Garh Doul
Building in Assam, India
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Garh Doul archaeological site is an important State Protected Monument in Assam, India, situated at Tarajan Kumargaon and about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) away from Tezpur, Sonitpur district.[1] The archaeological site is listed as an ASI monument under number S-AS-95. This is fortified in all direction reinforced rampart and covers an area of 250×250 m. The site has two brick mounds, which contains the foundation of brick temple plinths. The remains are datable to 7th and 8th century CE.
| Garh Doul | |
|---|---|
| |
  Location within Assam | |
General information | |
| Location | Sonitpur Assam India |
| Coordinates | 26°38′46″N 92°45′19″E |
Construction started | 7th and 8th century CE |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Bricks and Indigenous type of cement |
History
Excavations and architectural analysis date Garh Doul’s construction to the 7th–8th centuries CE, a period marked by early Brahminical temple building in Assam under local dynasties such as the Varman Dynasty and Salastambha rulers.[2] According to the legend constructed by the Brahmin pandits in the Kalika Purana, the fortress was built by the mythical king Banasura to keep his daughter Usha.[3] Though the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana mention Banasura’s capital as Sonitpura, Garh Doul’s association with Usha persists in local folklore and contributes to its popular appeal.[4]
Present
The ruins in this place are still undiscovered and the Archaeological Survey Department of Assam is continuing their works and also constructed a park to make it a tourism site in Tezpur. Intermittent excavations by Assam’s Department of Archaeology (2009–2010) revealed brick drains, terracotta sherds, and fragments of votive plaques, confirming ritual use of the temple precincts. However, a 2010 The Assam Tribune report highlighted serious neglect, overgrown ramparts, cattle grazing within the enclosure, and vandalism prompting public outcry and renewed calls for Archaeological Survey of India intervention.[5]
