This timeline covers the key political milestones in the history of ancient Assam, beginning with the rise of the Varman dynasty and ending with the fall of unified Kamarupa and the emergence of regional powers.
350 CE – Establishment of the Varman Dynasty
Pushyavarman laid the foundation of the first historical dynasty of Assam, marking the beginning of recorded political history in the region.
This period saw:
The rise of Pragjyotishpura as a capital.
Introduction of Brahmanical kingship.
Patronage of Sanskrit language and culture.
🔑 This event initiated the monarchical tradition in Kamarupa and linked it with the wider Indian political landscape.
594 CE – Bhaskaravarman’s Ascension
Bhaskaravarman, the most celebrated king of the Varman dynasty, ascended the throne.
He expanded Assam’s influence through:
Diplomatic ties with Harshavardhana of Kanauj.
Military strength and internal consolidation.
Widely mentioned in Harsacharita and praised by Chinese sources.
🔑 His reign marked the political and cultural zenith of ancient Assam.
636 CE – Visit of Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang)
The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) visited India and recorded second-hand accounts of Kamarupa and Bhaskaravarman.
Described Kamarupa as:
Well-governed, prosperous, and religiously tolerant.
Having powerful rulers and developed urban centres.
🔑 His writings provide an external validation of Assam’s prominence in early medieval India.
650 CE – End of Varman Rule
After Bhaskaravarman’s death, the Varman dynasty gradually declined.
The kingdom lost centralised control, and no strong successor could retain unity.
🔑 This marked the end of Varman hegemony and a power vacuum in Kamarupa.
655 CE – Rise of the Mlechchha Dynasty
Salasthambha, likely of non-Aryan/tribal origin, established the Mlechchha dynasty.
This era saw:
Continued use of Sanskritic titles and inscriptions.
Fusion of tribal and Brahmanical traditions.
Capitals such as Hadapeshvar and Durjjayanagara emerged.
🔑 The Mlechchha period preserved administrative continuity while introducing local tribal influences.
900 CE – Founding of the Pala Dynasty
The Pala dynasty was founded by Brahmapala, seen as a revival of Varman lineage.
This phase included:
Capital shift to Durjjayanagara.
Flourishing of land grant culture, temple patronage, and administrative organisation.
Prominent rulers: Ratnapala, Indrapala, Dharmapala.
🔑 The Palas were the last major dynasty to rule a unified Kamarupa.
1100–1206 CE – Decline of Pala Power and Rise of Successor States
The Pala dynasty weakened due to:
Internal fragmentation.
Invasions from the Bengal Pala Empire (Ramapala).
Regional rulers like Timgyadeva and Vaidyadeva emerged as local chiefs.
Around 1206 CE, King Prithu defended Assam from Turko-Afghan invasion (Bakhtiyar Khalji).
Following this:
The Kamata kingdom rose under Sandhya.
Regional powers like the Ahoms, Chutiyas, Baro Bhuyans, and Koch gained prominence.
🔑 This period marked the end of classical Kamarupa and the beginning of medieval Assam’s regional powers.
📝 Chronological Recap Table:
| Year/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 350 CE | Foundation of Varman Dynasty by Pushyavarman |
| 594 CE | Accession of Bhaskaravarman, golden age of diplomacy and culture |
| 636 CE | Xuanzang’s account of Kamarupa under Bhaskaravarman |
| 650 CE | End of Varman dynasty |
| 655 CE | Rise of Mlechchha dynasty under Salasthambha |
| 900 CE | Brahmapala establishes the Pala dynasty |
| 1100–1206 CE | Pala decline; rise of successor states and regional powers |