SIVSAGAR · ASSAM

Sivsagar, formerly known as Rangpur was the capital Ahom kingdom who ruled Assam for six centuries, until the Burmese invasion in 1819. The province was liberated by the British in 1826 and divided into three sub-division for administrative purposes. This historical city is located in the Indian state of Assam with of a large number of historical monuments belonging to the kingdom of Ahom. It is said that the original name of Sivasagar was “Kalansupar” after the name of ‘Kalansu Gohain’ who resided in a village that originally existed in the place where currently the Sivasagar tank is located. Sivsagar derives its name from this Sivsagar tank, which is spread across an area of 129 acres. The tank is about 300 years old and is an important tourist attraction of the place. The Ahom rulers built many palaces and forts during their reign in Sivsagar, and most of these palaces can still be seen here. The Talatal Ghar is a palace said to have two secret tunnels and was built by the Ahom rulers. Other tourist attractions of Sivsagar include the Kareng Ghar (Palace of the king or the prince), Ahom Museum, which houses some relics and artefacts related to the Ahom kingdom, Gaurisagar which is an old reservoir here and the town of Charaideo closed by, Charaideo Maidam (Graveyard of royal persons), Shiva Doul, Khar Ghar – the store house of arms & ammunition of Ahom kingdom, Rang Ghar – the sports gallery and theatre hall and many more. This city is surrounded by the Dehing rainforest, where the Dehing and Lohit rivers meet.