Saving Numali-'garh

Reports of alleged damage to the centuries-old rampart – 'garh' – that is now called Numali-garh caused due to encroachment, vandalisms and now excavation for the purpose of laying an oil pipeline, have definitely disturbed all those who are concerned with the preservation and conservation of various historical and archaeological sites of Assam. Historical chronicles say that while the rampart or 'garh' was originally built as part of a series of earth-and-brick ramparts by Kachari king Detchung; it came under the possession of Ahom king Suhungmung (1497–1539), who had settled Numali Kunwari, a Kachari princess who was 'gifted' to the victor by the defeated Kachari king following a battle on the western banks of the Dhansiri. Swargadeo Suhungmung later built an earth-and-brick fort for his new young wife, with the 'garh' soon coming to be known after her as Numaligarh. While construction of the National Highway and various commercial establishments including a petrol pump have taken a heavy toll on the Numali 'garh', contractors have, over the years, removed earth from it at their sweet will with the authorities remaining silent spectators. Though the demand for providing legal protection to the 'garh' has been raised for quite a long time, it was only in November 2015 that the rampart was officially handed over to the Archaeology Directorate by the Golaghat district administration. But then, local residents of Numaligarh have been witness to how inactive and indifferent the Archaeology department and the Golaghat district administration have been despite the destruction happening to the historic rampart in broad daylight. Going by the recent trend, it appears that the very existence of the historic Numali'garh' will be soon wiped out, as has happened to the famous 'Momai-kota garh' which Lachit Barphukan had built a few days before the historic Battle of Saraighat in 1671. Going by media reports, over 90 per cent of the 'Momai-kota garh' has been encroached upon; and the earth taken away in trucks and dumpers. When a VVIP intervention made by none other than the then Governor of the State failed to protect the 'Momai-kota garh' about a decade ago, Numali'garh' apparently stands little chance of surviving beyond the next few years.