The 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan, the legendary war hero from Assam, is set to be celebrated in New Delhi from November 23rd to 25th, 2022. Known for his leadership in thwarting a Mughal invasion during the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, Borphukan’s life and legacy provide rich insights into India’s historical battles and the Ahom kingdom he served.
Who was Lachit Borphukan?
Born on November 24th, 1622, Lachit Borphukan is celebrated for his significant role in the Battle of Saraighat. Fought on the Brahmaputra banks in Guwahati in 1671, this naval battle resulted in the triumph of Ahoms over the invading Mughals. Borphukan’s exceptional naval strategies not only paved the way for the victory but also inspired the strengthening of India’s naval force and the revitalization of inland water transport infrastructure.
In honor of his contributions, the National Defence Academy instituted the Lachit Borphukan gold medal in 1999, awarded to the best cadet. Borphukan’s journey concluded with his death on April 25th, 1672.
The Ahom Kingdom: An Overview
The Ahom kingdom was established in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam in 1228 by 13th century ruler Chaolung Sukapha. This kingdom retained its sovereignty for an impressive 600 years, even resisting the powerful Mughal Empire, before its annexation to British India in 1826 via the Treaty of Yandaboo.
Political and Social Structure of Ahom Kingdom
The Ahom kingdom was unique in its political and social systems. The creation of a new state involved the suppression of the older system of bhuiyans or landlords. The Ahom state relied on forced labor, known as paiks.
The social aspect of the Ahom society was divided into clans or khels, each often controlling multiple villages. Despite adopting Hindu religion and the Assamese language, Ahoms worshipped their tribal gods and retained their traditional beliefs, aiding in the assimilation process within the Assamese culture through intermarriages.
Cultural Contributions
The Ahom kingdom was distinguished by its vibrant arts and culture scene. Land grants were given to poets and scholars, and theatre was widely encouraged. Notably, significant Sanskrit works were translated into local languages, and historical records, known as buranjis, were written in both the Ahom and Assamese languages.
Military Strategy of Ahom Kingdom
The Ahom king served as the supreme commander of both the state and the military, leading the forces during wars. Essential to the military were the paiks, who could be mobilized swiftly by a kheldar, an expert military organizer. The Ahom Army comprised infantry, navy, artillery, elephantry, cavalry, and spies.
Primarily armed with bows, arrows, swords, javelins, discus, guns, matchlocks, and cannons, the Ahom soldiers specialized in guerrilla warfare. They strategically used their knowledge of the terrain to trap enemies within their territory before launching strategic attacks.
Moreover, the Ahoms mastered the technique of constructing boat bridges on the Brahmaputra and had formidable forts located at Chamdhara, Saraighat, Simlagarh, Kaliabar, Kajali, and Pandu. Their unity, mutual understanding, and cooperation between civil and military wings acted as vital strengths, contributing to their resilience against external threats.
Borphukan’s 400th birth anniversary celebration is a fitting tribute to his heroism and the enduring legacy of the Ahom kingdom, a significant chapter in India’s rich historical tapestry.
