Issue-33 Vol.-IV, Oct.-Dec 2025 Paper ID-33/6

Abstract

North Guwahati, situated on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, represents one of the most historically significant yet academically underexplored regions of ancient Kamarupa. Often described as ancient or rural Guwahati, the region preserves valuable archaeological remains, epigraphic records, and religious institutions that attest to its political, cultural, and spiritual prominence from the early medieval period to the Ahom era. Archaeological evidence such as copper plate inscriptions, stone bridges, temple complexes, and sculptural remains confirms that North Guwahati functioned as a major administrative and religious centre of Kamarupa. The presence of prominent religious sites like the Dirgheshwari Shakti Peetha and the Dol Govinda Namghar reflects the continuity of Shakta and Vaishnava traditions in the region. This paper undertakes a comprehensive archaeological and historical analysis of North Guwahati by examining its geographical setting, historical evolution, epigraphic evidence, religious landscape, socio-cultural life, and contemporary developmental challenges. The study argues that North Guwahati was not a peripheral settlement but a central nucleus of ancient Kamarupa civilization, deserving systematic scholarly attention and heritage conservation.

Keywords: North Guwahati, Kamarupa, Archaeology, Copper Plate Inscriptions, Dirgheshwari Temple, Ahom Architecture, Assam History

1. Introduction

The Brahmaputra Valley has historically served as one of the most important cultural and political regions of eastern India. Among its many historically rich localities, North Guwahati occupies a distinctive position due to its strategic geographical location, archaeological wealth, and long-standing religious traditions. Despite its proximity to modern Guwahati city, North Guwahati has largely remained rural in character, thereby preserving several elements of its ancient heritage.

Ancient textual references, archaeological discoveries, and local traditions collectively indicate that North Guwahati formed an integral part of the ancient kingdom of Kamarupa. While modern Guwahati has received considerable academic attention, North Guwahati remains comparatively neglected in historical research. This paper seeks to fill that gap by offering a systematic and interdisciplinary analysis of North Guwahati within the broader framework of Kamarupa history.

2. Geographical Setting and Environmental Context

North Guwahati is located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River, opposite the modern metropolitan city of Guwahati. The region is characterized by forested hills, fertile plains, and abundant water resources. These natural features provided ideal conditions for early settlement, agriculture, defense, and trade.

The Brahmaputra functioned as a major transportation route, facilitating political communication and commercial exchange with other regions of eastern India. The surrounding hills offered natural protection, making North Guwahati a strategically advantageous administrative centre during ancient and medieval periods.

3. North Guwahati in the Historical Geography of Kamarupa

Kamarupa is frequently mentioned in early Sanskrit literature, Puranic texts, and Tantric works such as the Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra. These texts portray Kamarupa as a sacred land associated with Shakti worship and Tantric practices. North Guwahati aligns well with this sacred geography.

Historical traditions suggest that during the reign of the Pala king Dharmapala, North Guwahati functioned as a capital or major administrative centre of Kamarupa. The region continued to hold political importance until approximately the thirteenth century CE, after which power centres gradually shifted.

4. Rajduar and Rajmahal: Political and Administrative Evidence

The eastern part of North Guwahati is known as Rajduar, literally meaning “Royal Gate.” This toponym indicates the presence of a royal entrance or administrative gateway. Approximately three kilometres from Rajduar lies Rajmahal village, where copper plate inscriptions have been discovered.

These inscriptions document royal land grants and administrative orders, confirming the presence of an organized political system. Together, Rajduar and Rajmahal provide strong archaeological and toponymic evidence for North Guwahati’s role as a royal centre in ancient Kamarupa.

5. Copper Plate Inscriptions and Military History

Epigraphic discoveries form a crucial source for reconstructing Assam’s medieval history. A significant copper plate inscription dated to Saka 1127 records the defeat of Turkish forces by an Ahom ruler. This inscription highlights North Guwahati’s role in regional military conflicts and political resistance.

The Ahom rulers used this region strategically to counter external invasions, demonstrating its continued importance even after the decline of Kamarupa as a unified political entity.

6. Sil-Sako Bridge: Archaeological and Engineering Significance

The Sil-Sako bridge located in western North Guwahati represents an important example of ancient Assamese engineering. Constructed from large stone slabs, the bridge facilitated movement across difficult terrain and connected different settlements.

Its durability and design reflect advanced knowledge of stone masonry and infrastructure planning, underscoring North Guwahati’s importance as a centre of communication and transportation.

7. Vaishnava Tradition and Dol Govinda Namghar

Vaishnavism occupies a significant place in the religious life of North Guwahati. The Dol Govinda Namghar is a major Vaishnava institution associated with the Sankardeva tradition. The image of Lord Krishna housed here was brought from Sandhyasar in Nalbari, a region closely connected with Srimanta Sankardeva.

The annual Dol Yatra celebrated at this Namghar is one of the largest religious festivals in Assam, reflecting the region’s enduring cultural vitality.

8. Dirgheshwari Temple as a Shakti Peetha

The Dirgheshwari Temple, located atop a forested hill, is one of the most important Shakti Peethas of Assam. According to tradition, the elongated stone formation within the temple represents the thigh of Goddess Sati.

Epigraphic evidence suggests that the temple was constructed between 1734 and 1744 CE during the reign of Ahom king Swargadeo Siva Singha under the supervision of Duwarah Barphukan. Sculptural remains dating back to the fifteenth century further attest to the antiquity of the site.

9. Mythological Associations and Markandeya Tradition

Local traditions associate North Guwahati with Sage Markandeya, who is believed to have composed the Markandeya Purana in this region. Although this claim lacks direct historical corroboration, it highlights the mythological and spiritual significance attributed to the area.

10. Socio-Cultural Life and Continuity

North Guwahati continues to preserve traditional Assamese rural life. The use of traditional attire, celebration of festivals such as Bihu, and maintenance of village shrines reflect cultural continuity. Agricultural activities, fishing, and livestock rearing remain central to the local economy.

11. Modern Development and Heritage Conservation

The establishment of institutions such as IIT and AIIMS in nearby areas has accelerated socio-economic transformation. However, unregulated development poses serious threats to archaeological and ecological heritage. Effective conservation policies and community participation are essential to protect this historically significant region.

12. Conclusion

North Guwahati emerges as a crucial centre of political authority, religious activity, and cultural continuity in ancient and medieval Assam. Archaeological remains, inscriptions, and living traditions collectively establish its centrality in the history of Kamarupa. Systematic research and heritage conservation are imperative for preserving this invaluable legacy.

References

Barua, S. L. (2008). A Comprehensive History of Assam. New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal.
Choudhury, P. C. (1959). The History of Civilization of the People of Assam. Gauhati: Department of Historical Studies.
Kalika Purana. Critical Edition.
Yogini Tantra. Critical Edition.
Archaeological Survey of India. (Various Years). Annual Reports: Assam Circle.