Guwahati: At the Kanai Boroshi Bowa rock inscriptions archaeological site in North Guwahati, the state archaeology directorate and Kamrup administration endeavours to preserve the site's historical significance. This site is home to one of the rare rock inscriptions of that era, where the inscriptions from the 13th century mirror the modern form of the Assamese script.
With Assamese receiving the classical language status, the three rock-cut inscriptions, where the earliest one dates back to the early 13th century (1205-06 CE), have garnered substantial attention. Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art & Culture, Assam director Prof Sudeshna Bhattacharjya visited the site with Kamrup DC Deba Kumar Mishra on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Bhattacharjya said the 13th-century inscription's numerous letters demonstrate a resemblence to modern Assamese alphabets. "It may be considered as the early stage of the modern Assamese script," she added.
Bhattacharjya said the remaining two inscriptions from the 17th century, associated with the legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan and Ahom King Rudra Singha, bear a stronger resemblance to modern Assamese alphabets in larger volumes. The 13th-century inscription dating to 1205-06 CE chronicles King Prithu of Kamarupa's triumph over Bakhtiyar Khilji's invading forces. "This inscription holds paramount significance for future research, as classical language status necessitates historical documentation spanning 1500 to 2000 years. It serves a pivotal, iconic role," she added.
Bhattacharjya said while 15th-century Nagajari-Khanikargaon rock inscription in Golaghat's Nagajari Khanikargaon has resembles the ancient Assamese scripture, the inscriptions at Kanai Boroshi resembles the mordern Assamese script. "The earliest inscription records the invasion of Kamarupa by the Turks in 1205 CE, while the two inscriptions, dated to the 17th century CE, refer to a battle between the Assamese army and the Mughals," Bhattacharjya said.
Kamrup DC inspected the Kanai Boroshi Bowa Rock Inscriptions Archaeological Site on Wednesday, focusing on preserving its historical significance, including three rock-cut inscriptions, a geometrical design, and a Ganesa figure. The archaeology directorate deemed Mishra's visit to North Guwahati's archaeological sites noteworthy. His initial stop at Kanai Boroshi Bowa involved discussions on infrastructure enhancement, conservation and beautification. "The initiative aims to establish this historical site as a prominent tourist destination," an official said.
While the Kanai Borosi Bowa Rock Inscription, engraved in Assamese and Devnagari script, represents the earliest known Assamese inscriptions. The inscription reads — ‘Sake Turaga-Jugmese Madhumasa-Trayodase Kamarupang samagatya Turuskah Kshayamayayuh — documrnting the Turks's total defeat in Kamarupa in the Saka Era (1127-1205 CE).