Ancient sculptures, inscriptions found in Karbi Anglong shed new light on Assam's heritage

Recent excavations in Assams Karbi Anglong district have revealed a remarkable collection of ancient stone sculptures and inscriptions shedding new light on the states rich archaeological heritageThe diggers and excavators found the rare items at Sarthe Rongphar village located in Phuloni area of the central Assam district showcasing the areas importance in unearthing the past legacyArchaeologists and local villagers working around two centuriesold ponds have uncovered an array of artefacts including intricately carved images of dancing figures deities Shiva lingams temple fragments and a striking depiction of Lord Ganesha etched onto a large rockDuring a recent visit to Sarthe Rongphar village I had the opportunity to witness a remarkable yet littleknown chapter of Assams archaeological heritage Excavations around two ancient village ponds have unearthed an impressive collection of stone sculptures and inscriptions Karbi Anglong District Commissioner Aranyak Saikia told PTIExperts believe many of these artefacts date back to the 10th12th centuries though local traditions link them to the era of the Mahabharata and the fabled Ashwamedha Yajna he addedAlthough locals link them to the period of the Mahabharata historically it appears more likely that they were constructed during the Ahom period However clear records are lacking he addedWhat intrigued most was the villagers observation that the water level of the pond remains constant regardless of season he saidSeveral of these priceless finds have been preserved at the Hojai Archaeological Museum and the district museum in Diphu Saikia saidHe however has acknowledged that most of these relics have been in a dilapidated state but the administration has now taken necessary steps to preserve themSeveral remnants are still scattered around the village We have noticed that some items have even found their way into everyday household use of the locals Saikia saidThese discoveries are not isolated as the broader PhuloniDokmokaHowraghat region is home to numerous similar archaeological sites a testament to its historical significance during the rule of the Kachari and Dabok dynastiesAmong the most notable landmarks is the Mahamaya Hill in Dokmoka where the remnants of an 11th12th century stone temple still stand despite suffering damage during the devastating earthquakes of 1897 and 1950 the DC saidHe further said that other significant sites include Buragohain Than which has yielded ancient idols of Shiva and Parvati and Bargonga where rare Guptaera Shiva sculptures and rock inscriptions have been discoveredTogether these monuments reveal a flourishing religious and artistic tradition that once shaped the cultural landscape of Karbi Anglong Saikia stressedHeritage experts and locals alike are calling for greater documentation conservation and public awareness of these sites to ensure that this unique chapter of Assams history is preserved for future generationsThe DC said These are the kinds of discoveries that make field visits so rewarding Beneath its hills and villages lie stories traditions and remnants of a past that often receive little attentionIt is important that we learn about these places document them and preserve them because they represent a history that extends far beyond the narratives we commonly discuss he saidLast month the Karbi Anglong district administration said it was considering contacting experts from the Institute of Tai Studies and Research ITSAR to decode two rare Tai manuscripts as well as including the treasure in the central governments Gyan Bharatam schemeA trove of rare manuscripts in the district believed to hold unknown secrets from the medievalperiod is likely to provide an understanding of the regions history culture and indigenous knowledge once the scripts are decodedThe fragile folios preserved in two museums in Karbi Anglong have survived the ravages of time but remain unread drawing interest from historians and linguists eager to unlock the mysteries inked on palm leaves and copper platesOut of these the two Tai manuscripts containing 67 and 158 folios of palm leaves are preserved at the district museum in Diphu the headquarters of Karbi Anglong These have been engraved by stone not inkedThe copper manuscript which has three folios one ring and an elephant symbol is kept at Nothengpi Karbi Heritage Museum It is in the Sanskrit language but the script is in Assamese