Ancient History of Assam
In ancient times, Assam was called Pragjyotisha and later Kamarupa. These names have interesting stories behind them.
Table of Contents
How Pragjyotisha Got Its Name?
1. Migration Theory: A group from China, called Chao-Theius, moved to India and settled in three places, including Assam. Their name Zuhthis is believed to have changed to Jyotisha in Sanskrit, but there is no solid evidence for this.
2. Astrology: The Kalika Purana says Brahma first studied stars in Pragjyotisha. The name means “City of Eastern Astrology” (Prag means east, and Jyotisha means stars or astrology).
How Kamarupa Got Its Name?
1. Magic and Worship: The name might come from Kamru or Kamrut, words related to magic and goddess worship, especially of Kamakhya.
2. Mythology: The Gopatha Brahmana says Kamadeva, the god of love, was brought back to life here after being destroyed by Shiva.
How Assam Got Its Name?
1. Uneven Land: Asama might mean “uneven,” describing Assam’s land compared to Bengal’s flat land.
2. Ahom People: The Ahoms came to Assam in the 13th century. In their language, Acham means “undefeated” or “conqueror.”
3. Bodo Language: It could also come from the Bodo word Ha-chom, meaning “low land.”
The Extent of Pragjyotisha-Kamrupa
- The ancient kingdom of Pragjyotisha-Kamrupa was much larger than today’s Assam. Its size changed over time.
- In the west, it stretched up to the Karatoya River, beyond Assam’s current borders.
- The kingdom included areas like Manipur, Jaintiya, Cachar, and parts of present-day Bangladesh, such as Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Rangpur.
- It also covered parts of Nepal and Bhutan, showing how large and powerful the kingdom was in ancient times.
Early History and Traditional Rulers of Assam
1. Mahiranga Danava-
In the earliest known history of Assam, there was a king named Mahiranga Danava, who was the first ruler of the region. Mahiranga Danava was not of Aryan descent, but belonged to a group called the Kiratas. The Kiratas were people who lived in the mountains, especially in the Himalayan and northeastern areas. They are believed to have come from Sino-Tibetan origins.
Mahiranga Danava’s capital was at a place called Mairanka, which is believed to be near a hill called Mairang Parvat, located about seven miles from Guwahati on the GS Road.
After Mahiranga Danava, several other kings ruled Assam. These kings were named Hatakasura, Sambarasura, Ratnasura, and Ghatakasura. Each of these rulers followed in the footsteps of the earlier king. However, the last of them, Ghatakasura, was defeated by another ruler named Naraka. Naraka then started a new dynasty of kings.
2. Naraka: The Legend and Its History
Naraka, a figure from Indian mythology, is said to be born from Mother Earth, Prithvi, and Lord Vishnu in his boar (Varaha) incarnation. Because of his connection to the earth, he is also called Bhauma. According to legend, Naraka was abandoned on the sacrificial grounds of King Janaka of Videha, who raised him as his own until he turned sixteen. During this time, Goddess Prithvi disguised herself as a nurse named Katyayani to care for him.
With the help of Lord Vishnu, Naraka defeated the demon Gatakasura and became the ruler of Pragjyotisha, making it his capital. He fortified the city so strongly that it was said to be “inaccessible even to the gods.” This marks the possible beginning of Aryan settlements in the region.
As a young king, Naraka ruled with fairness and devotion. However, he later fell under the influence of Banasura, the king of Sonitpur, and became arrogant and irreligious. His most daring act was attempting to marry Goddess Kamakhya. To fulfill her condition, Naraka built a temple, dug a tank, and constructed a road to the temple on Nilachala Hill—all in one night. But the goddess cleverly escaped his proposal by making a rooster crow, signaling dawn before Naraka could finish the task.
3. Bhagadatta: A Legendary Warrior-King
Bhagadatta, the son of Naraka, was a famous king and warrior in Indian legends. He gave his daughter, Bhanumati, in marriage to Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurava, and excavated Dighali Pukhuri to mark the occasion. He fought for the Kauravas in the Mahabharata war.
Known as the “mighty king of the Mlechchhas,” Bhagadatta was skilled in leading elephant armies and was considered as powerful as Indra. Despite his strength, he was killed by Arjuna in the Kurukshetra war.
His Successors
After Bhagadatta, Vajradatta is mentioned as his successor, though their relationship is unclear. Later, Pushyavarman, the ancestor of King Bhaskaravarman, rose to power thousands of years later.
Naraka’s growing tyranny reached Lord Krishna, who came from Dwaraka to defeat him. Krishna killed Naraka and placed his son, Bhagadatta, on the throne of Pragjyotisha, bringing peace to the region.
4. Bhismaka: The Legendary King of Vidarbha
Archaeological remains discovered near Sadiya in Assam are linked to Bhismaka, a legendary king whose kingdom, Vidarbha, is said to have been located in this region. His capital, Kundina, was situated along the Kundil River, which flows through Sadiya.
Bhismaka had five sons and a beautiful daughter, Rukmini, known for her grace and intelligence. Krishna, having heard of Rukmini’s beauty, wished to marry her. Rukmini also desired Krishna as her husband. However, her father arranged her marriage to Sisupala, a prince.
On the day of her wedding, Rukmini sent a secret message to Krishna, asking for his help. Krishna arrived at the ceremony, defeated the gathered princes, and carried Rukmini away to Dwaraka in his chariot. This romantic tale is detailed in ancient texts like the Bhagavata Purana, the Vishnu Purana, and the Rukmini-Harana by Sankardeva.
The Chutiya rulers, who rose to power in the 12th century AD, claimed descent from Bhismaka, further connecting this legendary figure to the history of Assam.
5. Banasura: The Legendary King
Banasura was a king whose kingdom stretched from Lakhimpur to North Bengal, with his capital in Sonitpur (modern Tezpur). He built the Mahabhairab Temple in Tezpur.
Banasura had many sons, but only one daughter, Usha. Usha secretly married Aniruddha, Lord Krishna’s grandson, with help from her friend Chitralekha. When Aniruddha was captured, Krishna rescued him after a big battle near Tezpur.
The Agnigarh hill in Tezpur is said to be where Banasura hid Usha. There are also two tanks near Tezpur linked to Banasura and his minister. After Banasura’s death, his grandson Bhaluk made his capital at Bhalukpong, where the Akas people claim to be his descendants.
Explore More: Stay tuned to our blog for more insights into Assam’s history and it’s cultural heritage!