Medieval Assam, a period spanning roughly from the 7th to the 18th centuries, witnessed a flourishing of art and architecture, shaped by diverse influences and indigenous innovations. This period saw the rise and fall of various dynasties, including the Varman dynasty, the Pala dynasty, and finally, the Ahom kingdom, each leaving their unique mark on the artistic landscape of the region.
Development of Temples and Monuments
The architecture of medieval Assam is best exemplified by its magnificent temples and monuments. While early structures were predominantly built from brick and timber, the later period saw the extensive use of stone, particularly during the Ahom rule.
Pre-Ahom Period (7th-13th centuries): This era saw the construction of numerous brick temples, typically characterized by a simple, curvilinear shikhara (tower) over the sanctum. Notable examples include the ruins of the Da-Parbatia temple in Tezpur, which showcases influences from the Gupta period. Rock-cut caves, such as those found in Bongaigaon, also provide valuable insights into the architectural practices of this time.
Ahom Period (13th-18th centuries): The Ahoms ushered in a new era of temple architecture, characterized by the use of stone and a distinctive style that blended indigenous elements with influences from neighboring regions. The temples typically featured a multi-tiered roof, intricate carvings, and decorative panels. Some of the most iconic examples include:
Shiva Dol: Located in Sibsagar, this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the tallest Shiva temples in India, renowned for its towering shikhara and intricate carvings.
Devi Dol: Also situated in Sibsagar, this temple, dedicated to the goddess Durga, is known for its exquisite terracotta panels depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Vishnu Dol: Another prominent temple in Sibsagar, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is admired for its graceful proportions and elaborate stonework.
Besides temples, the Ahoms also constructed numerous palaces, forts, and other secular structures. The Rang Ghar, an amphitheater used for royal entertainment, is a unique example of Ahom architecture, blending indigenous and Mughal influences.
Indigenous Styles of Architecture
While influenced by broader Indian architectural trends, medieval Assamese architecture developed distinct indigenous characteristics:
Use of locally available materials: The abundant availability of timber and bamboo in the region led to their extensive use in construction, particularly in the pre-Ahom period. Later, with the Ahoms, stone became the preferred material for monumental structures.
Elevated plinths: To protect against floods, a common feature in the region, temples and other structures were often built on raised plinths.
Curvilinear roofs: The shikharas of Assamese temples typically featured a curvilinear profile, distinct from the straight-lined or pyramidal forms found in other parts of India.
Terracotta decoration: The use of terracotta plaques to adorn temple walls was a hallmark of Assamese architecture, particularly during the Ahom period. These panels often depicted scenes from mythology, courtly life, and everyday scenes, providing valuable insights into the social and cultural life of the time.
Paintings and Manuscripts
Medieval Assam also witnessed a rich tradition of manuscript painting, primarily associated with religious texts. The most celebrated examples are the illustrated manuscripts of the Chitra Bhagawata, a 16th-century Assamese adaptation of the Bhagavata Purana. These manuscripts are renowned for their vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and expressive figures, showcasing a unique blend of indigenous and pan-Indian artistic styles.
The paintings typically employed natural pigments derived from minerals and plants, and were executed on cloth or treated paper. The artists often used bold outlines and flat color washes, creating a striking visual impact. The narratives depicted in these manuscripts ranged from mythological tales to scenes of courtly life and everyday activities, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural milieu of medieval Assam.
In addition to manuscript paintings, murals also adorned the walls of temples and palaces. However, due to the perishable nature of the materials used and the ravages of time, few examples of these murals have survived.