Darrang, February 1: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday unveiled a 37-foot-tall statue of Maharaj Krishna Narayan, the renowned 18th-century ruler of the Koch–Rajbanshi dynasty, on the auspicious occasion of Chilarai Divas. The inauguration ceremony, held in Darrang district, marked a significant tribute to one of the region's prominent historical figures and reaffirmed the state's commitment to preserving Assam's rich cultural heritage.
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| Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and dignitaries pose after unveiling the 37-ft statue of Maharaj Krishna Narayan on Chilarai Divas in Darrang. |
The imposing statue, installed alongside a newly developed Children's Park, honours Maharaj Krishna Narayan's enduring contributions to public welfare, social harmony, and the preservation of the Koch–Rajbanshi cultural legacy. The new public space is expected to serve as both a heritage landmark and a recreational destination for local residents and visitors.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sarma described the unveiling as a moment of immense pride for the people of Darrang and Assam. He said Maharaj Krishna Narayan's vision and leadership continue to inspire generations and remain an integral part of the state's historical and cultural identity.
The Chief Minister highlighted the immense contribution of the Koch–Rajbanshi community to Assam's social, political, and cultural development. He stated that the government is committed to recognising and honouring historical personalities whose contributions have shaped the state's history but have not always received due recognition. According to him, the initiative reflects the government's resolve to bring every chapter of Assam's diverse heritage into the public consciousness with dignity and respect.
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Earlier in the day, Dr. Sarma paid floral tributes to Chilarai, the legendary military commander of the Koch dynasty, whose birth anniversary is commemorated as Chilarai Divas. Acknowledging Chilarai's legacy as a courageous warrior and visionary leader, the Chief Minister announced a ₹50 crore allocation for the promotion of Koch culture and heritage, as well as for developing the historic Darrang Kingdom into a major tourism destination.
To ensure the timely implementation of the proposed projects, the Chief Minister directed the Public Works Department and the Darrang district administration to expedite planning and execution.
Officials said the initiatives would preserve Assam's historical legacy, promote cultural tourism, create local employment opportunities, and strengthen awareness of the state's diverse heritage while inspiring future generations to value and protect their rich cultural traditions.
