Tezpur - Lush Green Valleys, Tea Gardens and Snow Capped Peaks

History

Sonitpur, as the ancient Tezpur was known in the olden days is a steeped in legend mythology and folklore. The city of blood (sonit or tez- blood, pur -city) conjures up images of the romantic legend of Usha and Anirudha and of the fierce battle between Hari and Hara. Through the ages around popular figures gather many a legend which obscure history.

One such legend fondly cherished by the people is about Banasura, the mighty Asura King, his beautiful daughter Usha and her friend Chitralekha. Legends have it that the ancient Sonitpur was the capital of the kingdom of Bana of the Asura dynasty. The mighty Asura king was also a devout worshipper of lord Shiva. His daughter Usha a Princess of rare charm and beauty saw in her dreams a handsome prince and fell in love with him. Her friend Chitralekha a talented artist not only painted the picture of the prince from Ushas description but recognised him to be Anirudha grandson of lord Krishna the ruler of Dwaraka. Using her magical powers, Chitra spirited away Anirudha under gandharva rites without her fathers knowledge. When Banasura, learnt of the secret romance, he threw Anirudha into prison. Lord Krishna then came to Sonitpur to rescue his grandson, where Banasura challenged him to a battle. A fierce battle ensued and whole city was drenched in human blood, hence the name Sonitpur. Bana was vanquished and Usha and Anirudha were united forever. The ruins and remains if Agnigarh where the immortal romance blossomed, still bear mute testimony of this legend.

Places to see

Situated on the North bank of Brahmaputra, present Tezpur town of magnificent scenic beauty and exquisite archeological ruins is the headquarter of the Sonitpur district. Undulated green valleys surrounded by the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, with snow capped peaks of the Himalayas as the Northern backdrop, lush Tea gardens and beautiful archaeological ruins have all contributed to make Tezpur a tourist's delight.