Rang Ghar is one of the oldest surviving structures in Assam, India that predates the Ahom Dynasty from the late 18th century. The two story majestic structure made of stone and brick is set against the banks of the majestic Brahmaputra River near Sivasagar. Noted for its distinctive architecture and royal charm, Rang Ghar is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. It is now a protected monument and is open to visitors. In this blog, we will explore the interesting facts, information, and travel guide about the Rang Ghar, including its history, architecture, and modern significance. Whether you’re an avid fan of ancient Indian structures or simply curious traveller, you’ll find this blog enthralling and informative.
Table of Contents
1. Rang Ghar is one of the oldest surviving royal pavilions in India and is a symbol of the Ahom kingdom that ruled Assam from the 13th century to 1826.
2. The Ahom kings used to watch sports such as buffalo fighting from here, surrounded by large crowds.
3. The walls of the Rang Ghar are made of brick and timber and are very thick, making it resistant to earthquakes and storms.
4. The two-storied Rang Ghar has a unique circular design and a roof shaped like an inverted vessel (kolu) that is typical of Ahom architecture.
5. The walls of the Rang Ghar are decorated with intricate terracotta designs that depict the social lifestyle of the people of ancient Assam.
6. In 2013, the Rang Ghar was declared a site of national importance by the Indian Government.
7. The Rang Ghar is also referred to as the ‘Sadiya Khel Ghar’, meaning ‘sports pavilion’, because of its historical association with Ahom kings and the many sports they used to hold.
Rang Ghar is a majestic, two storeyed pavilion located in the Ahom capital city of Rongpur, in the Sibsagar district of Assam, India. It was built in the 18th century by Pramatta Singha, the famous Ahom general and a special official during the time of Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha and Swargadeo Rudra Singha.
The two storied building is a unique example of Ahom architecture, the lower storey resembling an elephant’s back and its upper storey shaped like a huge conch shell. The inner walls of the lower storey are constructed mainly of brick and plaster and the outer skin is of brickwork covered with stucco. The roof of the lower storey is flat and is constructed from large blocks of stone.
The upper storey, which is octagonal in shape, is built entirely of stone blocks. It is three stories high, with each storey having windows, openings and galleries. The uppermost storey is crowned by a huge terracotta ornamented eave, supported on arches. This gives the entire building a lofty and grandiose appearance.
The upper floor is known to have been used for entertainment purposes during royal functions. It is said that royal sports and cultural events, including boat races, elephant fights, and plays were enacted on the nearby tank (now defunct) in front of Rang Ghar. The building is now declared a protected monument and is under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Rang Ghar is a historical two-storied building located in Sivasagar in the state of Assam, India. It was commissioned by Ahom King Rudra Singha during 1745-1750 and is situated in the Rangpur area. The two-storied building is an example of Ahom style of architecture and is considered to be the earliest specimen of a pavilion of Ahom architecture.
How to reach Rang Ghar
By Air: The nearest airport to Rang Ghar is Jorhat Airport, which is located around 95 km away from Sivasagar. The airport is well connected to several major cities such as Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, and Mumbai etc.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Rang Ghar is Simaluguri Junction, which is located about 25 km away from Sivasagar. The station is well-connected to major cities in the region including Guwahati, Jorhat, and New Delhi, among other places.
By Bus: A large number of buses operate daily to and from Sivasagar to Rang Ghar. The nearest bus stands to Rang Ghar are Coal India Bus Stand, which is located around 2 km away from the site and Sivasagar Bus Stand, which is located around 3.4 km away from Rang Ghar.
Best Time to visit Rang Ghar
The best time to visit Rang Ghar is during the winters. It is due to the pleasant climate that ensures a comfortable journey throughout the region. The months from October to February are the ideal time to plan a visit to the majestic edifice.
Attractions near Rang Ghar
Some of the attractions near Rang Ghar that are worth visiting are Bez baruah park, Varatia Kanta, Jolandhar Borlduar ghat, Joysagar tank, Kalibari temple, Gobind-gharan cenotaph, etc.
Things to do near Rang Ghar
Some of the things one can do near Rang Ghar include exploring the rich wildlife of the region, shopping at the local markets, and visiting the historical sites in and around Sivasagar.
Q. What is Rang Ghar?
A. Rang Ghar is a two-storey structure located in the city of Sivasagar in Assam. It is considered to be one of the oldest surviving monuments of its kind in the country, having been built in the 18th century by King Pramatta Singha of the Ahom dynasty. The structure served as a royal sports pavilion, where special royal events such as c**kfighting and other sports were held.
Q. What is the architectural style of Rang Ghar?
A. Rang Ghar is a double-storied structure laid out in the shape of an amphitheater. It is said to be the only example of Ahom architecture in the state, and it follows a style of traditional Assamese architecture. The exterior walls are decorated with intricate carvings of animals, deities, and even geometric patterns.
Q. Where can I find Rang Ghar?
A. Rang Ghar is located in the city of Sivasagar in Assam. It is situated at a distance of about 8 km from the city centre. The structure is open to the public and visitors can visit it anytime throughout the year except during monsoon season.
5 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024