Essay name: The Sculptures of Madan-Kamdev (Study)
Author:
Kamal Nayan Patowary
Affiliation: Gauhati University / Department of History
The essay critically studies the Sculptures of Madan-Kamdev: an archaeological site in Baihata Chariali, Kamrup, Assam (India) dating back to the 9th century A.D. The site features elegant sculptures in relief and round forms which are documented in Sanskrit texts like the Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra.
Chapter 2 - Madan-Kamdev through the ages鈥擜 hypothetical analysis
30 (of 50)
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route of mighty Brahmaputra also had a scope to enjoy the beauty
of this place, specially when we referred to a study made by colonel
Shakespear and cited by eminent scholar Amalendu Guha. This
study states that the courses of Brahmaputra between 1790A.D.
to 1860 A.D. had been shifted for about fifty miles southward of
its present course.89
Thus, the matter may be summerised in the
following words that if not fifty miles, at least some minor deviation
to the course of Brahmaputra was there (this southward movement
of mighty Brahmaputra still proactive in our modern times90). This
has not only push back the location of Kamrupa-nagara further
north i.e. towards the direction of Madan-Kamdeva, 91 but it also
made this temple complex more accessible to our riverine visitors,
however, not from the side of Guwahati, but from the side of
Barpeta, Hajo and vise versa.
statues 92
89.
90.
91.
92.
Under such circumstances, the visitor of different social
and from different parts of the country and abroad, when
Guha, A.: Medieval and Early Colonial Assam, 1991, p.10.
In recent past, the famous village Palasbari on the southern
bank of Brahmaputra was completely destroyed because of
erosions and the south ward movement of the river.
The information derives from Pushpabhadra grant, has instituted
another supportive evidence to our presumption. Accordingly,
the grant, while mention about Kamrupa-nagara (v-20) have
made no reference to Lauhitya. This has confirm the location of
Kamrupa- nagara not on the bank of river Brahmaputra.
Among the visitors, the pilgrims, merchants traders were the
most important personals to visit Kamrupa, though incidental
appearances of diplomatic mission along with weagon of the
royal personals mainly the convoy of the princes were also their.
The matter will be more appropriate when we referred to an
important characteristic feature of the mercantile activities of
Kamrupa. Kamrupa had a self sufficient economy and
accordingly major trading activities were mainly generated by
export and transit business.
