Guwahati: A 600-year-old road dating back to the Ahom era has resurfaced in the Patkai foothills near the Assam-Arunachal border.
The remarkable piece of Assam’s medieval heritage is believed to have been built during the reign of Ahom king Sudangphaa, also known as Bamuni Konwar, in the late 14th century.
Locally known as Raja Ali, this 600-year-old road is now drawing attention not only for its profound historical significance but also for the stark apathy of the Assam government towards its preservation.
Located in the Tirap region of Tinsukia district, this ancient route is thought to date back to King Sudangphaa’s rule from 1397 to 1407.
Originally part of a strategic network that connected different parts of the Ahom kingdom, the two-kilometer stretch runs through the villages of Mulan, Tinsuti, and Hawaipathar in the Tirap region. It stretches from Lekhapani Bomgara in the Patkai Hills, traverses the Tirap River, and extends to the Pengeri Nalani area.
Despite its historical significance, the road remains largely neglected. Over the centuries, it has deteriorated considerably due to a lack of conservation efforts.
“For a long time, the road was just a path for pedestrians,” said a local village head. “Now, thanks to community work, even two-wheelers and four-wheelers can pass. We’ve maintained it out of respect for our history and request the government to come forward to preserve and develop it further.”
Members of the Tai Ahom Yuva Parishad have also urged immediate government intervention. “The people here have done more than enough,” a representative stated. “The government must now step up to preserve this historic route, which covers a wide area and holds cultural, historical, and emotional value,” a representative of the Parishad stated.
Raja Ali stands as a forgotten testament to the Ahom dynasty’s engineering prowess and strategic foresight. However, without urgent preservation efforts, there’s a growing concern that this significant chapter of history could be lost forever.
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Locals and cultural advocates are tirelessly pushing for the recognition and restoration of Raja Ali, hopeful that its rediscovery will spark broader conservation efforts across Assam’s rich historical landscape.
