Brick structure of ancient period found at Chhaygaon

OUR BUREAU

GUWAHATI, Jan 24:  On a river terrace on the eastern bank of the river Kalahi adjacent to the Chaturbhuj temple of Barakhat village of Chhaygaon in Kamrup district a brick structure of ancient period is incidentally discovered in an archaeological exploration by Dr. Nripen Chandra Das, an associate Professor of History in Kaliabor College with the aid of his village mates Gautam Baruah, Akhil Kalita, Kamala Kanta Das, Paresh Kalita and Bhupen Das.

It may be mentioned that a visit to his tive village on this occasion of Bhogali Bihu turned out to be historically meaningful for Dr. Das.

The brick structure is in a plot of land owned by Haren Das of Choudhurypara in Chhaygaon revenue circle. When contacted, Das and his uncle expressed ignorance about this. They have no idea about the myth which can be associated with this ancient structure.

“Due to recent erosion on the eastern bank of the river, the structure became visible from the other side. The structure trapped in a layer of slightly blackish soil about 8 feet below the surface level is horizontally about 30 feet and vertically 5 feet long. The size of the bricks used in the structure is different from that of the modern period. A piece of brick recovered is square (12’x12’x2') in size. The structure is not in a good state of preservation and, bricks and cementing material used also lost its temper,” Dr Das said.

It may be mentioned that Chhaygaon is a place of historical importance. Ancient me of Chhaygaon was Champakgar. Historical ruins of early medieval period which are identified with the ‘Merghar’ of Chando Sadagar legend and famous Beula-Lakhindar story are only about two and half km away from this brick structure.

According to Dr. Das who has participated in many archeological explorations and excavations in different parts of India, the structure belongs to early medieval period (about 12th-13th century A.D.) and once it was probably a river Ghat.

It may be associated with one of the river ports used by Chando Sadagar, he said.

Dr. Das urges the Archaeological Department of Assam to take necessary measures immediately for proper exploration, excavation and preservation of this historical site before the destruction by the vandals.

He said that this will certainly bring to light many historical facts and enrich the local history as well as the history of the state.