Guwahati history

The history of Guwahati is rooted in deep antiquity, making it one of the oldest cities in Asia. Although the exact date of its foundation is unknown, the first mentions of it are found in ancient Indian epics such as the "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata", where the city appears under the name Pragjyotishpura, which translates as the "City of Eastern Astrology".

Foundation and First Mentions

It is believed that Pragjyotishpura was the capital of the powerful Kamarupa Kingdom, which existed from the 4th to the 12th century. This city was the political and cultural hub of a vast region covering the modern state of Assam and adjacent territories in Northeast India. Archaeological findings and ancient temples confirm its centuries-old history.

Key Factors of Development

• Geographical Location: Its position on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River made Guwahati a natural transport hub and river port, facilitating trade and connections with other regions.
• Trade Centre: The name "Guwahati" itself is derived from the Assamese words: "guwa" (areca nut) and "haat" (market), which directly points to its historical role as a significant trading centre.
• Political Power: As the capital of the Kamarupa Kingdom, the city was a centre of administrative and military power for centuries, attracting resources and population.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, Guwahati has been a significant centre of knowledge, particularly astrology. This is evidenced by the Navagraha Temple—a unique sanctuary dedicated to the nine celestial bodies. The city was also a major pilgrimage centre due to the Kamakhya Temple, one of the most important Shakti Peeths in Hinduism. The city's economy was closely tied to river trade, agriculture, and crafts, making it a prosperous hub throughout its early history.

Key Milestones in the History of Guwahati

The history of Guwahati, one of the oldest cities in Northeast India, spans millennia. From the capital of a powerful kingdom to a modern metropolis, here are the main stages of its long journey.

• 4th Century CE — First historical mentions of the city under the name Pragjyotishpura, which becomes the capital of the Kamarupa Kingdom.
• 7th Century — The famous Chinese traveller Xuanzang visits the city, leaving detailed descriptions of the prosperous Kamarupa Kingdom and its capital.
• 10th-11th Centuries — Rulers of the Pala dynasty build numerous temples in the city and its surroundings, many of which, like the Janardhan Temple, have survived to this day.
• 12th Century — The Kamarupa Kingdom disintegrates, leading to a period of instability and changing rulers in the region.
• 13th Century — The territory falls under the influence of the newly formed Ahom Kingdom, which would become the dominant force in Assam for centuries.
• 1671 — The famous Battle of Saraighat takes place, in which the Ahom army led by Lachit Borphukan defeated the Mughal army, defending the region's independence.
• 1681 — Guwahati becomes the residence of the Ahom Viceroy (Borphukan), governing Lower Assam.
• 1786 — The city briefly becomes the capital of the entire Ahom Kingdom.
• 1826 — Following the First Anglo-Burmese War, Guwahati comes under the control of the British East India Company and becomes the administrative centre of Assam.
• 1874 — The capital of the British province of Assam is moved to Shillong, but Guwahati retains its importance as a major trade and transport hub.
• 1948 — Gauhati University is founded, cementing the city's status as the educational centre of the entire Northeast region.
• 1973 — After the formation of the new state of Meghalaya with its capital in Shillong, the administrative centre of Assam was moved to Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati.

Stages of Transformation: From Ancient Center to Modern Metropolis

Beyond its ancient history, the modern appearance of Guwahati has been defined by several key stages of development in the 20th and 21st centuries. These milestones have transformed it into the dynamic economic and cultural hub of Northeast India that it is today.

• Transport Breakthrough — Saraighat Bridge (1962): The opening of the first rail-cum-road bridge across the mighty Brahmaputra River was a major infrastructural achievement. The Saraighat Bridge physically connected the north and south banks, radically improving logistics and providing a powerful boost to trade and economic growth across the region.

• Economic Boom and "Gateway to Northeast India" Status: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Guwahati established itself as the region's main commercial, trading, and logistics hub. Being the largest city in the country's northeast, it became a centre for industries such as wholesale trade, tea processing, oil refining, and the service sector, justifying its title as the "Gateway to Northeast India".

• Technological Transformation (21st Century): In recent decades, the city has been actively developing as a technology hub. The creation of IT parks and the attraction of companies in the information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors demonstrate economic diversification. A key role in this process is played by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, strengthening the city's status as a centre of innovation and modern education.

The architectural landscape of Guwahati is a multi-layered canvas bearing the imprints of various eras—from ancient kingdoms to the British colonial period and modern developments. The city is not characterised by a single dominant style, such as Gothic or Renaissance, but rather demonstrates an eclectic mix of local Assamese, pan-Indian, and European traditions.

Ancient and Medieval Temple Architecture

The foundation of Guwahati's historical architecture is temple building. As the capital of the ancient Kamarupa Kingdom, the city became a centre for the construction of unique sanctuaries. The most iconic example is the Kamakhya Temple, located on Nilachal Hill. Its architecture belongs to the specific "Nilachal" type, which combines a cruciform base with a beehive-shaped dome, characteristic of the North Indian Nagara style but with local distinctiveness. Other important temples, such as Umananda on Peacock Island and Navagraha, also reflect the traditions of the Ahom period (13th–19th centuries), characterised by intricate brickwork and terracotta ornamentation.

Colonial Heritage

With the arrival of the British in the 19th century, buildings in European styles began to appear in Guwahati. In the older districts of the city, one can still find structures from the colonial era: administrative buildings, bungalows, and educational institutions. They feature characteristics of Neoclassicism and the Indo-Saracenic style, which combined European architectural forms with Indian and Mughal decorative elements. A striking example is the historic building of the Assam State Museum.

Modern Urban Planning

After India gained independence, Guwahati began to grow rapidly, transforming into the largest metropolis in the country's northeast. The city's modern architecture is predominantly functional—consisting of high-rise residential buildings, shopping malls, and office buildings made of concrete and glass. The city's development reflects both planned construction in new districts and organic growth, creating a contrast between the historic centre and modern neighbourhoods. In recent years, special attention has been paid to the improvement of public spaces, for example, the Brahmaputra riverfront, where modern design solutions are integrated into the natural landscape.

Notable Personalities Associated with Guwahati

Guwahati, being the cultural and political centre of Northeast India, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the history, culture, and public life of the region and the entire country.

Politics and Governance

• Lachit Borphukan (1622–1672) — A great military commander of the Ahom Kingdom. He is renowned for his leadership in the famous Battle of Saraighat in 1671, which took place near modern-day Guwahati. In this battle, the Ahom army won a decisive victory over the significantly superior forces of the Mughal Empire, halting their expansion into Assam.
• Gopinath Bordoloi (1890–1950) — A prominent fighter for India's independence and the first Chief Minister of Assam after independence. He played a key role in preserving the territorial integrity of Assam during the partition of British India. For his contribution to the development of the state, including the founding of Gauhati University, he was posthumously awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.

Art and Culture

• Jyoti Prasad Agarwala (1903–1951) — A distinguished poet, playwright, composer, and the first Assamese film director. He is considered the father of Assamese cinema thanks to the film "Joymoti" (1935). Agarwala made a huge contribution to the music and literature of Assam, for which he is respectfully called "Rupkonwar" (Prince of Arts).
• Bhupen Hazarika (1926–2011) — A world-renowned singer, composer, poet, and filmmaker. Although not born in Guwahati, his life and work were closely linked to the city. His songs, filled with deep humanism, became anthems for several generations and introduced the world to the culture of Assam. He received numerous awards, including the highest cinematic award, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and posthumously, the Bharat Ratna.
• Bishnu Prasad Rabha (1909–1969) — A multifaceted personality who excelled as a musician, dancer, artist, writer, and political activist. Known as "Kalaguru" (Teacher of Arts), he dedicated his life to the struggle for the cultural and social revival of the Assamese people.
• Indira Goswami (1942–2011) — An outstanding writer, poet, and scholar, also known by the pen name Mamoni Raisom Goswami. Born in Guwahati, she became one of the most prominent figures in modern Indian literature. In her works, she boldly addressed acute social issues. For her contribution to literature, she was awarded India's highest literary honour, the Jnanpith Award.