Guwahati: A chance Sunday visit to a Mayong hilltop shrine uncovered three artefacts that could illuminate a little-explored chapter of Assam’s archaeological past.Two unfinished stone sculptures, believed to date to the seventh or eighth century, and a terracotta figure, possibly from the 12th or 13th century, were recovered from the Kashishila Shiva Ashram at Hatimuriya village.The artefacts came to light after earth was excavated near the shrine’s main sanctum for a small construction project. Ancient brick fragments were also found scattered across the freshly dug soil.Utpal Nath, founder of the Mayong Rural Museum and Research Centre, and cultural activist Bipul Deka were visiting the shrine when they noticed the brick fragments. After speaking to priests, they found the three artefacts lying exposed at the site.With help from ashram residents, Nath and Deka shifted the artefacts to the museum for safekeeping.The unfinished stone sculptures bear visible chisel marks and could offer clues to the craftsmanship and religious practices of the period. The brick fragments have also raised the possibility of buried structural remains.Nath said the discoveries highlighted the need for systematic archaeological exploration of Mayong. “Mayong keeps giving,” he said, stressing that scientific excavation by Archaeological Survey of India and the state archaeology department could help establish the finds’ historical significance.The recovery has renewed calls for a detailed archaeological survey of Mayong, long associated with legends of tantra and occult practices. Researchers believe excavations could establish whether the artefacts were linked to ancient religious or settlement structures.Sanskar Bharati Uttar Asom Pranta Prasar Pramukh Sailendra Pandey said, “These treasures belong on the global stage. Govt must stop sleeping. Engage the people who live here, protect what is ours, and let the world see Mayong’s true glory. The community must stand united too — no more quiet neglect.”
