A Visual Semiotic study of Architectural Ornamentation of Kachari Heritage Monuments (Assam)

Abstract: The present-day structural ruins witnessed at the earlier capitals of the Kachari kingdom in undivided Assam are evidence of the Kachari people’s mastery of engineering as well as their achievements in art and architecture. In the medieval period between the 10th and 18th century CE, the Kachari Kingdom emerged as one of the most powerful kingdoms in undivided Assam. The employment of ornamental components that can be seen in their architectural structures has a unique amalgamation of characteristics that became prevalent due to various cultural and socio-political phases. However, an understanding of the visual styles and the various cultural narratives embedded within the visual depictions is potentially less in terms of documentation. This research is an attempt to study the visual semiotics of the heritage architectural ornamentation of Kachari dynasty, exploring their symbolic meanings, analyzing their structural compositions, and role in conveying cultural narratives, thereby providing a substantial contribution in establishing the visual identity and preservation of Kachari community’s traditional artistic styles that reflects their art and culture.