Dispur ( Gawahati ) is the capital of Assam state. The ancient city of pragjyotishpur or the light of the East is the site of modern Gawahati the gate way to North-East India, Legendary king Narakasura is believed to have built the city that produced heroes like Bhagadatta, the famous commanders of Elephants in the Mahabharatha war. The Ahoms ruled the country from 13th century and successfully caught the Afghans and the Mughals. The uncommon Charam of the mountains and forests made the 7th century Chinese Buddhist Monk given Tsang write of its wonder its luxurious vegetation is teaming with wildlife situated on the southern bank of the River Brahmaputra, Guwati is an important business and communication centre. It is also a centre of learning culture and a major place of Hindu piligrimate.
The folklore about the city dates back to the Mahabharat, which is an epic in Hindu Mythology. Legend has it that the city was established by Narkasura, a demon, and was named Pragjyotishpur, meaning the “Eastern City of Light”. Archeological evidence suggests early human settlements dating back to 2000 B.C. The Varman kings, from 400 A.D to the 13th century, were the first clan to establish dominance over the area. Then, the people of the Ahom race established their dominance over the region from 1228 to 1826, during which the Tai Ahom kingdom flourished. One of their biggest accomplishments was to stop the Mughal expansion that was taking over India. The Ahom kingdom slowly abated over a period of time, and by the middle of the 19th century the Burmese had gained control of the city and surrounding area. The Burmese were, in turn, defeated by the British, who controlled the area until Indian Independence.
Today, the largest tea-auction market of the nation lies in the city. It also houses one of the campuses of IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), the premier engineering institute of the world. The city is also famous for its celebration of Bihus.Guwahati has many old temples that have great religious importance. The temple Kamakhya is a dedication to shakti, or strength, and was once the centre of tantric or black magic activities. You can still see the sacrificial alter inside the temple. Another temple worth a mention is the Navagrah temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva this temple has astronomical and astrological significance. The view from the temple is absolutely breath taking. The Umananda temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva, and has the most interesting journey of all the three, as a boat is required to reach the temple. There is small beach that offers an opportunity to relax right next to the temple Another Guwahati thing to do is to visit the renowned Assam State Museum. This edifice houses some of the most valued antiques of the country. The Saraighat Bridge in Guwahati is another Guwahati attraction that’s worth mentioning for the dolphins and natural beauty of the river below. You can also wade through the large tea plantations in the city and sip on the finest of teas.
Overview
When to go
Getting thier and Around
Things to do
History
Photos
Share this with Friends
