The finesse and exquisite workmanship of a wide variety of craft products of ancient Assam earned universal acclamation, as is evident from many literary and historical records. In all branches, craftsmanship like weaving and sericulture, or metal, ivory, wood, leather, clay, cane, bamboo works and the like, the reputation of Assamese artisans was equal to that of the craftsmen of other parts of contemporary India. The ancient kingdom of Kamrupa was noted for many old times industries. In the pre-British period where there were independent rulers in Assam, a number of old times industries especially cottage industries got the patronage from the kings and nobles and naturally the propagation of such industries constituted one of the important features of the cultural life of the Assamese people. Self sufficiency had been the key-note of Assam's economy in early medieval time, and various cottage industries formed, which is an inalienable part of her culture. To a large number of the people these cottage industries had been, as it were, a way of life rather than mere source of living.

Historical evidence bearing on Assamese old time industries are not scanty and references that we have in historical and other literature of Assam are sufficient to point to a high standard of industrial efficiency that the people obtained in Assam in early times. Assam produced almost all that was necessary for life in the light of the standard of living prevalent in those days. Dr. E.A. Gait in his 'A History of Assam' has stated that the industry was highly developed in Ahom period. There are references to weavers, spinners, goldsmiths, potters and workers in ivory, bamboo, wood, hides and cane. According to the Muhammedan historians, the people were very skilful in weaving of embroidered silk cloths. According to records, Momai Tamuli Barbarua, a minister of King Pratap Singha, made it compulsory for every adult able bodied female to spin a certain quantity of yarn every evening. The Assamese were excellent carpenters who made their boxes, trays, stools and chairs by carving these out of a single block of wood.