Once a Symbol of Ahom Glory, Now a Cattle Field – Talatal Ghar Cries for Help

The iconic Talatal Ghar, one of Assam’s most significant historical monuments from the Ahom era, is now facing a serious existential crisis due to alarming neglect and lack of conservation. Built during the reign of Suremphaa or Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha (1751–1769), the site is now riddled with structural damage, thick vegetation, and encroachment—raising concerns among historians, locals, and cultural organisations.

Once a marvel of underground architecture and a proud testament to the military strategy of the Ahom dynasty, the monument today is marked by massive cracks on its ancient walls, termite infestations, and unchecked weed growth. Several parts of the structure are now covered with moss and fungal deposits, further weakening its already fragile condition.

What’s more shocking is the current state of its premises. The once-regal complex has effectively turned into a grazing field for cattle and goats, as the boundary wall intended to protect the monument remains incomplete. The incomplete fencing project, initiated several years ago, was abruptly abandoned, leaving the heritage site exposed to natural and human-induced damage.

Locals and heritage activists have strongly criticised the State Archaeology Department, accusing it of dereliction of duty despite collecting substantial revenue from tourist footfall. “The department has been reaping crores through tourism here, but no serious effort has been made to protect or preserve the monument,” alleged a member of the Ahom Sena, which has been at the forefront of raising the issue.

The visible deterioration of the monument has also sparked outrage among historians and conservationists, who warn that without urgent restoration, Talatal Ghar could suffer irreversible damage. Of particular concern are the deep fissures on the inner and outer walls, and signs of possible foundation weakness due to years of unchecked growth and water seepage.

Originally constructed as a seven-storied military outpost—with three underground and four above-ground levels—Talatal Ghar was part of a broader defence network of the Ahom kingdom. The site is believed to have contained secret tunnels and military passages, many of which remain untraceable today due to poor maintenance and documentation.

“The current state of Talatal Ghar is not just a loss to Assam but a loss to Indian heritage,” said a Sivasagar-based historian. “This was once a centre of military intelligence and royal power. Now it is being eaten away by termites and apathy.”

Despite repeated appeals and media reports in the past, little has changed on the ground. The lack of a dedicated conservation plan, coupled with slow-paced bureaucratic processes, has left one of Assam’s most celebrated monuments on the brink of collapse.

As the structure continues to decay with every passing monsoon, locals fear that without immediate and scientific restoration, the state may lose a major part of its cultural and historical identity. Demands are mounting for the state government and archaeological bodies to intervene before the monument turns into a relic of negligence rather than pride.

Also Read: 600-Year-Old Ahom Era Road Rediscovered in Assam's Tinsukia