if the scholars of Assam does research upon these traditional songs and poems, write books upon them, then it will be preserved for a very long time for the future generations to be proud of.

6. What does Elwin say about the tradition of courtesy and hospitality in the modern world? What advice does he give to the people of Assam on this point?

Ans. Verrier Elwin says that in the modern world the tradition of courtesy and hospitality is unhappily rare because of competition, rivalry and hurry. He is astonished to find much warmth and friendliness in ordinary people of Assam. Elwin thinks that it is a precious treasure of the Assamese people and suggests that they should preserve it forever.