Reviving Heritage: Exploring The Matak Kingdom of Bengmara Its Ancient Ponds and The Potential for Tourism and Entrepreneurship Development

Abstract

Cultural and heritage tourism serves as a significant driver of economic development by attracting visitors from outside regions. In recent years, North-East India has witnessed remarkable growth in its tourism sector, with heritage tourism playing a key role in contributing to the region's and the nation's economic progress. This form of tourism emphasizes engaging with cultural settings, such as historic landscapes, visual and performing arts, unique ways of life, values, customs, and traditional events.            

The city of Bengmara was built in the middle of the present-day Tinsukia by King Sarbananda Singha. Bengmara was the capital of the Mattak Kingdom. Sarbananda Singha became king and initially established his capital at Rongagarh, about ten kilometers north of present-day Tinsukia, in the year 1788. Later, in 1791, he shifted the capital to Bengmora, which is the present-day Tinsukia. Several tanks were dug in the days of Sarbananda Singha viz. Chauldhuwa Pukhuri, Kadamonipukhuri, Da DharuaPukhuri, MahdhuwaPukhuri, Bator Pukhuri, LogoniPukhuri, Na-Pukhuri, Devi Pukhuri, KumbhiPukhuri, and RupahiPukhuri. All these historical ponds still exist in the present city Tinsukia. Tinsukia has a lot of potential for tourism, including its natural beauty, cultural heritage and its historical importance.