Beltola is a prime residential area in the southern part of Guwahati, Assam. Mythical sources claimed that the word Beltola comes from the word Bilvapatra, which means leaves of Bael tree, used in religious ceremonies. It was said that in olden day's large quantities of Bael tree leaves were sent to Kamakhya Temple to be used in rituals. It was from that time the place is called as Beltola. It is an adjoining area of the Dispur Capital Complex, the capital of Assam. The area has seen rapid growth since the 1980s and its southern periphery is today extended up to the National Highway-27 (NH-27) in the extreme south of the city. It covers an area of about 2.53 km2 or 27,221,804.44 ft². Beltola Bazar, located in the central part of Beltola, is a bi-weekly market for fruits and vegetables with historical significance. The market dates back to the period of Ahom rule and serves as a traditional trading point between the people of the Garo and Khasi hills (Meghalaya) and the local community. The market offers a variety of local food products. Previously, Beltola was also the seat for a small protectorate of Ahom Kingdom, principally assisting administration of the Borphukan and in maintaining relations with the communities of Khasi Hills. The Rani or the Queen of Beltola is a popular historic figure in the locality. On November 24, 2007, an Adivasi rally turned violent, leading to arson and violent confrontations that left 1 person dead and 230 others injured. The events preceding the violence in Beltola are unclear. Raphael Kujurd, vice-president of the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam, has stated that he believes the Adivasi National Liberation Army (ANLA) and the Birsa Commando Force, both Adivasi militant groups, may have been involved. History During the Ahom reign, the kingdom of Beltola extends from the borders of the kingdom of Rani in the west, while in the east it extends to the borders of the kingdom of Mayong and Dimorua. The places named as Rajgarh and Hatigarh in present-day Guwahati city, were the borders between Ahom ruled Guwahati city and the kingdom of Beltola. After the fall of Ahom kingdom and the British occupation of Assam, Beltola lost its status as a kingdom and converted into a Mouza or revenue circle. Under British rule, the size of the Beltola Mouza was much reduced. Presently Beltola Mouza consists of