Lachit Borphukan: The Valiant Warrior of Assam
Lachit Borphukan was a remarkable leader who defended his homeland from the mighty Mughal empire in the 17th century. He is celebrated as a hero and a symbol of Assamese pride and identity. In this blog, we will explore his life, his achievements, and his legacy.
Who was Lachit Borphukan?
Lachit Borphukan was born on 24th November 1622 in Charaideo, Assam. He was the youngest son of Momai Tamuli Barbarua, a general and a minister in the Ahom kingdom. The Ahom kingdom was established by the Tai people who migrated from present-day Myanmar and China in the 13th century. They ruled over most of the Brahmaputra valley and parts of present-day Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur for six centuries.
Lachit received a comprehensive education in statecraft, history, military tactics, and culture from his father and other teachers. He also learned Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic languages. He showed great promise as a soldier and an administrator and rose through the ranks of the Ahom bureaucracy. He served as a Ghora Barua (cavalry officer), a Dulia Barua (river officer), a Simalugiria Phukan (governor of Simaluguri), and a Dolakasharia Barua (chief revenue officer).
What was the Battle of Saraighat?
The Battle of Saraighat was the decisive clash between the Ahom kingdom and the Mughal empire in 1671. It was the culmination of a long series of conflicts that started in 1615 when the Mughals invaded Assam under Emperor Jahangir. The Mughals wanted to expand their territory and control the lucrative trade routes along the Brahmaputra river. The Ahoms resisted fiercely and fought back with guerrilla warfare and diplomacy.
The Mughals made several attempts to conquer Assam but failed to subdue the Ahoms. The most notable invasion was led by Mir Jumla II, the governor of Bengal, in 1662-63. He captured Guwahati, the strategic gateway to Assam, and forced the Ahom king Jayadhwaj Singha to sign a humiliating treaty that ceded territory and imposed tribute. Mir Jumla died soon after due to illness and his army retreated.
The Ahoms took advantage of the situation and launched a counter-attack under King Chakradhwaj Singha in 1667. They recaptured Guwahati and other areas from the Mughals with the help of Lachit Borphukan, who was appointed as the Borphukan (viceroy) of Lower Assam and the commander-in-chief of the Ahom army.
The Mughals were not willing to give up their claim on Assam and sent another large army under Raja Ram Singh I, a Rajput general and a son-in-law of Emperor Aurangzeb, in 1669. Ram Singh had about 30,000 soldiers, 15,000 cavalry, 30 elephants, and a large fleet of boats. He also had allies from Koch Bihar, Cachar, Manipur, and some local chieftains.
Lachit Borphukan had about 10,000 soldiers, 4,000 cavalry, 500 elephants, and a smaller fleet of boats. He also had allies from Garo hills, Naga hills, Kachari kingdom, Tipam kingdom, and some local chieftains.
The two armies met at Saraighat, a narrow stretch of the Brahmaputra river near Guwahati. The battle lasted for several months and involved land and naval engagements. Lachit Borphukan displayed extraordinary courage, skill, and leadership in defending his position against overwhelming odds. He motivated his soldiers with inspiring speeches and personal examples. He also devised ingenious strategies to counter the Mughal tactics.
One of the most famous incidents of the battle was when Lachit Borphukan beheaded his own uncle for neglecting his duty at a critical juncture. He declared that his father’s son was not greater than his motherland.
Another remarkable incident was when Lachit Borphukan himself led a daring night attack on the Mughal camp despite being severely ill. He disguised himself as a Mughal soldier and infiltrated their ranks with a small group of men. He then set fire to their boats and tents and created panic among them.
The final blow to the Mughal army came when Lachit Borphukan launched a massive assault on their fleet with his own boats. He used fire arrows, gunpowder, and explosives to destroy their ships and force them to retreat. The Mughals suffered heavy casualties and lost most of their equipment and supplies.
The Battle of Saraighat was a glorious victory for the Ahoms and a humiliating defeat for the Mughals. It marked the end of the Mughal ambitions in Assam and secured the Ahom sovereignty for another century.
What was the significance of the victory?
The victory of Lachit Borphukan in the Battle of Saraighat was not only a military triumph but also a cultural and political assertion. It demonstrated the resilience and valor of the Ahom people who fought for their freedom and dignity against a powerful invader. It also showcased the diversity and unity of the Assamese society that comprised of various ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups who joined hands to defend their common homeland.
The victory of Lachit Borphukan also had a wider impact on the history of India. It prevented the Mughals from extending their empire to the east and south-east of India. It also inspired other regional powers such as the Marathas, the Sikhs, and the Rajputs to resist the Mughal domination and assert their autonomy.
What is the legacy of Lachit Borphukan?
Lachit Borphukan is revered as a national hero and a cultural icon in Assam. He is remembered for his bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice. He is honored with various monuments, statues, awards, and institutions named after him. His birth anniversary on 24th November is celebrated as Lachit Divas in Assam.
Lachit Borphukan is also recognized as one of the greatest generals in Indian history. He is compared with other legendary warriors such as Shivaji, Rana Pratap, Guru Gobind Singh, and Maharana Pratap. He is admired for his military genius, strategic vision, and ethical values.
Lachit Borphukan is a source of inspiration and pride for all Indians who value their freedom and identity. He is a symbol of courage, loyalty, and devotion to one’s motherland.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog on Lachit Borphukan. If you want to know more about him, you can check out these references:
- Lachit Borphukan – Wikipedia
- Lachit Borphukan: The Valiant Warrior of Assam – Indian Culture
- The heroism of Lachit Borphukan, legendary Ahom general and proud symbol of Assamese identity – Indian Express
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