Garh Doul archaeological site is an important State Protected Monument in Assam, India, situated at Tarajan Kumargaon and about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) away from Tezpur, Sonitpur district.[1] The archaeological site is listed as an ASI monument under number S-AS-95. This is fortified in all direction reinforced rampart and covers an area of 250×250 m. The site has two brick mounds, which contains the foundation of brick temple plinths. The remains are datable to 7th and 8th century CE.
| Garh Doul | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Location within Assam | |
General information | |
| Location | Sonitpur Assam India |
| Coordinates | 26°38′46″N 92°45′19″E / 26.64611°N 92.75528°E |
Construction started | 7th and 8th century CE |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Bricks and Indigenous type of cement |
History
editExcavations and architectural analysis date Garh Doul’s construction to the 7th–8th centuries CE, a period marked by early Brahminical temple building in Assam under local dynasties such as the Varman Dynasty and Salastambha rulers.[2] According to the legend constructed by the Brahmin pandits in the Kalika Purana, the fortress was built by the mythical king Banasura to keep his daughter Usha.[3] Though the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana mention Banasura’s capital as Sonitpura, Garh Doul’s association with Usha persists in local folklore and contributes to its popular appeal.[4]
Present
editThe ruins in this place are still undiscovered and the Archaeological Survey Department of Assam is continuing their works and also constructed a park to make it a tourism site in Tezpur. Intermittent excavations by Assam’s Department of Archaeology (2009–2010) revealed brick drains, terracotta sherds, and fragments of votive plaques, confirming ritual use of the temple precincts. However, a 2010 The Assam Tribune report highlighted serious neglect, overgrown ramparts, cattle grazing within the enclosure, and vandalism prompting public outcry and renewed calls for Archaeological Survey of India intervention.[5]
References
edit- ↑ "Protected Monuments in Assam". Archaeological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 5 October 2013.
- ↑ Etienne, Gilbert (1968). "11. The Panchayat and local affairs". Studies in Indian Agriculture: The Art of the Possible. University of California Press. p. 106.
- ↑ "Garh Doul - Archaeological site in Sonitpur district, India". aroundus.com. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ↑ "Garh Doul Archaeological Site Tezpur, History, Timings, How to reach". Gosahin - Explore Unexplored Destinations. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ↑ Boro, Shambhu (15 September 2010). "Historic Tezpur Garh‑Doul lying in a state of disrepair". The Assam Tribune. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
External links
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