Government of India- 3131 views
RUINS OF THE KACHARI KINGDOM
(Nagaland)
The cultural landscape of Northeast India reflects the existence of multifarious tribal communities. The glorious history of this region is visible through its vibrant cultural expressions. The Varman Dynasty (350-650 CE) and the Ahom Dynasty (1258-1824 CE) amongst others, patronized works of art and architecture, that are of immense historical and archaeological significance today.
The ruins of the monuments of the Kachari Kingdom in Dimapur play a prominent role in the history of Northeast India. They show the invaluable interest and efforts of the Kachari Kings toward art and architecture. The Kachari kingdom, considered one of the oldest kingdoms of the region, had its roots across North Eastern India. Dimapur (a present-day district in Nagaland), was the capital of the Kachari kingdom during the 10th-13th century CE. In the Kachari dialect, Di means river, Ma means great or big, and Pur means city. Hence Dimapur was known as the city near the great river. With the advent of the Ahoms in 1228 CE, the Kachari kingdom shifted its capital from Dimapur to Maibong.
Aerial view of present-day Dimapur, Nagaland
Rajbari Gateway, Dimapur
The Kachari ruins in Dimapur are a series of meticulously sculpted stone pillars. Rajbari, the area where these ruins exist, was earlier protected by three walls and the River Dhansiri. While the three walls no longer exist, the gateway on the eastern side of Rajbari still reflects the historical significance of Dimapur. It is an arched gateway made of bricks. The Kachari ruins include around one hundred stone pillars in three parallel rows. The pillars are carved out of sandstone. These are monoliths, varying in heights from 8 feet to 9 feet. The biggest and tallest monolith found here is around 12 feet in height.
The stone pillars of Rajbari are mostly round and square shaped. Designs depicting a lotus, peacock, and horse are visible on the carved pillars along with decorative geometrical patterns. Due to the dome shape of the upper portions of these structures, they are commonly referred to as “mushroom” or “chessman pillars."
Ruins of the Kachari kingdom, Rajbari, Dimapur
Monoliths of the Kachari Kingdom
There are different interpretations of the history of the Kachari ruins. Some historians say that they were built in honour of the Hindu God Shiva, as it is believed that this place was earlier populated by Shaivite people who worshipped Lord Shiva. Another explanation states that Rajbari was a burial ground for the eminent Kachari personalities. Thus, these pillars are considered memorial stones on the burial spots. Despite these different narratives, these monoliths are considered triumphal monuments of the Kachari kingdom.
The ruins of the Kachari kingdom in Dimapur reflect an important period of history dating back to the 10th century CE. The figures and patterns carved on the monoliths depict the keen artistic interests of the Kacharis. Today, these timeless structures stand as witnesses to the glorious past of Northeast India.
Figures and patterns carved on the monolith
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.