Back to: Assam and Its People
The Geography of Ancient Assamese
The region of Ancient Assam, which included the kingdom of Pragjyotisha-Kamarupa, extended much further than the current state boundaries. The Puranas state that it extended from the Karatoya River in the west to areas of settlement such as Manipur, Jaintia, Cachar, parts of Mymensingh, Sylhet, Rangpur, and areas of Nepal and Bhutan. ) Their culture and political life was firmly rooted in the Brahmaputra Valley.
Origin of Names
The names Pragjyotisha, Kamarupa, and Assam have distinct origins, reflecting the region’s cultural and historical evolution.
Theories on Pragjyotisha
- Chao-Theus Migration: Suggests a Chinese tribe, Chao-Theus, migrated to India, establishing centers named Prag-Zuth, Madhiya-Zuth, and Uttar-Zuth, later Sanskritized to Jyotisha. (Lacks sufficient evidence.)
- Kalika Purana: Describes Pragjyotisha as the “City of Eastern Astrology,” where Brahma calculated the stars (Prag = former/eastern, Jyotisha = star/astrology).
Theories on Kamarupa
- Austric Origin: Derived from “Kamru” or “Kamrut,” a Santali deity, symbolizing the worship of the mother goddess Kamakhya.
- Mythological Origin: Linked to Kamadeva’s revival in the region after being destroyed by Siva’s glance.
Theories on Assam
- Asama (Uneven): Refers to the region’s hilly terrain, contrasting with Bengal’s flat plains.
- Asama (Peerless): From the Tai word “cham” (defeated), with the prefix “a” meaning “undefeated,” later applied to the land.
- Bodo Origin: Derived from “Ha-chom,” meaning lowland.
- Ahom Connection: The name “Assam” emerged with the 13th-century Ahom invasion, linked to the Shan invaders.
The ancient history of Assam begins with the non-Aryan rulers, followed by Aryan influence and legends of famous kings.
Early Rulers
Mahiranga Danava: The first recorded king, a Kirata chief, with the capital in Mairanka (near Guwahati). Followed by Hatakasura, Sambarasura, Ratnasura, and Ghatakasura.
Naraka: He dethroned Ghatakasura and started a fresh line of kings. Naraka was born of mother earth (Prithvi) and Vishnu, and he established
Pragjyotishpur. He was originally a very religious person but was bewitched by his own arrogance and tried to marry the goddess Kamakhya. He was killed by Krishna, who immediately placed Naraka’s son Bhagadatta on the throne.
Bhagadatta: A great warrior in the Mahabharata epic, he was a key ally of the Kauravas. He was a brave warrior who fought in the war on an elephant. He was eventually killed by Arjuna in the battle of Kurukshetra.
Vajradatta: After Bhagadatta’s death, he became king. The genealogy from here on is very uncertain.
Bhismaka: He ruled in Sadiya (Vidarbha), around a city called Kundina. During this time, there was a famous incident when Rukmini was abducted by Krishna just before being married to Sisupala.
Banasura: He was a contemporary of Naraka and ruled in Sonitpur (Tezpur). His daughter Usha was married to Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna. He died at the hands of Krishna.
Varman Dynasty
The Varman Dynasty (c. 350–650 AD) marked a significant phase in Assam’s history, bringing political and cultural stability.
| Ruler | Reign (Approx.) | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Pushyavarman | 350–380 AD | Founder, owed allegiance to Samudragupta. |
| Samudravarman | 380–405 AD | Succeeded Pushyavarman. |
| Balavarman I | 405–420 AD | Father of Amritaprabha, who married Kashmir’s king Meghavahana. |
| Kalyanavarman | 420–440 AD | Controlled Kapili Valley, sent a mission to China. |
| Mahendravarman | 450–485 AD | Patron of Buddhism, performed Aswamedha yajna, extended influence to southeast Bengal. |
| Bhutivarman | 510–555 AD | Expanded west beyond Karatoya River, donated lands in Pundravardhana. |
| Chandramukhavarman | 555–565 AD | Succeeded Bhutivarman. |
| Sthitavarman | 565–590 AD | Known as Mriganka, defeated by Mahasenagupta, lost North Bengal. |
| Supratishthitavarman | 590–594 AD | Short reign, succeeded by Bhaskaravarman. |
| Bhaskaravarman | 594–650 AD | Allied with Harshavardhana, issued Nidhanpur grant, hosted Hiuen Tsang (642–43 AD). |
Salastambha and Pala Dynasties
Salastambha Dynasty (c. 650–990 AD): Ruled for more than 300 years, with some notable rulers, such as Jayamala (Virbahu) and Tyagasingha. Notable for their military power and range of cultural developments.
Pala Dynasty (c. 990–1138 AD):
Brahmapala (990–1010 AD): A great warrior.
Ratnapala (1010–1040 AD): Strengthened Hasapyaka (Durgava), defeated king Rayaraja of Gauda.
Indrapala (1040–1065 AD): Married a princess of the Rashtrakutas, with a connection to Pundravardhana.
Gopala (1065–1085 AD): Gachital inscription.
Harshapala (1085–1095 AD): A weak king, lost Pundravardhana to Jatarvarman.
Dharmapala (1095–1120 AD): Restored greatness, patron of Kalika Purana, moved capital to Kamarupanagar.
Jayapala (1120–1138 AD): Defeated by Bengal’s Ramapala.
Vaidyadeva: Initially a feudatory, became independent, issued Kamauli grant.
Administration
The Kaika Purana outlines the seven components of the state (Rajyangam): king, minister, territory, fort, treasury, army, and ally.
Feudatories: Important feudatories had autonomy, maintained their own armies, and granted land; lesser feudatories needed royal approval to make administrative changes.
Hill Tribes: Some tribes owed allegiance to Kamarupa but many in the interior were free from obligations.
Diplomacy: Political relationships were created through mutual marriages, as with Amritaprabha and Kashmir or with Rajyadevi and the Rashtrakutas, and sending missions to China and Tibet.
Art and Culture
Deopani School of Art (7th–8th Century)
Developed in Kamrupa, characterized by Gupta-style features: transparent drapery, minimal jewelry, polished bodies, and black sandstone sculptures.
Notable sites: Deopani, Akshaginga (Chalukyan-style pillars), Gosajuri (southern Indian influence), Madan Kamdev (Khajuraho-like sculptures), Haygriva Madhava Temple (10th-century Vishnu temple, elephant carvings akin to Ellora).
Paintings
Limited evidence, but epigraphs mention realistic palace portraits. The Guakuchi plates of Indrapala provide a rare example.