Before acquiring its current name, the area that is now Tinsukia was known as Bengmara. In the late 18th century, it was the capital of the Muttack Kingdom, founded by Swargadeo Sarbananda Singha. The modern name "Tinsukia" is derived from a three-cornered pond (known locally as "Tin-Sukia") constructed in the heart of the city by the Muttack king.
The trajectory of Tinsukia shifted dramatically during the British colonial era. Recognizing the region's immense potential for tea cultivation and natural resources, the British established vast tea estates. In 1884, the Dibru-Sadiya Railway was completed, cementing Tinsukia's status as a pivotal junction for the transport of tea, coal, and timber. Tinsukia was formally constituted as a municipality in 1912.
During World War II, Tinsukia and its surrounding areas (such as Ledo and Margherita) became vital staging grounds for the Allied forces fighting in the China Burma India Theater. The historic Stilwell Road (Ledo Road), built to supply forces in China, originates near Tinsukia. Post-independence, the city evolved into a major commercial and demographic hub, drawing traders, laborers, and businesses from across India.
