Home > Indian History > History of India > Surya Pahar
Surya Pahar
The Surya Pahar is a notable archaeological site, where there is a blend of relics from all three religions, namely Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.

Share this Article:

Surya Pahar, AssamLocated at the banks of the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam, Surya Pahar is a historically significant but relatively unknown archaeological site in the state. Also known as Sri Surya Pahar, this ancient heritage site is situated about 12 km south east of Goalpara town and 132 km northwest of the city of Guwahati.

History of Surya Pahar
As evident from the numerous sculptures and other relics belonging to Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, the significance of Sri Surya Pahar is that it was once a confluence of all the three religions. In an area of about a kilometre on a hilly terrain, the site of Surya Pahar is known to have several rock- cut Shiva Lingams, and votive stupas along with the deities of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain pantheon. It is believed that the Indian sage, Ved Vyasa engraved 99, 999 Shiva Lingams in order to build the second Kashi, where there were about 1 lakh Shiva Lingams.

According to historians, it is believed that the place was once a culturally advanced capital of an ancient kingdom, which was later destroyed by the political turmoil and the invasion of enemy kings. Due to its close proximity to the Brahmaputra River, Sri Surya Pahar might have been an important trade centre or seat of administration in the past.

Hinduism in Surya Pahar
As per Hindu traditions, it is said that Lord Surya occupied a prominent place in Assam"s cultural history. The name Surya Pahar implies that the site was perhaps associated with the worship of Lord Surya. In the sacred Hindu text of Kalika Purana, there are also mentions of two seats of Sun worship in Assam.

Surya Pahar, AssamIn Hinduism, it is also believed that Surya Pahar is a slab of carved stone that is correlated to Lord Surya. Circular carving had been done on the slab and the inner circle of the slab has been identified as Prajapati, while the outer circle is in the form of 12 lotus petals. Each of these petals has the seated figure of Aditya, who are described as the 12 solar divinities namely Dhatri, Mitra, Aryaman, Rudra, Varuna, Surya, Bhaga, Vivasvan, Pushan, Savitri, Tvastri and Vishnu.

Apart from these, several relics of Hindu deities have also been found here among which the notable ones include sculptural panels of Shiva and Vishnu. Other carved figures include Hari Hara, Ganesha and Vishnupadas. Similar to `Surya Chakra`, a `Chandra Chakra` has also been excavated but in a severely eroded condition.

Jainism in Surya Pahar
The natural caves of Surya Pahar are the only existing place in the north east India, where Jain remains were found. Foot prints of the followers of the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhanatha can be found in this historical site. Traditional iconography of Jains has been found at the hill. Jain carvings on rocks and other inscriptions in the site belonging to 9th century AD have been found. On a big granite boulder, two figures are carved in standing position. At the top of the hill another figure is carved out which is identified as Adinath, the traditional founder of Jainism.

Buddhism in Surya Pahar
The presence of 25 votive stupas varying from sizes and shapes are carved out from granite boulders have been found in north western slopes of Surya Pahar. These stupas have established the fact that Buddhist influence in Kamarupa, an ancient kingdom of Assam, arrived much earlier than other parts of the country which is contradictory to the previously held beliefs.

The stupas found at this site have three distinct structural features: Harmika, Medhi Anda and Vedi. There are three monolithic stupas that stand at Sri Surya Pahar, also known as Uddeshika Stupa, which were carved in the memory of Lord Buddha. In the 9th to 10th century, the site was pre occupied by the Hindu devotees who had carved out Shiva Lingams along with Younipith on the boulders which still can be witnessed in the stupa complex. Terracotta plaques in the stupas having carved figures of Buddha have been frequently found. The reign of Pala dynasty in this region, during 9th century, has contributed a lot in the spread of Buddhism.

Excavations in Surya Pahar
In 1993, the Archaeological Survey of India started excavation works in Surya Pahar and that was carried out till 1996 and 1997. It was during this time, when the archaeologists discovered a Buddhist stupa along with monastery or vihara, which were estimated to belong to the 8th or 9th century AD. Earlier excavations had exposed startling relics including heads of deities with Karanda Mukuta, Kirtimukha, vestiges of stupa, terracotta mortar- pestle and vessels used in rites, designed tiles, Apsaras, Purnaghat, etc.

In the later years, further excavations revealed two temple complexes along with the sculptures of Lord Ganesha and the Mahishasuramardini. Other than these, ancient stone paved water kund was also discovered. Most of the antiquities found in this site have been displayed at a nearby museum set up by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Visiting Information on Surya Pahar
The nearest railway station is at Goalpara, which is located at a distance of about 16 km from the archaeological site of Surya Pahar. And the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Borjhar is the closest airport at almost 109 km from the site.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.