The History and Architectural Heritage of Guwahati through the ages

Resumen

The history of the evolution of Guwahati lies in remote antiquity. The city was known as
Pragjyotishpura in ancient times. The name Pragjyotishpura suggests that it means Eastern
Light. The place was the seat of Astrology during the ancient times. The existence of the
Temple of Nabagraha or the 9 Planets in the Chitrachala Hills is probably due to the practice
of Astrology in this temple and hence Pragjyotishpura is supposed to be associated with the
practice of Astrology since the ancient times. .
The name Pragjyotishpura finds mention in the Mahabharata. Several ancient Dynasties like
the Varman Dynasty and the Salasthambha Dynasty have left their mark in the growth and
development of present Guwahati. Pragjyotishpura later on came to be known as Guwahati
and with the coming of the Ahoms to Assam in 1228 AD; through the rule of the English
from 1826 onwards the place was popular as Guwahati. Guwahati has seen a transition from
the ancient, medieval to the modern times and today it is a fully urbanised city. There is
ample proof of this growth through generations in the form of architectural history which
speaks about the history and heritage of Guwahati.
The architectural edifices of the ancient period does not exist today, but they have been
rebuilt by later medieval dynasties in its place, besides the rich medieval architecture of the
Ahom period followed by colonial architecture has blended together to give birth to the rich
cultural heritage of Assam. The paper focusses on the growth of the city of Guwahati from
the times of ancient Pragjyotishpura and also encapsulates the history through her
architectural growth.