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An attempt to reconstruct the ancient society of Assam and its deep cultural-socio linkage with other region of Bharat may be done through studying various sculptural depiction found in religious monuments of Assam which are both religious and secular in nature. From the study of various works, it is known that the writers give importance on iconography and no serious effort has made to study the religious developments and general life of people of Assam based on sculptural sources. Though brief surveys of discoveries in the field of sculptures have been made by several writers on the early history of Assam, sculptural art did not get adequate attention. Besides carving the gods, the feminine cult has always a matter of great interest among the people of Assam which is clearly reflected in sculptural art of Assam where plenty of Brāhmanׅical, Buddhist and Śākta deities are carved in sculptural art. Prior to the political oppression of the British to Assam, a well organised social, cultural, spiritual, and commercial relationship between the people of Assam and other parts of Bharat relations was in existence. The subject in sculptural art of Assam is not restricted to depiction of gods only and many mundane and secular scenes could also be seen where an individual is carved in such as single, family, and social respect. Image worship of the god in symbolic and anthropomorphic form got reflected in art of Assam, which not only satisfied the religious urge of the people, but also create fear and respect for gods.

The present book intends to trace the development of sculptural art in Brahmaputra valley and explore the participation of
people in secular and religious activities. This book aims to trace the cultural affinity of people and their life style of Ancient
Assam with other parts of Bharat.