XX-The Heritage Architecture of Assam - RTF - Rethinking The Future

2/23/2021 The Heritage Architecture of Assam - RTF | Rethinking The Future
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The Heritage Architecture of Assam

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Assam is a state whose medieval architecture is greatly in uenced by its cultural contact
with West Pakistan, i.e., present-day Bangladesh and Burma, yet maintaining its rm cul-
tural relation with mainland India. The heritage of Assam is all about historic ruins, an-
cient temples, magni cent forts, and vibrant wildlife. The architectural heritage of Assam
can be easily perceived when seen through the lens of how various dynasties ruled over
the land of Assam.
Pre-Ãhom Period
The earliest evidence of architecture in Assam dates back to the Gupta Period, during the
rule of the Varman dynasty in Kamarupa. Not a single temple of this period is in standing
condition and only ruins are seen, over which temples of the Ãhom period were
constructed. Da-Parbatia, an ancient village near Tezpur has ruins of two ancient temples,
one belonging to the 5th or 6th century, on which another temple was constructed during
the Ãhom rule.
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The site is currently protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Amidst the lush
greenery and the snow-capped Himalayas, the temple ruins show a square-shaped Garb-
hagriha (sanctum) while the mandap (outer gallery) is rectangular. The site is a major at-
traction with a well depicted Hellenistic style of sculptures and gurines that resemble
Gupta style.
From almost the beginning of the Varman dynasty in the 5th century to the end of the
Salastambha dynasty in 10 century, the architectural remains can be traced in and around
Tezpur. Another historical marvel from the Salasthamba period is the Rock-cut Caves in
Bongaigaon. The ve rock-cut caves have a brick and mud masonry made platform, which
is in all probability was built during a later period. The art and architecture of the caves is
an exemplary example of the kind that was practiced during the time. Although not much
is known about these caves, one of the best-preserved caves has a length of 1.90 meters
and comes with a rounded verandah with a ight of steps, unlike the other caves.
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Ãhom period
The Ãhoms, based on which Assam got its present name, established their cultural and
economic stability in the region for over six centuries, which can be seen in their monu-
ments in the town of Sivasagar. The town has over 170 tanks, depicting a typical style of
architecture. The most famous heritage sites of Assam, Kareng Ghar, and Talatal Ghar are
historical treasures of this period. In the former capital Rangpur, Swargeo Rudra Singha
built a palace from organic bricks, which was later further constructed into a seven-story
palace by his successor Rajeshwara; the three ground storeys are known as ‘Talatal Ghar’
while the rest four-storey structure is called ‘Kareng Ghar’. Another construction by King
Swargdeo is a remarkable two-storey structure of the Ahom period, called Rang Ghar. It is
a royal sports pavilion also used for cultural programs and to watch the traditional ‘bull-
ghts’. The main entrance has two stone-carved crocodiles while the interiors are deco-
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In this second phase of temple architecture, inclination towards Hinduism was observed
with the erection of Hindu temples, especially devoted to Goddess Durga. But
subsequently, temple architecture adopted the “Nilãcala type” in the construction of Jai
Dol. Though Islamic in uence is seen, the indigenous do-Cala typed gained prominence.
The style reached its zenith during the period of Siva Singha, after the construction of the
tallest historical monument in Assam, the Siva Temple at Sivasagar. Like the pre-Ãhom
period, the temples of this period also have an Indo-Aryan in uence, consisting of
Garbhagriha, Vimana, Sikhara, and Mandap.
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Koch Dynasty
During the reign of King Naranãrãyana and his brother General Chilãrãi, the dynasty
reached its epitome of glory. The king built the famous Kamakhya temple on Nilachal hill,
in 1565 AD over ruins that date back to even before the pre-Ãhom period. This sacred
temple of Kamakhya Devi is a prominent religious site, one of the four primary Shakti Pi-
thas and ocked by pilgrims all year long. The ‘Nilachala style’ originated from this temple,
which put more Islamic style ignoring the Indo-Aryan style of architecture.
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The Kacharis had its rst capital in Dimapur and then later shifted to Maibong and
Khaspur. The monuments, monolithic hut, and rock-cut temples of these days resemble a
typical Bengal do-Cala structure. The Kachari architecture grew heavily under Bengal’s in-
uence and ended with the decline of the Kachari rule. The Kachari Fort built during this
time depicts the noteworthy architecture and a mix of Non-Aryan and Hinduism culture.
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Secular Architecture
The secular building architecture is rare in Assam and the most noteworthy examples are
three monuments that were built during the Ãhom period- the Rang Ghar, the Talatal
Ghar, and the Kareng Ghar. The Rang Ghar is built in Islamic style for the members of the
then royal family. However, the Talatal Ghar is built in the Mughal style and the Kareng
Ghar is built in the South-Asiatic style.
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Muslim Architecture
In spite of their best e orts, the Mughals were unable to conquer Assam due to the
strong resistance by the Ahom dynasty, yet in the western parts of Assam, Mughal ad-
vances are marked by three Muslim monuments: Rangamati mosque near Gauripur, Pach
Piran Dargah, and Mirijumlar Masjid.
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The heritage architecture of Assam has the greatest in uence from the Indo-Aryan style
of architecture that was predominant since the pre-Ãhom period. However, due to the
Mughal rule in mainland India, the architecture of Assam was in uenced by the Islamic
style. Thus, it is rightly said,
“For long, the beautiful valleys of Assam have been the center for the con uence of peo-
ple belonging to various cultural and ethnic groups.”
ARCH I T E CTURAL ASSA M BANG L A D ESH BURM A INDI A
PAKI S T A N
   
Sayani Mandal
Currently pursuing her major in urban planning, she believes that design and literature
are two paradigms which can alter the overall outlook of the world when backed by
practical data.
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ARCH I T E CTURAL ST YLES

The Heritage Architecture of Assam

Rock-cut Caves ©www.heritagehotelso ndia.com

Rock-cut Caves ©www.tourmyindia.com

Rock-cut Caves ©www.holidify.com

Talatal Ghar ©commons.wikimedia.org

Talatal Ghar ©www.hotfridaytalks.com

Talatal Ghar ©www. ickr.com

Siva Temple ©www. ickr.com

Siva Temple ©www.templepurohit.com

Kamakhya Temple ©en.wikipedia.org

Kamakhya Temple ©www.kamakhyadham.com

We use cookies to ensure that we giveKamakhya Temple

Kachari Architecture ©www.tripadvisor.in

Kachari Architecture ©media-cdn.tripadvisor.com

Kareng Ghar ©commons.wikimedia.org

Kareng Ghar ©www. ickr.com

Kareng Ghar ©www. ickr.com

Rang Ghar ©www.holidify.com

Rang Ghar ©www.mapso ndia.com

Rang Ghar ©www.outlookindia.com

Rangamati Mosque ©commons.wikimedia.org

Rangamati Mosque ©ignca.gov.in

Rangamati Mosque ©ignca.gov.in

ARCH I T E CTURAL ASSA M BANG L A D ESH BURM A INDI A

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