Prof. Parthankar Choudhury tells story of a Kali Temple in Cachar where the idol was unearthed more than 100 years ago

It may be about hundred years ago or so, this idol of Goddess Kali was unearthed from below the ground, when for extending tea plantation activities, digging exercises were carried out in some areas of Lallong Division, (a tea garden under Dewan Tea Estate, located in the eastern part of Cachar district).

The Dewan Group of tea garden encompasses nine numbers of tea gardens in almost the same locality of eastern part of Cachar. During pre independence era, the garden was won by Mc Neil and Magor company, (a British owned company) from whom, on October 27, 1945, Jay Shree Tea & Industries Ltd., a sister unit of B.K Birla Group, purchased the garden and obtained the ownership.

Only the head portion of the stone carving of Kalimurti was found under the soil. The eyes and tongue of this stone carved idol were found covered with golden plates. At a later point of time, the entire area was converted into a temple, and Goddess Kali is worshipped here on a daily basis with full religious faith and fervour.

Relatively, very little is known as how, during those early days, the Kali idol reached in such a remote place like Lallong tea garden. Till date, no one has done any historical investigation or study as how the idol reached in such an area which is fully devoid of any human settlements.

It needs mentioning that the Cachari kings, whose previous capital was at Maibong (presently under Dima Hasao District) migrated to Khaspur (near Udharbond, Cachar) at a later period. Both the areas fall on the two ends of Barail range, and the garden area is located somewhere in between. It may be speculated the idol might have some connection with the reign of Kachari kings in this part of southern Assam, but nothing can be authentically said until any archeologic study is taken up on this.