Efforts Underway to Safeguard Tezpur's Historic Harjara Varman Inscription

Preservation Initiatives for Harjara Varman Inscription

TEZPUR, June 29: The administration of Sonitpur district is taking significant measures to protect the ancient Harjara Varman rock inscription located in Tezpur.

District Commissioner Anand Kumar Das, along with senior officials and engineers from the Public Works Department, visited the site. They were joined by key members of the Tezpur Sahitya Sabha, including vice-president Dwijen Nath and secretary Dr. Pallab Bhattacharya, as well as former secretary Pankaj Baruah.

Following a thorough assessment of the inscription's condition, the District Commissioner announced plans for preservation efforts to commence after the monsoon season. This initiative will involve collaboration among the Water Resources, Archaeological, and Public Works departments.

In a media briefing, the District Commissioner expressed his admiration for the inscription's rich historical significance. He discussed strategies for preserving the inscription, which is carved on a large rock situated in the Brahmaputra River, and emphasized the importance of making it accessible for history enthusiasts and tourists from both India and abroad.

“We will construct a concrete guide bund in the water near the inscription, along with a bridge to facilitate easy access for domestic and international visitors. Comprehensive measures will be implemented based on expert recommendations to protect the inscription from water damage and erosion in the future,” the District Commissioner stated.

He also indicated that a monitoring committee would soon be established, comprising distinguished archaeologists and engaged citizens from Tezpur.

Dr. Pallab Bhattacharya, secretary of the Tezpur Sahitya Sabha, noted that the rock edict was issued by Harjara Varman, a notable king from the Salasthambha dynasty.

“Historians have referred to it as the Tezpur Rock Inscription, which is now at risk due to the currents of the Brahmaputra,” Dr. Bhattacharya remarked.

He highlighted that the inscription, dated to Gupta Era 510 (829 AD), is crucial for understanding the reigns of the ancient Assamese dynasties: Varman, Salasthambha, and Pala. He expressed concern over the potential loss of this invaluable historical document.

It is important to note that calls for the preservation of this significant inscription have been made for years by various prominent figures, including historian Madhab Chandra Das and archaeologist Dr. Satish Chandra Bhattacharya, along with the Tezpur Nagarik Samaj organization.

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