Historical Geography of Kamata-Kuchbehar and its Historical Background

Binay Barman

Assistant Professor, Department of History

Saldiha College, Saldiha, Bankura,

W.B. India

Discussion of Historical Geography is limited in India. In this context we can consider

Geography of Ancient India, 1871, of Alexander Cunninghum as on the pioneer work. Here, the
author mainly states about the routes which earlier indicates by Young Chu simultaneously, he
referred several other important ancient sources. Afterward, Cunninghum deliberation was
enriched by B.C.Law, S.N.Mazumdar Shastri, H.D.Sankhalia, Y. Subbarayalu,
H.C.Raychowdhury, P.K.Bhattacharyya, M.S, Pandey, and D.K.Ganguly1.The History of
Kamata-Kuchbehar is an unexplored and uninvestigated field of research work. Some works
have been done but that is not sufficient. In this purpose there is vast scope for further researches.
In this composition we intended to discuss about the historical geography of Kamata-
Kuchbehar.In Eastern India ancient Kamata kingdom rise in geographical area of Kamarupa. In
the words of Parguiter the kingdom of Pragjyotisha in the period of Epics included the greater
part of present Assam State, along with Kuch-Behar, Jalpaiguri, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bogra,
Mymensing, Dacca, Tripura,portion of Pabna and probably a portion of Nepal( Journal of Asiatic
Society of Bengal.1887,p.106.).It seems therefore that Pragjyotisha included, in ancient times,
the modern district of Purnia in present Bihar State and it extended the north-west, as far as the
Koshi(Barua, K.L.Early History of Kamarupa, pp.1-2.)

History and geography are the two co-related branches of knowledge on human civilization in
which history tells of incident and geography speaks of the location of incident occurred. History
would be meaningless without the knowledge of geography. Kamata-Kuchbehar region has a
store of geographical and historical data to make methodological comparison with ancient and
medieval to modern India. Land division basing geographical situation and administration are
not always like that of India. It has special character with some common categories land
distribution. Vedic Kamarupa had been called Yoni. The Kamarupa derives from the
mythological idea of resurrection Kamdeva by the grace of Lord Shiva. In ancient times it was
also called Pragjyotisha. Its capital was Pragjyotishpur.

Before going to discussion, it is utmost necessary to state that the then “ Pragjyotishpur” was
shaped including Jalpaiguri, Bogra, Dinajpur, Kuch-Behar, Northern part of Mymonsingha
district of present Bangladesh as well as Western part of Assam, which is also evidence from
Yogini Tantra2. Consequently Pragjyotishpur later to be known as Kamarupa. Geographical
boundary of Kamarupa stated in Kalika Purana as Lalit Kandar in the East, Koratoya in the West,
Dikkarabasini in the South and Bhutan in the North3. The area of the state was 30 Yojana in
length and 100 Yogana in breadth, triangle in shape with black mountain 4. It is necessary to
mention that the northern boundary of the state was not precisely directed here. At that time
Kamarupa was divided into four parts or pithas viz; Ratna Pitha, Kamapitha, Suvarna Pitha and
Soumarpitha5. According to some archaeologist, Kamarupa was spread like a delta boundering
Padma river of present Bangladesh in the South, Meghna River in the east and Hoogly River of
present West-Bengal in the west. In the 2nd Century A.D. prominent geologist Ptolemi did not
mention about any province east of the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hoogly in his work or map 6. Of
course, Hiuen Tsang in his account has mentioned some regions of ancient India. Among these
Poundrabardhana, Kamarupa, Samatata, Karnasuvarna, Tamralipti, etc. are most important 7. The
word Kamarupa has derived from “Kamadeva” which refers Lord Siva. As in Kalika Purana it
seems, sometime entire North East India was known as Kamarupa. After the death of Vaskar
Varman, Kamarupa was divided into two parts viz; East Kamarupa and West Kamarupa
(Kamata).

Most of the research scholars stated that Kamata kingdom was emerged in late13th Century.
Perhaps this notion is in correct. The Kamata region has a different advent, which probably
occurred after the death of Vaskar Varman. It is to be noted that the history of this region is not
precise due to lack of data. We can get to the comprehensive history of Kamata kingdom during
the period of king Prithu (1200 A.D.1228A.D.)*. Prominent historian K.L.Barua said that the
Koratoya in the west to Guwahati of the Brahmaputra Valley in the east, northern part of
undivided Bengal such as the northern part of Mymonsingha, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bogra and
Jalpaiguri, Kuch-Behar of present West-Bengal in the south and Bhutan in the north 8. Account of
Geography, Climate as

Well as administration system can be found in the works of “Si-Yu-Ki”, Tang-shee and Chuan-
Lo of famous Chinese traveler Huen-Tsang. He crossed the Kultu River around 739 A.D. and
entered the Kamata kingdom. He also mentions the river Koratoya. It is to be considered that he
came to Kamarupa during the reign of Vaskar Varman, and then Kamata-Kuch-Behar was played
an important role in western part of Kamarupa.

Existence of this kingdom can be found in the account of several others travelers such as Stephen
Coacela, a Portuguese traveler state this region as “Cocho” and “Bihar”, the capital. In Ain-I-
Akbari and Baharisthan-I-Ghaibi, it is depicted as Kochdesh with two separate states namely
“Kamata” and “Kamarupa” within same geographical boundary. Reference of Kamata also can
be found in “Markendeya Purana”9 probably in ancient period “Kamrud” “Kamru” or “Kanwru”
etc. were pronounced in order to refer Kamarupa and Kamata 10.Some where Kamata was known
as “Comota”11. De Borros and Blave used the word “Comotay’ in their maps 12. Likely it was used
to refer as separate region. Reference of Ratnapitha can be found in the translation of the
Mahabharata of 17th Century. Many scholars believe that this Ratnapitha may Kamata region.
Sources are available of Kamata and Kuchbehar can also be found in Badshahnama and
Shahjahannama of 17th Century. Depiction of Kuchbehar can be found in the account of
unknown Danish Seaman, who used the word “Kamata Bihar” in his account 13. Further allusion
of Kuchbehar can be found in the book Futuhat-I- Alamgiri 14. Alexandar Cunningham in his
famous work Ancient Geography of India, where he mentioned Kuchbehar as a “Kusa-Vihara” 15.
According to him, it was a very rich region of the country and sometimes the kings of Kamarupa
looked it for their own paradise. The entire region came to be known as Kamata, which actually
derived from Kamatapur (the capital of the Kamata kingdom).

One must first observe the history of Kamarupa in order to discuss about the history of Kamata
kingdom. This is because some time Kamarupa was consists of present North-Bengal of West-
Bengal and Northern part of present Bangladesh and entire Assam. The Mahabharata precisely
describes about the ancient history of Assam16. Further we can found the allusion of Kamarupa in
the Puranas and Tantras17. The first historical source about Kamarupa has found Allahabad
Pillar18. It is necessary to mention that Pushya Varman, the founder of Varman dynasty was
contemporary to Samudra Gupta. Kamarupa kingdom of Pushya Varman is mentioned as a
Frontier kingdom in Allahabad Pillar. Further the pillar mentioned Samatata, Devoka, Nepal as
frontier kingdom19. Though the pillar depicted Pushya Varman as a tributary king to Guptas but it
seems that he was independence politically20. After the death of Pushya Varman, his son Samudra
Varman ascended the throne. He assumed the title Maharajadhiraj 21.Samudra Varman was
followed by Bala Varman. He was a powerful and warrier 22, which is evident from Allahabad
Pillar23. It perhaps that he was patronized Buddhuism 24. After Bala Varman (420 A.D. to 440
A.D) reigned in Kamarupa for twenty years.He annexed Kapili Valley of Nawgaon of present
Assam. He was followed by Ganapati Varman (440 A.D.458 A.D). But nothing special is known
about his reign. He donated his kingship to his son Mahendra Varman (458 to 485 A.D.). During
his period a sacrificial performance was held25. Reign of Mahendra Varman the influence of the
Gupta Empire in the east started to reduce, thus taking the advantage of the situation he declared
himself as a sovereign king and conducted Asvamedha sacrifice 26. Then Narayan Varman (485 to
510 A.D.) became the king of Kamarupa. His reign of twenty five years is famous for peace and
order in the empire. After Narayan Varman, Bhuti Varman (535 to 547 A.D.) became the king of
Kamarupa. From his era the victorious march of Kamarupa was actually started 27. In the
epigraphic records he is stated as the destroyer of the enemy. Then, Chandramukh Varman (550
to 560 A.D.) became the king of Kamarupa. But no such special political event occurred during
his period. Now, Sthita Varman became the king of Kamarupa. According to some historians he
ruled from 560 to 580 A.D., while some other historians believe that he reign from 565 A.D. to
585 A.D.28.He organized two Asvamedha sacrifice. From this it is evident that he was a powerful
king of Kamarupa29. Further, during his reign revolts took place in Devoka and Samatata. It
perhaps that Sthita Varman organized the second Asvamedha sacrifice after defeating Moukhari
king, Ishan Varman.
Susthita Varman ascended the throne after the death of Sthita Varman. It is to be noted that
during the Guptas reigned their power and Mahasena Gupta invaded Kamarupa, which is evident
from Harsacharita of Banabhatta30. Probably, Susthita Varman was killed in a war with Mahasena
Gupta. Susthita Varman had two sons namely Supratisthita Varman and Vaskar Varman.
Supratisthita Varman ruled Kamarupa only few days. Like his father, he was also killed in a war
with Mahasena Gupta. Then a large part of Kamarupa was annexed to the Gupta Empire. Vaskar
Varman ascended to the throne of Kamarupa after Suprasthita Varman 31. He is considered as the
greatest king of Varman dynasty. During the reign of Vaskar Varman two contemporary empire
of North India were Pushyabhuti dynasty of Thaneswar and Shasank of Karnasuvarna. In the
mean time Mahasena Gupta Devi got marriage with Aditya Vardhana of Thaneswar 32. On the
other hand Deva Gupta of Malwa intended to empower himself making friendship relation with
Shasank of Gouda. Elated by the thrust of monopoly Deva Gupta invaded Kanauj and killed
Graha Varman. Further, he captured Rajashree. The political condition of North India then
became too erotic and adverse that led to an interstate war in India. In order to take revenge
Rajjya Vardhana elder brother of Rajashree defeated Deva Gupta but was killed in a war with
Shasanka. Thus, now his son Harsha Vardhana ascended to throne. During this time an uncertain
political competition took place among Harsha Vardhana, Shasanka, Vaskar Varman over the
question of monopoly. In some way in the meantime friendship relation installed between Vaskar
Varman and Harsha Vardhana. It is stated in Aryamanjushreemulakalpa 33 that Harsha Vardhana
defeated Shasanka. On the other hand some historians claim that Harhsa set up friendship with
Vaskar Varman in order to defeat the common enemy Shasanka. But this event is not mentioned
in Aryamanjushreemulakalpa. The victory of Vaskar Varman stated in Nidhanpur Copperplate.
But several scholars refused this point of view. Even it is said that he got a periodic victory over
Karnasuvarna34. It perhaps that Harsha and Vaskar Varman jointly celebrated when they got
victory over Karnasuvarna and issued the grant35. Mr.M.C.Vaidya states that naturally Susthita
Varman came into war with Mahasenagupta but there was no any friendly treaty signed between
Vaaskar Varman and Harsha Vardhana36. According to R.C.Mazumdar observes that Vaskar
Varman not only able to annex Karnasuvarna but also assembled with Harsha Vardhana at
Kajangala37. It is necessary to mention that during the reign of Vaskar Varman, probably when
Harsha Vardhana died (647 A.D.), the Tibetan invaded Bengal and Magadha38. In this context the
Tibetan sources acquaint us that after the death of Harsha Vardhana, Bengal remained under
Tibetans for a long time. Further Vaskar Varman adopted the infavour of the Tibetans, when they
came to Magadha39. The court poet of Harsha Vardhana, Banabhatta also highlighted the
benefactor alliance of Harsha Vardhana and Vaskar Varman 40.It is evident from the account of
Huen Tsang that during the reign of Vaskar Varman Kamarupa reached to its climax of
development. Huen Tsang stated there was a road Magadha to Kamarupa via Champa
(Bhagalpur), Kajangala and Poundrabardhan41. He also stated that along with Kamarupa, south-
west and present northern part of Bengal were within the boundary of Vaskar Varman42. “Yogini
Tantra” mentioned his (Vaskar Varman) boundary extended up to Koratoya in the west and
Sadiya in the east.43.He enable to strengthen his political influence after the death of Harsha
Vardhana. After Huen Tsang, approximately in between 643 to 646 A.D., Li-Yi-Piao and
Hiuwang- Tse came to Kamarupa while they visiting India 44. Vaskar Varman died 650 A.D., only
after three years of the death Harsha Vardhana. During his auspicious reign Kamarupa able to
acquire a remarkable position in the history of India. Naturally after his death the history of
Kamarupa reefed to some extent.

After the death of Vaskar Varman, Salastambha ascended into the throne of Kamarupa. He was
stated as Mlechhadhinath in the copperplate of Ratnapala45. Simultaneously, a king named Deva
Varman was ruler in eastern India46. According to D.R.Bhandarkar, Harshdeva was respectively
son and grandson of Deva Varman and Vaskar Varman 47. Further “Mudrarakhsesa” of Bishakh
Datta, states a king namely Avanti Varman, who ruled in Kamarupa immediately after the death
of Vaskar Varman48. While according to K.L.Barua Avanti Varman reign in Kamarupa in between
the time of Vaskar Varman and Salastambha 49.It is to be accepted that during the time of
Salastambha Kamarupa regained its strength. Unfortunately the historical sources are limited in
regard to Salastambha. Allusion of Salastambha can be found in the copperplate of Bala
Varman50.

It is believed that, after the death of Vaskar Varman the Varman dynasty came to an end because
he was unmarried. Thus, he had no descended to continue his empire ahead. Huen-Tsang also
stated him as a kumara raja. It is to be noted that after the death of Shasanka, Harsha and Vaskar
Varman gradually annexed his kingdom51. Thus, it seems that an indefinite political condition
occurred in Bengal because of the lack of the decedents.

Several historians regarded this as “Matsyanaya”. Probably this opinion is incorrect. After his
death (Shasanka), his kingdom shattered into pieces which led emergence of several small
kingdoms and chieftainship. There was neither political vaccum nor disorder in Bengal 52.
Actually, even after a century of his death, we cannot properly get to comprehensive account of
the local kings and chieftainships, who ruled in northern part of Bengal because of the lack of
sources53. Further, during this time Tibetans annexed Bengal54.Historically there was no political
disorder or Matsyanaya. The quota has been inherited from the discourse which stated in the
beggary story of Buddhist monk Tarachand and Khalimpur Copperplate 55. It supposed from the
subsequent interpretation of Khalimpur Copperplate that Gopala was nominated as king in order
to protect the country from Matsyanaya condition. Though the above mentioned proverb is
applicable for immediate earlier time of Gopala but it may not applicable for the entire proceding
century which is not based on logic56. Apart from entire Bengal, presently one gets to the
comprehensive history of present North-Bengal. Naturally, after the death of Shasanka his
kingdom came into the hands of Harsha Vardhana and Vaskar Varman at least for some period.
The empire of Harsha shattered into several pieces after his death. On the other hand, the
influence of Kamarupa over Gouda became extinct when the Tibetans annexed Bengal. Further,
after the death of Vaskar Varman, Sri Harsha 57, Harshadeva Varman58, and SriHarsha59 ruled in
Kamarupa, who is supposed as powerful as Salastambha. Taking the advantage of the political
disintegration of Bengal SriHarsha and Harshadeva Varman annexed Gouda, Kalinga and Koshal
empire60and married Rajjyamati, the daughter of king Jayadeva of Nepal61. In the mean time 653
A.D.-654/659 A.D.Tsrang-Tsan-Gappo invaded Nepal and Kamrupa and annexed a large part of
Gouda and Kamarupa62.

During this weak political condition of Kamarpa a new king named Sangaldeep emerged in
western Kamarupa (later to be known as Kamata kingdom). Consequently this came to known as
Kamata. It was Sailen Debnath who believes that Kamata kingdom with same (western part) part
of Kamarupa and Gouda63.Though it is said that Sangaldeep was the first emperor of Kamata
kingdom, but it is not supported by sufficient sources 64.According to Bhutanese sources
Sangaldip, who was a Kamata king became the ruler of western Kamarupa (Sankosh river to
Karatoya river) and it is said that Sangaldip defeated to the ruler of Kamarupa. In this case,
probably ruler was none other than Avanti Varman. On the other hand P.C.Chowdhuri said that
Avanti Varman and Salastambha was the same person called by different names only. But
P.C.Chowdhuri’s argument does not supported by sufficient sources. It is to be noted that
Salastambha was the first and founder ruler of the Salastambha dynasty and his capital was at
Tezpur, near present Guwahati. It proves that Salastambha was defeated in the struggle for power
and was afraid of some powerful enemy; safety from the enemy was of paramount importance.
Here enemy is Sangaldip. If Salastambha and Avanti Varman was different from each other, it
can be said that in the beginning of Avanti Varman was defeated and ultimately in the battle
between the remaining two belligerents. Salastambha was defeated, though not killed. Thus the
stage got eventually set for the meteoric rise of Sangaldip in eastern and north eastern India
(Sailen Dabnath,From Kamrup to Kamatapur). After the death of Vaskar Varman, Sangaldip may
be considered the first ruler of Kamata kingdom in the 2nd half of the seventh century A.D. But
some scholars may have disagreement to this point of view that at the time the word “ Kamata”
was not use. In this case we can say that if at that time the name “ Kamata” was not use, yet, it
can be said that Sangaldip was not a ruler of Kamarupa, rather he fought against the ruler of
Kamarupa and won the war and extended his empire from Bhutan in the north, plain of Bengal
including Gouda, Bihar etc. Western Kamrup( Kamata region) became a growing independent
kingdom under Sangaldip.

The Palas also ruled in Kamarupa for some period. During the reign of Jayapala of kamaupa,
Tingdeva, the representative of Rampala of Gouda, defeated Jayapala and ruled in Kamarupa for
some time. But finally Baidyadeva declared independence by 1127 A.D. and ruled in Kamarupa
for three years 65. By 1130 A.D. baidyadeva assumed the title ‘Maharajadhiraja Parmesvar
Parambhattaraka’. The Komouli plate stetes that he granted land in ‘Bara Bisoya’, probably this
Bara was situated at Barpetia of present jalpaiguri district of west Bengal. Bhitargarh was located
very adjacent to the Bara, whose founder was Prithu 67. This region was located in the western
bank of Karatoya and was the headquarter of Kamata-Kochebehar Empire.

If you carefully observe the political history of Kamata kingdom, we can see that the Kamata
kingdom came into existence during the region of Prithu (1200 to 1228 A. D). Several historians
claim that Prithu was the real founder of Kamata kingdom 68. After Prithu, Sandhya ascended to
the throne of Kamata. Gurucharita of Ramcharan Thakur states Prithu as the king of Kamarupa 69.
It necessary to recall that during this time there was no existence of Kamarupa and since this
time we get the comprehensive history of Kamata Empire of the West of Brahmaputra Valley 70.
Further, it must say that Sindhu was the real founder of Kamata kingdom. The next kings of
Kamata kingdom are as mentions below - Maharaja Sindhu (1260 - 85 A.D.), Rupnarayan (1285
- 1300 A.D.), Simhadhwaj (1300 - 05A.D.), Pratapdhwaj (1305 - 25A.D.), Durlabhanarayan
(1330 - 50 A.D.), Indranarayan (1350 - 65 A.D.), Arimatta (1365 - 85 A.D.), Gajanka (1385 -
1400 A.D.), Shukarnka (1400 - 15 A.D.), Mriganka (1415 - 40 A.D.), Nildhwaj (1440 - 60 A.D.),
Chakradhwaj (1460 - 80 A.D.), Nilambar (1480 - 98 A.D.), Mahajara Biswasinha (1515 - 1533
A.D.).

Shadhya Rai was the first remarkable king of Kamata Empire.he drove away the Muhammadan
citizens and armies from Kamata kingdom. Then he annexed Gouda and assumed the title
‘Gouresvar’71. He ruled approximately up to 1254 A.D. He compelled to repulse Uzbeks from
Kamata kingdom. Minhaj-Uddin-Siraj in his book ‘Tabakat-i-Nasiri’ stated the account of war
hold between Shandhya Rai and Uzbek72. Thus with the decline of Uzbek, the Kamata kingdom
was saved from imminent danger.

Sindhu ascended to the throne after the death of Shandhya Rai. The most remarkable political
event of his reign was the invasion of Siu-Ka-Pha from the east 73. Then, Rupnarayan become the
successor of Kamata kingdom. But no any remarkable political event took place during his reign.

Among the subsequent rulers, Durlabhanarayan was important one. His contemporary poet
Hemchandra regarded his as the king of ‘Kamata Mondal’74. During his reign Kamata kingdom
was consists of Kamarupa, Goalpara, Koch Behar and Jalpaiguri 75. He was a great initiator of
culture and education. He patronized Hem Sarasvati, Kabiratna, Sarasvati, and Harihara Bipra,
who enriched Assamese literature with their works76. Apart from education and culture, he enable
to protect Kamata kingdom from the invasion of Tughalak, which is evident from ‘Alamgir
nama’77.During the reign of Indranarayan, Kamata kingdom went into the hand of Arimatta for
sometime78.

Then Gajanka (1385-1400 A.D) ruled for a long time but no such remarkable event occurred
during his reign. After Gajanka, Shukarank ruled in Kamata kingdom from 1400 to 1415 A.D.
Then Arimatta became the emperor of Kamata kingdom and ruled up to 1440 A.D. Assam
Burinji stated that he was the owner of the regions intended up to Koratoya in the south west and
Sadiya in the north east79. He died without any descended. Hence, the Khenas easily captured his
empire and started ruling.

Nildhwaj(1440 to 1460 A.D.) was the founder of Khen dynasty. Naturally the question arises
who are the Khen. To give a satisfactory answer to this question, we have to depend largely on
the books written by eminent historians of the time and on the books written in the subsequent
periods and on legends and lays that still exist in this vast area.Arun Bhusan Mazumdar tells us
that the Khens hailed to this are from Bhutan and according to him, the Khens are actually
descendants of the people living in the middle part of the Bhutan** Be it stated here that the
language of the people who lived in the middle part of the Bhutan is known as “ Khenpa” or “
Khenkha” . Arun Bhusan Mazumdar tells this story in the following words Ral-Pa-Chen was
killed by Chhote Langdarma for his devotion to Buddhism and the younger brother of
Langdarma was expelled from Tibet by his immediate elder brother. Sangmao started for the
eastern part of the Bhutan through the western and middle part of Bhutan through Bumthung. On
his way, to the eastern part of Bhutan he had to traverse through the areas in which people
communicated in the Khenpa languages. He has found strong resemblance between the people
speaking the Khenpa language of Bhutan and the Khen who lived in Kamata kingdom. Sir
Jadunath Sircar also subscribe to the view. He says that the Khens of the Kamata state belong to
Tibetan Burmes race. Khan Chowdhuri Amanatulla Ahmed the historian of “ Kuch-Behar”
remarks the word Khen was derived from Khun. In foot reference of his book “History of
Cooch-Behar” Buchanan says, there is a community called Khen in this region and Niladhwaj
was of Khen origin.***According to R.D.Banerjee, tradition ascribes the building of Gosanimari
to the Hindu kings of the Mongoloid Khen tribe.*v R.R.Risley observes that Khens were
peculiar to Kuch-Behar in social status they closely approach the Navaskas of Bengal. The origin
of this tribe is not likewise free from obscurity.*vi On the other hand Rajmuhn Das said that the
Khen actually from the word Sen, and the Senas who come from Karnataka and established a
powerful dynasty in Bengal.The name of the Khen Kings: Chakradhwaj, Niladhwaj and
Nilambar are mentioned in the works of Amanatulla and Koch kings of Kamata kindom by
A.E.Gaits. Archaeological collection Kuch-Behar, claimed that the Khen kings had ruled Kamata
kingdom in the 6th Decade of the 13th Century with the title of Kamoteswar setting up their
capital Gosanimari. This Gosanimari is popularly known as Kamatapur the capital city of
Kamata kingdom.

During his reign scholarly Brahmins were brought to Kamata kingdom an installed from in
important places of the kingdom80.He rebuilt Kamatapur, the capital of Kamata kingdom81. After
ward Chakradhwaj became the suzerain of Kamata kingdom. He defeated Sultan Barabak in the
bank of river Sankosh. Later on Nilambar became the king Kamata kingdom. He was
undoubtedly a powerful emperor, who intended his empire up to Koratoya in the west and
Barnadi in the east82. Gait observes that the Ahom kings never come into conflict with him. He
also able to repulse Muhammadans from present North-Bengal 83. He constructed a road from
Kamatapur to Ghoraghat. Further, he built a ford at Ghoraghat84.
It is evident from several sources, that Rukruddin Barbarak Shah invaded Kamata kingdom
during period of Chakradhwaj. The book “Risalat-Us-Saladin” states that commander Ismail held
campaign. According to J.N. Sarkar also states that “Ismail was the commander of Ruknuddin
Barabak.” Risalat-Us-Salatin further state that the battle took place in eastern Dinajpur. Intention
Muhammadans was not to capture Kamata, but to recover the lost territories of Gouda. Ismail
was defeated in the battle. Afterward Chakradhwaj and Nildhwaj constructed some new forts at
Ghoraghat. According to Muhammad’s proverb story, Chakradhaj accepted Islam in the battle
field. But prominent historian Gait completely disagreed with this opinion and said the
Muhammadan proverb story is completely a rumor. Martin also did not agree with this proverb
because of the lack of sources.

Taking the advantage of political and administrative weakness of Gouda, Neilambar attempted to
extent his empire and remained successful. During this period he extended his empire up to
Karatoya in the west and Brahmaputra in the east. Gait observes that Nilambar annexed the north
eastern part of Gouda to his empire. During his reign the Muhammadans invaded the Kamata
kingdom for the eight times. Buchanan, Hamilton stated that the prime minister of Nilambar as
main culprit who inspired Hussain Shah to invade Kamata kingdom. Several others did not agree
with the opinion of Buchanan. Some other believes that Hussain Shah have naturally invaded
Kamata kingdom. Afterward, there was war more than one between Hussain Shah and Nilambar.
Finally, he was defeated and imprisoned along with entire family.

After the fall of head quarter of Kamata kingdom the victorious Dulal Gaji continued to ahead
upstream and annexed Hajo present Kamrup district of Assam. The Bhuiya Chiefs respectively
Rupnarayan, Ghosal Khan, Malakumar and Laxminarayan who were earlier vassalage to
Nilambar, now show fidelity in favour of the mastery of Gaji Khan.

After Nilambar Maharaja Biswa Singha ascended the throne of Kamata-Kuchbehar in 1496
A.D.84* During the reign of Biswa Singha Kamata kingdom is known as Kamata-Kuchbehar. He
extended his empire to the Koratoya in the west and to the Baranadi in the east, Ganga-Padma
basin in the south and Bhutan in the north. It is to be noted that Biswa Singha had established a
powerful and prosperous kingdom which flourished not only big as a geographical area and also
developed socio religious field.

In conclusion we can say that the name Kamata-Kuchbehar is now applied to the present North-
Bengal of West-Bengal and Assam-the district extending from Rangpur, a part of Dinajpur,
Bogra, Mymonsingh of present Bangladesh. In ancient times, however it donated the whole
northern part of undivided Bengal and Assam. There is a close relation between Kamrupa and
Kamata. The earliest Non-Historical literature of Kamata-Kuchbehar is purely of Tantragious and
Puranas kind.The patience and industry of a multitude of scholars have, however, succeeded in
extracting it useful bits of history. Now we must turn so called historical literature such as two
epics- the Ramayana and the Mahabharata represent the notable attempts of the ancient history of
Kamata-Kuchbehar. No less valuable than the above sources are the accounts of foreign writers
or travelers, whose knowledge of Kamata-Kuchbehar was based either on hearsay or on actual
stay in the country for a short time. In these category some important works are as follows the
Chinese traveler Huen-Tsang, Tibetan, Muhameddan . The early settler’s foot marks are in the
archaeological relics and monuments. Some archaeological sites are as follows Nalrajargarha,
Chilapata, Bhitargarha, Gosanimari, Singimari, Bhetaguri. This place is also important cities or
capital of Kamata-Kuchbehar kingdom. They are to be traced back to draw its possible history in
relation to geographic change of natural phenomena with human interaction. The conclusion will
help the present step of study of Kamata-Kuchbehar kingdom in a candid comparison with that
of ancient and medieval India is an encouraging wave to both theoretical and practical field of
knowledge. Human development issues have, in present times, attracted the historical
geographers to probe into research work how the past human habitation has reacted to habitants
and resulted to facilitation for future. This work will end with conclusive idea of facilitating urge
in the field of human studies.

Acknowledgement: I am grateful to Dr.M.Alankara Masillamani, Associate Professor, Palli

Charcha Kendra, Sriniketan, Visva-Bharati and Dr.K.Mavali Rajan, Assistant Professor,
Department of A.I.H.C.& A, Visva-Bharati for their kind cooperation with proper advices.

Foot Note and References:

1. Works like Aspects of Historical Geography of Prag-Jyotisa-Kamarupa (1992) by I.Sarkar, Kolkata,

and Historical Geography and Dynastic of Orissa up to the rise of the imperial Guptas, Calcutta, 1975
by D.K. Ganguly, may be cited here.

2. Saraswati, Swami Sarvesvarananda. 1385 B.S: Yogini Tantra, part-II, Patala XI, Vs.17-18. (Here the
river Karatoya mentioned as the Eastern and Western boundaries of Kamarupa.)

3. Khan Chowdhury, Amanatulla Ahmed.1936: History of Cooch-Behar (in Bengali), Cooch-Behar State
Press, p.6.

4. Ibid, p.6.

5. Ibid, p.7.

6. In the works of Claudius Ptolemeaus the map of India was roughly down. His description of Bengal
and Kamarupa is indefinite, but commentators like Saint Martin, Yule etc. have attempted to identify
the places mentioned by Ptolemy,e.g.-Tamluk-Tamalities, Rangpur-Kirradia, Rangamati-
Radhamarkotta, the Northern part of Lower Assam-Aninakhai, Himalaya-Emoli, Bhutan Hills-
Damassa, the Hugli River-Kambyson, Buriganga-Antiboli, Brahmaputra-Doanas etc. Some has inferred
that there was a place called Ganga near Jessore and Khulna but this view has been dissented form by
others.

7. Beal, Samuel.1911: The Life of Hiuen-Tsiang, KEGAN, TRENCH, TRUBNER & CO, London, p.167.

8. Barua, K.L.1988 (3rd ed): Early History of Kamarupa, Lawyer’s Book Stall, Guwahati, p.160.

9. Khan Chowdhury, Amanatulla Ahmed.1936: History of Cooch-Behar (in Bengali), Cooch-Behar

State Press, p.3.

10. Blochmann, H.1968: Contribution To The Geography And History of Bengal (Muhammdan Period),
The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, p.24.

11. Ibid, p.29.

12. Ibid, p.33.

13. Bengal Past and Present, 1925: The Journal of Asiatic Society, Annual, Vol.XXIX, p.10.

14. Khan Chowdhury, Amanatulla Ahmed.1936: History of Cooch-Behar (in Bengali), Cooch-Behar
State Press, p.3.

15. Cunningham, Alexander. 1871: The Ancient Geography of India, London, pp.421-23.

16. The Kiskidha Kanda, (Ch-42) of the Ramayana where it was mentioned that the city of Prag-Jyotisa
and its king was Naraka. On the other hand the Mahabharata refers to the king Naraka legend in a
rather confusing manner, but while referring to Bhagadatta and his sons the epic seems to have more
historical worth I,e.Ch-16, Vs.7-16; and Ch-5, Vs.15-16, etc.

17. Nyayatirtha, Sri Jiva (ed.) 1384 B.S: Kalika Purana, Kolkata, Chapters, 36 to 42.And also,

Saraswati, Swami Sarvesvarananda (ed.) 1385 B.S: Yogini Tantra, Kolkata, Part-I, Patala XII.

18. Fleet, J.F.1888: Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum, Govt.of India, Central Publications Branch,
Calcutta, Vol. III, pp.1f (line 21).

19. Chowdhury, P.C.1959: History of Civilization of the people of Assam to the 12th Century A.D.;
op.cit., p.147.It is to be noted that this reference is also available in Basak, R.G.1967: History of
Northern Eastern India, p.265.

20. Barma, Dharmanarayan and Manta, Dhaneswar.2005: Kamarupa-Kamata- Kuch-Behar Rajjer

Itihas (in Bengali), Tufanganj, Cooch-Behar, p.34.

21. Burmese Tradition said that there was an Indian King named “Samudra” was probably the ruler of
Upper Burma in c.105 A.D. (Source Phayre.1883: History of Burma, London, and pp.3-5.). On the other
hand writer of “History of Assam”, E.A.Gait believes that this “Samudra” may be Hindus and who was
probably Shaus, p.9.

22. Nidhanpur Copper Grant, V.9.

23. Gait, E.A. 1967(Reprint): A History of Assam, Kolkata, op.cit. pp.23-24.

24. Barma, Dharmanarayan and Manta, Dhaneswar.2005: Kamarupa-Kamata- Kuch-Behar Rajjer

Itihas (in Bengali), Tufanganj, Cooch-Behar, p.35.

25. Chowdhury, P.C.1959: History of Civilization of the people of Assam to the 12th Century A.D.;
op.cit., p.147.It is to be noted that this reference is also available in Basak, R.G.1967: History of
Northern Eastern India, p.265.

26. The performance of two horse sacrifices by the Mahendra Varman is noticed in the seal attached to
the Doobi Copper Plate of Bhaskar varman and it is also available in the Nidhanpur Grant V.12.But
D.C.Circar beliefs that Narayan Varman was the first king of Kamarupa who introduced Asvamedha
sacrifice on 6th Century A.D.( Ref. Indian Historical quarterly,Vol.XXI, pp.143-145.).

It is to be noted that on 6th Century A.D. the imperial Guptas of Bengal lost their strong power. On the
other hand the Kamarupa king at that time was the rising power.

27. Sircar, D.C.1971: Select Inscription, Journal of Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal, V., 1, pp.393f. And
pp.417f.

28. Sharma, M.M. 1978: Inscription of Ancient Assam, Guwahati, op.cit. p.36.

29. Chowdhury, P.C. 1959: History and Civilization of the people of Assam, op.cit., pp-170-1.

30. Cowell, E.B and Thomas, F.B.(Translate)1897: The Harsacarita of Bana,The Royal Asiatic Society,
London ,pp.217-218.

31. Nidhanpur Grant, Life of Hiuen Tsang, translation by Beal, Three Nalanda Clay Seals, Bana’s “
Harsacarita’ Chinese pilgrim Yuan Chwang furnish sources, The Doobi Grant are source material of
Bhaskara Varman’s life and achievements.

32. Barua, K.L.1988 (3rd ed.): Early History of Kamarupa, Guwahati, p.60.

According to K.L.Barua, on ascending the throne Bhaskar Varman found two strong rival powers in
Northern India , one in central and Northern Bengal under Sasanka Deva and the other in mid-India
under Probhakar Vardhana, the father of famous Sri Harsha Vardhana.

33. Ganapatishastri, T. (ed) 1989: Arya-Manjusri-Mulakalpa, V.725.

34. Epigraphia Indica (1913-1914), Vol.XII, p.78.And M.M. Sharma.1978: Inscription of Ancient Assam,
Guwahati, p.41.

35. The Nidhanpur Copper Plate Grant was issued from Bhaskar Varman’s victorious camp at
Karnasubarna (Jaya Sabdartha skandhabharat Karnasubarna vasakat), Epigraphia Indica,
Vol.XII.p.78.It is to be noted that Karnasubarna has been identified with modern Rangamati on the
western bank of the Bhagirathi( now in Murshidabad District). Vidyabinod and some other scholars
wrongly assumed that Sasanka continued to rule at Karnasubarna till 619 A.D. Bhaskar Varman
occupied Karnasubarna it is stated in Ganjam Inscription. (Ref. Epigraphica Indica, Vol.VI.p.144.On
the other hand Bejoynath Sarkar said that Sri Harsha sway never reached Bengal and Sasankas
kingdom.( Ref.Fingers posts of Bengal History, Indian Historical Quarterly, Vol.VI.pp.442-443.
36. Vaidya, C.V. 2012(paper back): History of Medieval Hindu India, Vol.1, p.37.

37. Basak, R.G.1967: History of Northern Eastern India, op.cit., p.283f.

It is to be mentioned as suggested by R.C.Mazumdar, that Bhaskar Varman occupied Bengal

probably on 648 A.D., when Bhaskar Varman is referred to as a king of Eastern India. It may be
however at this time Chinese annals in connection with the expedition of Wang-Hiuen-Tse. (Ref. History
of Bengal, Vol-1, p.78.f.n.).

38. Smith, V.A. 1999(paper back): Early History of India, Atlantic, p.353.

And also, History of Gouda in Bengali, Part-1, p.57.and p.127.

39. Ibid., p.353. (Early History of India)

Ibid., p.40. (History of Gouda)

40. Watters, Thomas1904: Yuan Chwangs Travel’s in India 629 to 645A.D., London Royal Asiatic
Society, Vol.1, p.349.

41. Beal, Samuel.1884: Buddhist Records of the Western World, Vol.XI, p.185f.

42. Watters, Thomas. 1904: Yuan Chwangs Travels in India, op.cit. Vol.II, p.185f. And also Beal,
op.cit.Vol.II, p.195f.

43. Indian Historical Quarterly, XXII, pp.200-20; P.N.Bhattacharyya, K.S.Bhumika, p.17. And B.N.Puri,
op.cit. p.19.

44. Beal, Samuel.1884: Buddhist Records of the Western World, Vol.XI, p.185f.

45. Watters, Thomas.1904: Yuan Chwangs Travel’s in India 629 to 645A.D., London Royal Asiatic
Society, Vol.1, p.349.

46. Beal, Samuel.1911: Life of Yuan Chwangs, Introduction part.

47. Epigraphica Indica, Vol.XIX. p.379. and also Vol.XXII.p.406.

48. Journal of Asiatic Society of Bengal, XXVI (N.S.), p.244.

49. Barua, K.L.1988 (3rd ed.): Early History of Kamarupa, p.69.

50. The name Salastambha is given in the inscription of Harjara, Vanamala, Balavarman III and
Ratnapala but it seems to have been a birud name. Salastambha was as follows:

“Narakam rajyam Mlechhadhinatho vidhi chalano Vasadeva Jagratha rayam”- JASB.1898:Vol.LXVI

part 1, p.99.

51. Das, Sukumar.1984: History of North Bengal, Kolkata, p.65.

52. Ibid., p.69.

53. Ibid., p.69.

54. Gouder Itihas, Vol.I, pp.57-127. The Early History of India.p.353.

55. Das, Sukumar.1984: History of North-Bengal, Kolkata, p.69.

56. Ibid., p.69.

57. Tezpur Copper Grant of Vanamala, V.8.

58. Hayunthal Copper Grant of Harjara Varman, V.6.

59. The parbatiya Copper Grant of Vanamala, Vs.8-9.

60. The old name of Orissa is Udra or Odra and this Kosala is South-Kosala to the North West of
Kalinga

61. In an inscription in the temple of Pasupatinatha in present Nepal, Rajjamati has been eradited with
being born of the kingly race of Bhagadatte- Gouda Rajmala, pp.17-18.

62. Das, S.1984: History of North-Bengal, p.72.

63. Debnath, Sailen.2010: The Doars in Historical Transition, p.3.

64. Ibid., p.4.

65. Barua, K.L.1988 (3rd ed.): Early History of Kamarupa, p.125.

According to Barua, the whole Kamarupa was conquered by Mayana from the hands of Jayapala, and
that Tingyadeva placed as a vassal to Kamarupanagara( the capital Kamarupa kingdom),
P.C.Chowdhury(History and Civilization of the people of Assam),op,cit.,pp.270-271.

66. Epigraphica Indica, Vol.II, p.347.

67. Barua, K.L.1988 (3rd ed): Early History of Kamarupa, p.130.

68. Barma, Dharmanarayanand Manta, Dhaneswar.2005: Kamarupa-Kamata- Kuch-Behar Rajjer

Itihas (in Bengali), Tufanganj, Cooch-Behar, p.55.

69. Debnath, Sailen. 2012: King Sandhya of Kamatapur and His Struggle, The Journal of Social Science
and Humanity Research, Vol.II, No.I. p.25.

According to Sailen Debnath, The Gurucharita by Ramchandran Thakur mentions the name of
Sandhya as the king of Kamarupa; but it has already been clarified that the political concept of
Kamarupa had actually become non-existent. At this time the Western part of Brahmaputa is known as
the Kamata.

70. Dacca University, 1943: History of Bengal (Hindu Period), Vol.1, p.143.

71. Das, S.1984: History of North-Bengal, p.71.

72. Gait, E.A.1967: A History of Assam, p.78.p.

73. Barua, K.L.1988 (3rd ed): Early History of Kamarupa, p.164.

74. Ibid., p.164.

75. Ibid., p.165.

76. Mirza, Muhammad Kazim, “Alamgirnama”, p.731.

77. Acharya, N.N.2003 (Reprint): History of Medieval Assam, p.165.

78. History of Bengal, 1963:Vol.II, p.118.

79. Barua, K.L.1988 (3rd ed): Early History of Kamarupa, p.174.

It is to be noted that king Niladhwaj was the rule of Singimari region for the earlier time.( Kamrupa Burinji,
p.99.)

80. Ibid., p.174.

81. Ibid., p.174.

82. Gaits, E.E.1967: History of Assam, p.44.

83. Glaziers Report on Rangpur (1876).

** Arun Bhusan Mazumdar.2002: Jalpaiguri Jela Sankalan in Benali, p.380.

***Buchanan Hamilton, Eastern India, Vol.III, pp.408-409.

*V R.D.Banerjee.1927.: Eastern Circle,in J.F.Blackistone(ed.) Annual Report of Archaeological Survey of

India,1924-1925, Calcutta, Government of India Central Publication Branch,p.9.

*vi R.R.Risley, 1891: The Tribes and Caste of Bengal, Vol-I, pp.489-94.

84* Khan Chowdhury, Amanatulla Ahmed.1936: History of Coochbehar(in Bengali),p.37.