Ancient Rock-Cut Sculptures in Hailakandi: A Step Towards Conservation

Efforts to Preserve Ancient Sculptures

Hailakandi, Oct 1: The district administration of Hailakandi is intensifying its efforts to obtain a formal archaeological evaluation and conservation strategy for ancient rock-cut sculptures found in the remote area of Kahampara, situated along the Assam-Mizoram border.

Akhil Dutta, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Hailakandi, stated that the administration has conducted an inspection of the site and plans to submit a report to higher authorities to commence a detailed survey.

“We have assessed the location and will forward our findings to the higher authorities. The Government of Assam will arrange for a comprehensive survey to ensure its protection,” Dutta mentioned.

He added that the administration intends to adhere to the guidelines set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for conservation following a thorough archaeological evaluation of the site.

“We are currently unable to ascertain the exact age of the rock sculpture. The arrival of an examination team will be crucial for determining its age, the ruling kingdom during its creation, and the community involved,” Dutta explained.

This initiative follows a recent site visit by a team led by Hailakandi District Commissioner Jay Vikas and Dutta.

The team reached the secluded site after local residents reported the discovery of a rock-cut sculpture representing an Indian goddess within the Gharmara forest range.

The remains, located in an area populated by the Reang community, gained broader attention after initial research conducted by a team from Assam University, Silchar.

Researchers have identified Hindu-Buddhist sculptural remnants and other archaeological features at the site.

Dr. Ganesh Nandi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Visual Arts at Assam University, noted that the sculptures share visual characteristics with archaeological remains found at Unakoti and Pilak in Tripura.

“During our site visit in 2023, we estimated that the remains could be approximately 1,500 years old. Similar archaeological sites at Unakoti and Pilak in Tripura have been dated to around 1,200–1,300 years old, and the remains at Kahampara exhibit visual similarities to those locations,” Nandi stated.

However, this preliminary estimate has yet to be confirmed through a formal archaeological assessment. Officials indicated that the age, cultural context, and provenance of the sculptures will need to be established through a detailed evaluation.

Situated about 18-19 km from Hailakandi town, the site is challenging to access, requiring nearly three hours to reach. The motorable road ends some distance from the destination, necessitating an uphill trek through steep, rocky terrain and a narrow path through dense forest.

During their visit, the administrative team also evaluated the geographical limitations and connectivity issues related to accessing the site.

The administration is also considering the site's potential as a tourist attraction, but officials emphasized that any development would depend on confirming the archaeological significance of the remains and ensuring their proper preservation.

“It could become a tourist destination if we can successfully preserve the archaeological sculpture,” Dutta remarked.

Local villagers have provided initial interpretations of some figures, suggesting that one may exhibit features associated with Buddhist imagery, while another is thought to depict Parvati, with artistic traits linked to Gupta-Pala traditions.

These interpretations, however, have yet to be independently verified through archaeological research.

For the time being, the administration's priority is to document the site and initiate the formal archaeological survey process.