India Mint Stamp

Lokith Philately

Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Assam

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Date of issue: 02.01.1979

Pin code: 785640

Status: Not available

PO Name: Sibsagar

Description: Sivasagar, formerly known as Sibsagar, is a district in Assam. This historic town is also known for its ancient architecture and rich biodiversity. Shiva Dol, a group of Temple structures consisting of three temples Shiva Dol, Vishnu Dol and Devi Dol, temple is called Dol in the local Assamese language. It is a famous pilgrimage site here and also has a museum nearby. These temples are located on the banks of the Sivasagar "Lord Shiva's Ocean" pond, also known as the Borpukhuri pond. The pond was constructed between 1731 and 1738 and the temples were built in 1734 by Queen Ambika of the Ahom king Swargadeo Siva Singha (1714-1744). The height of the Shivadol is 32 meters and the circumference at the base is 59 meters. It is adorned with a 2.4-meter-high gold dome. The town was once the capital of the Ahom kingdom. The Ahoms arrived from South China in 1228 and established their first capital at Charaideo, 28 km from present-day Sivasagar, in 1253. 

Initially, they were ancestor worshippers close to Taoism and Shinto, and even today some people here follow Mahayana and Theravada forms of Buddhism. It was the capital of the Ahom kingdom until the establishment of the British Raj in India. It also has the famous Rang Ghar, an important two-story building. Historically, it was a royal sports pavilion where the Ahom kings and distinguished citizens gathered to watch traditional games, including bull, cock, elephant, buffalo fights and wrestling during the Rongali Bihu festival, contributing to the festive atmosphere of the area. This architectural marvel is located about 3 km from the centre of Sivasagar town, adjacent to the Rangpur Assam Trunk Road and the Raj Niwas, which includes the Talatal Ghar and the Kareng Ghar. Rang Ghar is believed to be one of the oldest existing amphitheatres in Asia, dating back to the era of Swargadeo Pramatta Singh. Indian Post Assam Circle has mentioned Shiva Dol (temple) on this PPC and depicts Rang Ghar on the cover. Now this PPC has withdrawn from the post office.