Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Lachit Borphukan and his Legend

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Lachit Borphukan, Ahom Kingdom, Treaty of Yandaboo

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

  • The Statue of Valour, depicting Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, has become a significant landmark in Meleng-Hollongapar, Jorhat in Assam.
  • The 125-foot statue commemorates Lachit Borphukan’s leadership in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671.

Ahom Kingdom (1228–1826)

  • Establishment: Founded in 1228 in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam by Chaolung Sukapha.
  • Duration: Retained sovereignty for 600 years until annexed by British India in 1826 (Treaty of Yandaboo).
  • Resistance: Despite facing the Mughal Empire’s power, the Ahom Kingdom remained unconquered.
  • Political Structure: Established a new state by supressing the older system of bhuiyans (landlords).
  • Labor System: Relied on forced labor known as paiks for state functions.
  • Social Organization: Society divided into clans or khels, embracing Hinduism and Assamese language alongside tribal beliefs.
  • Cultural Patronage: Supported poets, scholars, and theater; translated Sanskrit texts into local language; composed historical chronicles called buranjis.
  • Military Strategy: King served as supreme commander; core army comprised of paiks; mastered guerrilla warfare and surprise attacks.
  • Key Forts: Included Chamdhara, Saraighat, and Simlagarh, strategically crucial for defense.
  • River Expertise: Mastered construction of boat bridges on the Brahmaputra River.
  • Legacy: Ahom Kingdom’s military prowess, cultural patronage, and political organization left a lasting impact on Assam’s history.

Who was Lachit Borphukan?

  • Lachit Borphukan was a legendary military commander from the northeastern region of India, specifically from the state of Assam. Here are some facts related to him:
Description
Timeline 1622-1672
Dynasty Ahom Dynasty
Mughal Threat Faced the Mughal Empire’s expansion into Assam
Battle of Saraighat
  • Led Ahom forces to victory against the Mughals in 1671;
  • Defended Assam against the Aurangzeb’s forces led by Ram Singh.
Leadership Known for strategic brilliance and guerrilla tactics
Legacy Revered as a symbol of Assamese pride and resistance
Recognition
  • INS Lachit:  Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer named in honor;
  • Lachit Divas:  Celebrated annually on November 24th in Assam;
  • Lachit Borphukan Medal: Awarded to the best cadet from the National Defence. Academy (NDA, Pune).

 

PYQ:

[2015]  Who among the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong?

(a) Amoghavarsha I

(b) Ballala II

(c) Harihara I

(d) Prataparudra II

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