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.