Archaeological Sources of Assam’s Past

The archaeological sources of Assam’s past are among the most important and reliable forms of historical evidence for understanding the ancient history of the region. Unlike literary sources, which may contain myths or exaggerated narratives, archaeological sources provide physical and tangible evidence of past human activities.

These sources include material remains, coins, inscriptions, sculptures, tools, and architectural ruins that have survived from ancient times. Through careful excavation, analysis, and scientific study, historians and archaeologists are able to reconstruct the political, religious, cultural, and economic history of Assam.

In the absence of continuous historical chronicles like the Rajatarangini or Harshacharita, archaeological discoveries play a crucial role in understanding Assam’s past.

Major Types of Archaeological Sources in Assam

Archaeological sources of Assam can be broadly divided into the following categories:

Each of these sources contributes significantly to reconstructing the ancient civilization of Assam.

1. Material Remains

Temples, Palaces, and Fortifications

One of the most significant forms of archaeological evidence in Assam is the architectural remains of temples, palaces, and forts.

The earliest phase of large-scale architectural activity in Assam is believed to have started during the Varman Dynasty, which ruled the region roughly between the 4th and 7th centuries CE.

Early Temple Construction

• Historical evidence suggests that temple construction began during the reign of King Surendravarman (450–485 A.D.).
• One of the earliest examples is the Umachal Cave Temple, which was dedicated to Balabhadraswamin (a form of Vishnu).
• This temple is important because it provides early architectural evidence of religious worship in ancient Assam.

Characteristics of Ancient Temples

Although no complete ancient temples survive today, archaeologists have discovered ruins, foundations, and fragments of temple structures across the region.

These remains indicate that temples were dedicated to several Hindu deities such as:

• • Shiva

  • Vishnu

  • Surya

  • Devi

This reflects the religious diversity and spiritual traditions of ancient Assam.

Example: Reuse of Temple Sites by the Ahoms

During the rule of the Ahom Kingdom, many ancient temple sites were renovated or rebuilt.

One famous example is Da-Parbatia Temple Ruins, which contains beautifully carved stone doorways believed to belong to an early temple structure.

The Ahoms later reused this site, demonstrating how different historical periods interacted with earlier architectural heritage.

Sculptures and Stone Tools

Another important archaeological source is sculptures and stone tools discovered at various sites in Assam.

Sculptures

Ancient temples were often decorated with intricately carved sculptures. These sculptures were used as:

• • Decorative elements on temple walls

  • Door frames and pillars

  • Ceiling ornaments

Many sculptures depict:

• • Hindu deities

  • Mythological figures

  • Floral and geometric motifs

These artistic works provide valuable information about:

• • Religious beliefs

  • Artistic styles

  • Cultural symbolism

Prehistoric Tools

Apart from sculptures, archaeologists have discovered prehistoric stone tools across Assam, especially from Neolithic and Megalithic cultures.

Examples include:

• • Grooved hammer stones

  • Polished stone axes

  • Stone chisels

These tools indicate that early inhabitants of Assam possessed basic technological skills and knowledge of tool-making.

They also reveal important details about:

• • Hunting and agricultural practices

  • Settlement patterns

  • Daily life of prehistoric communities

2. Coins and Numismatics

The study of coins is known as Numismatics, and it plays an important role in reconstructing the economic and political history of Assam.

Coins provide information about:

• • Names and titles of rulers

  • Regnal years

  • Religious affiliations

  • Economic conditions

Ahom Coinage

• The earliest coins issued by the Ahom rulers are believed to have been introduced by Sutyinpha in 1648 CE.
• These coins were often made of gold and silver, and they carried inscriptions in Sanskrit.
• One famous inscription found on Ahom gold coins reads:
  • “Sri Sri Hari Hara Charana Parayanasya Sri Sri Svarga Narayanasya.”
• This phrase indicates the religious devotion of the king towards the Hindu deities Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva).
• Thus, coins help historians understand the religious and political ideology of rulers.

Discovery at Paglatek (Goalpara)

• In 1972, archaeologists discovered 31 gold coins at Paglatek.
• One of these coins carried the inscription “Sri Kumara” written in Brahmi-Prakrit script.
• This coin is considered one of the earliest numismatic evidences from the Kamarupa kingdom.

Copper Coins of the Mleccha Dynasty

The Mleccha Dynasty introduced copper coinage during the 9th century CE.

Large numbers of these coins were discovered in places such as:

• • Dhulapadung Tea Estate

  • Tulip Tea Estate

These coins contain proto-Assamese characters such as “Va” and “Ha.”

This suggests that linguistic changes were already taking place, which eventually contributed to the development of the Assamese language.

3. Inscriptions (Epigraphical Sources)

Among all archaeological sources, inscriptions are considered the most reliable historical records.

Inscriptions are texts engraved on stone slabs, pillars, copper plates, or other durable materials.

They often contain valuable information about:

• • Royal genealogies

  • Political events

  • Land grants

  • Religious donations

  • Administrative practices

Because Assam lacked continuous historical chronicles like Rajatarangini, inscriptions play a crucial role in reconstructing the region’s history.

Materials Used for Inscriptions

Ancient inscriptions in Assam were created using several materials.

Copperplate inscriptions were often tied with copper rings sealed with heart-shaped bronze medallions, giving them an official and authentic appearance.

Language and Script Used in Inscriptions

• Most early inscriptions were written in Sanskrit, which was the official language of administration and religion.
• However, many inscriptions also show influence of local Prakrit dialects, especially the Kamarupi dialect.
• Over time, some inscriptions began to include early forms of the Assamese language.

Script Used in Assam

The script used in inscriptions evolved gradually.

These script changes reflect the linguistic evolution of the region.

Writing Style of Inscriptions

The writing style of inscriptions usually combined:

• • Prose (for administrative details)

  • Poetry (for praising kings)

These poetic sections were often composed by learned Sanskrit scholars and included eulogies celebrating the achievements of rulers.

Categories of Inscriptions

Historians classify inscriptions based on their purpose.

This classification helps historians understand why a particular inscription was created.

Important Inscriptions of Assam

Several inscriptions have played a crucial role in reconstructing Assam’s history.