The "Kamrup" is historical region, which in its height engulfed entire Brahmaputra Valley, western part (of valley) serving paramount role as capital and base, North Bengal as western and parts of Bangladesh as southern boundary. Contemporary Kamrup region not enfold such vast territories, is roughly equivalent to Kamapitha division of classical period and Undivided Kamrup district of modern times.
References in epics
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| Kamrup-Kamakhya temple |
Ramayana and Mahabharata allude this region as Pragjyotish, not as Kamrup. Puranas written after Mahabharata mentions same Pragjyotish as Kamrup. Vishnu Purana narrates Kamrup spread 450 miles in all directions from Kamakhya. Kalika Purana says Kamakhya as nucleus of Kamrup. Yogini Tantra composed thereafter gives the geographical area of Kamrup as whole Brahmaputra Valley, Bhutan, Rangpur (Bangladesh), Mymensing (Bangladesh) and Cooch Behar.
Historical accounts
During the first millennium CE, the ancient kingdom of Kamrup, experienced an unprecedented expansion of its geographical, political, and cultural influence. The renowned Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar Xuanzang (also known as Yuan Chwang or Hiuen Tsang), a distinguished Sanskrit expert and pilgrim, provided a detailed and authoritative account of Kamrup’s society, culture, and governance in the 7th century. During his travels in India, Xuanzang spent approximately three months in Pragjyotishpura (present-day Guwahati), the capital of Kamrup, where he meticulously observed and documented the region’s vibrant cultural practices, sophisticated political structures, and dynamic social life. His accounts, preserved in his travelogue Da Tang Xiyu Ji (Great Tang Records on the Western Regions), offer invaluable insights into the flourishing civilization of Kamrup, highlighting its prominence as a center of learning, religion, and trade in ancient India.
Ancient divisions
Primeval Kamrup was diverged in four pithas (geographical divisions) (1) Ratnapitha between the Karatoya and the Svarnakosa (North Bengal & Goalpara region); (2) Kamapitha between the Svarnakosa and the Kapili (Kamrup region); (3) Svarnapitha between the Puspika and the Bhairavi (Central Assam); (4) Saumarapitha between the Bhairavi and the Dikrang (Eastern Assam).
Medieval period
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| Silsako bridge |
During the medieval period, Kamrup experienced significant political and cultural developments. Medieval Kamrup lacked stable local governance, rendering it a contested battleground for various regional powers vying for control. However, no external force succeeded in establishing enduring dominance over Kamrup, allowing the region to preserve its cultural and linguistic integrity, largely unaffected by foreign influences. The Kamrupi language, in particular, remained a distinct medium of expression, unmarred by external linguistic encroachments. Amid this backdrop of political instability and hostility, Kamrup witnessed a remarkable flourishing of literary activity. Prominent literary figures, including Chandra Bharati, Bhattadeva, Ananta Kandali, Madhava Kandali, and Srimanta Sankardeva, emerged during this period, contributing significantly to the development of Kamrupi literature. These scholars and poets composed a series of epics and devotional works in the Kamrupi language, enriching its literary tradition. Notably, Sankardeva, a revered cultural and religious figure, played a pivotal role in shaping the literary and spiritual landscape of Kamrup through his compositions, which included poetic works, plays, and devotional songs. These literary endeavors not only reinforced the linguistic identity of Kamrup but also laid the foundation for a vibrant cultural heritage that persisted despite the region’s turbulent political climate.
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| Madan Kamdev |
Pre-modern
During the colonial era, the historical region of Kamrup, once a prominent political and cultural entity of eastern India, faced significant territorial reduction. Under British administration, Kamrup was relegated to the status of an administrative district, with its boundaries redrawn to exclude significant territories, including North Bengal. This marked a period of unprecedented shrinkage, diminishing Kamrup's geographical scope and influence compared to its historical extent as a powerful kingdom in ancient times.
Modern
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| Gauhati |
The twentieth century heralded a transformative phase for Kamrup, characterized by rapid industrial development that revitalized its economic landscape. The region emerged as a key industrial hub in Northeast India, fostering economic growth and modernization. Central to this transformation was the city of Guwahati, which evolved into the largest urban center in the region. Guwahati's growth re-established it as a major hub for culture, politics, and commerce, echoing its historical role as the capital of ancient Kamrup. The city's development as a modern urban core reinforced Kamrup's status as a pivotal center for cultural heritage and economic activity in the region.
