SIVASAGAR

Situated at a distance of 350 Kms. from Guwahati, Sivasagar town is the district headquarter of Sivasagar district. The mighty Ahoms ruled Assam from 1228-1826 setting up capitals in various places of Sivasagar district. Sivasagar town (earlier known as Rangpur) was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom from 1699 to 1788. The town dedicated to Lord Siva - its name literally meaning the ocean of Siva - is strewn with tell - tale ruins of a powerful empire. Presently, Sivasagar presents the unique spectacle of industrial transformation of a silent town in the backdrop of relics of bygone days. The following are the places worth visiting.
 

Karenghar & Talatalghar

A seven storied palace having three storeys underground known as Talatalghar and the upper storeys known as karenghar, the capital and military station of the Ahom kings is only 4 kms from Sivasagar town. First constructed by the Ahom King Rudra Singha in 1700 AD, alterations, additions and new constructions to this palace were made by the successors of Rudra Singha. The Talatalghar made of brick and an indigenous type of cement was constructed by king Rajeshwar Singha. There were two underground tunnels from Talatalghar connecting Dikhow river and Gargaon Palace which were later blocked by the British East India Company.

Ranghar

A little distance towards the North East from this Royal Palace and by the side of the Assam Trunk Road stands another imposing 2 storied building. This is Ranghar, the royal sports-pavilion of Ahom kings which was constructed during the reign of King Pramatta Singha in 1746. This Ranghar happens to be the oldest amphitheatre in Asia.

Gargaon Palace

Gargaon, the principal town of Ahoms built by Ahom King Suklenmung in 1540, lies 13 kms. east of Sivasagar. The structures were  made of wood and stones. The Old Palace was destroyed and the present seven storied palace was rebuilt around 1752 by King Rajeshwar Singha. King Pramatta Singha constructed the brick wall of about 5 kms. in length surrounding the Gargaon Palace and the masonry gate in 1747.

Joysagar Tank

The largest tank in India and perhaps the biggest man made tank in the world comprising  an area of 318 acres of land including its four banks, out of which 155 acres is filled with crystal clear water. An earthen water pipeline runs from this tank to the Rangpur Palace (Karenghar) which is about 2 kms in length, for supplying water of this tank to the Royal Palace.

Charaideo

The tombs of Ahom Kings and Queens at Charaideo hillock which are comparable to the Pyramids of Egypt are, even in the present time of astounding scientific progress and development, objects of wonder revealing  the superb skill of sculptors and the fine form of architecture of Assam in those days. About 30 Kms. from Sivasagar town towards the east and at the foot hills of Nagaland, the first capital of Ahom kingdom was established by Swargadeo Sukapha.

This is also the place of ancestral Gods of the Ahoms and the sacred burial floor & stone pillars of "Deo Sal" are still lying  on the summit of the hillock Deo Sal in Dol Bagan.

Sivasagar Tank

In 1734, the second Queen of Siva Singha had the Sivasagar Tank dug to commemorate the victory of her husband, and named the tank  "Sivasagar Tank".

The tank covers an area of 129 acres of land excluding the 4 banks. The total area of the tank is 257 acres of land. Although situated within the heart of the town the water level of the tank is above the level of the town. On its banks are three temples - the Sivadol, the Vishnudol, and the Devidol. The Sivadol is believed to be the highest Siva temple in India. Its height is 104 ft. and the perimeter is 195 ft., at the base. It is capped by an 8 ft. high golden dome.

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