The Ahom heritage of Sivasagar: tanks, temples and a history under the waterline

Sivasagar, the old Ahom capital, is defined by water: a great tank the size of a small lake, dug by royal decree in the 18th century, ringed by temples that rise from the bank.

A dredging programme is restoring the tank’s depth, and every layer of silt is yielding pottery, coins and the occasional surprise.

Heritage officers are working with archaeologists to keep the excavation scholarly and the site open.