Rangpur which is the ancient name of the town Sivasagar is well known for amazing historic monuments. Sivasagar is situated about 362 kilometers northeast of Guwahati. The history of Ahom dynasty at Sivasagar is known by everyone. The Ahom Dynasty was established by Ahom king Syukapha (Tsue-ka-pha). The place named Charaideo was the first capital of Ahom kingdom. The area is surrounded by Charaideo hillocks. Near to it there is a place called Syukapha where you can visit the Xo-Dhuwa-Pukhuri which is basically a tank where the body of the deceased Ahom kings were washed before funeral. Exactly near to the place there are Tsyu-ka-pha Moidams where the body of the deceased king was buried. Jaisagar is another place and its surroundings have many historical monuments to prove their ruling at that time. The place is famous for its Shiva temple.
Check the list of such 10 outstanding places in Sivasagar to visit :
1 Talatal Ghar
The Talatal Ghar is located in Rangpur, 4 km from present-day Sivasagar, Assam. It is the largest of all Ahom monuments located in Sivasagar. It is one of the grandest examples of Tai Ahom architecture.
It was initially built as an army base. It houses two secret tunnels, and three floors below ground level which were used as exit routes during the Ahom wars (and which give the structure its name). This is made of brick and an indigenous type of cement (a mixture of Bora Chaul – a sticky variety of rice grain). It is the palace which was initially built as a defense base. The building also had a labour section where pregnant women were brought to deliver their babies. Seeing its ruins you don’t understand why it is called a multi-storey building. However, going deep and discussing with people you understand the depth of matter. The palace reflects the situation prevailing at Ahom King time. Place is maintained well but the main structure is already broken and gives only a glimpse of what was in the past. It is also built tactically to fool and identify unwelcomed people. This palace was one of the major reason behind the success of Ahom Kingdom.
2 Karenghar
Kareng ghar is also known as Gargaon Palace which is at Gargaon and approximately 14 KM from main Sivasagar town. Swargedeo Rajeswar Singha built the present day shape in 1752.
Karenghar and Talatarghar is the largest monument of the Ahom Kingdom which was built under the leadership of King Rudra Singha during the period from 1696 to 1714. It The palace is built for The Ahom king and his Queens to reside. The Palace was strategically built in a way to combat enemy attacks and has two secret underground tunnels one of which is 16 kilometers long, these tunnels were used as escape routes during enemy attacks. It is built in such a way that it can mitigate earthquake surface wave impacts as much as possible.
3 Rang ghar
Rang Ghar is one of the oldest surviving amphitheatres in Asia. It is located near Rangpur Palace at a distance of 3 km from Sibsagar or Sivasagar town. Ahom royals used it as a pavilion to witness sporting events. The name translates to ‘House of Entertainment’ and dates back to 1746 A.D. when the Ahoms used to rule present-day Assam. This monument is an important edifice reflecting the architectural precision and grandeur of that time.
4 Sivasagar Pukhuri
The Sivasagar pukhuri is in the heart of the town Sivasagar. It is called Borpukhuri. This large tank was built by Queen Ambika in the year 1734. The queen built the temple in the name of the Ahom king Siva Singha. The area is around 130 acres. Near to the tank there is the Shivadol.
5 Shiva dol
This famous Shiva Temple is located on the shores of the Sibsagar Lake and was constructed in 1734. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Shivadol was built by Bar Raja Ambika, queen of Ahom King Swarga-deo Shiva Singha. Shiva Dol is a major tourist attraction in Sibsagar. It is not only the tallest Shiva temple in northeast India, but also the highest Hindu temple in the whole of India. The entire temple has a height of about 104 feet and a perimeter of 195 feet at the base. Surrounding this massive temple are two other smaller temples, namely Vishnu Dol and Devi Dol, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga respectively. Situated on the banks of the 200-year-old Sibsagar tank, it is visited by thousands of migratory birds in the winter season.
The seven-foot high golden dome, situated at the topmost part or the apex of Shiva Dol, is called Kolosi and is made of pure gold. The numerous walls and pillars within the temple are sculptured with the figures and images of Hindu Gods and Goddess. This age-old creation of the Ahom Dynasty has become the center of attraction for travelers and tourists from all over the world. The most important festival celebrated in this temple is Mahashivaratri, which falls in the month of Phagun, a fortnight before Holi (usually a moonless night in February or March).
Mahashivaratri is a celebration of the union of Lord Shiva with Parvati. On this day, thousands of devotees come to offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves on the Shivalingam. The main ritual during this festival is the offering of six items on the lingam, namely milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar, water (Panchamrit) and finally, vermilion paste. This is followed by placing bilwa (bel leaves) on the lingam and offering jujube fruit, as it is a symbol of gratitude. Besides this, other rituals include burning lamps and incense sticks, ringing the bells in the temple, etc. Another important occasion is the festival of Shivratri, celebrated on the 13th night of every month, in the Krishna Paksha.
6 Syukapha Moidam
Located 28 km away from Sibsagar, this was the capital of Ahom dynasty. This was built by Syukhapa, the founder of the Ahom dynasty. The main attraction of Charaideo is its burial vaults (or moidams) of the king and members of the Ahom dynasty. Near the Moidam there is a museum too.
7 Golaghar or the MAgazine House
This is a rectangular brick hut with do-chala roof. A mukhamandapa(porch) is adjoined with the house. The mukhamandapa is short in height and width. It exists axially and is attached to the southern gable-end. Popularly known as Gola-Ghar, this hut is said to be used as magazine house during Ahom period. This magazine house was built during the reign of Chakradhwaj Singha (1663-1669 CE).
8 Ghanashyam’s House
This exuberantly carved edifice was built by Ahom king Rudra Singha (1696- 1714 CE). The monument was dedicated to the name of the architect ‘Ghanashyam’, who built the masonry buildings, temples and other structures at Joysagar locality. The monument is made of brick masonry and rectangular on plan. Islamic influence can be observed both in layout and execution of the monument.
9 Jaysagar Pukhuri
Located 5 kms from centre of Sivasagar, Joysagar Pukhuri is a man-made lake that has historical significance. It was made by Swargadeo Rudra Singha, an Ahom king in the memory of his mother in the year 1697. Covering an area of 318, this is one of the largest man-made lakes in India. It is also the largest one constructed by the Ahom kings in Assam. The northern bank of the lake has many temples which are visited by the locals every day. The place, it was built is known as Rangpur. Joysagar is one of the most important tourist attractions of this place and is visited by people in large numbers. The largest tank built during the Ahom dynasty is this Jaysagar Pukhuri which is in an area of 318 acres. Boating facility is available in the Jaysagar Pukhuri.
10 Bakhar Bengena Tree
The mystical 580 years old Bakhar bengena tree is another attraction of Sivasagar. Bakhar Bengena is a legendary living tree which is, believe it, scientifically estimated to be 580 years old, a pride of Jobolating village of Bokota Mouza, around 27 km from the district headquarter of Sivasagar. The plant lacks reproduction and more interestingly scientist could not able to reproduce it artificially.