Political History of Ancient Assam (350–1206 CE)

Between the 4th and 12th centuries CE, Assam witnessed the emergence and expansion of a powerful regional kingdom called Kamarupa, ruled successively by the Varman, Mlechchha, and Pala dynasties. This period saw the development of a structured administration, extensive land grants, and a system of territorial divisions.

Formation of Kamarupa State

• • The Kamarupa kingdom was founded in the early 4th century CE by Pushyavarman, marking the beginning of recorded political history in Assam.

  • The rise of this state was likely enabled by the decline of Gupta imperial power in eastern India.

  • The capital was established at Pragjyotishpura, turning it into a political and cultural centre.

  • The Varman dynasty was the first historical ruling house, succeeded later by the Mlechchha and Pala dynasties.

  • Kamarupa rulers claimed descent from legendary figures like Narakasura and Bhagadatta, linking themselves to mythological legitimacy.

🔑 This laid the foundation for monarchical rule and territorial consolidation in ancient Assam.

Geographic Boundaries and Epigraphic Evidence

• • The Yogini Tantra and inscriptions define Kamarupa’s territory as stretching:

    • From the Karatoya River (in North Bengal) in the west

    • To the Dikkaravasini shrine (near Sadiya) in the east

  • Epigraphic records such as the Nidhanpur and Dubi copperplates confirm these boundaries.

  • The region included both Brahmaputra Valley and hill areas, encompassing diverse ethnic groups and cultural zones.

🔑 These boundaries demonstrate the strategic extent and integration of Kamarupa with northeast India and Bengal.

State Administration: Saptanga Theory, Ministers, Officials, Revenue

• • Kamarupa’s governance followed the Saptanga theory (theory of seven limbs of the state) from ancient Indian political texts:

    1. Swami – The King

    2. Amatya – Ministers

    3. Janapada – Territory/people

    4. Durga – Fortified capital

    5. Kosa – Treasury

    6. Danda – Army/force

    7. Mitra – Allies

  • The administration included:

    • Mahamatras (high officers)

    • Dutas (envoys/messengers)

    • Nayakas (commanders or local officers)

    • Bhattarakas and Mahasandhivigrahikas (heads of departments or advisors)

  • Revenue came mainly from:

    • Land tax

    • Tributes from local chiefs

    • Customs duties on trade

🔑 This structure shows a centralised but flexible administration suited to a culturally diverse region.

Grant System and Brahmadeya Settlements

• • Land grants were a major feature of Kamarupa’s political and religious policy.

  • Kings issued copperplate grants to Brahmins, monasteries, and temples.

  • These grants were called Brahmadeya, or tax-free religious lands.

  • Recipients enjoyed:

    • Revenue exemptions

    • Judicial autonomy

    • Control over local people for religious services

  • Grants helped spread:

    • Brahmanical religion

    • Sanskritic culture

    • Agricultural expansion

🔑 The grant system was a tool for both religious patronage and political integration.

Judicial and Revenue Hierarchies

• • Judicial authority was exercised at multiple levels, including:

    • The King’s court

    • Local courts under Brahmin donees in granted villages

  • Punishments were awarded based on dharma-shastra principles, and kings styled themselves as Dharmapalas (protectors of law).

  • Revenue officials maintained registers of:

    • Taxable lands

    • Boundaries of grants

    • Names of cultivators

🔑 The judicial and revenue systems ensured local compliance while allowing semi-autonomous functioning of grant-holders.

Administrative Divisions: Bhukti, Mandala, Vishaya, Pura, Agrahara, Grama

Kamarupa was divided into well-structured administrative units, as evident from epigraphic references:

🔑 These divisions reveal a tiered and efficient governance structure, balancing central control and local autonomy.