The history of Assam reveals the existence of flourishing urban centres as early as the 4th century CE, particularly during the Kamarupa period. These towns and cities served as administrative, commercial, and religious hubs, showcasing the region’s early urban sophistication.
Major Urban Centres: Pragjyotishpura, Karnasuvarna, Hatappesvara, Durjjayanagar, Kamarupanagara, Hamsakonchi
The most prominent ancient city was Pragjyotishpura, considered the capital of Kamarupa and the epicentre of political and religious activity.
Other urban centres included:
Karnasuvarna – mentioned in Chinese records and associated with Bhaskaravarman’s political outreach.
Hatappesvara – identified as a royal settlement or administrative zone in ancient inscriptions.
Durjjayanagar – interpreted as a fortified town, possibly related to military functions.
Kamarupanagara – referred to as a capital city in later copperplate grants, hinting at administrative continuity.
Hamsakonchi – another significant urban node, likely involved in trade or temple patronage.
These cities were often located near rivers, hills, and religious shrines, indicating strategic and spiritual importance.
Expansion Phases of Pragjyotishpura
The development of Pragjyotishpura took place in multiple stages, often guided by rulers like the Varman and Pala dynasties.
The city’s core was built around the Nilachal Hills, especially the Kamakhya temple complex.
Urban growth occurred in phases, with new additions such as:
Temples
Royal quarters
Public infrastructure
The city’s expansion reflected:
Political stability
Religious patronage
Administrative reforms
Pragjyotishpura evolved from a sacred hill town to a royal capital, blending ritualistic and civic functions.
Urbanization through Religious Centres (Hetuka-Sulin, Mahagauri-Kamesvara)
Many urban centres developed around religious shrines, a process termed as temple-centric urbanization.
Two notable examples:
Hetuka-Sulin – known from epigraphic sources; a religious and pilgrimage town.
Mahagauri-Kamesvara – associated with Shakti and Shaiva cults, drawing devotees and settlements.
These temple-towns became centres of:
Cultural exchange
Craft production
Economic activity (due to inflow of pilgrims and donations)
They functioned as both sacred spaces and economic hubs, contributing significantly to urban growth in Assam.
Post-Independence Discoveries: Duboroni and Doiyang–Dhansiri Valley
Recent archaeological excavations after India’s independence have uncovered evidence of urban life in previously undocumented areas:
Duboroni (Goalpara District):
Revealed brick structures, pottery, and terracotta artefacts.
Indicates existence of a permanent settlement or urban township.
Doiyang-Dhansiri Valley (Dima Hasao & Golaghat Districts):
A rich archaeological zone containing:
Stone inscriptions
Ancient tools
Religious symbols
Confirms the spread of urban settlements beyond the core Brahmaputra valley.
These findings provide material evidence of urban complexity, validating textual references and extending the known geography of ancient cities in Assam.