Talatal Ghar
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The Talatal Ghar is an 18th century palace and military base located in Rangpur, 4 kilometres from present-day Sivasagar, Assam, India. It is the largest of the monument built during the Ahom era.
attractions: Rang Ghar, Uttaran Museum, Gola Ghar, restaurants: Maar Akhol
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The Talatal Ghar is an 18th century palace and military base located in Rangpur, 4 kilometres from present-day Sivasagar, Assam, India. It is the largest of the monument built during the Ahom era.
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**Talatal Ghar: A Timeless Tale of Royal Splendor and Ingenious Architecture** In the northeastern region of India, nestled in the picturesque state of Assam, lies a captivating piece of history—Talatal Ghar. This architectural marvel stands as a silent witness to the glory and grandeur of the Ahom dynasty, narrating a timeless tale of royal splendor and ingenious engineering. The history of Talatal Ghar dates back to the 17th century when the Ahom kings ruled over the Brahmaputra Valley. Established by King Rudra Singha, the magnificent structure was envisioned to serve as a fortified palace and military base, a testament to the strategic vision of the Ahom rulers. As the story goes, King Rudra Singha wanted a palace that would not only exude opulence but also offer unrivaled security. The result was an architectural masterpiece that comprised two distinct parts—the Rangpur Palace and the Talatal Ghar, each with its unique charm and purpose. The Rangpur Palace, with its regal façade and exquisite interiors, served as the king's residence and the seat of the Ahom court. It boasted ornate carvings, elegant columns, and splendid courtyards where the monarch would hold courtly proceedings and receive dignitaries from distant lands. The palace echoed with tales of royal intrigue, artistic pursuits, and cultural festivities that adorned the lives of the Ahom royals. Adjacent to the Rangpur Palace stands the enigmatic Talatal Ghar, a structure that evokes awe and admiration even today. The name "Talatal Ghar" can be deciphered as "Talat" meaning storey, and "Tal" meaning below. True to its name, this remarkable edifice is characterized by its multi-storied underground architecture—an engineering feat ahead of its time. The Talatal Ghar served as a strategic military base, replete with secret tunnels, chambers, and escape routes that added an element of mystique to the structure. This subterranean marvel not only housed soldiers but also contained vast storehouses for ammunition and provisions. The ingenious architecture of Talatal Ghar made it nearly impregnable, providing the Ahom rulers with a stronghold in times of war and unrest. The story of Talatal Ghar takes an intriguing turn during the reign of King Rajeswar Singha. Under his rule, the palace complex witnessed further expansions, and an upper-storey was added to the Talatal Ghar, making it a three-storied structure above ground. This new addition further elevated the architectural prowess of the site, showcasing the Ahom's mastery over engineering and aesthetics. As with many historical sites, Talatal Ghar endured its share of trials and tribulations over the centuries. The Ahom dynasty eventually fell to external invasions, and the once-thriving palace complex lost its royal charm. Yet, the resilient structure withstood the tests of time, its sturdy walls carrying the echoes of an illustrious past. Today, Talatal Ghar stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and curious travelers alike. As one steps into its hallowed grounds, they can't help but be transported back in time, immersed in the stories of valor, luxury, and human ingenuity. The intricate carvings adorning the walls, the symmetrical archways, and the mysterious underground labyrinth leave visitors mesmerized, offering a glimpse into the life and times of the Ahom kings. The site's preservation and restoration efforts have ensured that the magnificence of Talatal Ghar endures, carrying forward its legacy for generations to come. In conclusion, Talatal Ghar stands not just as a physical structure but as a living testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Assam. Its royal splendor, combined with ingenious engineering, makes it an architectural marvel that continues to captivate the hearts and minds of all who tread upon its ancient stones. Talatal Ghar is more than a mere relic; it is a window into a bygone era—a timeless tale of human creativity and resilience that shall forever shine in the annals of history.
Dhurbajyoti RajkonwarDhurbajyoti Rajkonwar
20
The Talatal Ghar or the Rangpur Palace is situated in the northern region of Assam and is one of the most impressive of Tai Ahom architecture. Not only does it stand as a worthy testament to the vibrant Assamese culture and its rich history, but it is also the largest of all Ahom monuments in the entire world. History buffs and architecture lovers should add Talatal Ghar to their go-to list. Boasting of a typical Mughal architecture style, the upper ground floor of the Talatal Ghar is popularly known as Kareng Ghar and was used by as a live-in palace by the royalty of Assam. Raja Swargdeo Rudra Singha, the successor of Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha, added these top floors during his regime making the Talatal Ghar an elegant and truly spectacular seven-story royal palace. An interesting fact about this stunning monument is it has been built with purely organic materials - bricks and organic cement (a mixture of rice powder and duck eggs). What is truly notable is that this structure has been standing tall and strong for centuries. History of Talatal Ghar Located in Rangpur, capital of the Ahom Kingdom, this magnificent palace was originally built as an army base by the great Ahom Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha between 1751 AD and 1769 AD. In fact, this elegant structure has two tunnels and three underground floors that were built to facilitate emergency evacuation for the King and his army in times of crisis. The alleys are built like a maze, such that even if the enemy entered the premises, they would be completely lost! Architecture of Talatal Ghar After Swargadeo Rudra Singha demise, the massive fort underwent major changes. Three ground storeys were added to the structure making the Talatal Ghar a seven-storey palace. Walking through the long passageway from the east to the west, you will find a number of rooms flanked on either side of the passage. These rooms were used as live-in chambers by the Assamese royalty. The rooms situated along the north to south passageway were minor division chambers, each assigned to a certain task or to the servers in the palace. Of the seven levels of the fortress, four levels lay above the ground and three levels lie below. The first level on the land was used as stables, constants, hoard rooms and servants' lodgings. The chambers of the majesties are on the two higher levels but are not open to the general public. There is an octagonal room towards the north known as the veneration room right next to it. Among the many chambers, there is one such separated towards the south of Talatal Ghar that stands a little farther from the other rooms. This is presumed to have been used for imprisoning the queen. The three levels built by King Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha were built with completely natural materials- red bricks and organic cement made of rice powder and duck eggs and has been standing strong since its construction. However, the upper levels built by his successor Swargadeo Rudra Singha were built primarily of wood, and hence have been completely dilapidated. Since the Talatal Ghar was primarily built as an army base, it consists two secret tunnels- one linked to Dikhow stream which is around 3 kilometres away and another linked to the Garhgaon fortress, which lies at a distance of 16 kilometres. These were built as hiding chambers and escape routes for the king and his army. Tourists are allowed to visit the upper three levels of Talatal Ghar. The underground floors are closed to visitors.
NARAYAN DEKANARAYAN DEKA
20
The Talatal Ghar: A Marvel of Ahom Era Architecture Nestled in the picturesque town of Rangpur, merely 4 kilometers away from the present-day Sivasagar in Assam, stands the awe-inspiring Talatal Ghar, an architectural masterpiece hailing from the glorious era of the Tai Ahom dynasty. Its grandeur and historical significance make it one of the most remarkable structures in the region. Originally conceived as a military stronghold, the Talatal Ghar boasts a unique design that sets it apart from conventional forts. The key highlight of this edifice is the presence of not just one but two covert tunnels, along with three subterranean floors, ingeniously crafted to serve as strategic escape routes during the tumultuous times of Ahom wars. These hidden passages lend the monument its name "Talatal," signifying the subterranean depths it possesses. Fashioned from bricks and a distinctive indigenous cement formulation, which included Bora Chaul, a sticky variant of rice grain, and the eggs of swans, the Talatal Ghar showcases the brilliant engineering and architectural prowess of the Ahom civilization. For history enthusiasts and curious travelers, visiting the Talatal Ghar is a journey back in time. As they explore its remarkable chambers and corridors, a sense of awe and wonder engulfs them, realizing the incredible engineering feats accomplished centuries ago. For those planning to visit this historical gem, the nearest airport is Rowriah in Jorhat, situated approximately 65 kilometers away from Sivasagar. A short journey from the airport to the Talatal Ghar offers an opportunity to connect with the rich heritage of the Tai Ahom dynasty and marvel at the ingenuity of its architectural marvels. So, pack your bags and immerse yourself in the captivating allure of the Talatal Ghar, an extraordinary testimony to the grandeur of the Ahom era.
AVINABAVINAB
20
Talatal Ghar, located in Sivasagar,state of Assam, India, is an impressive historical monument that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Ahom dynasty. The structure was built during the reign of King Rajeswar Singha in the 18th century and served as a military base and a royal residence.the complex is divided into two parts: the Talatal Ghar, which is an underground structure with three floors, and the Rang Ghar, which is an amphitheater-like structure. The Talatal Ghar is particularly fascinating due to its unique architecture, which includes secret tunnels, numerous chambers, and strategic military features. The underground construction was designed to serve as a shelter during times of war and also to provide a cool environment during the hot summer months.The Rang Ghar, on the other hand, is a two-story structure that was used for hosting cultural events and traditional sports like buffalo fights and other entertainment activities. The architecture of the Rang Ghar is also noteworthy, with its octagonal shape and ornate detailing. Visitors to Talatal Ghar can explore the complex and marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and engineering of the structures. The historical significance of Talatal Ghar as a symbol of the Ahom dynasty's power and influence makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in ancient Indian architecture.Overall, Talatal Ghar stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Assam and is a fascinating destination for those seeking to delve into the past and witness the architectural marvels of ancient India.
Himangshu BaishyaHimangshu Baishya
10
The Ahoms Palace visiting it almost after a decade a lot has changed but the maintenance is it lagging behind. Some more security personnel should be appointed in the palace, the palace has got many derogatory scribbles on the walls, even the campus of the palace is very less maintained. People are throwing eatables packets every where which was not a sight of appreciation. I will suggest the staff in the palace should be more strict. Apart from that the experience was really worth the time in Shivsagar. Ticketing system is online scan n pay and get your tickets no waiting in line , thats a good thing. And one more is that people can appoint photographers in the palace to be able to get pretty pictures of the visit. As I went with my sole friend we couldnt manage to get a picture of us together😅😅 thats a dukh We r still carrying along🥹 Apart from it we enjoyed our visit It has toilets inside the campus and not much far from Rangghar After Rangghar we strolled with our huge backpacks to the Talatal Ghar which was like 15mins apart. And the entry fee was 20/head cashless and 25/head non digitally
Glowrina GogoiGlowrina Gogoi
30
The Talatal Ghar or the Rangpur Palace is situated in the northern region of Assam and is one of the most impressive of Tai Ahom architecture. Not only does it stand as a worthy testament to the vibrant Assamese culture and its rich history, but it is also the largest of all Ahom monuments in the entire world. History buffs and architecture lovers should add Talatal Ghar to their go-to list. Boasting of a typical Mughal architecture style, the upper ground floor of the Talatal Ghar is popularly known as Kareng Ghar and was used by as a live-in palace by the royalty of Assam. Raja Swargdeo Rudra Singha, the successor of Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha, added these top floors during his regime making the Talatal Ghar an elegant and truly spectacular seven-story royal palace. An interesting fact about this stunning monument is it has been built with purely organic materials - bricks and organic cement (a mixture of rice powder and duck eggs). What is truly notable is that this structure has been standing tall and strong for centuries.
Bishal SharmaBishal Sharma
10
Nearby Attractions Of Talatal Ghar
Rang Ghar
Uttaran Museum
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Gola Ghar
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Nearby Restaurants Of Talatal Ghar
Maar Akhol

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