Sibsagar district General information
Sibsagar is a district in the state of Assam. The district headquarters are located at Sibsagar. The district occupies an area of 2668 km² and has a population of 1,052,802 (2001 census). Sibsagar is 369 kms towards the east of Guwahati. It is also a leading tea and oil producing district. The Eastern Regional Headquarter of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission is located at Nazira, 18 kms. from Sibsagar. Modern Sibsagar is a fast developing town.
Sibsagar was the capital of the Ahoms who ruled Assam at a stretch for six hundreds years before the advent of the British. It is a beautiful town located around the huge Sibsagar tank, an artificial lake constructed by Queen Madambika in 1734 A.D. The Shiva dol or Shiva Temple on the bank of this tank is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India.
On its banks are three temples-- the Shivadol, the Vishnudol and the Devidol-- all three built by Queen Madambika, wife of Siva Singha, in the year 1734. The Shivadol is believed to be the highest Siva Temple in India, having a height of 104 feet and the perimeter 195 feet. Sibsagar tank is situated in the heart of the town but the water level is above the level of the town. Today Sibsagar is a fast developing town in commercial, industrial and educational activities. The town, which literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva', is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire.
Tourist Place
Talatal Ghar: About 6 km from Sibsagar is an immense seven storeyed palace, three of which are below the ground level - known as Talatal Ghar - and the rest of the storeys above. There are two secret tunnels here.
Kareng Ghar & Talatal Ghar: These historical monuments were built by King Rudra Singha during 1696-1714 AD was the military station of the Ahom Kings. It is a seven storied palace having three storeys underground- known as Talatal Ghar and the the upper storeys known as Kareng Ghar. The entire structure are of historical and architectural interest.
Gargaon Palace: Gargaon, the erstwhile capital of the Ahoms, lies 13 km east of Sibsagar. The old palace built in 1540 was destroyed, and the present seven-storeyed palace, known as Kareng Ghar, was rebuilt around 1762, by king Rajeshwar Singha.
This amphitheatre was built by King Pramatta Singha. This two storeyed oval shaped pavilion is one of the largest of its kind.
Charaideo: An another old capital of the Ahom kings, Charaideo, built by the founder of the Ahom dynasty, Sukapha lies 28 km east of Sibsagar. It is famous for the 'maidans' or burial vaults of the members of the royalty.
Joysagar: Joysagar, believed to be the largest man-made lake in India, sprawls over 318 acres on the edge of Sibsagar town. Another highlight is the Ahom Museum on the bank of the Sibsagar, which houses artifacts of the Ahom rulers, which include clothes, swords, manuscripts, goblets and platters.
Jaysagar Tank and Temples: The Jaysagar tank was built by king Rudra Singha in 1967. On its bank are three highly revered temples - Joydol, Shivdol and Devidol.
Gaurisagar Tank and Temples: The Gaurisagar tank was built by queen Phuleshwari Devi. Standing on its bank are three temples - Vishnudol, Shivdol and Devidol.
Rudrasagar Tank and Temples: The Rudrasagar tank was built by king Lakshmi Singha in 1773. It is 8 km from Sibsagar.
Namdang Stone Bridge: The Namdang bridge, cut out from a single solid rock over the Namdang river, was constructed by king Rudra Singha in 1703. Today, the National Highway 37, passes over this bridge.