Ramghat-Tarasso Ruins
Fortified archaeological complex in Arunachal Pradesh, India
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The Ramghat–Tarasso fortifications (also known as the Buroi fortifications) are the remains of a fortified settlement at Ramghat in Tarasso circle of Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The complex is situated in the foothills along the Buroi River, close to the Assam–Arunachal frontier. Surveys describe extensive earthen ramparts, stone defensive walls, gateways, brickwork, brick plinths and pillars of stilt houses.[2][3] Scholars have associated the fortifications with the Chutia kingdom.[4][5][6] The fortified settlement can be tentatively associated with the line of hill forts attributed to the Chutia king Gauri Narayan. According to the Chutia chronicles, Gauri Narayan, after consolidating his kingdom, “built a line of forts along the foot of the hills”, along with large tanks and temples.[7]
| Ramghat-Tarasso Ruins | |
|---|---|
Gateway after restoration at Ramghat-Tarasso | |
 Interactive map of Ramghat-Tarasso Ruins | |
| 26°57′33.95″N 93°24′20.26″E | |
| Type | Fortified settlement |
| Periods | likely 13th-14th century[1] |
| Cultures | associated with the Chutia kingdom |
| Location | Ramghat, Tarasso, Papum Pare district |
| Region | Arunachal Pradesh, India |
| Site notes | |
| Material | Sandstone, burnt brick, river stone and earthwork |
| Area | More than 20 acres |
| Condition | Ruined |
Location
The fortifications are located in the Buroi River valley, in the foothills north of the Brahmaputra plains. Edwards and Mann placed the site at approximately 26°57′N, 93°24′E, immediately beyond the former boundary of British territory in what they called the independent Dafla country.[2] The term Dafla was used in colonial records for communities now generally identified with the Nyishi people.
The Buroi River drains part of the lower Himalayan foothills before entering the Brahmaputra east of Behali Mukh. In the early twentieth century, the upper river was approached from Gomiri Ghat by a path along the hill base through the Singli Tea Estate; the same area could also be approached seasonally by elephant along the riverbank and, with difficulty, on horseback.[2] The 2022 excavation described the Ramghat remains as occupying more than 20 acres of jungle in Tarasso circle, Papum Pare district.[3]
History
Scholars have associated the Buroi fortifications with the Chutia kingdom. Referring to the similar deeply cut marks observed on sandstone blocks at Buroi and on stones recorded by Hannay at Sadiya, scholars have argued that the Buroi and Sadiya ruins could be assigned to the same period and rulers.[4][5][6] The Chutia attribution is therefore based on a combination of historical interpretation, shared masonry features, similar mason's marks and the site's position within the north-bank foothill zone. No inscription identifying the builders of the Buroi–Ramghat fortifications has yet been reported.
Affinities with other Chutia-associated sites
Although no inscription from the Buroi–Ramghat complex identifies its builders, its masonry, marked stones, habitation remains and composite stone-and-brick construction have been compared with archaeological sites traditionally associated with the Chutia kingdom in the Assam–Arunachal foothill zone. These comparisons do not by themselves establish a direct dynastic attribution, but they provide material grounds for considering the site within the same broader constructional tradition.
A large number of dressed sandstone blocks in the principal Buroi wall bear deeply incised symbols on their outer faces. Edwards and Mann interpreted these signs as builders' or masons' marks and noted that several resembled marks recorded by Captain S. F. Hannay on worked stones from the fortifications near Sadiya.[2] K. L. Barua subsequently relied on this reported correspondence in arguing that the Buroi and Sadiya fortifications belonged to the same historical period and constructional tradition.[4] Comparable masons' marks have also been recorded from other Chutia-associated sites, including Tamreswari Temple, Malinithan, Naksaparvat, Bhismaknagar, Rukmininagar Fort and the Sadiya archaeological landscape. At Naksaparvat, more than forty engraved symbols were identified on dressed stones, structural members and stone posts; several were compared with marks from Malinithan and other sites of the Assam–Arunachal foothills.[8] The 2022 Ramghat excavation similarly reported symbols and designs incised on stone blocks, including forms resembling a combined bow-and-arrow and trident.[3]
The 2022 archaeological investigation at Ramghat reported stone posts or pillars associated with habitation remains within the fortified area.[3] Although the original superstructures at Buroi–Ramghat have not been fully recovered, these supports may be compared with the stone posts found at Naksaparvat, where they have been interpreted as supports for raised or stilted residential structures.[9] Brick house plinths recorded at Ramghat[3] can be compared with the brick and stone plinths of Chutia-associated foothill settlements such as Bhismaknagar, Rukmininagar Fort, Naksaparvat and Gomsi.[10]
The Buroi fortifications employed a composite construction technique. The 2022 excavation recorded a rampart constructed from stone blocks and burnt bricks, with the interiors filled with earth and stone boulders. Gateways made from bricks, rectangular stone blocks, and stone slabs were also recorded. The survey revealed bricks scattered all around the top of the rampart, with the highest concentration near the gateway.[3] The 1904 report described wall A as a defensive barrier faced with carefully dressed sandstone blocks, filled internally with river stones and strengthened at certain points with flat, tile-like bricks placed on the inner side of the wall.[2] This layered use of dressed stone with bricks on top and a rubble or earth-filled core resembles the wider stone-and-brick construction tradition seen at several Chutia-associated sites. Comparable combinations of stone bases, brick superstructures or brick-facing, earthen ramparts and defensive gateways have been noted at Bhismaknagar, Rukmininagar Fort, Ita Fort, as well as the Tamreswari Temple. At Naksaparvat, archaeological excavation revealed brick and stone plinths with boulders used between the brick or stone layers, along with earthen and stone ramparts.[10]
Taken together these suggest that the Ramghat-Taraso site formed part of the same broader cultural and architectural tradition that flourished in the eastern Himalayan foothills during the late medieval period.
Architecture
Fortifications
The Buroi complex combined earthen, brick and stone defensive works. Edwards and Mann documented major walls of faced sandstone blocks. At several places, the wall has been built up on the inside with a flat tile-like brick, and there is a gateway in the face of the wall, where bricks also occurred. The fortifications occupied a strategically favourable foothill position. The Buroi River formed a natural barrier on one side, while steep hills and cliffs reduced the need for artificial defence in other directions. Wall A faced the plains, and Wall B overlooked the river from a bluff at the foot of the hills.[2] The 2022 excavation likewise identified a fortified enclosure built from mixed stone and brick materials. The recovered rampart, gate and habitation remains indicate that the complex was more than an isolated wall and formed part of a larger settlement landscape.[3]
Stone masonry
Wall A was built from dressed sandstone blocks, generally ranging from 12 to 14 inches in length and from 8 to 10 inches in breadth and depth. Smaller pieces, some about four inches square, were also used. Edwards and Mann noted that all blocks, irrespective of size, had been dressed.[2] The sandstone facing was fitted with precision, while the interior of the wall was filled with loose river stones. The stone construction was reinforced in places by brickwork on the inside face. Edwards and Mann described the bricks as flat and tile-like.[2] The 2022 fieldwork recorded stone piles or pillars associated with ancient habitation at Ramghat. The report did not provide a complete plan of these structures, but stated that some exposed stone-pile remains were conserved during archaeological debris clearance.[3] Archaeological exploration in and around Vyas Kund was also conducted, and remains of a stone staircase were discovered. A broken Shiva linga, pottery and a sealing ball were also found at the site. These finds indicate ritual activity and settlement occupation.[3]
Brickworks
Brickwork occurred at two locations along Wall A and near a gateway through the wall. Edwards and Mann considered the Buroi bricks locally manufactured because they had a sandy texture, were softer than many plains-made bricks and appeared to have been made from nearby material.[2] The 2022 excavation documented another gateway made of stone blocks, burnt bricks and stone slabs. It's reported 2.83 metre-wide internal passage indicates a substantial entrance into the fortified area.[3] Besides these, brick plinths were also found in the Ramghat area. The research team also conducted archaeological exploration and excavation at Balijan Circle and unearthed the brick structural remains at the Upper Balijan area. The footpath made of bricks connects the structures and runs from east to west and then towards the north.
Mason's marks
A large number of sandstone blocks in Wall A bore deeply cut symbols on their outer faces. Edwards and Mann interpreted them as builders' or masons' marks. They observed that one mark represented in their diagram was particularly common, although the illustration was intended as a schematic selection rather than a reproduction of an actual group of stones.[2] The 2022 Ramghat investigation also reported symbols and designs incised on stone blocks. These included forms resembling a combined bow-and-arrow and trident.[3]
Nearby features
About two miles upstream from the fortifications, Dalton had reported a cave on the left bank of the Buroi River that local tradition attributed to a king and described as a place of devotion. He doubted that the cave in its then altered condition was an artificial work, as the river had eroded much of it.[2] Dalton also described a natural niche higher on the mountainside and a rock mass that, when viewed from the river, appeared to resemble a group of figures. Gold-washers in the area reportedly regarded the forms as gods and worshipped them, although Dalton considered the appearance to be a natural visual effect.[2] Edwards and Mann recorded that the cave associated with the defender in local tradition was known as Badli Karang, or the “cave of bats”.[2] The 2022 expedition also investigated nearby Vyas Kund in Tarasso circle, where it reported the remains of a stone staircase. The report did not define the chronological relationship between Vyas Kund and the Ramghat fortification.[11]
Discovery of the site
Early accounts
The earliest reported description of the Buroi ruins was made by Captain Dalton, who found fortifications in the jungle several miles before the Buroi River emerged from the Himalayan foothills into the Assam plains. His account, later reproduced by Edwards and Mann, described large mud forts with lofty ramparts, deep ditches and tanks containing good water within the defences.[2] He noted broad raised roads extending from the Brahmaputra towards the Buroi gorge, which he took to indicate an important settlement in the low hills.[2] According to Dalton's description, the principal surviving stone wall was about 100 yards long, broad and built from carefully squared stone blocks. A gateway opened towards the river, while parts of the inner face were lined with brick. The adjoining hill had been levelled, although he observed no further standing buildings.[2]
Edwards and Mann stated that, after Dalton's exploration, knowledge of the forts had largely disappeared among local planters and Assamese communities. They rediscovered the remains while travelling in the forest near the Buroi River and carried out a more detailed survey in 1903.[2]
1903–1904 survey
The survey by Edwards and Mann recorded two principal stone walls, designated Walls A and B. Wall A was the longer structure and was formed of dressed sandstone blocks fitted together with considerable precision. The investigators noted that the stones were carefully keyed into one another and that the wall represented a substantial construction effort.[2]
Their second examination found Wall A to be approximately 300 yards long and about 10 feet thick. It ran roughly from north-east to south-west and commanded the right bank of the Buroi River. The wall was filled internally with ordinary river stones, while its outer face consisted of dressed sandstone blocks.[2] The surveyors interpreted its arrangement as a defensive work directed towards the plains. The southern side was naturally protected by the hills, while the northern end was guarded by a sheer cliff on the opposite bank of the river. Behind Wall A lay a ditch and a raised plateau extending back towards the steep hillside.[2] Wall B was described as a continuation or complement of Wall A. It was in a poorer state of preservation and partly damaged by river erosion. At one end, it enclosed what appeared to have been a natural spring; at the other, it stood on a bluff that commanded the course of the river.[2]
2022 excavation
In 2022, the archaeology section of the Arunachal Pradesh State Directorate of Research carried out excavation and debris clearance at Ramghat. The work uncovered a 226-metre-long fortification or rampart built of stone blocks, burnt bricks and stone boulders, together with one gateway.[3] The excavated gateway contained rectangular and hemispherical stone blocks, burnt bricks and stone slabs. Its internal passage measured approximately 2.83 metres wide.[3] The report stated that different sizes of burnt bricks, as well as stone blocks of differing forms and dimensions, were found in association with the fortification.[3] The archaeological team also reported carved or incised signs on some stones, including symbols resembling a combined bow-and-arrow and trident. Other finds included a broken Shiva linga, a sealing ball, potsherds and stone piles or pillars associated with habitation remains. Some of the stone-pile remains exposed during debris clearance were partly conserved.[3] The excavation began on 24 March 2022. The State Directorate noted that additional investigation would be required at Ramghat and nearby Vyas Kund to recover and document further remains.[3]
Archaeological significance
The Buroi fortifications are among the most substantial known stone-and-brick defensive remains in the Assam–Arunachal foothills. The complex combines walls of dressed sandstone, brick-facing, gateways, ditch systems, earthworks, water-management features, settlement remains and incised masonry marks.[2][3]
The site is especially significant because comparable construction traditions have been reported from other fortified and religious sites of the north-bank region, including Bhismaknagar, Rukmininagar Fort, Ita Fort, Naksaparvat, Tamreswari Temple and the Sadiya archaeological landscape. Its precise chronology remains unresolved, but the combination of masonry, brickwork, defensive planning and mason's marks makes it important for the study of medieval state formation and settlement in the eastern Himalayan foothills.