Recent remarks by the Prime Minister have brought attention to Lachit Borphukan, a military general from the 17th century. Borphukan, who symbolizes India’s self-reliant military power, is most famous for his leadership during the Battle of Saraighat in 1671.
A Look at Lachit Borphukan’s Life and Legacy
Born on 24th November 1622, Lachit Borphukan is celebrated for thwarting an aggressive attempt by Mughal forces to seize control of Assam. His strategic brilliance helped prime the Indian naval force, revitalized inland water transportation, and spurred the creation of associated infrastructure. His legacy continues to inspire generations as the best cadet from the National Defence Academy is honored with the Lachit Borphukan gold medal — an award established in 1999 that embodies the valor and sacrifices of Borphukan. He passed away on 25th April 1672.
About Ahom Kingdom: Founding and Reign
The Ahom kingdom was founded in the 13th century by Chaolung Sukapha. It held dominance over Assam for six centuries until it was annexed to British India in 1826 under the Treaty of Yandaboo. The Ahoms were known for establishing a new state by demeaning the former political system of bhuiyans (landlords).
Social and Political Structure of Ahom Society
Ahom society was bifurcated into clans or khels, often controlling several villages. Despite their tribal gods, Ahoms embraced Hinduism and the Assamese language, retaining some traditional beliefs even after adopting Hinduism. Interactions and marriages with locals spurred the assimilation of Ahoms into Assamese culture.
Cultural Significant Contributions and Military Strategy
Ahom rulers promoted arts and literature by providing land grants to scholars and poets, encouraging theatre, and facilitating the translation of important Sanskrit works into the local language. They also recorded historical events, initially in the Ahom language and later in Assamese, in documents called buranjis.
The Ahom king doubled as the state’s supreme commander, directly leading state forces during wars. The military force consisted of infantry, navy, artillery, elephantry, cavalry, and spies, equipment included bows and arrows, swords, Javelins discus, guns, match-locks, and cannons. Specialized in guerilla warfare, troops were known to let enemies into their territory before isolating and attacking them.
Significant Forts and Battle Strategies
The Ahoms had strategic forts such as Chamdhara, Saraighat, Simlagarh, Kaliabar, Kajali, and Pandu, and they mastered the construction of boatbridges on the Brahmaputra river. What stood out was the unity among nobles and the civil and military wings, which proved to be Ahoms’ strong weapons.
Battle of Saraighat: A Remarkable Victory
The Battle of Saraighat, fought on the Brahmaputra banks in Guwahati in 1671, marks a key victory for the Ahoms against the Mughals. This historic event is considered one of the greatest naval battles on a river.