HISTORY

The Department of Historical and Antiquarian Studies in Assam (DHAS) was established by the government of Assam on 25 june, 1928, and it began to function regularly from 15 July, 1929. The department owes its origin to the efforts of Mr. John Rechard Cunninghan (1912-1931), formerly director of public instruction, Assam who released the vast possibilities of government organization for the furtherance of the cause of research work.

In January, 1928 Mr. Cunningham submitted formal proposal to the government of Assam for the establishment of a department for the prosecution of Historical and Antiquarian Studies , to be maintained out of the provincial revenues like other departments of the state. In june, 1928 Mr. Cunningham’s proposal was accepted by the government and his excellency sir Laurie Hammond gave his sanction to the establishment of the department.