Forts in
Assam are a representation of the royal heritage and culture of this part of the country which witnessed the regime of several
historical dynasties in the ancient and medieval era. Some of the
palaces and forts of this
Indian state are spectacular and are visited by innumerable tourists. The forts belonging to the period around 6th century to the 19th century are amongst the most renowned historical structures of Assam. The
rulers of royal dynasties including those from pre-
Ahom age, Ahom age,
Koch Dynasty, Kahari Dynasty, Jantia Dynasty and Ahom Dynasty built these forts, employing features of
Islamic architecture.
Talatal Ghar, Rang Ghar and other forts are a few of the famous forts of Assam.
Garchuk Lachit Garh
Presently referred to as 'Lachit Garh', the Garchuk Lachit Garh is situated in the south-western portion of
Guwahati, towards the western part of Ahomgaon. The fort was built during the reign of Lachit Borphukan and it was later fortified in order to safeguard it against the invasions of the
Mughals. Two lakes are present near the fort are filled with
water. Currently, the fort has been encroached upon illegally.
Garh Doul
Garh Doul is an interesting archaeological site near
Tezpur area of
Sonitpur District which has been declared a protected
monument by the
Archaeological Survey of India or ASI. The fort was actually a structure erected by
Banasura, for his daughter Usha, according to the
Hindu mythology. Here, Usha had spent the initial years of her life and today the remains of this fort are yet to be uncovered completely. ASI wing of Assam is supervising the excavations conducted here.
Kareng Ghar
Kareng Ghar implies 'royal palace' and is existent in
Rangpur, at a distance of nearly 4 kms away from the current-day
Sivasagar, in Upper Assam. This historical monument is one of the most renowned
architecture in the entire state of Assam. This fort was composed of wood. However, with the passage of time majority of the fort was damaged.
Talatal Ghar
Along with the Kareng Ghar, Talatal Ghar is listed amongst the grandest architectural marvels in Assam. It is located in Rangpur, about 4 kms away from Sivasagar in Upper Assam. It was created as a military base and possesses two secret tunnels and also three floors below the ground which were utilized as exit pathways in the battled which took place in Ahom kingdom.
