Two of Guwahati’s most important heritage landmarks —Kamakhya Temple and the Ambari Archaeological Site —have been selected for documentation and conservation under the Historic City Series (2026–2028) initiative.
About the Historic City Series Initiative
The Historic City Series project is being implemented by the
North East Zone of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) India.
The initiative is being jointly carried out by:
- Drone Foundation
- National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)
- ICOMOS India
The primary objective of the initiative is to document, preserve, and promote the rich historical, archaeological, religious, and cultural heritage of Northeast India.
Historic Cities Selected Under the Initiative
Seven historic cities and towns from Northeast India have been selected under the project:
- Agartala
- Guwahati
- Hajo
- Imphal
- Jowai
- Shillong
- Tezpur
Key Features of the Documentation Project
The project will comprehensively document:
- Temples, mosques, churches, and satras
- Ancient monuments and archaeological remains
- Traditional industries and old settlements
- Caves, forests, and sacred landscapes
- Living cultural traditions and indigenous knowledge systems
Focus on Guwahati Heritage Sites
Kamakhya Temple
Located atop the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, the Kamakhya Temple is one of the most revered
Shakti Peethas in India.
The temple is closely associated with the
Tantric tradition of Hinduism and attracts devotees and pilgrims from across India and the world.
Ambari Archaeological Site
The Ambari Archaeological Site, situated in the heart of Guwahati, contains remains linked to the ancient
Kamarupa Kingdom.
Excavations at the site have revealed:
- Brick structures
- Sculptures
- Pottery
- Ancient inscriptions
These findings provide important insights into Assam’s early urban and cultural history.
Significance of the Project
The Historic City Series initiative is expected to strengthen:
- Heritage conservation efforts
- Cultural tourism in Northeast India
- Academic and archaeological research
- Community participation in heritage preservation
The initiative also aligns with the objectives of the
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and India’s broader commitment toward cultural heritage conservation.
About ICOMOS
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is a global non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of cultural heritage sites across the world.
ICOMOS serves as an advisory body to UNESCO on matters related to World Heritage Sites.
UPSC Prelims Exam Hook
Q. Consider the following pairs:
- Kamakhya Temple – Shakti Peetha
- Ambari Archaeological Site – Ancient Kamarupa remains
- ICOMOS – Advisory body to UNESCO on World Heritage
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Conclusion
The Historic City Series project represents a major step toward preserving Guwahati’s iconic heritage landmarks. By documenting and conserving sites like the Kamakhya Temple and Ambari Archaeological Site, the initiative will help protect Assam’s rich civilizational, religious, and cultural legacy for future generations.Historic Guwahati Monuments to Be Preserved Under Northeast Heritage Documentation Project
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