[Assam] Unearthed: royal kitchen in Sivasagar

[Pradip Kumar Datta]

           The remains of the royal Ahom kitchen in Sivasagar. A Telegraph picture      
Unearthed: royal kitchen in Sivasagar
   
  For years, historians have wondered what the kitchens of the Ahom royalty looked like. They finally have the answer.
  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has dug out the remains of a royal kitchen on the precincts of the Gargaon Palace in Sivasagar district. “The discovery is a virtual treasure trove and should answer many questions which have remained a mystery for so long,” said the superintending archaeologist of ASI’s Guwahati circle, Sanjay Kumar Manjul.
   
  The Ahoms ruled Assam for around 600 years and are credited with bringing together the various tribes and sub-tribes as one to form the greater Assamese society. Originally from South East Asia, the Ahoms also shaped, to a great extent, the food habits of the people, adding new items to the Assamese menu. The ASI official said the remains of the kitchen — believed to be nearly 400 years old — include earthen tumblers, bowls, dishes and basins. Three oval-shaped hearths and pots and pans of various kinds were also recovered during the excavation.
   
  “We are examining the pieces. Our research is expected to throw light on the lifestyle, cooking methods and culinary habits of the Ahoms,” he added.
  Traces of charcoal were also found at the site, indicating that the Ahoms, too, used wood as fuel for cooking.
   
  Archaeologists believe the findings will shed light on the cultural continuity since the Ahom rule. “For example, we can now know which of the practices of the Ahom age are still continuing. The hearths are similar to those which are still used in some places of Upper Assam,” Manjul said.
   
  The Gargaon Palace — also known as the Kareng Ghar — was built in 1540 by the 15th Ahom king, Sukhlenmung. The old structure was, however, destroyed sometime during the 18th century. The present seven-storey structure was rebuilt by King Rajeswar Singha in 1762.

       
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