Rang Ghar is a double storeyed structure from the historical treasures of Asom (Assam) and was built

by Ahom King, Swargadeo Pramatta Singha in the 18th Century. This 10 meters high, royal, sports
pavilion was constructed to watch cultural programmes and traditional games like buffalo and elephant
fights, especially organized during Bihu Festival.
The entrance of the Rang Ghar has two beautiful stone-carved crocodile structures on either sides,
whereas, the roof of the main structure is like a boat, kept upside down. At the center, over the
parabolic roof is a trefoil canopy. Beautifully adorned with floral and geometrical designs, the exteriors
of the Rang Ghar is worth exploring. Made exclusively of red baked bricks, a special variety of rice and
eggs, the building is a fine example of Ahom architecture and treasured entertainment house in Assam.

Kareng Ghar is a Royal House of the Tai-Ahom kings, which is situated in Gargaon, the
third capital of the Tai-Ahoms. Gargaon was founded by King Siuklenmung, known as
Gargayan Raja son of king Siuhungmung sometimes in A.D. 1539-43. Gargaon means
a city of ramparts. The city of Gargaon is surrounded with several ramparts such as
Nimanagarah, Bahgarh, etc. Gargaon is known to the Tai-Ahoms as -Che-hung means a
city surrounded with ramparts. As noted Tai-Ahom Buranjis (histories), king Siuklengmung
as per advice of his principal queen Chaoching (a princess from Nora kingdom) made this
city after Cheregua, the second capital of the Tai-Ahoms. The old name of this region was
Hemenabari, i.e., a compound of one noble Hemena. The monument is four- storied
building and arranged in gradually receding tiers. The top floor has dome like roof with a
chamber. It had four watch towers originally of which now only two can be seen. The
ground floor has three west facing halls and provided with a front and rear chamber. The
palace was well secured by digging canals around it and then building fort like walls on
the canals bank with soil, which is called 'Garh'. The place was named as Gargaon after
the huge 'garh'. There were four main gates to the palace called as 'Singhduar'(Lion's
Gate).There believed to be a secret underground tunnel from Kareng Ghar to 'Talatal
Ghar' in Rangpur which is many kilometers away from this and across the Dikhow river.

Largest among all Ahom monuments, the Talatal Ghar in Assam was initially built as an army base. It is
located near Rang Ghar (yet another specimen of Ahom architecture) and was built by Rajeswara
Singha. Talatal Ghar has three storeys that are underground (closed for tourists) and four above the
ground. The ground floor had store rooms, stables and servant quarters, while the upper floors were for
the royal family. It has been built with bricks and varieties of cement and an arched door that resembles
Mughal styles of architecture. a large terrace, a temple with octagonal structure and a few small
chambers form the major portion of the edifice. Recent excavations by the Archaeological Survey of
India also reveal that there had been wooden structures and logs as well. There are two secret
underground tunnels that connect to Dikhow River and Ghargaon Palace respectively. They were used
as routes to escape enemy attacks. You can also explore the ammunition store called Khar Ghar
situated near the palace.
One of the most sacred and revered pilgrimage centers in India, Shiva Dol is a major
tourist attraction in Sibsagar. It is not only the tallest Shiva temple in northeast India, but
also the highest Hindu temple in the whole of India. The entire temple has a height of
about 104 feet and a perimeter of 195 feet at the base. Surrounding this massive temple
are two other smaller temples, namely Vishnu Dol and Devi Dol, dedicated to Lord Vishnu
and Goddess Durga respectively. Situated on the banks of the 200-year-old Sibsagar tank,
it is visited by thousands of migratory birds in the winter season.
The seven-foot high golden dome, situated at the topmost part or the apex of Shiva Dol,
is called Kolosi and is made of pure gold. The numerous walls and pillars within the
temple are sculptured with the figures and images of Hindu Gods and Goddess. This ageold creation of the Ahom Dynasty has become the center of attraction for travelers and

tourists from all over the world. The most important festival celebrated in this temple is
Mahashivaratri, which falls in the month of Phagun, a fortnight before Holi (usually a
moonless night in February or March).
Mahashivaratri is a celebration of the union of Lord Shiva with Parvati. On this day,
thousands of devotees come to offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves on the Shivalingam.
The main ritual during this festival is the offering of six items on the lingam, namely milk,
yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar, water (Panchamrit) and finally, vermilion paste. This is
followed by placing bilwa (bel leaves) on the lingam and offering jujube fruit, as it is a
symbol of gratitude. Besides this, other rituals include burning lamps and incense sticks,
ringing the bells in the temple, etc. Another important occasion is the festival of Shivratri,
celebrated on the 13th night of every month, in the Krishna Paksha.
Joy Dol wasBuilt during the reign of the renowned Ahom king, Rudra Singha, there is a set
of three temples, located on the northern bank of the Joysagar tank, about five km from
the township of Sibsagar. The most famous among these temples is the Joy Dol, also
known as the Kesavanarayan Vishnudole. As the name suggests, the temple is devoted to
Lord Vishnu and His many incarnations. The temple was constructed in the year 1734 and
has an octagonal shaped Garbhagriha, which is the most sacred shrine located within the
temple.
The Garbhagriha of Joy Dol is decorated by honey-comb designs and lotus medallions and
stands adorned by a dome like structure. Just bordering the sanctum is a small brick-like
structure, which was originally meant to be the kitchen house or the Bhog-Ghar. The walls
of the main temple are beautifully carved with the figures of various Brahmanical
divinities and the various forms of Lord Vishnu Himself. The western side of the temple
has a square shaped mandapa. This connects to the sanctum, through an antara or
vestibule.
Besides the main sanctum in Joy Dol, there are two small temples, located behind the
main shrine, dedicated to Lord Surya and Ganesha respectively. The exquisite
architectural designs and patterns of the temple are indeed like a feast to the eyes of the
beholder and people come from far and wide to appreciate these ancient creations of the
Ahom Dynasty. The month of Bhada (as per the Hindu calendar) is very special for this
temple. Naam-kirtans and prayers are held throughout the month, to honor Lord Vishnu.
This is, in fact, the best month to visit the place.