Magnificent Medieval Cannons Unearthed in Dhubri District: Showcasing Assam’s Rich History and Metallurgy | Guwahati News
Ancient Cannons Unearthed in Assam’s Dhubri District, Linked to Koch Dynasty
Guwahati: Residents of Barundanga village in Assam’s Dhubri district recently discovered three cannons and two cannonballs while ploughing a paddy field. The artifacts have been preserved in the Dhubri district museum, hinting at advanced metallurgy in the region during the 15th-16th centuries. Experts believe these weapons likely belonged to the Koch dynasty, which ruled large parts of modern-day Assam and Bengal.
Initially thought to be Mughal-era due to the region’s history of Mughal invasions, further examination of the design linked the artillery to the Koch dynasty. Kritee Kumar Sarma, the district museum officer for Dhubri, noted the distinct elongated knob and rings that indicate their use in warships, aligning with medieval Assam’s advanced metallurgy.
The discovery occurred on July 18 when a family was excavating earth from a paddy field to level nearby land. Police were notified as a crowd gathered at the site. The artillery was transferred to museum authorities on July 20 under the Indian Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.
Sarma explained that the knob design differs from the shorter Mughal weapons, and Mughal metallurgy typically showcased superior iron quality. Comparable guns have previously been found in Assam’s Darrang district, also linked to the Koch dynasty. Relative dating methods are currently being used to approximate the period of these artifacts, with plans to employ scientific dating techniques for more precise results.
This remarkable find underscores the rich historical tapestry of Assam and its sophisticated metallurgical capabilities centuries ago. Further studies are anticipated to provide deeper insights into the exact origins and historical significance of these artifacts.
Original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/medieval-era-cannons-unearthed-in-dhubri-district-highlight-assams-rich-metallurgy/articleshow/111941511.cms
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