Kanai Boroshi rock inscriptions to be preserved for Assamese script history

Guwahati: The state archaeology directorate and Kamrup administration are making all efforts to preserve the three Kanai Boroshi Bowa rock inscriptions located in North Guwahati of which one dating back to 13th century mirrors the beginning of the modern form of Assamese script. The site aslo has a geometrical design and a Ganesha figure.
Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art & Culture, Assam director Prof Sudeshna Bhattacharjya visited the site with Kamrup DC Deba Kumar Mishra and director of archaeology Deepi Rekha Kouli on Wednesday.
“It may be considered as the early stage of the modern Assamese script,” Bhattacharjya said, referring to the 13th-century inscription’s numerous letters. She added that the remaining two inscriptions from the 17th century, associated with the legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan and Ahom King Rudra Singha, bear a stronger resemblance to modern Assamese alphabets in larger volumes.
The 13th-century inscription dating to 1205-06 CE chronicles King Prithu of Kamarupa’s triumph over Bakhtiyar Khilji’s invading forces. “This inscription holds paramount significance for future research, as classical language status necessitates historical documentation spanning 1500 to 2000 years. It serves a pivotal, iconic role,” she added.
“The earliest inscription records the invasion of Kamarupa by the Turks in 1205 CE, while the two inscriptions, dated to the 17th century CE, refer to a battle between the Assamese army and the Mughals,” the directorate of archaeology said on social media.
The Kanai Borosi Bowa Rock Inscription, engraved in Assamese and Devnagari script, represents the earliest known Assamese inscriptions. The inscription reads — ‘Sake Turaga-Jugmese Madhumasa-Trayodase Kamarupang samagatya Turuskah Kshayamayayuh — documenting the Turks’ defeat in Kamarupa.