Protohistoric Assam

Protohistoric Assam

Protohistory refers to the period between prehistory and history, where a culture or civilization may not have developed its own writing system, but other, literate cultures have documented their existence

                   It’s a transitional phase where societies are moving from a purely pre-literate state to one with written records.

Danava and Naraka Dynasties

      • The earliest known rulers of Assam belonged to the Danava Dynasty, believed to be of non-Aryan origin.

      • The first king was Mahiranga Danava, followed by successors such as Hatakasur, Sambasur, and Ratnasur.

      • This dynasty was overthrown by Narakasura, marking the beginning of the Naraka Dynasty.

      • The term “Naraka” is considered a generic name, possibly referring to multiple rulers belonging to this line.

      • Narakasura established his capital at Pragjyotishpura (modern-day Guwahati) and is often associated with settling Brahmins at Kamakhya.

      • He is prominently featured in the Puranas and Tantras and is believed to have been killed by Lord Krishna.

Bhagadatta and the Mahabharata Connection

      • Bhagadatta, the son of Narakasura, succeeded him and became one of the most prominent kings of ancient Assam.

      • He is known for participating in the Mahabharata war on the side of the Kauravas.

      • Bhagadatta led a mighty army, comprising Chinas (Chinese), Kiratas (hill tribes), and people from the eastern seas, indicating the geopolitical spread of Pragjyotisha.

      • His participation confirms Assam’s early contact with the larger Indian subcontinent’s mythological and political narratives.

      • The presence of such diverse troops implies that the kingdom extended into parts of present-day Bangladesh and had international interactions.

Cultural Landscape from Epics and Tantras

      • The protohistoric phase of Assam is largely reconstructed from literary sources, especially:

          • Epics: Mahabharata, Ramayana

          • Religious texts: Kalika Purana, Yogini Tantra

      • These texts provide mythical, religious, and symbolic representations of the region’s past.

      • Pragjyotisha (ancient Assam) is depicted as a powerful kingdom with deep-rooted spiritual traditions, particularly Shaktism centered around Kamakhya.

      • The region’s portrayal in these sources shows its integration with pan-Indian culture while also maintaining its unique identity through indigenous practices and beliefs.

      • Though these accounts are often mythological, they offer valuable clues to political entities, dynastic rule, and socio-cultural evolution in early Assam.

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