GOLAGHAT, Sept 19 � In the archaeological map of Golaghat district, various kinds of artifacts, monuments, ancient ruins of temples, statues of Vishnu and Shiva have great significance.
There are three subdivisons in the district � Dhansiri, Bokakhat and Golaghat. These districts are situated along the Assam-Nagaland border.
In Dhansiri subdivision, may artifacts have already been recovered at Nagajuri, Rajapukhuri, Chukiapather, Tengani, Alichiga and Dubarani. Among the artifacts recovered at Nagajuri and other areas were Sivalingas, statues of deities, ancient ruins of temples etc. Various kinds of utensils, seals and inscriptions, coins of different shapes and size, pucca walls etc. Some of the artifacts recovered at Duborani and Rajapukhuri area being preserved at the State museum in Guwahati.
In Tengami-Alichiga of Dhansiri subdivision, some inscriptions and seals were recovered, including some statues of Shiva. Certain inscriptions too were recovered. At Dubarani area some seals were discovered in 1984.
After two years, two Shivalingams and other statues were again recovered at Dubarani area. These are preserved at the State Museum since 1994. The local people of upper Lengtha of Barpather area recovered four statues of Vishnus beneath agricultural lands. The statues were engraved in various languages.
In the Tengani area, within Dhansiri subdivision, many artifacts were recovered including some statues of Shiva. Certain inscriptions too were recovered. The statues of Surya, utensils and two U-shaped tanks were also recovered recently.
It has been estimated that the ancient ruins belong to the 4th or 8th centuries. Recently, an inscription was recovered in the residential campus of one PD Nath, a resident of Dubarani which was engraved with different letters.
In 1997, within the premises of Debo Gogoi, a resident of Dubarani, Barpather, the plinth of a building was recovered with a Shiva linga after excavation works. The Shivalinga, is estimated to have been made during 10th century. In 2004, in the campus of Muhi Saikia of Chukipathar, two statues of Vishnu and some utensils were similarly recovered. Two temples also were recovered in 2006.
In Bokakhat subdivision many ancient artifacts were recovered besides temples and thans made during the Ahom period. The Kakathan, the Chikonatathan, Babathan and various temples were also recovered.
Artifacts of various kinds of temples, thans, ancient ruins have been lying scattered all over Golaghat district.
It may be mentioned here that the Negheriting temple and various tanks, Garampani � a hotspring, Nambor, Kaziranga are attractive tourists spots.
Besides the recovered artifacts in different areas of Golaghat district, there are several tanks of royal patronage, besides bundles walls, etc, which are of historical significance and importance.
In Rohadholapather within Golaghat district, there are two tanks dug during the period of Kochari kings.
It may be pertinent to mention here that Golaghat is famous for its royal artifacts and was once ruled by the Kochari and Ahom kings.
The conscious citizens of Golaghat feel that a high-level study and research work should be initiated for collecting more artifacts and they should be scientifically preserved for posterity.
The people of Golaghat have therefore demanded the State Archaeological department to conserve and preserve the artifacts.
