Analyze the geopolitical dynamics between the medieval Chutia kingdom and the hill populations of eastern Arunachal Pradesh: 1. The Chutia kings maintained fortified centers such as Bhismaknagar to secure their eastern borders against both rival valley polities and assertive indigenous tribes. 2. The collapse of Chutia power in the early 16th century led to a complete cessation of all commercial activity in the eastern Himalayan foothills.

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the Chutia kingdom established fortified urban centers like Bhismaknagar and Sadiya to protect its eastern periphery and manage trade relations with neighboring hill groups. Statement 2 is incorrect because the rise of the Ahom kingdom following the decline of the Chutias actually revitalized and expanded foothill commerce through the structured continuation of trade routes and the Posa framework. Regional trade networks proved resilient despite dynastic transitions.