By: NAYANIKA DAS
North Guwahati, located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, is a region rich in historical, cultural, and religious significance. The area is home to several important temples and shrines dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as a wide range of rock-cut sculptures and images of Hindu deities scattered across villages, namghars, and private residences. Many of these sculptures date to the medieval period and hold great archaeological and anthropological value, reflecting the religious practices, cultural traditions, and artistic expressions of the region. This study aims to document and analyze these stone images and sculptures through field exploration, non-participant observation, and unstructured interviews with local priests and residents. The findings highlight not only the grandeur of well-known temples such as Dirgheswari, Aswaklanta, and Manikarneswar, but also the equally important yet lesser-known sculptures preserved in small shrines and domestic spaces. These artifacts reveal patterns of sacred geography, ritual continuity, and the integration of art into everyday religious life.By situating the sculptures within the broader historical context of North Guwahati, the research underscores their role in shaping the region’s cultural identity. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the urgent need for proper documentation and preservation, as many of these artifacts are exposed to natural decay and neglect. The research contributes to the understanding of Assam’s cultural heritage and provides a foundation for future studies in anthropology, archaeology, and heritage conservation.
