historical place sivasagar essay

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Sivasagar - A place of historical importance and a popular tourist destination of Assam

In this article I have mentioned a detailed information about the historic city Sivasagar of Assam. I have provided information about the location, historical background and important monuments of the place which are centre of attraction to the tourists.

Location and History

How to go to sivasagar, where to stay at sivasagar, major tourist attractions of sivasagar, the historical joyasagar tank of sivasagar, the gourisagar tank of sivasagar and temples, the sivasagar tank and the shiva temple (doul), the rudrasagar tank of sivasagar and temples, the kareng ghar or the talatal ghar of sivasagar, the rang ghar of sivasagar, the namdang stone bridge, the dargah of ajan fakir, charaideo: the maindams of ahom kings.

Thanks a lot. This information helped me to make my dissertation.

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Sivasagar: A Walk Through 600 years

An edited version of this article on Sivasagar was published in the July-August issue of Discover India’s NE Magazine . __________________

The prince was not happy. Internal politics and incessant conflicts were weighing him down and he was losing interest in ruling the land of his birth. Eventually, he decided to leave that land with a powerful army and move southwards to build his own destiny and his own free kingdom. Thus began the epic journey of Chao-lung Sukapha, from Yunnan to Upper Assam via Myanmar and Patkai Hills. On his arrival, he was so delighted by the sight of the fecund plains from the hills that he ended up calling this land the “Golden Casket” and established the Ahom Kingdom in 1228 AD that lasted for 600 years till the arrival of the British.

This is the basic history that everyone in Assam learns in school. This is also why the city of Sivasagar occupies an important position in the history of Assam as most of the major Ahom settlements were located in and around Sivasagar. After my Majuli trip, I decided to quickly cover this town also because it was not really far. My original idea was to return to Jorhat and look for a bus but locals told me to wait on the highway, somewhere between Nimatighat and Jorhat, instead of entering Jorhat again. They were actually right and I soon got a bus and reached Sivasagar in an hour or so. As my bus entered the town, I started noticing one monument after another that reminded me of numerous “Heritage Walks” in Delhi. If there was one place in Assam that has enough preserved heritage to facilitate a heritage walk, it is Sivasagar although I don’t think anybody conducts that right now. So, I decided to go for a heritage tour around Sivasagar on my own.

The earliest important settlement of the Ahoms was that of Charaideo (Che-Rai-Doi), which roughly means a “town on the foothill of the mountains” in Tai language. This was Sukapha’s first capital and my first destination of this tour. Charaideo is around 30 KMs from Sivasagar and I underestimated the distance. The bus took forever to reach and the road wasn’t particularly smooth either. It was beginning to get dark already but on a positive note, the site seemed to have been repaired and beautified recently. So, it was good to find an archaeological site in Assam in a decent shape. The only things left here nowadays are the “maidams” or tombs of the kings. Originally there were around 150 of them spread around a vast area but now 30 of them have been protected by the ASI while the rest of them have been vandalized or looted already.

These protected maidams are located atop a small hillock furnished with a newly built staircase and a couple of cannons. As I reached the top, a series of hemispherical mounds appeared. These were basically earthen mounds with no opening but finally I reached a larger one that did have a stone gateway. It actually looked like the homes of the Hobbits from the world of Tolkien but in practice, they were closer to the pyramids as many valuable items and even living beings were believed to have been buried with the dead king to help him in his afterlife. For those who would like to know more about Sukapha, a shiny new museum has been built nearby and evocatively named as “Yunnan to Patkai to Che-Rai-Doi”, describing his epic journey.

Read my detailed Charaideo Post here .

Shivadol and Borpukhuri

So, my first day was spent on Charaideu and I barely had another day to cover the rest of the attractions but thankfully most of them were within the city itself. So, the next morning I decided to wake up early to make the most of the short winter day. The first stop was Shivadol or Sivadol (pronounced more like “Xibo Doul” in Assamese but I don’t think you will get it right if you were not born here), the central point of the city located on the banks of the eponymous Sivasagar tank (Also called Borpukhuri meaning the Big Tank), a large man-made lake that also attracts a lot of birds. It was only 7 AM but since it is a live temple, it was already up and running, full of morning devotees as well as agnostic morning walkers.

The Shivadol was constructed in 1734 AD by Ambika, the Queen of Siba Singha. It is basically a 104 feet tall dome with a mandapa (outdoor hall) leading to the sanctum sanctorum. Another interesting aspect of the temple is the golden “Kalasi” or vase at the top. Apparently, the original one was made of pure gold but it was too valuable for its own good and attracted a lot of unwanted attention. Eventually the British managed to bring it down for the gold. The current one is a gold-plated replica.

The complex has a couple of smaller temples too, called Vishnudol and Devidol, both following the same structure. All three of them have some intricate sculptures on the walls. What is interesting is that Vishnudol was dedicated to the neo-vaishnavite sects while the Devidol catered to the traditional Sakta sects worshipping the goddess. That was actually a period of schism between these two sects and I had only read about endless conflicts between them. But this seemed to be an effort at reaching a compromise and building a more syncretic society that survives till this date.

Read my detailed Sivadol Post here .

After Shivadol, I quickly walked towards Rang Ghar. If there is one iconic, instantly recognizable monument in Assam apart from the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, that is the Rang Ghar. Locals take immense pride in it as the oldest Amphitheater in Asia. I could not exactly verify this claim but there is no doubt about its grandeur. There is a replica of it in Guwahati and one more in Surajkund near Delhi. It is hard to imagine any other monument in Assam inspiring so much imitation.

Built in 1744 by Pramatta Singha, it is basically a two-storied building with a recently renovated and beautified compound. The unique shape of the building is believed to have been inspired by the shape of the Ahom longboats, something that must have served them well in the numerous battles with the Mughals. There are a couple of newly minted dragons atop the entry gate. They used to be the emblem of Ahom dynasty, and a testimony of its oriental origins. From a distance, the walls with multiple arches looked plain except for the top but as I inched closer, some really interesting sculptures appeared, including apes, crocodiles, and some other animals beyond my wildest imagination.

It was built as a pavilion from where the King celebrated various festivals and watched games such as bullfight, elephant fight, cockfight etc. None of these games will be politically correct in this day and age but nevertheless, I climbed up to the upper floor and tried to imagine the same for a while. The view of the vast garden on the compound from the top reminded me of numerous Mughal monuments. In spite of the bitter wars, the Mughals must have given new ideas to the Ahom builders too.

Talatal Ghar

My next stop was Talatal Ghar, which was a short walk from Rang Ghar. I also passed by a smaller building called Gola Ghar or Khar Ghar (Ammunition Depot) that was looking pretty amidst the paddy fields.

Now, the Talatal Ghar, built over decades by many kings and completed in 1769, is something that I have always had a deep fascination for. In its original form, it was a majestic, seven storied building with four floors above ground and three below the ground. It was built like a maze so that the enemy got lost in those alleys in case they managed to sneak in. There were a couple of secret tunnels to be used as escape routes in case of any eventuality. Sadly, most of these things can no longer be experienced now. All that remains is basically one floor with a very irregular geometry that is hard to describe. The upper floors were apparently made of wood and so they did not withstand the test of time. One can see the stairs leading to the underground compartments but it is longer safe to go that way and you can’t do much apart from using your imagination.

Joydol and Joysagar

Five minutes of walk from Talatal Ghar brought me to Joydol on the bank of Joysagar Tank, another beautiful manmade lake. Both of these were constructed by Rudra Singha (1696-1714) in memory of his mother Joymoti, who sacrificed her life to save her husband and his father. For those who care about unrelated trivia, Joymati was also the subject of the first-ever Assamese feature film Joymoti (1935). The temple again follows the same structure of Sivadol although it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most interesting part of the temple are the sculptures on the walls. It surely had the Devi sculptures and floral motifs that I saw in the other monuments too. But it also had scenes, most probably depicting warfare. One slab even had people riding on camels, the last animal I expected to see anywhere in Assam. Probably these are a depiction of the invading armies from the west.

Kareng Ghar, Garhgaon

My last remaining monument for the day was Kareng Ghar in Garhgaon. It was 14 KMs away from the town on the same route as that of Charaideo. But the previous day I could not visit it as it got dark very quickly. So, I found a shared van going that way and reached Garhgaon, which also used to be the capital of the Kingdom for several centuries. What is now left of the original city is a multi-storied palace called Kareng Ghar built in 1752 by Rajeshwar Singha. However, even before that, there used to be a wooden palace at the center of a lively walled city surrounded by a moat that even finds mention in Mughal accounts.

This building, somewhat reminiscent of Mesoamerican pyramids, is still in good shape and it is possible to reach the top of the building climbing up the stairs, something I promptly did. From the top, I could see remnants of pillars on the lower floors. I think this pyramidal shape might have been a result of decay rather than design.

So, my quick Sivasagar trip ended here in Garhgaon. What was interesting in all these monuments is that they all seem to have been constructed around the same period. Older Ahom structures were mostly made of wood and they did not survive. By the start of the 18th century, having comprehensively routed the Mughals after several decades of conflict , the kingdom was enjoying a period of dominance and prosperity. They must have also become aware of the structures elsewhere in India and also they had developed the technology to build lasting structures that could withstand the humid weather of the Brahmaputra Valley. According to some old accounts, they used a very ingenious concoction of sticky rice, eggs, certain types of fish, and other local ingredients as mortar to hold the massive stone slabs together.

It is also noteworthy that these construction activities reached their peak during the final stages of the Kingdom. At that time it might have looked like the pinnacle of civilization but the Ahom Kingdom collapsed within 50 years. This is not too different from the Mughals, who built some of the greatest monuments in India but their peak too did not last long. Ahoms fought many bitter wars with the Mughals and the Assamese regionalist movements have always been driven by the fact that they defeated back the formidable Mughals many times unlike most other parts of India. However, there were cultural exchanges too, as is evident in some of these constructions.

There were still a few smaller monuments that I could not visit, mostly temples scattered in and around the city but I had no time left. Still, it was a very satisfactory experience for me because I have always rued the lack of massive archaeological complexes in Assam and the poor preservations efforts of the ones that exist. The heritage of Sivasagar seemed better maintained compared to any other heritage site in Assam and I can only hope that the same is done for other sites too. __________ Reaching Sivasagar: It is easily accessible from Guwahati through bus and train, nearest Airport is Jorhat Stay: Many Hotels of various budgets around the bus stand. The train station is also not far. Tickets: 15 Rs for Indians and 200 Rs for foreigners in most monuments

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20 thoughts on “sivasagar: a walk through 600 years”.

पत्ते पर किया गया जीवंत चित्रण आश्चर्य जनक है। सैकड़ों वर्ष बाद भी ऐसा लग रहा है जैसे आज बनाया हो।

What a wonderful hidden gem! It makes me so sad when things so important to a countries history get damaged, or are lost to time. That would have been SO FUN to be able to explore the secret passageways and the tunnels there. Maybe one day someone can fund a restoration and keep up this integral part of history.

Sivasagar has certainly been kept alive by the people there and by your post! Loved the photos and the info.

This area called Ahom is amazing! I can’t believe there are all these temples, monuments, and pyramids in one place! The history behind it is so interesting, and reminds you of the rich heritage of your country. I won’t pretend to remember all the names, but your photos really capture the beauty

So interesting, the buildings, the rituals-of-the-age and all. It was fascinating to learn about the burial places for royalty, the amphitheater, and the building with 3 floors underground. Wow! It is totally beyond repair?

It feels like I visited another age. Thank you J. Great post.

And are those ‘terracotta’ cannons up there? They look so artistic.

Great to read your post. Very informative. Thank you so much for sharing pics, Amazing.

I was never knowing about history of Sivasagar. It looks like an offbeat destination with many beautiful palaces and historical buildings. I loved the sculptures on wall, though they are somewhat destroyed and hopefully some restoration work must be done here to preserve such a historic place.

Wow I didnt know anything about this region, so thank you or sharing so much history! Your photo with the birds is stunning! There is so much in one place! What a great adventure. Thanks for sharing the info!

Great post! I think Shivadol is def a place I would love to visit, and the image of the palace on the river bed is breathtaking. I like how you included the stories and history, this kind of blog stories make travel just more intriguing!

I love this article. There is soo much history to be seen here. M favourite is The Talatal Ghar. I can only imagine how amazing this was when it was fully restored. Nice read.

All the information and the places themself look so promising. Being and indian mtself I feel.sad that I havent been able to visit all these places yet or even heard about them. But this amazing post of yours definitely encounters me with these awesome places that I would definitely check out 1 day ! Oh and i love all your pictures.

Being an Assamese girl, I can relate to each word mentioned here. I visited these places long back during my school days. I still remember spending a fair amount of time exploring all these places in Sivasagar. My most favorite is Rang Ghar. I wish that Assam government takes important initiatives to promote the state more efficiently so that the rest of the world can also see what Assam can offer to them 🙂

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Interesting read. Food for an inquisitive mind!

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Very nice Article sir…..being an Assamese person i love to read like these types of articles. Again thank you for this beautiful writing.

I was never knowing about the history of Sivasagar. It looks like an offbeat destination with many beautiful palaces and historical buildings.

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Let’s celebrate and share the untold stories and hidden gems of Northeast India’s history and culture! Love from Sivasagar

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Sivasagar , town, eastern Assam state, northeastern India . Sivasagar lies on the Dikhu River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River , about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Jorhat .

The Tai-speaking Ahom people came to the area from Yunnan province, China , in the 13th century. Sivasagar was the capital of the Ahom kingdom in the 18th century, when the town was called Rangpur; several temples remain from that period. The town is now a tea-processing centre on the Northeast Frontier Railway and the national highway. In addition to tea, the surrounding region produces rice, silk, mustard, and timber. Pop. (2001) 53,854; (2011) 50,781.

Sivasagar – The Heritage Capital of Assam

As a tour operator for Northeast India, we believe that a trip to Assam is incomplete without visiting Sivasagar. It was one of the five erstwhile capital of the Ahom kingdom of Assam which testifies its glorious past and magnificent heritage.

This town is bestrewed with the archaeological sites of the Ahom dynasty. It will captivate your senses with its century-old amphitheater, water tanks, well-preserved temples and palace ruins. Not to forget the verdant tea estates and the sunset in Burha-Dhing river that makes it a perfect destination for a soulful trip.

Recently the Government of India has announced that the Sivasagar will be made an iconic destination for holistic tourism development. In our blog, you will learn about what makes this town so fabled and fabulous.

Why Sivasagar is known as the “Heritage Capital of Assam”?

Architectural heritage of sivasagar.

In ancient times Sivasagar was once known as Rongpur. Established by the King Sukhrungphaa or Swargadeo Rudra Singha (Hindu name) in 1707, it was the fourth capital of the great Ahom kingdom. Under his regime, Sivasagar has witnessed the most glorious period of the Ahom dynasty.

The king was very instrumental in developing the cultural and architectural prowess of Rangpur, the present-day Sivasagar. During this time, mammoth man-made water tanks, palaces and temples were constructed around his capital.

Such monuments can be described as an amalgam of various cultures, traditions and religious influences. You will find distinct architectural styles ranging from domes and arches inspired by Mughal architecture to huge shikhara which are also the key elements of traditional Hindu architecture.

Over time, they even developed the technique of making organic cement by using eggs, fish, molasses, pulses and lime due to which their structures are still very strong and earthquake resistant.

An archaeologist, Mr. Milan Kumar Chauley in his journal ‘ Ahom Monuments – An Architectural Marvel (New Perspective) ’ has also mentioned that:

“ As whole of Northeast falls in highly seismic zone, in the last 500 years at least 14 big earthquakes are recorded to have taken place in Assam (Hazarika 1990: 32-33) (The earthquakes took place in the years 1548, 1598, 1601, 1642, 1660, 1696, 1732, 1759, 1770, 1838, 1842, 1875, 1897, 1950). This very fact gives an insight into the fact that the Ahoms very judiciously used the available resources for making their structures earthquake resistant. This is evident from the fact that the extant monuments at Sivsagar have withstood at least 8 to 9 earthquakes including the last i.e. 1950, Which is believed to be one of the world’s most devastating earthquakes; when even the Assam type houses collapsed in that area, the Ahom monuments have withstood them with minor damages. ”

Imagine how advanced were the Ahoms in the matter of science and art of architecture which made their monuments hold out against earthquakes to exude the saga of their illustrious past.

Cultural Heritage of Sibsagar

Initially, the Ahom clan who migrated from the Mong Mao province of Southern China used to follow a religion based on ritual oriented ancestor worship. Later Swargadeo Rudra Singha embraced Hinduism and over the time other religions too flourished in his capital. He also adopted Assamese as an official language of the Ahom kingdom.

The Ahom rulers were also a strong proponent of sports, dance and music. The king commissioned the construction of ‘Rang Ghar’ (a house of entertainment) in 1747 AD which is now believed to be one of the oldest surviving amphitheatres in Asia. It was at this place where Bihu was fostered as a cultural identity of Assam .

Sibsagar was once a majestic city and it has witnessed some of the most remarkable transitions in the cultural history of Assam. From archaeology to culture it speaks loud about the deeds of the great Ahom rulers who shaped the future of the Brahmaputra Valley. Such illustrious past and intangible splendours make Sivasagar the heritage capital of Assam.

Places of Interest around Sivasagar Town

Sibsagar Tank and Group of Temples: Sivasagar has been named after the town’s main attraction, the Sibsagar tank/ Borpukhuri (in Assamese) surrounded by its three Hindu temples. It is an architectural masterpiece that stands at a higher elevation than the rest of the town. There is a lot more for travellers in this heritage city to explore.

Located at the heart of the town, it is a large manmade water tank which is considered to be one of the oldest structures in all of Assam. Commissioned by Queen Ambika (the wife of King Sutanphaa or Swargadeo Shiva Singha, the eldest son of Swargadeo Rudra Singha) in 1734 AD, Sibsagar tank highlights the advanced hydrology skills of the Ahom period. It is built on an area of 257 acres and the depth of water is 27 feet. Interestingly, the water level of the tank never changes at any time of the year and even in the monsoon season.

Sibsagar tank is surrounded by a cluster of temples known as Siva Dol (temple dedicated to Lord Shiva), Vishnu Dol (Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu) and Devi Dol (Temple dedicated to goddess Durga) and a Tai Ahom museum. Sivadol is also the tallest of all Shiva temples in India.

During the winter season, a lot of migratory birds also take shelter in the Sibsagar tank and a watchtower is located on the eastern bank of the tank.

Rang Ghar: This double-storeyed building is considered as one of the oldest surviving amphitheatre and sports pavilion in Asia. In Assamese language, Rang Ghar means a “House of Entertainment”. Here the Ahom kings and their nobles used to watch buffalo fights, cockfights and other sports and dance forms, particularly during the Rongali Bihu festival.

It was first built under the reign of Swargadeo Rudra Singha with bamboo and wood and later it was rebuilt by King Sunenphaa or Swargadeo Pramatta Singha (youngest son of Swargadeo Rudra Singha) between 1744-1750 AD. The building displays a typical Ahom architecture which consists of an oval amphitheatre with a roof in the shape of an inverted Ahom longboat. Thin bricks and organic cement were used to keep the interior cool throughout the year.

Talatal Ghar: Talatal Ghar in the Assamese language means an underground home. It was commissioned by Swargadeo Rudra Singha in 1698 AD and it happened to be the military base of the Ahom kingdom. Till date, it is considered the largest of all the Ahom architecture.

Talatal Ghar has three floors below ground level and two secret tunnels which were used as exit routes by the royal family in case of any distress. It is situated close to Rang Ghar and Joysagar Tank and nowadays only the upper portion of the monument is accessible to the tourist. The floors below the ground are sealed off.

Jaysagar Tank: You will be surprised to know that Jaysagar tank is the largest manmade tank in India covering an area of 318 acres. Jaysagar was built by Swargadeo Rudra Singha in the memory of his mother, Jaymati. It is said that this huge pond was excavated in just 45 days if this speculation is true then imagine how advanced were the Ahoms in hydrology even in that era.

The sunset from Jaysagar is magnificent! Book a table at the ‘ Heritage Jaysagar ’ to adore an immaculate view of the setting sun where the whole landscape blooms in the shades of red and orange. There is even a cluster of temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha to name a few.

The most famous amongst all is the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as ‘Kesavanarayan Vishnudol’ or ‘Jaydol’. Known for its architectural artistry, Vishnudol is the largest temple built by the king in an adaptation of a unique ‘Nilachala Style’ of architectural design. This design first was used by the Koch King Naranarayana to rebuild the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati in 1562 AD. These are the only two temples in the world using the Nilachala style of architecture.

Kareng Ghar: Little away from the Sivasagar town at a distance of just 15 km is the formidable Kareng Ghar, also known as the Garhgaon Palace. Gargaon used to be the kingdom’s capital for more than four centuries before shifting it to Rangpur. The Kareng Ghar is the last remains of the royal palace of Ahom rulers in Gargaon and is the grandest monument that they have ever made.

It is a four-storeyed building with gradually receding floors. It is believed that there is a secret underground tunnel from ‘Kareng Ghar’ to ‘Talatal Ghar’ in Sivasagar across the river Dikhow.

Charaideo: Almost 30 km away from the Sivsagar town remains the sacred burial mounds of Ahom kings and queens at a place called Charaideo. This place portrays the symbol of Ahom power and it is also the place of ancestral Gods of the Ahom. In Tai Ahom language Charaideo means ‘the shining city on the hills’ and it is the first capital of the Ahom kingdom founded by King Chao Lung Sui-Ka-Pha in 1253.

Ajan Pir Dargah: About 22 km from Sibsagar town at Sonpura, Gargaon lies the revered Ajan Pir Dargah dedicated to a great Muslim reformer and a Sufi saint Shah Miran. He got the name as Ajan Fakir because of his style of chanting Azan, the calling for ‘namaz’. He migrated from Baghdad to India in the 17th century and later settled in Sivasagar. He was the disciple of Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya and stressed in love as a means of realising God.

Ajan Pir is well known for his Zikir (a type of spiritual song) that helped reform, and stabilize Islam in Assam. The mausoleum was commissioned by King Supatphaa or Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha after his death. It is a divine place and you will feel a sense of inner peace.

Panidihing Wildlife Sanctuary: This bird sanctuary is just 22 km from the Sivsagar town. Spread over 33.93 square kilometer, it is surrounded by the Brahmaputra and the Dishang river in the northwest and to the south. There are about 270 species of birds including 70 migratory birds have been recorded in Pani Dighing. It is a must-visit place for a wildlife photographer travelling in Sivasagar.

Dichang Mukh: Nestled on the confluence of Rivers Dichang and Brahmaputra, Dichang Mukh is a scenic Mishing tribe village situated about 10 km from Sivsagar town. This riverine settlement is an upcoming village tourism destination in Assam which portrays the true cultural essence of the Mishing people. The traditional houses made on stilts, the rural ambience and simple lifestyle offer an immersive experience to the visitors. The view of the sunset from Dichang Mukh is a great place to watch the sun vanish into pristine waters. Ethnic lunch with a local Mishing family, sandbar camping and birding during the winter season are some of the highlights of Dichang Mukh.

Patsaku Village: Patsaku is a must-visit destination if you want to know about the Tai-Ahom culture, history and tradition. Although the village has accepted a new age lifestyle, it has not detached itself from its actual cultural roots. This is the only place in Assam where the Ahoms have preserved their Tai language. The age-old identity of the Ahoms in the form of rituals, dance, dress, textile and cuisine is still prevalent in Patsaku. On a day outing to Patsaku, you can learn about the primitive ways of Muga silk yarning, a short history lesson about how Sukaphaa entered the Brahmaputra valley and established the Ahom kingdom and an introduction to culinary arts of the Tai Ahom people.

How to Travel to Sivasagar?

Sibsagar town is well linked to the major parts of Assam. You will find the nearest airport at Jorhat and Dibrugarh. It also has a railway station called Sibsagar Town Railway Station. By road, it is well connected with major cities and this town is a good layover for people traveling to Mokochung in Nagaland to see the few remaining Konyak head-hunters.

Sibsagar town and its neighbouring areas are dotted with rich cultural and architectural heritage. A visit here will introduce you to the historical legacy of the Ahom kingdom, the longest-ruling dynasty in all of India. If you are planning to visit soon then drop us an email at [email protected] and we as a local tour operator would love to show you our beautiful Sivasagar – The Heritage Capital of Assam.

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Soulful sivasagar.

Shiva Dol view at night

Sivasagar is a district in the state of Assam, India, 369 kms away from Guwahati. The district is located on the upper Brahmaputra Valley. It is known for its historic monuments and temples built during the reign of the Ahom Dynasty.

The Ahoms influenced the political and cultural life of Assam and ruled from the 13th century to the early 19th century. Charaideo was one of the earliest capitals of the Ahom Kingdom. Later, under the reign of different rulers, Saragua, Gargaon, Rangpur and Jorhat became capitals of the Ahom Dynasty at different points of time. The Ahoms were the descendants of the Shan/Tai tribe of Chinese origin who had settled in the region of Upper Burma. Thereafter, Sivasagar was founded by King Chaolung Sukaphaa, also known as Siu-ka-Pha of the same tribe. It is said that Siu-ka-pha was accompanied by his soldiers, elephants, ministers and officials when he entered the Brahmaputra valley in the 13th century crossing the Patkai Hills.The rule of the Ahom Dynasty ended with the Burmese invasion of Assam somewhere between 1817 and 1825 and then the subsequent annexation by the British East India Company in 1825.

Map of Assam

The Ahom dynasty reached its zenith under the reign of Rudra Simha (1696-1714). During his rule the capital was shifted to Meteka near present-day Sivasagar. He built the city of Rangpur with the help of Ghanashyam, the chief architect. It is believed that Ghanasyam was a Muslim from Bengal who later converted to Hinduism. As a result of Ghanashyam’s influence we find an amalgamation of Islamic architectural elements such as domes, arches with Hindu elements like the sikhara .

Stone sculpture at Jagaddhatri Dol

The architecture of the buildings constructed during the reign of the Ahoms can be understood in two ways - secular and religious. The secular architecture includes forts, pavilions and palaces. Whereas the religious architecture is dominated by temples dedicated to Lord Siva, Lord Visnu and Goddess Durga. A dynasty which lasted for almost six hundred years paid great attention to the security of their kingdom. They built ramparts at various points which are locally known as Garh . These were surrounded by deep and wide moats called Garkhawoi which were filled with water. In fact, today the presence of ramparts can be determined from places whose names have ‘ Garh ’ as suffix.

People and Culture of Sivasagar

The city of Sivasagar is named after the famous Sivasagar tank, locally known as Borpukhuri. The city embraces multiple ethnic groups such as the Mishing, Naga, Manipuri, Garo and Deori. The peaceful co-existence of these ethnic groups have led to the evolution of their diverse cultures in the arena of Sivasagar.

The art, folklore, costumes, dance, cuisines of these groups are unique and collectively exhibit the rich tradition of Assam. The monuments on the other hand, stand as a symbol of the power and the might of the Ahoms. The locals of Sivasagar embraced Hindu rites, beliefs and customs. Sivasagar is home to two popular saints of the Vaishnavite tradition, Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva and Sri Sri Madhabdeva.

Jarabari Satra

The Satra at Amguri, Assam has been imparting their teachings. Satras are social centres associated with the Ekaharana tradition of Vaishnavism. The word ‘ satra ’ has been mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana as a Sanskrit term ‘sattra’, which means a gathering of devotees.

It is said that the Ahoms observed three Bihu which are the festivals related to agriculture. Bihu has its origin from the Tai word ‘Pi-hu’ or ‘Poi-Hu’. People of Sivasagar observe various traditional festivals and rituals among which Bihu is of great importance. Poi-Chankein or Bohang Bihu (observed in April) is the main festival and is observed at the beginning of Spring Season. It is celebrated right before the paddy cultivation. In this festival, people wish for a good harvest because this is the time when farmers start sowing. Chip-song-ka or Kaati Bihu (observed in October) is celebrated to mark the cutting and binding of grain and Meji Joluwa Utsav or Magh Bihu (observed in January-February) marks the season of harvesting of the crops. The main aspect of these three celebrations is the ancestor worship called Me-Dam-Me-Phi. Where, Me means worship, Dam means the dead and Phi means God. That is, the dead are worshipped as Gods. Another very popular festival celebrated in the new year’s month of Dinsing or Aghun is called Kin-on-Meu or Na-Khuwa. In these festivals, the first produce of the season is offered to the ancestors. Some of the traditional rituals performed during these festivals are chanting of hymns by the priests, eating traditional food like Amroli-tup and pork and drinking lao or rice beer.

Mukuli Bihu Dance

The Bihu dance and the Bihu Song are the most popular art forms in Sivasagar. These are performed with an instrument called Dhol and Mahar-Singar pepa . The Bihu songs were initially sung in Tai language, but over time these have been replaced by songs in Assamese language. The husari group of dancers and singers used to visit the king and nobles to bless them with prosperity, good health and luck by performing Bihu dance.

During the rule of the Ahom kings numerous tanks, temples and historical monuments were constructed. The most outstanding of these are water tanks by the name of Sivasagar, Joysagar and Gaurisagar. Various temples of great historical significance were also built such as the Sivadol group of Temples. These are located on the bank of Sivasagar tank which is also known as Borpukhuri tank. The Sivadol complex comprises of three temples namely, Sivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga respectively.

Kareng Ghar

Ghanashyam Dol

The most unique temple of Sivasagar district is the Ghanashyam Dol,, a terracotta brick temple which is located near Joysagar Tank. According to popular belief, it was constructed during the reign of king Rajeswar Singha (1751-1769) for his naati (grandson) belonging to the lineage of Parbatiya Gosain. Hence, the temple is also called Naati Gosain Dol. A different narrative of the origin of Ghanashyam Dol is that it was built under the patronage of King Rudra Singha by Ghanashyam Khanikar who was brought by Rudra Singha as the chief architect to construct the city of Rangpur.

Sivasagar houses royal pavilions like “Rang Ghar” which is also a popular amphitheatre, close to Joysagar Tank. It is an 18th-century structure built by Ahom king Pramatta Singha (1744-1751). Often referred to as the Colosseum of the East, it served as a pavilion where the royal families and other dignitaries used to watch various games and sports.

Talatal Ghar

An Army Base of the Ahoms, called Talatal Ghar has been well preserved till date. As the largest Tai monument, it has secret tunnels which were used as escape routes during the Ahom wars. The two main tunnels are known to be 16 kms and 3 kms in length. However, these have now been closed due to security reasons.

The tombstones of the Ahom kings and queens are known as 'Maidans'. They are constructed as pyramidal structures similar to the pyramids of Egypt.

One of the popular structures is the 'Namdong Stone Bridge' which is made from a single solid rock cutting. The famous Ajan Peer Dargah Sharif in Sivasagar stands as the symbol of Hindu-Muslim integration. It is located in the Saraguri Chapori.

Hajarat Ajan Pir Dargah

This sacred mausoleum was built in the memory of a reformer and saint named Ajan Fakir who was originally from Baghdad and came to North East India in the 17th century. He played a pivotal role in unifying the people of the Brahmaputra Valley. Devotees in large numbers visit this Dargah from all over the world.

Apart from the built heritage, Sivasagar is home to archaeological sites, zoo and sanctuary. One such place is Na-pukhuri Archaeological Site also known as Rudrasagar. It is located on the bank of Rudrasagar tank, a paradise for migratory birds. The Shivadol at this site is a structure of architectural importance. It was built during the rule of king Swaradew Lakshmi Singha in 1773. The monument is a typical Ahom structure built on an octagonal base.

Na-Pukhuri Archaeological Site

During the rule of Ahom Swargadeo Rudra Singha, Pohugarh came into existence as the first zoo in Sivasagar. Covering an area of 140 acres, it was built in a manner that it retains water throughout the year in order to create a natural habitat for wildlife and the avifauna.

Pani Dihing Birds Sanctuary

Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary was established as a Bird Sanctuary in August 1999 by the Government of Assam. The sanctuary lies between the Brahmaputra river and the Desang river covering an area of 33.93 sq. kms. The area is a grassland where more than 267 species of birds including 70 migratory species have been recognised.

The district therefore, presents before us a unified vision of a diverse culture. For many years it has been a centre of political activities, art, culture and literature.

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Destination Assam

The Adventurous Ride

Sivasagar – Complete City Guide to the Historical Place of Assam

Sivasagar, earlier called Rangpur was the capital of the Ahom dynasty and hence this town bears testimony to the magnificence and grandeur of the Ahom rule. The remnants and for most parts even monuments built by the Ahom kings still stand tall in this small heritage town in Upper Assam. Sivasagar meaning ‘ocean of Shiva’ got its name after Sivasagar tank, or the Borpukhuri excavated by Swargadeo Shiva Singha.

Sivasagar, located at a distance of 362.6 kms from Guwahati, the State capital is an important centre for tea, oil and tourism industries. The ONGC runs its operations in Geleky, Rudrasagar and Lakwa in Sivasagar district with their offices in Sivasagar and Nazira town. Sivasagar therefore is a major industrial town in Assam inspite of its size.

There’s a lot to see and experience in Sivasagar. From temples to monuments to local village tour, you can experience everything in just a matter of 2-3 days. Travel agencies offer itinerary suitable to your choices, but you can curate one too with a little help to explore on your own.

Places to visit:

1. RANGHAR : Ranghar during the Ahom rule served as a pavilion for watching outdoor sports and other activities. The King with his Queen and other higher officials sat in all grandeur to enjoy buffalo fights, or other sports and recreational events.

Ranghar comes to life during the Rongali Bihu celebration marking the Assamese new year when keeping with the tradition sports and cultural programmes are organised at the premises.

2. TAI-AHOM MUSEUM : The Tai-Ahom Museum located on the west bank of Sivasagar Tank houses the various antique collections of the Ahom dynasty. Books, Ornaments, Garments, Weaponry and other decorative items are displayed here. The museum also promotes research on Tai language and literature.

3. TALATAL GHAR : Talatal ghar has two underground tunnels which were used during wars as secret passages by Ahom soldiers. There were three floors under the ground level and three above. This initially was built as an army base. The underground three floors, however, have been sealed off for security reasons and only parts remain of the upper floors too. But Talatal Ghar is a great example of Ahom architecture.

4. SIVASAGAR PUKHURI : Also known as Borpukhuri, Sivasagar tank was dug by the Ahoms in the 18th century. It is 64 feet deep built in an area of 130 acres and is a major landmark of the town.

5. KARENG GHAR : Kareng ghar or the Garhgaon Palace was the royal palace of the Ahom kings. Situated in Garhgaon, a distance of around 15 kms from Sivasagar town, this palace is a four storeyed building constructed in gradually receding tiers. The top floor had a dome like roof with a chamber, and there’s believed to be a secret underground tunnel from Garhgaon palace to Talatal ghar which has now been sealed off.

6. SHIVDOL : Shivdol is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the banks of Borpukhuri or Sivasagar tank. There are footfalls around the year but Shivdol comes to life during Mahashivratri when pilgrims from far and wide visit to offer prayers.

7. JOY DOL : Joydol is also known as the Kesavanarayan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built by the Ahom king Swargadeo Rudra Singha, the temple is located on the northern bank of Joysagar tank in Joysagar, a distance of 5 kms from Sivasagar town. This tank was excavated in the memory of his mother Joymoti and hence the name Joydol.

8. AJAN PIR DARGAH: Built in the memory of the Muslim reformer Ajan Fakir, this Dargah is located in Saraguri Chapori region, about 22 kms from Sivasagar town. He was a preacher, a saint from Baghdad who came to settle here and played a vital role in unifying the people of the Brahmaputra valley. He reformed, reinforced and stabilized Islam in Assam. Zikr and Zari are two forms of devotional songs popularized by him. Urus is a special day celebrated here in this dargah.

9. CHARAIDEO MAIDAM : Che-rai-doi, a Tai word which means ‘shining city on the hills’, was the first capital of the Ahom kingdom. Charaideo which is 30 kms from Sivasagar town is now known for its collection of maidams or burial mounds of the Ahom royalty. The Ahoms don’t burn the dead bodies but keep it in a box and bury. This burial mound is called maidam.

Dichang mukh and Dikhow mukh are two riverine off the river Brahmaputra which can be opted for local village tours.

How to reach:

1. Dibrugarh Mohanbari airport: Dibrugarh Mohanbari Airport is one of the nearest airports, a distance of 83.8 kms. From there you can directly hire a cab to Sivasagar. You can also opt boarding a bus from the main town of Dibrugarh which can be quite a hassle for first timers.
2. Jorhat Airport: A distance of 62.1 kms from Sivasagar town, you can hire a cab directly from Jorhat airport. However there are not many flight and airline options to Jorhat.
3. Sivasagar Railway station: Dibrugarh bound Rajdhani Express from New Delhi has a stop at Sivasagar Railway station. Jan Shatabdi Express from Guwahati to Dibrugarh also makes a halt here. These two trains are quite comfortable to travel in.
4. Dibrugarh Railway station: Train connectivity from other major railway stations of the country are available to Dibrugarh only.

Where to stay:

1. Hotel Brahmaputra: Located in B.G. Road, Sivasagar Hotel Brahmaputra offers comfortable lodging in a town where there are not many lodging options. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast and parking facilities too.
2. Hotel Shiva Palace: Located in the heart of the town, Hotel Shiva Palace is a budget friendly decent place to stay. Their in-house restaurant Sky Chef is very popular among the locals. There’s a gym right behind the hotel which is a good option for fitness enthusiasts.
3. Hotel Piccolo: Another budget hotel located in Boarding Road, Sivasagar is Hotel Piccolo. They have a bar and an in-house restaurant which offers multi-cuisine food.

Where to eat:

Apart from the restaurants mentioned above there are a few food joints which are quite popular among the locals.

Zoonskaya: This is a resort located besides NH 37 just before entering the town. This is the first of its kind in Sivasagar and has been able to attract a lot of people recently because of its attractive interiors. The poolside set up is what attracts most of them.
Rasraj Bakery: This is a popular hangout for panipuri lovers over many years. And don’t forget to taste their crunchy kata biscuit, a popular local variety of biscuit.
MFC : This is the local version of the popular restaurant chain KFC which offers fried chicken and other dishes.
Neelkantha Dhaba: The most popular roadside dhaba in Upper Assam, Neelkantha serves the best of Duck and pork meat. Located on the outskirts, a few kilometres from Sivasagar town this dhaba remains packed throughout, but the wait is definitely worthwhile. Enjoy a wholesome ethnic Assamese thali here during your stay in Sivasagar.

Also I am very excited to inform that my first non-fiction travel guide book on Assam Jajabor: Wanderlust Assam has been published with an ISBN number. I am sure the book would be helpful and interesting, covering a lot of different topics on Assam as a tourist destination. If you wish to purchase a copy then I will be adding the link below.

Book link: https://notionpress.com/read/jajabor-wanderlust-assam

By Pallabita Bora Phukon

A non-conformist, a dreamer, carefree by nature, I am an entrepreneur who is ever so passionate about her work. After a series of jobs and few entrepreneurial ventures, blogging came into my mind and nothing better than highlighting Assam could be my priority since I am in love with my state. So embark on this enchanting journey with me to Assam.

Pingback: Jorhat : The Complete Holiday Package This Winter – Destination Assam

Great to promote we can add like wild birds and wildlife sanctuary, tea gardens behaviour of sivasagar in people hospitality and adding more jpg photos

The Grand Heritage of Sivasagar

Theerstwhile seat of the mighty Ahom kings, the ruins of Sivasagar offer a glimpseinto its grand past.The town takes its name from the Sivasagar Tank/lake, a large man-made water body which is also the town's main attraction. In present-day Sivasagar, a visitor can explore the town's well-preserved palaces, temples and amphitheatre. Here are some of the most popular attractions in Sivasagar for those keen on exploring Ahom heritage

Rang Ghar Also meaning 'House of Entertainment', Rang Ghar is situated near the Rangpur Palace, also known as Talatal Ghar. During the times of Ahom kings, this two-storied structure used to be a sports pavillion from where kings and nobles would enjoy a game of buffalo or cock fight apart from the annual bihu festivities.What makes this structure even more interesting is its architecture. The roof of Rang Ghar is shaped like an inverted boat, typical of Ahom architecture.Interestingly, the Ahomsused a mix made of rice, egg, pulses and fish as binding agents in their buildings.

Talatal Ghar Talatal Ghar or the Rangpur Palace is one of the largest and finest Ahom structures. It used to be a seven-storiedbuildingin its heyday butnow only ground, first andthe remains of second and third floorare open to visitors. The underground floors remain closed to visitors. According to various legends, theTalatal Ghar has two secret tunnels and three underground floors that served as secret exit routes during wars.

Shivadol One of the three most prominent temples in Sivasagar, Sivadol stands tall on the bank of Sivasagar tank. The temple is 104 feet tall and has an 8-foot golden dome for a crown. It is the most important place for the devotees of Shiva to congregate during Shivratri.

Joysagar Tank Joysagar tank ranks among the most popular tourist attractions in Sivasagar, mainly because of its size and religious importance. The tank complex also has many important temples like Joydol, Baidyanath Shiva Dol, Devi Ghar, Sri Surya Mandir, Ganesh Mandir and Nati-Gosai dol, thathold an place important in religion, historyas well as archaeology.

Kareng Ghar Kareng Ghar or the Garhgaon Palace is located 15km away from Sivasagar and is another fine example of Ahom architecture.Constructedof wood and stones, the present-day Kareng Ghar is arebuilt by Rajeshwar Singha. The palace used to have plenty of rooms of which only few remain today. During its glory days, the palace used to be surrounded by large water-filled moats and fortified boundaries whose faint evidence can still be seen.

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Assam Travel Guide /

Sivasagar Travel Guide

Blessed with a rich history and heritage, Sivasagar, also referred to as Sibsagar, lures travellers from every nook and corner of the country. The city is one of the top historical attractions in Assam. It has a large number of historical monuments, most of which were built by the Ahom Kingdom. The city is named after the pristine Sivasagar Lake which is more than 200 years old and a popular tourist site in the region. Sivasagar was once the capital of the Ahom Dynasty from the year 1699 to 1788. During that time, it was known as Rangpur. The Ahom rulers constructed many forts, temples and palaces in the city during their reign. These historical monuments can still be seen and are presently serving as the top tourist attractions in Sivasagar. Amongst the many historical attractions in the city, Talatal Ghar, Siva Dol Temple and Vishnu Dol Temple are the famous places of tourist interest in Sivasagar. Besides, the city also has amazing sightseeing places, Taj Museum being one of them. There are also various tanks that can be visited on a Sivasagar tour. Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary is another must-visit place which attracts a lot of travellers. Be it history lovers, nature admirers or wildlife buffs, Sivasagar is a place which has something to offer to all kinds of travellers.

Top Tourist Attractions to Visit in Sivasagar

From history to wildlife to pilgrimage, the city offers a range of attractions that lets you have an enjoyable holiday in Sivasagar.

Gaurisagar Tank

Built in the year 1723, Gaurisagar Tank is an artificial tank located near the city of Sivasagar. It was built by Rani Phuleshwari Devi – the first wife of Ahom King. On the banks of this renowned tourist site, there are several temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Shivasagar Lake

Shivasagar Lake or Sibsagar Lake lies in the heart of the city. It is one of the scenic locations in the city and was built by Rani Ambika in the memory of her consort Swargadeo Sivasingha. It is the second largest tank in Assam. Such is the charm and significance of this lake that the city was named after it. On the bank of the lake, there are many temples, a Buddhist monastery, mosque, parks and gardens.

Joysagar Tank

At a distance of 5 km from the city’s downtown, Joysagar is a famous tourism place in Sivasagar. It is a man-made lake which was built by Swargadeo Rudra Singha, an Ahom King. He established this place in the year 1697 to commemorate his mother. On the northern bank of this lake, there are many temples that are flocked by oodles of devotees every day.

Located on the bank of Sivasagar Lake, Shiva Dol is yet another attraction in the city which dates back to the time when it was the capital of Ahom Kingdom. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is recognized as one of the top pilgrimage sites in Sivasagar. Shiva Dol is also the largest Lord Shiva temple in the entire Northeast India.

Talatal Ghar

Often called as Rangpur Palace, Talatal Ghar is a magnificent historical monument in Sivasagar. It is known to be the largest of all Ahom monuments built in the world. It was originally constructed as an army base by Swargadeo Rajeshwar Singha. The structure has three underground floors and two tunnels that were built as escape routes for the king and his army. Its splendid architecture sets it apart from other historical structure built during the same period.

Comfortably standing on the bank of Sivasagar Lake, close to Shiva Dol, Vishnu Dol is a highly revered religious place in Sivasagar. The temple is more than 200 years old and was built during the reign of Ahom Kingdom by the Queen Madambika. It is sacred to Lord Vishnu. Other than the religious significance, the temple is also known for its architectural beauty, which is a treat to the eyes.

Ahom Museum

For historical buffs, Ahom Museum is yet another delightful place to visit in Sivasagar city. The museum depicts the glory of Ahom Kingdom. For that, it houses a rich assortment of exhibits like royal armoury, clothes, swords, goblets, manuscripts and more. Founded in the year 1972, this museum in Sivasagar gives tourists a sneak peek of art, artefacts and jewellery related to the Ahom Dynasty.

Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary

In the northern part of the Sivasagar district, Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls over an area of 33.93 sq km. The sanctuary is home to more than 267 species of birds and 70 species of migratory birds. Pani Dihing was established by the Government of Assam in the year 1999. Kingfisher, shoveller, open bill stork, and wigeon are some common birds that can be seen here.

Top Things to Do in Sivasagar

Apart from the above mentioned tourist attractions, the city of Sivasagar also offers tourists a range of activities to do in the region.

Heritage Tour

Being the former capital of the Ahom Dynasty, Sivasagar houses numerous heritage monuments, and visiting them is one of the best things to do in Sivasagar. Visiting these monuments lets tourists admire the rich heritage of the Ahom Dynasty.

Nature Tour

Amidst the history and heritage, one forgets that the city of Sivasagar is also known for its natural beauty. The city is gifted with an abundance of greenery that makes a stay in Sivasagar unforgettable. There are numerous lake sites in the city that are perfect to relish the nature and serenity of this place.

Pilgrimage Tour

Since the city is home to many temples, devotees from every nook and corner of the country come to perform a pilgrimage tour in Sivasagar. Joy Dol, Shiva Dol, Devi Dol and Shiva Dol are some few popular names in the long list of temples in Sivasagar.

Accommodation Options

Being one of the top tourist attractions in Assam, Sivasagar offers good staying options to tourists. From budget to standard to deluxe, the city has a range of hotels to reside in. These hotels guarantee a comfortable stay along with offering basic modern facilities. The accommodation options in Sivasagar can be found in different regions of the city. For travellers, there are also a good number of homestays to stay in.

Best Time to Visit Sivasagar

Summers in Sivasagar are scorching and humid. One should avoid visiting the city during this time, as it can be extremely exhausting. During monsoon, it witnesses sporadic rainfalls. Winter is the best season to visit Sivasagar. The temperature during this time ranges between 10°C to 23°C and the weather is cool and pleasant.

How to Reach Sivasagar?

The city of Sivasagar is well-connected with all means of transport to the rest of the country. The nearest airport from Sivasagar is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. The city can also be easily reached by railway. The nearest railhead is Simaluguri Railway Station, which is located at a distance of around 16 km. It is also connected to the rest of the country through road networks. Both government and private buses also run from the nearby cities and towns like Simaluguri, Bhojo, Cinnamora, Bishnu Nagar and Nazira to Sivasagar.

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Historical Tourism: A case study of Sivasagar

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Sivasagar Ahom Kingdom History -Places to see

Last Updated on January 18, 2021 by asoulwindow

Rang Ghar, Kareng ghar , Talatal ghar, Sivadol & other places to visit in Sivasagar!

Sivsagar is the best place if you want to get a glimpse of the history of the Ahom Dynasty. The Sivasagar region was the center of their rule. The Ahom kingdom was originally from South China . They had migrated to Assam in the year 1228 CE.

The Ahom kingdom followed a religion close to present day Shintoism and Taoism . They worshipped their ancestors originally. However, with time, they adopted many Hindu practices which can still be seen in various monuments and Hindu temples the Ahoms left behind. Now these historical monuments are one of the best Assam tourist places.

During the years 1702-1703, the capital of Ahom Kingdom was moved to Rangpur by Swargadeo Rudra Singha. The earlier capital was Talatal Garhgaon. You will be impressed to know that Rangpur remained the capital of Ahom Kingdom for more than 100 years. Rangpur also served as the military base of Ahom Kings. Some of the initial days construction of historical monuments of Sivasagar region were ordered by Swargadeo Rudra Singha as early as the year 1698 CE. Let’s have a look at the top places to visit in Sibsagar.

Perhaps the most visited of all the Ahom dynasty monuments, Rang Ghar sprawls over a large piece of land, overlooking a vast garden area. Rang Ghar is one of the most important and iconic monuments of North East Indian state Assam. It still overlaps with current culture of Assam. The Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati is in fact built on the similar lines.

Rang Ghar was also the official logo of the 33rd National Games which took place in Guwahati in 2007. The Archeological Survey of India aka ASI signboard are also well maintained. The Rang Ghar court and garden areas are well maintained. It is one of the prominent historical monuments of Sivasagar.

Located merely 3 kilometres away from the main town of Sivasagar, Rang Ghar is a double storied building. As our car negotiated its way on the Assam Trunk Road, we made a pit stop at Rang Ghar.

Purpose of Rang Ghar

The literal meaning of Rong Ghor is ‘the house of entertainment’. Needless to say, Rang Ghar was the venue of various sports and entertainment programs held during the reign of Ahom Kingdom, especially on the occasion of Rongali Bihu, a popular festival of Assam.

Games such as wrestling, cock fight, bull fight, elephant fight, buffalo fight etc used to be played in the fields called Rupahi Pathar or Rupohi Pathar . Some new carvings of animal fights have been made in the garden area to commemorate the same. I do not approve of using animal for entertainment but that is how it was in those days.

The Rang Ghar also played an instrumental role in the spread of such games in not only other regions of Ahom Kingdom but also in other states as well.

History of Rang Ghar

The original construction of Rang Ghar was done in just wood and bamboo. This was when Swargadeo Rudra Singha ruled this region. The present structure was built by Swargadeo Pramatta Singha between the years 1744 CE to 1750 CE. Most of the historical monuments constructed during this era were built with red bricks which can be still seen till date.

Architecture : What struck me at first sight was the unusual architecture of Rang Ghar. The beautifully carved pair of crocodiles on the top of the roof caught my attention first. Constructed in the form of an inverted long boat adhering to the style followed by royal Ahom family, the roof stood out.

I first explored the ground floor of the unique monument. The multiple arched entrances played hide and seek with sun rays and made various patterns on the walls and floors. I observed the adornments and carvings on the wall which stood the test of time. The numerous geometrical and floral designs on the arches made sure I craned my neck all the time.

Construction material used: In those days, a paste of rice and eggs, a local fish called Borali Mach and Maati Maah (pulses) were used as mortar for the construction of Ahom Kingdom buildings, including this royal pavilion.

Thin, sun baked bricks were used for main structure while mixed lime was used for the construction of inner walls. It helped keep the Rang Ghar cool when it is hot outside. I felt the same when I visited Rang Ghar.

I took the steep stairs to arrive at the top floor of Rang Ghar. The view of Rupahi Pathar from this floor was beautiful. There was no one when I visited Rang Ghar except a woman and her son and a security guard.

Also called as ‘Colosseum of the East’ sometimes, what makes Rang Ghar a must visit is the fact that it is one of the oldest surviving and well amphitheatres in not only India but all of Asia. Time to stop procrastinating your trip to Sivasagar and book that trip now!

Loo Guide: There are clean toilets available here.

Tickets : Yes, there is a nominal entrance fee to Rang Ghar

I had seen a glimpse of Rang Ghar late night when I was traveling to Jorhat from Dibrugarh in a bus some years ago. I could not stop then. Finally I got the chance to fully explore it at my own pace.

Talatal Ghar aka Rangpur Palace

Situated just 3 Kilometres away from main town of Sivasagar, Talatal Ghar attracts tourist till date. I found Talatal Ghar to be one of the grandest and most beautiful of all the Ahom Kingdom ruins. The good news is that most of the original construction is still very well preserved and maintained. There are many security guards inside the monuments and outside as well.

Located in the Rangpur area of Upper Assam, the unique Tai Ahom architecture of Talatal Ghar is outstanding. At least, I had not seen any building like this before. Talatal Ghar is also known as the Rangpur Palace.

Your jaws will drop if I tell you that Talatal Ghar is a 7 storied building, 3 stories of which are underground and 4 stories above ground. After all, it is one of the largest of all the historical monuments from the Tai Ahom era.

Unfortunately, I was not allowed to visit the underground stories. These have been sealed off by the authorities because there have been some instances in the past where while exploring the basement area, tourists were lost and never found again. Or so goes the folklore.

I explored various rooms on the ground floor and upper floors. All the rooms were interconnected with narrow passages. There was even a room for a temple. The wood work, which must have been beautiful, has now been lost to time though. Not much of 2 nd and 3 rd floor has remained either.

The construction of this 18 th century monument Talatal Ghar was initiated by Swargadeo Rudra Singha in the year 1698 CE. Rajeswara Singha reigned from 1751 C.E. to 1769 C.E)

Purpose of Talatal Ghar

Initially Talatal Ghar was meant to be an Army Station of Ahom Kings. No wonder, the 2 secret tunnels and underground floors were constructed keeping in mind a war like situation. And it did serve its purpose. These helped the residents escape during Ahom tribe wars by serving as exit routes.

In fact, one of the secret tunnels which was merely 3 kms long had direct access to the Dikhow river from Talatal Ghar. Another longer tunnel was connected with Garhgaon Palace. This tunnel was a whooping 16 kms in length. Needless to say, when the enemy attacked, this secret tunnel was used as an escape route by the residents. I enjoyed exploring these well maintained historical monuments of Sivasagar.

Architecture : Built in Tai Ahom architectural style, the materials used in the construction of Talatal Ghar are thin sun baked bricks and a paste of Bora Chaul , a variety of indigenous rice, eggs of swan etc.

Places To See in Talatal Ghar are as below:

Ground Floor:

The Ground floor was mostly used as the staff precincts. Horses used to rest in stables here. The Ground floor also doubled up as store room. The servant’s quarters were also located in the ground floor.

Upper Floor:

No prizes for guessing that the upper floor of Talatal Ghar was exclusively reserved for the Royal Family. I explored some of the rooms which still exist on the first floor. Connected with a simple broad stair, it is easily accessible.

What caught my attention was the ruin of an unusually shaped octagonal room. It was the temple or Puja House of the Ahom royal family. This prayer room was empty when I visited. This is located in the Northern side of Talatal Ghar. You can ask the local security personnel for direction. They will also help you identify different rooms. I did the same. I asked them.

Towards the southern part of the Talatal Ghar, you will see the remnant of what must have been a beautiful room. It is said that this isolated room was used by the queen when she was confined here.

Garden: You will also see a Bortop or Gun preserved in the monument itself.

Clean Loos are available near the main entrance gate

Tickets: There is a nominal fees charged to enter the Talatal Ghar.

This small Ahom building located at a walking distance from Tatatal Ghar served as the store room for gunpowder, arms and ammunitions. You must not miss this, many do. Though its main entrance gate is always locked, you can still easily view it from outside and even from Talatal Ghar.

Soul Window Tips: The loos are not available here. You can use the washroom in the Ahom Museum, Talatal Ghar or Rang Ghar. Gola Ghar is not a ticketed monument.

Siva Dol, which is also spelt as Shiva Dol or Sivadol caught my attention on the first night of our arrival in Sivasagar. Turned out, we were staying at walking distance from Siva Dol. “OMG, What is that huge building?”, I asked wide eyed to my friend Jitaditya who was travelling with me. Jita had already been to Sivasagar.

Jita told me it is the Siva Dol temple. Impressed with the unique architecture, I and Jita made sure that we walked around Siva Dol in the night for a post prandial walk after dinner. Even though it was closed, I could not wait till morning to at least see it closely, even if from outside the railings which surrounded the temple, one of the most revered historical places of Sivasagar.

Next morning, I woke up even before the hotel staff did. Got the main door unlocked by requesting a sleepy staff and walked my way to Siva Dol. My friends and co travelers Jitaditya and Sange Tsering from Holiday Scout were still asleep. They had been here before after all. Many pigeons started flying simultaneously as I entered the gated premises of Siva Dol.

No prizes for guessing that Siva Dol is dedicated to Shiv Bhagwan , the most supreme of all Hindu deities. There are a total of 3 such temples in this complex, located next to the wide Sivasagar tank aka Borpukhuri tank.

History of Siva Dol

Siva Dol, Devi Dol and Vishnu Dol were commissioned by Bar Raja Ambika, who was the reigning queen and wife of erstwhile Ahom tribe ruler Swargadeo Siba Singha.

Subsidiary Temples of Siva Dol

While Vishnu Dol is dedicated to Vishnu ji, Devi Dol is devoted to Devi Durga ji. There is also a temple dedicated to Shri Ram and Hanuman ji here. What’s more? There is also a museum here. By the way, the literal meaning of the Assamese word Dol is temple.

Architecture of Siva Dol

Siva Dol is built with stone and bricks in the typical Shikhara architecture style blending with few local Ahom architecture methods. You will be impressed to know that the height of Siva Dol is a whooping 32 meters or 104 feet. An 8 feet or 2.4 meter high golden dome sits at the top of Siva Dol.

At its base, the perimeter of Shiva Dol measures 59 meters or 195 feet. It is in fact, India’s tallest tower of a Shiva Temple in India. The unique Ahom temple architecture makes it stand apart. I had not seen anything like this before. Do pay a visit to these historical monuments of Sivasagar.

Art on External Walls of Siva Dol

The external walls of Siva Dol, Vishnu Dol and Devi Dol are adorned with beautiful sculptures of Hindu deities in various forms. You can see sculptures of Durga ji with 2,4,6,10 and 16 arms. Durga ji with 16 arms caught my attention. Reflecting the pan Himalayan theme, each arm of Durga ji held a weapon. It was aesthetically adapted in Ahom temple architectural style. Read more to know about Sivasagar tourism.

The other sculptures of Durga ji depicted her riding a lion, decimating the demon King with the head of a buffalo called Mahishasura etc. The royal family and subjects of the Ahom dynasty had adopted the Shaktism cult. The seamless blending of Shaktism and the traditional Brahminical Hinduism could be seen everywhere.

Both Vishnu Dol and Devi Dol are similar in design and architectural style of Siva Dol, but are smaller in size. Vishnu Dol temple is designed in a honey comb fashion. Also spelt as Bishnu Dol, its decorative criss-cross patterns are aesthetic and worth admiring. These temples are some of the most important historical places of Sivasagar.

Both Devi Dol and Vishnu Dol are temples dedicated to Durga ji and Vishnu ji in the same complex. Devi Dol, Vishnu Dol and Siva Dol are in same precincts and walking distance from each other.

The tower of Devi Dol has a vertical elevation. I craned my neck to admire its beauty. The undulating patterns, the quite, the presence of a cow grazing nonchalantly made it one of my most beautiful mornings. Do not miss these lovely places to visit in Sibsagar.

Mahashivratri

Needless to say, all roads lead to Siva Dol during Mahashivratri, the biggest of festival dedicated to Shiv Bhagwan . There is a vibrant annual fair or mela held here during Mahashivratri. Hindus even from other parts of India congregate in Siva Dol to celebrate Mahashivratri. Sivasagar tourism is at its peak during this time.

We all know how big Durga Pooja is in some states of North East India. Devi Dol becomes the centre of attraction during the annual Durga Pooja. It happens every year during September or October as per the Gregorian calendar.

Both Rath Yatra and Dol Yatra, are held once in a year. It is celebrated in the Vishnu Dol

Hare Krishna Kirtan

Devotees chant the mantras of Hare Krishna all night in the holy Hindu months of Shravan which is August or September as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The keertan is a must attend if you are in Sivsagar during this time.

Atmosphere at Siva Dol

I will never forget the therapeutic atmosphere of Siva Dol as I visited early morning. The quietude of the temple complex was broken only by the flutter of pigeons. Few local people paid their respects at all the temples, including a much revered temple under a tree.

The local people used the garden area of Siv Dol for meditating, reading newspapers, softly talking to each other and even exercising. Most devotees combined the worship at temple with a morning walk at the adjacent Sivsagar Tank. The pujaris went about their daily chores in their orange robes. It was a beautiful spiritual setting.

Since I was all alone, I could not help but observe the daily lifestyle of Sivsagar unfolding before my eyes. The fact that I could choose my pace made it all the more pleasurable.

It is a practicing temple, so entry is free, of course.

Sibsagar Lake or Borpukhuri tank

Also spelt as Sivsagar tank, the construction work of this huge water body was carried out between the year 1731 CE and 1738 CE. Also called as Borpukhuri tank by locals in Assamese language, there is no way you can miss it if you are visiting Sivsagar.

Architecture of Sivsagar Tank or Borpukhuri tank

I could not help but admire the massive area which the pond occupied. The total area of Borpukhuri tank is 104 hectares or 257 acres. The area of water spread is 52 hectares or 129 acres. The sprawling lake is as deep as 8.2 meters or 27 feet. The good part is that even during the monsoon months no flooding happens here. The water level remains stable throughout the year.

Atmosphere of Sivsagar Tank

Sivsagar tank is great for a leisurely or even a power packed brisk walk during early morning or evening. I did the early morning walk at the very clean and well maintained promenade here. There are also many ducks and goose here which local people and kids love to feed.

Bathed in lights, it looks beautiful during the night too. Local people also love to cycle here. You may also want to go on a drive around the Sivsagar tank if you have a private vehicle.

Monuments and places to visit near Sivsagar Lake

Sivsagar tank is located at walking distance from Siv Dol, Vishnu Dol and Devi Dol.
There is also a Buddhist shrine nearby. Also do not miss the 2 mosques , a church and a unique Tai museum.
Built with red bricks, the Tai Museum is located towards the western side of the Sivsagar tank.
Since it is a water body, lots of migratory birds congregate here during the winter months. You can make some use of a bird tower made especially for viewing birds. It is situated towards the east bank of the tank.
Joysagar tank and temples

Joysagar tank is a huge man-made lake with many Hindu temples on its periphery. It is also known as Kesavanarayan or Joydol Temple. It was commissioned during the reign of Ahom tribe emperor Swargdeo Rudra Singha aka Sukhrungphaa.

The Joysagar Tank was dug to commemorate Joymoti Konwari. She was married to Tai-Ahom Prince Gadapani aka Supatphaa. Built across 318 acres, the Joymoti water tank and temples were constructed in the year 1697 CE.

The main temple has a unique octagonal Garbhgriha and a sanctum sanctorum . The other two temples in the same premises are devoted to Ganesh ji and Surya Bhagwan. Devotees throng at the temples on daily basis. It is a must visit place in Sibsagar. Both pilgrims and history buffs love visiting the Joysagar tanks and temples . This Sibsagar tourist place is visited by many.

Some of the other temples of Joysagar temple complex are Joy Dol or Kesavarai Visnu Dol, Nati Gosai Dol aka Ghanshyam Dol, Devi Ghar, Sri Surya Mandir, Baidyanath Shiva Dol. While the Vishnu Dol is renowned for its architectural splendor, the Shiva Dol, Devi Ghar, Ghanshyam Temple and Vishnu Dol are one of the most revered temples of Sivasagar. Sivasagar tourism has a lot to offer!

Joysagar tank is one of the largest artificial water tanks of India. Located in Rangpur, Joysagar tank was completed in just 45 days.

Simaluguri, which is located just 16 kilometers away from Joysagar tanks and temples has the nearest railway station. The nearest airport is at Jorhat.

It is a major Sibsagar tourist place. Located at 28 kilometers or 17 miles away from Sivsagar, Charaideo was established as the first capital of Sukhapa from the Ahom Dynasty. You can see canons and around 30 tombs aka maidams of erstwhile kings here. It is well maintained by ASI. Do not miss a newly built museum here. You must take a taxi to visit this historical place of Sivasagar. You can reach here by bus too but that takes more time.

Tai Ahom Museum

Located on the western bank of Sivasagar Pukhuri, the beautiful red building of Tai Ahom Museum hides many secrets of Ahom Dynasty. You can learn a lot about the lifestyle of Ahom Kingdom by paying a visit at the Tai Ahom Museum. Apart from displaying Ahom legacy, the museum also encourages research projects on Tai literature and language. Tai Ahom Museum was inaugurated on 31 st January, 1992. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Sibsagar.

Some of the original Ahom belongings restored and displayed at Tai Ahom museum are garments use by Ahom people, textiles, utensils, original antique pieces, ornaments, Tai Books, weapons, decorations pieces, jewelleries, pots and pans, ancient manuscripts, recreation of Ahom era through art etc. Do not miss Tai Ahom Museum.

Gaurisagar Tank

The huge Gaurisagar tank is an artificial tank which is now a favourite picnic spot for both locals and tourists. Built by Queen Phuleswari, Gaurisagar tank is located 12 kms away from the Sibsagar main town. Queen Phuleswari was Ahom King’s first wife, in 18 th century. You can visit some temples dedicated to Hindu deities like Durga ji, Vishnu ji and Shankar ji around the tank.

The queen followed Hinduism’s branch of Sakta and made immense efforts to promote Shaktism as Assam’s stat religion. As a result Moamoria rebellion occurred because the members of Moamoria community were instructed to offer prayers to Durga ji.

Kareng Ghar aka Gargaon Palace

Located 14 kms away from the main Sibsagar town, Kareng ghar is a well maintained historical place. This stand alone monument is located in Garhgaon. It is thus also called as Garhgaon Palace or the Royal Palace. This is where the Ahoms ruled from for many years.

I saw a multi story building surrounded by a garden. It is one of the most grand of all of Ahom monuments of Assam. The building also has a room which was a prayer room. There is also a room here which was supposed to be the place where the queen was confined.

It is possible to climb up the building for views. Many local tourists had flooded the ancient monument as it was a holiday when I visited. It amazes me to think that before this brick palace existed, a wood and stone palace used to stand tall here. If only I had a time machine!

During whose reign Kareng Ghar was constructed?

Kareng Ghar was originally constructed by Sunephaa in the year 1751 C.E. Sunephaa was the younger brother of Swargdeo Siva Singha and son of Sukhrungphaa . He is credited with building a masonry gate and 5 kilometers long wall made up of bricks around the Kareng Palace. However, the building got destroyed over time and in 1752 C.E. Suremphaa commissioned the 7 storey building which exists even today. Suremphaa, who reigned from 1751 C.E. to 1769 C.E. was also known as Swargdeo Rajeswar Singha . He was the brother of ruler Pramatta Singha and son of Rudra Singha.

Who was Lachit Barphukan – Battle of Saraighat

It is not possible to visit Assam and not hear about the legend of Lachit Barphukan. He is the local hero of Asssam, much like other historical figures such as the much revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of western India state Maharashtra or Maharana Pratap from North Indian state, Rajasthan .

During the Ahom era, Barphukan was one of the 5 councillors or the patra mantris of the kingdom. This tradition was started by Ahom ruler Pratap Singha . What made Lachit Barphukan extraordinary was his valour during the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 C.E. I saw his statue in many places including the crossroads at the main market of Sivsagar. The Saraighat war was the game changer!

Battle of Saraighat

During the Ahom Mughal conflicts, which lasted many years, Lachit Barphukan was given the responsibility to free Guwahati from the Mughals. The Battle of Saraighat was led by Lachit Barphukan from the Ahom kingdom and Kachwaha King, Raja Ram Singh 1 from the Mughals.

Despite being weaker than Mughals in infrastructure, the Ahoms won the Battle of Saraighat, thanks to the sharp warfare skills of Lachit Barphukan. Some of the ingenious techniques which Lachit Barphukan employed to free Assam from Mughals were guerilla style war, optimal use of resources and terrains, and clever negotiation skills which helped them buy time. The Ahoms attacked the Mughal navy and used psychological tactics to overpower them and win the battle of Saraighat.

The sophisticated methods used by Lachit Barphukan make him not only a hero of Assam but all of India. Why this was remarkable was because the Mughals gave up their mission to extend the Mughal Empire till Assam. Saraighat battle was thus the last of such war.

Isn’t Lachit Borphukan history so interesting and yet no one talks about it! Saraighat is located near the Brahmaputra river in Guwahati. We should talk more about Lachit Borphukan.

Lachit Maidaam : Unfortunately, due to an illness Lachit Barphukan passed away just one year after the Battle of Saraighat. The remains of Lachit Barphukan were laid to rest in the Lachit Maidaam. It is located 16 kilometers away from Jorhat in Hoolungapara. Lachit Maidaam was commissioned by Swargadeo Udayaditya Singha in the year 1672 C.E.

Catholic Church

It is another Church in Sivsagar where local Christians go for prayers and Sunday mass.

Central Baptist Church

It is one of the few Churches of Sivasagar. Central Baptist Church is also the oldest Church of Sivasagar. Entry is free here. It is located near the Borpukhuri tank. It takes just 10-15 minutes of walk to arrive at Central Baptist Church from Sivasagar Railway Station.

Dikhowparia Rajahua Namghar

It is another must visit place in Sivasagar. Entry is free here.

Hindu Dharmsabha Namghar

It is popular with local people of Sibsagar. You can visit Hindu Dharmsabha Namghar when you are in Sibsagar if you have some spare time. It will give you a glimpse of local culture.

Aithan Temple
Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary
Ranganath Shiv Temple
Rudrasagar Tank and Temples
Shym Temple
Sri Sri Kali Mandir
Sivsagar Buddhist Temple

It is one of the rare Buddhist Temples in Sibsagar. It is located near the Sivasagar tank. Do pay a visit to Sivasagar Buddhist Temple if you have some time at your disposal. Jorhat

Sivsagar Market

The bustling market area near the Siv Dol in main Sivsagar town is great for some quick shopping. You will get all the mainstream fancy food, medical shops, various services within close distance from each other. If you are planning to go to more remote parts of North East India, then do your shopping in the markets of Sivsagar before moving out. Stocking up is always a good idea.

Also do not miss out on the statue of Lachit Barphukan in the main market of Sivsagar. Lachit Barphukan is considered as a hero by Assamese people. There are more statues of other Assamese luminaries and famous personalities across Sivasagar.

Sivsagar Bakeries

If you are craving for some bakery food, then you can head to some bakeries available in Sivasagar. They are not as good as bakeries of the big cities but are good enough. We had in fact packed many cakes and cookies for our road trip from Sivsagar to Mon. It was worth it.

Parks of Sivasagar

There are many parks in and around Sivasagar. I am listing their distances from Sivsagar main town. Some of the notable public spaces and parks in and around Sivsagar are as below:

Lachit Park – 1.3 kms, Pin 785640
Hemchandra Baruah Park – 1.4 kms, Pin code 785640
Lakhshminath Bezbaruah Children’s Park – 1.5 kms, Pin Code 785640
Lolit Rajkhowa Park – 1.8 kms, Pin Code 785640
Ananda Ram Baruah Park – 2 kms, Pin Code 785640
Joymoti Uddyan – 4.1 kms, Pin Code 785665 (Joysagar, Dicial Dhulia Gaon)

Public Parks in the outskirts of Sivasagar are as below:

Nazira Public Park – 14 kms, Pin Code 785685 (Ward number 4, Nazira Town)
Out Colony Park – 14 kms, Pin Code 785685 (Ward number 4, Nazira Town)
Park ONGC Nazira – 14.3 kms, Pin Code 785685
Railway Park (Deodhai Gaon, Simaluguri) – 15.5 kms, Pin Code 785686 (Deodhai Gaon, Simaluguri)
Children’s Park (Deodhai Gaon, Simaluguri) – 15 kms, Pin Code 785686
Children Park (Sonari) – 44.8 kms, Pin Code 785690

Though Dibrugarh does not have much to see but it is a good base to take flights to and from North East India. Dibrugarh is a good base to explore nearby destinations. In fact I caught my train from Dibrugarh to Lucknow from the very impressive Banipur Railway Station. Sometimes ago I had caught a flight from Lucknow to Dibrugarh to visit Basar in Arunachal Pradesh as well.

Guwahati sure is the gateway to North East India. Like Dibrugarh, Guwahati is also an amazing base to go to nearby places in North East India. Guwahati is connected to most major Indian cities and small towns with train, bus and flights. You can also pay your respect at the very renowned Kamakhya Mandir. Guwahati is also the capital of Assam.

Kaziranga National Park

I had a memorable safari to Kaziranga National Park. In fact we started this 15 days long epic trip to North East India from Kaziranga National Park via Nagaon. We saw many rhinoceros, migratory birds and hog deer as well.

Tiok Tea Garden Teok Gaon

Also located in Assam, it is one of the most beautiful tea gardens of Assam. You can take a tour of the tea estate and see the process of tea making. Do not forget to buy some tea from here as a souvenir. Pin code – 785690

The Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

Not many know about this lesser known wildlife sanctuary in Jorhat. It is home to the only ape found in India, which is Hoolock Gibbon. It is very remote and located near a sprawling tea garden. You must visit the Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary when in Assam.

Like Dibrugarh and Guwahati, Jorhat is also not a destination but a gateway to visit nearby places in North East India.

We had visited the amazing Mon from Sivasagar via a memorable road trip. It is an easy and well marked path. You will see how culture, food, facial features and landscapes change within a span of few hours as you cross Assam to reach Mon in Nagaland. It is one exciting journey. Make it happen!

You need to arrive at Mon from Sivsagar first in order to reach Longwa. Longwa is as remote as you can go in North East India. Located in Nagaland, the Longwa village straddles between India and Myanmar. In fact we visited the home of chief Angh of Longwa (aka the King of Longwa) which was located half in India and half in Myanmar.

Eat Vegan and vegetarian food in Sivsagar

Assamese vegan Food- I love the local vegan food called baigun bhaja (Fried aubergines) and pitika (mashed and spiced aubergine/potatoes etc). Ghugni is also popular throughout the year. It is eaten often with roti . Also try the mildly sweetened pitha , made from rice flour and sesame seeds. It is more commonly available during Assamese festivals called Rongali Bihu and Bhogali Bihu .

North Indian Food – There are many restaurants here where you can easily find reasonably priced vegetarian and vegan food . Unlike some other regions of North East India, you will also find North Indian style food in the restaurants here. We had some paneer dishes (cottage cheese), daal fry (lentils), rice and naan at a restaurant near Siva Dol.

Shopping in Sibsagar

We moved to Mon next, so we shopped in Sivsagar. Since Sivsagar is a bustling town, we bought as many packaged food from the grocery stores as wwe could before proceeding to Mon and Longwa in Nagaland. We were not sure of good food in Mon and Longwa, so we made sure we had something packed not only for the road trip from Sivsagar to Mon but also for snacking once we reach Nagaland. However, we did not need to open those packets as Nagaland does have some good vegan and vegetarian food . You can also shop for an Assamese Xorai here .

Safety in Sivasagar

Sivasagar is a very safe place to visit in Assam and India. I walked solo across many different parts of Sivasagar and found the people very friendly. It is also a bustling town which means you will get many medical shops unlike some other parts of North East India.

How to reach Sivsagar

Below is a detailed guide on different modes of transport to reach Sibsagar.

By road trip

The best way to enjoy the remote North East India is by a road trip. Road trips will help you enjoy an enjoyable customized itinerary. Also, public transport in North East India is not frequent and easily available, so going on a road trip makes more sense in this part of India. We arrived in Sibsagar from Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh and left Sibsagar for Mon and Longwa in Nagaland.

Jorhat airport has the nearest flight connectivity to Sivasagar. However, the International Airport closest to Sibsagar is at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. See distances and time taken in below chart.

Dibrugarh airport is another close option near Sivsagar.

By Railways

Sibsagar Town Railway Station has very good connectivity to other places in North East India. Simalguri railway station, which is connected to Dibrugarh and Yeshwantpur has the next nearest train connectivity to Sibsagar.

Check out trains like Dibrugarh Intercity, Dibrugarh-Agartala and Bengaluru Weekly at the IRCTC website. Train from Dibrugarh to Sivasagar runs 3 times in a week and takes just about an hour. It is also cheap way as it costs just INR 100.

Train from Rowriah Sdg, Jorhat to Sivasagar Town Railway Junction takes around 3 hours.

ASTC and private buses regularly ply to Sibsagar from Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Tezpur etc.

In fact a bus I took from Dibrugarh to Majuli and Jorhat passed through Rang Ghar at Sibsagar.

Distances, time taken and route from Sivsagar to other places in North East India

This is listed in descending manner so you can plan your Assam tour easily

Tinsukia to Shivsagar distance – 2 kms, 15 minutes via GNB road

Jorhat to Sibsagar distance – 58 kms, 1 hour and 55 minutes via AT road

Dibrugarh to Shivsagar distance – 80 kms, 2 hours and 10 minutes via NH2

Majuli to Sivsagar distance – 85 kms, 3 hours via AT Road

Mon to Shivsagar distance – 93 kms, 1 hour and 20 minutes

Dibru Saikhowa National Park to Shivsagar distance – 104 kms, 3 hours and 15 minutes.

North Lakhimpur to Shivsagar distance – 111 kms, 4 hours and 15 minutes via SH21

Mokokchung to Shivsagar distance – 123 kms, 4 hours and 50 minutes via NH2

Longwa to Shivsagar distance – 127 kms, 5 hours via NH702 and NH702C

Dimapur to Shivsagar distance – 188 kms, 5 hours 45 minutes via NH129 and NH715

Namsai to Shivsagar distance – 200 kms, 4 hour and 30 minutes via NH2

Tezpur to Shivsagar distance – 220 kms, 5 hours and 36 minutes via NH715

Naharlagun to Shivsagar distance – 230 kms, 5 hours 45 minutes via NH15 and NH2

Itanagar to Shivsagar distance – 245 kms, 6 hours and 15 minutes via NH2 and NH15

Guwahati to Shivsagar distance – 368 kms, 8 hours and 15 minutes via NH715 and NH27

Imphal to Shivsagar distance – 390 kms, 11 hours and 33 minutes via NH2

How to get around within Sibsagar?

Buses, shuttles, auto rickshaws, taxis and cycle rickshaws are some of the common and cheap modes of transport in Sibsagar.

Languages spoken in Sivsagar

Local language of Sibsagar is Assamese. Everyone, including old people speak and understand Hindi. Many people also speak and understand English.

Best Time to visit Sivasagar

We visited Sivasagar during the months of January. We were on a 15 days long epic trip to North East India. While other places varied from freezing cold to moderate, I found Sivasagar and other places in Assam to be comfortably warm. The weather here is mostly pleasant, especially in the early morning.

Winter : September to January is when tourist season falls in Sibsagar. The temperature is comfortable and the air fresh.

Summers : April to August can be hot in Sibsagar as it lies on a lower altitude. Even in January it was warmer than other places in Arunachal and Nagaland.

Monsoon : July and August can be a bit irritating due to rains but manageable. In many places in Assam, flooding is common. So check before you plan an Assam tour in monsoon.

Best Tour Operator in North East India

Sange Tsering from Holoiday Scout runs many successful tours to all the 7 states of North east India. You must contact Holiday Scout for a tailor made trip across the chicken’s neck of India. His tour packeges in North East India are very popular amogst Indians and foreigners.

Conclusion on Sibsagar

Sivsagar is a very easy destination in not only Assam but all of North East India. You will also get acquainted to the lesser known history of the Ahom Kingdom. The easy accessibility, availability of good vegetarian and vegan food and proximity of various monuments within walking distance of each other also makes it a favored destination in NE India. Assam tourist places are some of the best in India.

Sivsagar is also a pocket friendly destination as there is not much you can spend here on. That said, there are also some good comfortable hotels in Sivsagar where you can stay. That makes Sivsagar an ideal destination for backpackers and luxury travelers alike.

The view from my Soul Window is offbeat!

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Sivasagar Essay in English

Sivasagar Essay in English , India is a country with many beautiful states, towns, and villages. Among them, one is Sivasagar located in the Assam district. The name of the town is based on king Shiva Singha. This beautiful town holds its historical importance and is situated at the river. There are many historical monuments present in this town. Students can get great exposure on a school trip to Sivasagar. On the way, there are many tea gardens. Sivasagar is not only popular because of its historical value, but it has many oil industries and tea gardens as well.

I have also been on a Sivasagar school trip. It was one of the best trips of my life to date. This town is 360 kilometers in the Northeast of Guwahati and here we visited Ahom palaces and monuments. It was a great experience.

The monuments take us back to history and it was one its kind experiences. I loved the time we spend in Sivasagar. It was the Ahom kingdom capital from 1699 to 1788. At that time Sivasagar was known as Rangpur.

This town belongs to a rich history and it has seen many good and bad things. Ahoms ruled Assam for 6 centuries and it fell in 1819 to Burmese. There are many beautiful places to see in this town.

Essay on Sivasagar in English

Sivasagar is located on the outer side but it is well connected to the roads. There are buses for public transportation that connects the town to Dibrugarh, Guwahati, and Jorhat. We traveled around the town through taxis. There are all the facilities available for the tourists here.

There are taxis, autos, and several other transportation mediums which are cheaper. The airport is 75km away from the town which is Jorhat airport. It might be a small town, but it is easily accessible and tourists can travel around it without spending too much money.

It is a well-known destination for Indians and even tourists. I was also got amazed by the beauty of this town. History is present everywhere and this is what attracts people.

A Visit to Sivasagar Essay in English

The Sivasagar has no hills, but the land is high and well-drained which makes it an ideal area for tea plantations. Tea gardens s what makes Assam and its towns attracted to tourists. There are many big rivers in the district like might Brahmaputra.

This river flows on the northern side of the town. Sivasagar is having natural beauty and the monuments and its temples make it a unique and a must to visit the place. There are many many rivers present in the district.

Sivasagar is best to place in winters and pleasant spring. The area is highly humid and also enjoys a rainy atmosphere. In the summer rain often falls which controls the hot temperature. It is an ideal tourist destination for those who do not like hot weather much. This area is not hot but always remains pleasant and cold in winters.

Overall tourists can visit this place any time of the year. People here are welcoming and I made many friends there. Everyone was so friendly and helpful when we visited Sivasagar on our school trip.

The Historical Sites of Sivasagar

The literacy rate of Sivasagar is 81% which is pretty good as compared to the rest of the states of India. The national average literacy rate in India is 59.5%. The female literacy rate in Sivasagar is 79%. Many ethnic groups reside in this district together.

Because Sivasagar is having many rivers it is also known to have a variety of fish. The flora and fauna of Sivasagar are also worth exploring. As a student, we can see many things in this small district. It gives us the experience of rich history, the weather is amazing here, the food is heavenly and people are extremely friendly.

Sivasagar is a small town with a population of just 53,854 and the won has habitats comprising Koch, Ahom, Assamese Muslims, Hindus, and several other groups. This small town is having everything that not many other towns have in India.

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Places To Visit In Sivasagar

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Places To Visit In Sibsagar

Monument (3)
Forts & Palaces (1)

1. Talatal Ghar

2 km from city center 1 out of 9 Places To Visit in Sivasagar

This is one of the most popular attraction of Sibsagar. Just 6km from the town, this is a three storey structure including and underground level. People come here for the lovely architecture, design and the great upkeep.

2. Rang Ghar

2 km from city center 2 out of 9 Places To Visit in Sivasagar

Often referred to as the 'Colosseum of the East', Rang Ghar is one of the oldest surviving amphitheatres in Asia. It is located near Rangpur Palace at a distance of 3 km from Sibsagar or Sivasagar town. The name translates to 'House of Entertainment' and dates back to 1746 A.D. when the Ahoms used to rule present-day Assam. This monument is an important edifice reflecting the architectural precision and grandeur of that time.

3. Ahom Museum

0 km from city center 3 out of 9 Places To Visit in Sivasagar

It is on the banks of Sibsagar Lake and displays artefacts such as royal armoury, clothes, manuscripts, etc which belonged to the rulers of the Ahom dynasty.

4. Charaideo Maidams

24 km from city center 4 out of 9 Places To Visit in Sivasagar

Popularly known as the ‘Pyramids of Assam,’ Charaideo Maidam is a historical tourist destination at the foothills of Nagaland. India's 43rd entry in the UNESCO World Heritage List is the Moidams. The founder of the dynasty, Chaolung Sukhapa, constructed Charaideo as the initial capital of the Ahom rulers in about 1229 CE. The place is best known as the home of Ahom’s ancestral Gods. The large collection of maidams, tumuli, and burial sites of the Ahom kings and queens and other rulers is what makes the area most famous.

5. Joysagar Tank and Temples

4 km from city center 5 out of 9 Places To Visit in Sivasagar

These are located in the nearby Rangpur. These massive structures were completed in a record 45 days in 1697. Along with these tanks and temples which span an area of nearly 320 acres, there are also temples on the banks of the water body - Jeydol, Shiv Temple, Devi Ghar and Nati Gosain temple.

6. Shivadol

1 km from city center 6 out of 9 Places To Visit in Sivasagar

This famous Shiva Temple is located on the shores of the Sibsagar Lake and was constructed in 1734. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Shivadol was built by Bar Raja Ambika, queen of Ahom King Swargadeo Siba Singha.

7. Gaurisagar Tank

5 km from city center 7 out of 9 Places To Visit in Sivasagar

The artificial reservoir near Sibsagar town, is spread over 150 acres ! There are temples scattered all around it. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga

8. Gargaon Palace or Kareng Ghar

12 km from city center 8 out of 9 Places To Visit in Sivasagar

This was the royal seat of the Ahom Dynasty - a royal attraction. Located 13km from the town, it consists of seven floors - three of which are underground. The are also many exciting underground passages - many of them are closed to the public due to safety reasons.

9. Sibsagar Lake

1 km from city center 9 out of 9 Places To Visit in Sivasagar

The landmark of the town, the Sibsagar Lake is also an artificial lake built by Queen Ambika, wife of King Shiva Singha, in the year 1734. The pretty lake is surrounded by parks, gardens, museum, masjid, Buddhist monastery, church and temples.

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Bihu in Assam is as vibrant and joyous like that of Durga Puja in Kolkata. Dressed in their new attires, they pray for their well-being

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You can never get tired of exploring Assam. From a variety of unique places to a colourful spectrum of experiences, Assam offers a lot. Explore a range of historical, ecological, spiritual and cultural tourism opportunities.

Experience the awesomeness of Assam in colourful festivals and magical environment while experiencing Assamese hospitality in luxury river cruises or in the hotels and resorts.

Engage in a variety of thrilling activities and feel the adrenaline rush. Awesome Assam offers activities like cycling, river rafting, elephant & jeep safari rides, boating, river cruising and a lot more.

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An ecstatic crowd-in the foreground, a Black woman and behind her, a white woman -- both with their arms up in jubilation.

By Annette Gordon-Reed

Ms. Gordon-Reed, a professor of law and American history at Harvard University is the author, most recently, of “On Juneteenth.”

As the Democratic Party’s nominee for president of the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris has generated a remarkable level of enthusiasm almost from the moment President Joe Biden endorsed her.

Observers along the political spectrum have been caught off guard by the Harris phenomenon. David Axelrod, the political consultant and former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, characterized Ms. Harris’s early strong poll numbers, when matched against those of former President Donald Trump, as a result of “ irrational exuberance .” This, instead of mere “exuberance,” which could, of course, be rational.

Upon viewing her filled-to-the-rafters and turbocharged campaign rallies along with her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, Ms. Harris’s political opponents have cried foul. There is no way that many people are coming out to see her! With no evidence, Mr. Trump accused the Harris campaign of doctoring photos to make the crowds at her rallies seem larger.

The quick and strong reaction — part jubilation, part bewilderment — to Ms. Harris’s candidacy reminds us of the important role that contingency, shaped by timing, biography and historical context, plays in American politics. Viewed in the proper manner, Ms. Harris’s ascent should not come as a big surprise, both because of who we are now (and have been historically) and because of who she is.

We Americans have been through a great deal over the past 10 years, including a worldwide pandemic whose effects we have yet to sort out. Our Republic has been put to a stress test with an outcome that is still uncertain: Political norms, which had come to be seen as akin to law, have now been shattered. In fact, laws have been broken with no evident sense of urgency about repercussions.

A symbol of American democracy, the Capitol building, was attacked, creating scenes that would have seemed unthinkable to Americans (and probably to people around the world) in years past. Challenging the legitimacy of lost elections — or even elections not yet held — rather than regrouping to fight (or promising to regroup for) the next round, is now a recognizable and demoralizing feature of the political landscape. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a right that had been adjudged constitutional was taken away, an act that has caused great consternation and fear about just what other rights might be in jeopardy.

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COMMENTS

Sivasagar
Among various places of attraction, the Joyasagar Tank and Lord Siva Temple on the bank of the tank,the Sivasagar tank, palaces of Ahom Kings, the Rang Ghar, and the Talatal Ghar are worth mentioning. The historical Joyasagar Tank of Sivasagar One of the important tourist attractions of the place is the beautiful Joyasagar tank. It covers 318 ...
Sivasagar
Sivasagar, formerly known as Rangpur, was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom from 1699 to 1788. The Ahoms ruled Assam for six centuries until their kingdom fell to the Burmese Konbaung dynasty in 1819 and their ruling class was all but wiped out. [5]During the reign Gaurinath Singha (1780-1795) a battle was fought against the Moamoria rebels on the vicinity of the Sivasagar tank.
Sivasagar: A Walk Through 600 years
I was never knowing about history of Sivasagar. It looks like an offbeat destination with many beautiful palaces and historical buildings. I loved the sculptures on wall, though they are somewhat destroyed and hopefully some restoration work must be done here to preserve such a historic place. Reply. Mimi's Migration. 2017/08/23 at 3:48 pm.
Archeological and Historical Sivasagar
Sivasagar is a house of wonderful architectural, archaeological, engineering skills which are reflected in numerous temples, palaces, stone bridges, tanks and pyramid-type Maidams. There are more than 350 ancient monuments in Sivasagar District. The Ahom Kingdom had its capitals at several places beginning with Charaideo, built by Suikafa.
Sivasagar
Sivasagar, town, eastern Assam state, northeastern India.Sivasagar lies on the Dikhu River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Jorhat.. The Tai-speaking Ahom people came to the area from Yunnan province, China, in the 13th century.Sivasagar was the capital of the Ahom kingdom in the 18th century, when the town was called Rangpur; several temples remain ...
Sivasagar
The historic Sivasagar city testifies the glorious past of the Ahom kingdom in Assam. Learn what makes it a perfect heritage destination for a soulful trip. ... in the last 500 years at least 14 big earthquakes are recorded to have taken place in Assam (Hazarika 1990: 32-33) (The earthquakes took place in the years 1548, 1598, 1601, 1642, 1660 ...
History of Sivasagar
History of Sivasagar. Sivasagar, formerly known as Rangpur, was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom from 1699 to 1788. The Ahoms ruled Assam for six centuries, until their kingdom fell to the Burmese in 1819 and their ruling class was all but wiped out. The province was liberated by the British in 1825 but, owing to the state of anarchy which ...
Sivasagar: Archaeological Heritage of Assam
Sivasagar: Archaeological Heritage of Assam. The ruins of Sivasagar, the former capital of the great Ahom monarchs, provide a glimpse into its glorious history. The town is named after the Sivasagar Tank/lake, a vast man-made water feature that also serves as the area's main attraction. Ranghar, a two-story amphitheater, was utilized as a ...
Soulful Sivasagar
Sivasagar is a district in the state of Assam, India, 369 kms away from Guwahati. The district is located on the upper Brahmaputra Valley. It is known for its historic monuments and temples built during the reign of the Ahom Dynasty. The Ahoms influenced the political and cultural life of Assam and ruled from the 13th century to the early 19th ...
Sivasagar
Sivasagar, located at a distance of 362.6 kms from Guwahati, the State capital is an important centre for tea, oil and tourism industries. The ONGC runs its operations in Geleky, Rudrasagar and Lakwa in Sivasagar district with their offices in Sivasagar and Nazira town. Sivasagar therefore is a major industrial town in Assam inspite of its size.
The Grand Heritage of Sivasagar
Kareng Ghar Kareng Ghar or the Garhgaon Palace is located 15km away from Sivasagar and is another fine example of Ahom architecture.Constructedof wood and stones, the present-day Kareng Ghar is arebuilt by Rajeshwar Singha. The palace used to have plenty of rooms of which only few remain today. During its glory days, the palace used to be surrounded by large water-filled moats and fortified ...
Sivasagar Tourism
These historical monuments can still be seen and are presently serving as the top tourist attractions in Sivasagar. Amongst the many historical attractions in the city, Talatal Ghar, Siva Dol Temple and Vishnu Dol Temple are the famous places of tourist interest in Sivasagar. Besides, the city also has amazing sightseeing places, Taj Museum ...
Historical Tourism: A case study of Sivasagar
To link the road connection to tourist place should be constructed. Tourist information centre should be established Assam is a holy place, here Majuli, Bordua, Borpeta, are main places on the other hand Sivasagar is a historical place. Many tourist come to these places. Assam govt. must keep proper necessary action.
Sivasagar Sivadol
Sivasagar Sivadol. / 26.9888; 94.6313. Shiva dol (meaning the temple of Shiva) is a group of structures comprising three Hindu temples of Sivadol, Vishnudol (temple of Vishnu) and Devidol (temple of Durga in the local Assamese language) shrines, and a museum. These are located on the banks of the Sivasagar ("the ocean of the god Shiva ") tank ...
Sivasagar Ahom Kingdom History -Places to see
Sivsagar is the best place if you want to get a glimpse of the history of the Ahom Dynasty. The Sivasagar region was the center of their rule. The Ahom kingdom was originally from South China. They had migrated to Assam in the year 1228 CE. The Ahom kingdom followed a religion close to present day Shintoism and Taoism.
Sivasagar Essay in English WIKILIV
It was the Ahom kingdom capital from 1699 to 1788. At that time Sivasagar was known as Rangpur. This town belongs to a rich history and it has seen many good and bad things. Ahoms ruled Assam for 6 centuries and it fell in 1819 to Burmese. There are many beautiful places to see in this town. sivasagar essay in english.
About Sivasagar
About Historical Sivasagar. ... 'Kalansupar' after the name of 'Kalansu Gohain' who resided in a village originally existed in the place where currently the Sivasagar tank is located. This town's main feature is the water body from which it takes its name. This is a 257-acre (1.04 km2) tank, also known as the Borpukhuri, which is at a higher ...
9 Places to visit in Sibsagar India 2024
Forts & Palaces (1) 1. Talatal Ghar. Top Attraction 3.5 /5. 2 km. from city center 1 out of 9. Places To Visit in Sivasagar. This is one of the most popular attraction of Sibsagar. Just 6km from the town, this is a three storey structure including and underground level.
Awesome Assam
Explore a range of historical, ecological, spiritual and cultural tourism opportunities. EXPERIENCE Experience the awesomeness of Assam in colourful festivals and magical environment while experiencing Assamese hospitality in luxury river cruises or in the hotels and resorts.
Kemerovo Oblast
This chapter presents history, economic statistics, and federal government directories of Kemerovo Oblast. Kemerovo Oblast, known as the Kuzbass, is situated in southern central Russia. Krasnoyarsk Krai and Khakasiya lie to the east, Tomsk Oblast to the north, Novosibirsk Oblast to the west, and Altai Krai and the Republic of Altai to the south ...
Kemerovo Oblast—Kuzbass
Kemerovo Oblast—Kuzbass is situated in southern central Russia. Krasnoyarsk Krai and Khakasiya lie to the east, Tomsk Oblast to the north, Novosibirsk Oblast to the west, and Altai Krai and the Republic of Altai to the south-west.
Kemerovo Oblast
Kemerovo Oblast — Kuzbass, also known simply as Kemerovo Oblast (Russian: Ке́меровская о́бласть) or Kuzbass (Кузба́сс), after the Kuznetsk Basin, is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast). Kemerovo is the administrative center and largest city of the oblast. Kemerovo Oblast is one of Russia's most urbanized regions, with over 70% of the population living in its ...
Is India a Safe Place for Women? Another Brutal Killing Raises the
In December 2012, a 23-year-old physiotherapy student boarded a bus in New Delhi a little after 9 p.m., expecting it would take her home. Instead, she was gang-raped and assaulted so viciously ...
The Ascent of Kamala Harris Should Not Come as a Surprise
The quick and strong reaction — part jubilation, part bewilderment — to Ms. Harris's candidacy reminds us of the important role that contingency, shaped by timing, biography and historical ...
Kemerovo Oblast
Kemerovo Oblast is located in southwestern Siberia, where the West Siberian Plain meets the South Siberian Mountains.The oblast, which covers an area of 95,500 square kilometers (36,900 sq mi), [12] shares a border with Tomsk Oblast in the north, Krasnoyarsk Krai and the Republic of Khakassia in the east, the Altai Republic in the south, and with Novosibirsk Oblast and Altai Krai in the west.

Sivasagar - A place of historical importance and a popular tourist destination of Assam

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Sivasagar: A Walk Through 600 years

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Places To Visit In Sivasagar

Places To Visit In Sibsagar

1. Talatal Ghar

2. Rang Ghar

3. Ahom Museum

4. Charaideo Maidams