Many know of #Assam tea, muga silk, the one horned rhino & bihu. Not many know of the state's historical heritage. Last month I set out to explore the fascinating area around #Sivasagar, the seat of the Ahom dynasty that ruled Assam for over 600 years. 1/n
Our 1st stop was at #RangGhar -the royal pavilion for nobility to watch sports/cultural activities.Built in the 18th century,its bricks were cemented with a mix of local sticky rice,pulses,egg shells etc.Note the roof shaped like an inverted boat 2/n 
Next was #TalatalGhar or royal place. It has 4 floors above & 3 below ground level,with a series of tunnels to confuse the enemy.Wooden structures of the palace didn’t survive but u can see the shrines to Shiva & ancestors,& maternity wing etc 3/n
During our tour of Talatal Ghar, learnt that during Ahom rule,a judicial sentence could be only be reduced by appealing to two people- the Rajguru & the Rajmata. However, even they could not intervene if a person was sentenced for deshdroh ( treason) 4/n
30 kms frmm Sivasagar lies the royal burial grove of #CharaideoMaidam. Maidams are domed superstructures with underground vaults containing few chambers. Like Egyptians,Ahom nobility were buried with their possessions (& sometimes their attendants) 5/n
A half hour drive from Charaideo Maidam will take you to #KarengGhar (also known as Garhgaon Palace).Built in the 16th century,it was the 3rd capital of the Ahoms. Basic design format is like Talatal Ghar but here only the main brick structure remains 6/n
Our next destination was #PohuGhar (royal zoo).The beautiful space was created for animals like rhino,tigers etc.,but is now home to thousands of migratory birds incl Siberain Pelican,Ibis,geese.
We took a break at Maar Akhol for a traditional meal 7/n
We took a break at Maar Akhol for a traditional meal 7/n
My Sivasagar story ends with #JoymotiMoidam,built by a king for his mother-a heroic princess,who chose to be tortured to death,rather than revel whereabouts of her husband,prince Gadapani(heir to d throne).Acc to legend,inside was her statue made of gold 9/n
