Sivasagar, Mighty Capital of the Ahoms

 

Once the seat of the powerful Ahoms—an indigenous community and the eponymous medieval dynasty from the Brahmaputra Valley—Sivasagar preserves its past in a plethora of spectacular monuments and temples. It is located to the east of the city of Jorhat, and is an underestimated architectural gem that should be explored. 

Here are some of the main attractions near this town that you should visit–

Siva Dol

The Siva Dol temple is known for its spectacular golden-topped dome, which is typical of Shikhara architecture. It refers to a complex of three temples that commemorate three different Hindu deities. The main temple is Siva Dol, whereas the other two shrines, Vishnu Dol and Devidol, honor Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga, respectively. The temples were commissioned to be built by the Ahom queen Bar Raja Ambika in the 18th century, and are enduring landmarks of the dynasty’s religious beliefs. 

Of the many architectural elements to be appreciated at this heritage temple, the bas-reliefs of Goddess Durga that allude to Shaktism ideologies are the among the most noteworthy. 

The aura of divination around this temple reaches its zenith during the festival of Mahashivratri in February, which is one of the best times to visit this place. 

Borpukhuri Tank

Another divine powerhouse is the Borpukhuri Tank, which houses the Sivadol temple. The Ahoms built this tank in the 18th century, and its construction features a clever hydrological system that prevents the tank's water level from rising. Spiritually significant as it is spectacular in appearance, the tank draws several migratory birds in winter and is also home to a wealth of flora. Sitting on its banks and watching the sun sink into the horizon is one of the best ways to enjoy this lovely landmark.

There are a number of local tea stalls and a few restaurants and cafes near this area that offer authentic Assamese fare.  

Talatal Ghar

This monument, which was originally built as a military base by the Ahom monarchs in the 18th century, is a remarkable structure that is the largest surviving landmark of the Ahom empire. The word talatal translates to "multi-storied," and you'll understand why once you see the vast structure with its underground levels. The majority of the clay constructions that dot the landscape are nearly in ruins, but some, like the Gola Ghar, preserve the robustness of their early days. Don't miss the palace's underground passageways and open terrace which displays historic cannons from that time. 

Rang Ghar

As you pass Assam Trunk Road, the beautiful Rang Palace comes into view, framed by elaborate dragons known as Ngi Ngao Kham. This location, defined by a two-story edifice with an inverted traditional Ahom long boat as its top, was a sort of sports pavilion where the kings enjoyed a variety of spectator events, similar to a Roman amphitheater. It has witnessed buffalo fights, elephant fights, bull fights, and even wrestling tournaments since its construction in the 18th century. For history and architecture aficionados, this place is a must-see.

Author Name
Advaita Raut