NORTH GUWAHATI, Nov 11: Rudreswar Devalaya, a Shiva temple on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra in historic North Guwahati, was built in 1749 by Ahom king Pramatta Singha in memory of his father, Rudra Singha.
The temple was built at the site where Rudra Singha died, according to the Assam government's Directorate of Archaeology. It was named Rudreswar Devalaya after the former king, while the surrounding area later came to be known as Rudreswar.
Rudra Singha ruled from 1696 to 1714. Historical accounts stated that towards the end of his reign, he planned to extend the Ahom kingdom westwards up to the Karatoya river and was preparing a large military force for the campaign. The rulers of Kachari and Jaintia were also mentioned as potential allies.
Rudra Singha fell ill before the campaign could be carried out and died at his camp in Guwahati in August 1714. His eldest son, Siva Singha, succeeded him. Pramatta Singha, his second son, ascended the throne in 1744.
The temple stands on a high square plinth and reflects a blend of Ahom and Mughal architectural styles, the Directorate of Archaeology said. Its main structure combines features of temple architecture and Mughal mausoleums.
Local historical accounts stated that the structure was damaged in the earthquakes of 1897 and 1950. The temple continues to preserve the memory of the Ahom period and the reigns of Rudra Singha and Pramatta Singha.
