Antiquities of Assam

Summary

Surveying the material culture of Assam, this article describes its ancient temples, sculptures, inscriptions and coins. It notes that the region, known in antiquity as Kamarupa, reached a high level of artistic achievement alongside other parts of India. The author summarises mythic accounts of early rulers such as Narakasura and Bhagadatta, then turns to historical kings from the seventh to thirteenth centuries like Bhaskaravarman and Harjaravarman, highlighting their participation in all‑India events such as the Kanauj assembly. Detailed descriptions of temple images classify them into two categories: acala (fixed) and cala (movable). The article explains that temples usually housed two sets of images—the immovable mulavigraha and the movable utsava murti—and notes variations in posture and iconography. It also discusses planetary deities and goddesses worshipped in Assam, the influence of the Ahom dynasty on religious practices, and the subsequent popularity of festivals like Durgāpūjā. Alongside textual discussion, plates illustrate monuments such as the Jayastambha (victory pillar), Tezpur inscriptions, Śarkaradeva’s relics and pottery fragments. The cumulative evidence demonstrates Assam’s rich archaeological heritage and invites further exploration.