Government of India- 91 views
Northbrook Gate
Guwahati, the capital city of Assam and popularly called the gateway to northeast India cradles centuries-old glorious history. Earlier known as Pragjyotishpura (meaning- city of eastern astrology), the history of this city reportedly dates back to the 6th century CE. It served as the capital of two early dynasties - Varman (350-650 CE) and Pala (900-1100 CE). Although the traces of ancient Guwahati are now mostly confined to the museums, it continues to glorify the history of the Ahom dynasty (1228-1826 CE) through some prominent architectural structures. Located on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra River and surrounded by hills from all three sides, Guwahati has always been a place of strategic importance. The advent of the British in Assam through the Treaty of Yandaboo (1826) began a new chapter of development in this city. Amongst many notable changes brought about by the British in Guwahati, the establishment of educational institutions, public halls and other infrastructural development played a prominent role in defining the historical timeline of the city.
A present-day view of Guwahati. Image source: Wikimedia Commons
One of the early structures that continues to reflect the colonial times in Guwahati is the Northbrook Gate, popularly called the ‘Gateway of Assam.’ Situated on the bank of the river Brahmaputra, the Northbrook Gate stands as the only surviving 19th-century public colonial landmark of Northeast India. This historic gate was constructed near Sukreswar Ghat to mark the arrival of the then Viceroy of India, Thomas George Baring, popularly called Lord Northbrook. The news of the visit of the Viceroy led the local administration to plan for his grand welcome in Guwahati. The population of Guwahati during this time was reportedly around 11,000. Consequently, it was decided to build an arch at a spot adjacent to the historic Sukreswar Devalaya (a Shiva temple built in the year 1744 by Ahom Swargadeo Pramatta Singha) on the Itakhuli hill, where the Viceroy’s ship would anchor. Reportedly known as the first-ever Viceroy of India to visit the Northeast, Lord Northbrook got down from his ship here on 27th August 1874. After the gun salute, he entered Guwahati through the newly constructed Northbrook Gate. On that day, a meeting was organised beside this historic gate for his welcome. It is said that people from across the state visited Guwahati to catch a glimpse of the Viceroy. Ever since then, the Northbrook Gate has become a spectator to different episodes of development responsible for shaping the present-day city of Guwahati.
Northbrook Gate. Image source: Wikimedia Commons
It is reported that the design of the Northbrook Gate was adopted from the famous King’s College Chapel arches in England. The rectangular structure of the gate has a total of 12 arches, five each on the two longer sides and one on each side along its breadth. Built of brick and white limestone, one of the unique aspects of this gate is that while the arches reflect Gothic architecture, the spires on the gate reflect Indian temple designs. Thus, the overall architecture of the Northbrook Gate was inspired by the Indo-Gothic styles.
Present-day view of Northbrook Gate. Image source: Kuldeep Kakati
In later times, the Northbrook Gate also welcomed Lord Curzon in 1903, and it is also said that the urn containing a part of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes was kept near this gate before immersing the same in the river Brahmaputra. It is also reported that there used to be a weekly wednesday market beside the Northbrook Gate which was later shifted to some other part of the city.
A part of the present-day view of Northbrook Gate. Image source: Uddipan Sarma
This 149-year-old colonial structure which survived several major and minor earthquakes, continues to stand with the same glory and proudly celebrates the enchanting city tales of Guwahati.
Recognizing the ongoing need to position itself for the digital future, Indian Culture is an initiative by the Ministry of Culture. A platform that hosts data of cultural relevance from various repositories and institutions all over India.