Assam is a rich state blessed with great heritage and culture, and one of these is the great kingdom of the Ahom Dynasty. The calibre and dexterous way of ruling with fierce authority is one stark feature of this dynasty when it comes to the history of the Northeast. Although there are many kingdoms that set foot and held command over the region, yet the Ahom Dynasty of Assam which stood from 1228 CE to 1819 CE is one of the most celebrated and ferocious masters of the north-eastern region. Having a bitter-sweet relationship with the neighbouring kingdoms such as Jaintiapur kingdom, their relationship is evident by the presence of the Durga temple which is believed to be one of the fifty-one sacred shrines of Durga. On my recent trip to Sivasagar, the glorious and extravagant sites such as the Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar Palace, Talatal Ghar, Moidams and other sites, I found that there is a lack of knowledge and interest of these sites in the present generation of society. Sivasagar, which is the mother of all Ahom strategy, intelligence and imperialism, is less acknowledged by the north-eastern region themselves, let alone the rest of the Union of India. Though the Archeology Survey of India has done its best to preserve the rich heritage of this glorious dynasty, promotion of such sites and the awareness of the historical background to such a kingdom have never been promulgated. Instead, the British imperial colonial history over the region is prioritized at large. It is high time the State and the entire Northeast turned their heads towards this very own wealthy heritage and culture. On further study one will find the relationship between the Ahom Dynasty with the other surrounding kingdoms which must be celebrated so as to bring back the old culture among these communities which will ensure the unity of the indigenous people of the Northeast in times of threat from outsiders claiming rights over our beloved land which is held sacred and by our ancestors.
The Sivasagar society is a humble and hospitable society whereby one will breathe the air of home despite being miles away from home. The greetings one brings and the concern that is perpetual signifies the lovable, cozy and hospitable vibe of the people. The government and the people of Assam must promote such a rich heritage and culture of this dynamic historical grandeur of the Ahom Dynasty for it will bring in the feeling of integrity, nationalism, patriotism, conservationism and above all the unity of the north-eastern region as a whole. My journey was blessed with the courtesy of Mr A. J. Baruah, I.P.S. (Retd.) and Ms M. Das, an assistant tourist information officer, Sivasagar who were the foremost people with the wealth of knowledge to brief me upon a wonderful historical journey.
Above all, the people of Sivasagar are the most kind-hearted, humble and loveliest people I have ever come across. Therefore, the period of reconciliation and acknowledgment of a rich heritage culture along with the relationship between the neighbouring communities has to be established once again for the unity and strength of the north-eastern region as a whole.
Ritre Oo Lyngdoh,
National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam