Sources of Early Historic Assam (4th to 12th Century A.D.)

The history of early historic Assam between the 4th and 12th centuries CE—a period dominated by the Kamarupa kingdom—is reconstructed through a variety of historical sources. Unlike later periods where detailed chronicles are available, the early history of Assam relies mainly on archaeological discoveries, inscriptions, literary texts, and foreign travel accounts.

These sources help historians understand the political institutions, dynastic succession, land grant system, religious patronage, and cultural interactions of ancient Assam. The major sources include:

• • Inscriptions (especially copper plate grants and rock inscriptions)

  • Literary texts written in Sanskrit and other languages

  • Foreign accounts of travellers and diplomats

  • Numismatic evidence and archaeological artefacts

Each of these sources provides a different perspective on the social, political, and cultural life of Kamarupa during this period.

Inscriptions: The Most Reliable Historical Evidence

• Among all available sources, inscriptions are considered the most reliable and direct evidence for the political history of early Assam. These inscriptions were usually issued by kings and engraved on copper plates or rocks.
• They contain valuable information such as:

• • Royal genealogies

  • Land grants and administrative orders

  • Titles and achievements of kings

  • Religious affiliations of rulers

  • Territorial boundaries of the kingdom

• Because these records were created during the reign of the kings themselves, they provide first-hand historical data.

Copper Plate Inscriptions

• The majority of inscriptions discovered in Assam from this period are copper plate grants issued by rulers of the Varman, Mlechchha, and Pala dynasties.
• These plates were usually issued when a king granted land to:

• • Brahmins

  • Temples

  • Religious institutions

• Such grants were often known as Brahmadeya grants, which were tax-free lands donated for religious and scholarly purposes.
• Several copper plates discovered in Assam provide detailed information about the rulers of Kamarupa.

• Importance of Copper Plate Records : These inscriptions reveal many aspects of early Assamese history.

• • The genealogy and succession of kings

  • The administrative structure of the Kamarupa kingdom

  • The spread of Brahmanical culture

  • The land grant system used for political integration

• Thus, copper plate inscriptions serve as primary sources for reconstructing the political history of ancient Assam.

Rock Inscriptions

• In addition to copper plates, several rock inscriptions have also been discovered in Assam. These inscriptions were usually carved on natural rock surfaces at important religious or strategic locations.
• They often contain:

• • Royal eulogies

  • Victory proclamations

  • Dedications to temples or deities

Important Rock Inscriptions of Assam

These inscriptions help historians understand the religious policies, military successes, and royal ideology of the kings of Kamarupa.

Literary Sources

Apart from inscriptions, historians also rely on literary works written by scholars and court historians from other regions of India.

These texts are valuable because they provide external references to the kingdom of Kamarupa.

Such references confirm that Assam was well known in the political and cultural networks of early medieval India.

Harsacharita

• One of the most important literary sources is Harshacharita, written by the famous Sanskrit scholar Banabhatta.
• This text describes the reign of Harshavardhana.
• In the work, Banabhatta mentions the close friendship and diplomatic alliance between Harsha and Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa.
• This reference is significant because it shows that:

  • Kamarupa was a powerful and respected kingdom

  • It maintained diplomatic relations with major Indian empires

  • Its rulers were recognized as cultured and sophisticated monarchs

Ramacharita

• Another important source is Ramacharita, written by Sandhyakar Nandi.
• This work describes political events involving the Pala rulers of Bengal and occasionally mentions Kamarupa.
• From this text historians gain insights into:

• • Political conflicts in eastern India

  • Interstate alliances

  • The regional power dynamics between Bengal and Assam

Rajatarangini

• The famous historical chronicle Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana, also refers to Kamarupa.
• Although the text mainly describes the history of Kashmir, it includes references to diplomatic and military contacts with eastern kingdoms.
• This shows that Kamarupa was part of a wider political network connecting different regions of India.

Chinese Accounts and Foreign Records

• Foreign travellers and diplomats also left valuable accounts of India during this period.
• These records provide independent confirmation of the political importance of Kamarupa.
• One such reference comes from Wang Xuance, who visited India during the reign of Harsha.
• Chinese records describe Kamarupa as a prosperous and powerful kingdom in the eastern frontier of India.

Account of Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang)

• One of the most famous foreign travellers associated with this period is the Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang.
• He travelled across India in the 7th century CE during the reign of Harshavardhana.
• Although Xuanzang did not personally visit Kamarupa, he recorded information about the kingdom based on reports from other travellers and scholars.
• According to the account of Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) :

• • Bhaskaravarman was a powerful and just ruler

  • The kingdom of Kamarupa was well-administered

  • The people were prosperous and culturally refined

His observations help historians understand:

• • The geo-political importance of Assam

  • Its role in regional diplomacy

  • Its religious and cultural development

Numismatic Evidence and Absence of Early Coins

One interesting aspect of early Assamese history is the almost complete absence of indigenous coinage during the 4th–12th centuries CE.

Unlike many contemporary Indian kingdoms, the rulers of Kamarupa did not issue large numbers of metallic coins.

Implications of the Absence of Coins

This lack of coinage suggests several important features of the economy:

Instead of coins, the economy functioned through:

• • Agricultural production

  • Redistribution of land

  • Control over natural resources

Archaeological Artefacts

Although coins are rare, archaeologists have discovered:

• • Metal seals

  • Temple artefacts

  • Decorative metal objects

These findings provide clues about craft production, trade, and economic activities in early Assam.

Importance of Historical Sources

The combination of inscriptions, literary texts, foreign accounts, and archaeological evidence allows historians to reconstruct the history of Kamarupa between the 4th and 12th centuries CE.

Each type of source contributes different information:

Together, these sources provide a comprehensive picture of the political, social, and economic life of ancient Assam.

The sources of early historic Assam from the 4th to 12th centuries CE form the foundation for understanding the history of the Kamarupa kingdom. Through copper plate inscriptions, rock inscriptions, literary works, and foreign travel accounts, historians have been able to reconstruct the dynastic history, administrative system, and cultural life of ancient Assam.

Although the absence of coinage presents certain challenges, the available evidence clearly shows that Kamarupa was a well-organized and influential kingdom in early medieval India. These historical sources not only reveal the political achievements of its rulers but also highlight Assam’s connections with the wider cultural and political world of South and Southeast Asia.