Malinithan

Malinithan is a significant archaeological site located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The site contains the ruins of an early medieval period temple complex, generally attributed to the Chutia kings and dated to the 13th–14th centuries. Art-historical studies suggest that the cultural period represented by the remains spans from approximately the 10th to the 14th century, indicating construction under a prosperous polity prior to the Ahom rule.

Location and Setting

The archaeological site is situated in the town of Likabali, at the base of the Siang mountains. It rests on a hill that rises about 21 meters (69 ft), offering commanding views of the surrounding plains and the Brahmaputra River. The presence of the narrow Akashiganga stream nearby has led scholars to suggest that rituals involving sacrifices may have been performed at the temple, similar to other sites like the Tamreswari Temple.

History and Development

While the present temple complex is not mentioned in the 10th–11th-century Kalika Purana, indicating its construction after this period, the site may have originally existed as a local or indigenous shrine. The scale of its stone architecture points to construction by a well-established kingdom. Stonemason marks found at Malinithan bear resemblance to those found at other Chutia-associated sites, such as the Tamreswari temple in Sadiya.

Architectural Features and Sculptures

Excavations at Malinithan have revealed a meticulously designed and carved stone plinth, standing 8 feet (2.4 m) high. This plinth is adorned with sculptures of deities and animals, floral motifs, and damaged columns and panels. Notably, four sculptures of lions on elephants were discovered at the corners of the temple ruins. Among the significant granite sculptures unearthed are depictions of Indra riding his mount Airavata, Kartikeya on a peacock, Surya in his chariot, Ganesha on a mouse, and a large Nandi bull. The discovery of erotic Maithuna sculptures in various postures has led to the belief that tantricism was prevalent at the site, possibly as a form of fertility rite embraced by the indigenous tribal people who revered the 'mother principal'.

Legends and Associations

In the 16th century, Srimanta Sankardev introduced a legend that connected the site to the mythological king Bhishmaka of Vidarbha from the epics. This legend recounts the journey of Krishna and Rukmini, who supposedly stopped at Malinithan and were hosted by Shiva and Durga, with Parvati offering them garlands from her orchard. Scholars also identify the chief deity worshipped at Malinithan with Dikkaravasini, a deity described in the Kalika Purana as the principal deity of north-eastern Assam. She is also associated with the Kechai-Khaiti or Tamreswari form of Devi worship, a tribal goddess revered by various Bodo-Kachari groups.