Sir Edward Gait’s History of Assam
By Padmanath Buattacharyya
Summary
Sir Edward Gait's *History of Assam* received critical analysis in a 1908 *Hindustan Review* article, prompting revisions in the second edition. The author addressed the ancient kings of Kamaripa (7th–12th centuries), noting discrepancies in dating Pusyavarman, likely a contemporary of Gupta Emperor Samudragupta (circa 330 CE), rather than the originally stated "fifth century." Newly discovered copper-plate grants, including Dharmapila's and Indrapila's, expanded the Pila dynasty's timeline beyond Indrapala, contradicting Gait's list. The Nidhanpur grant, re-examined after partial plate discoveries, revealed Bhaskaravarman renewed an earlier grant by Bhativarman, allocated land in Kamaripa (not Sylhet), and distributed it among over 200 Brahmins, altering prior assumptions.
Conclusion
This critical analysis of Sir Edward Gait’s *History of Assam* highlights significant contributions and gaps in early historical scholarship on Assam. While Gait’s revised edition incorporates some corrections from earlier critiques, discrepancies persist, particularly in chronology—such as the debated dating of Pusyavarman and the overlook of Gupta-era connections evident in inscriptions. The study underscores the need for greater reliance on primary sources like copper-plate grants, which have expanded since Gait’s work, offering refined insights into dynastic timelines and regional governance. Notably, recent discoveries of previously unexamined grants, such as those of Harjara and Indrapila, challenge Gait’s enumerations and emphasize the dynamic nature of Kamaripa’s political history. The analysis also calls attention to overlooked regional studies, advocating for a more integrated approach to Assam’s historical narrative that balances textual criticism with archaeological evidence.