Lachit Borphukan – A Visionary Leader (1622-1672)

Lachit Borphukan was an esteemed general who glorified nationalism in the Ahom Kingdom, known as Assam in the present. He was born on 24 November 1622 in Charaideo in Assam as the youngest son of Momai Tomuli Borbarua and Kunti Moran. His father was the Commander-in-Chief of the Ahom army. He belonged to the Tai-Ahom community which was one of the ruling class of the Ahom Kingdom. He was one of the most prominent figures in the history of Assam. He is also known as the and which was fought between Mughals and the Ahim Kingdom.

Interesting Facts about Lachit Borphukan

The table below mentions some facts about his life and recognition.

Aspect	Facts about Lachit Borphukan
Time of Birth	Born 1622
Heritage	Ahom Royal Lineage
Official Position	Ahom Borphukan Military Leader
Famous Battle	Battle of Saraighat
Tactical Expertise	Guerrilla Warfare Expert
Reason of Death	Illness
Cultural Impact	Emblem of Assamese Valour
Annual Honor	Lachit Diwas on November 24

History of Lachit Borphukan

Lachit Borphukan grew up in the backdrop of the Mughal-Ahom conflict that started in 1615. He started his career in the post of commander under the Ministry of State. Later, he was appointed as the Commander-in-chief by the Swargadeo Chakradhwaj Singha. King Charadhwaj Singha of the Ahom kingdom appointed him as one of the five Borphukans, entrusting him with key administrative, judicial, and military duties. He also presented a gold-hafted sword known as Hengdang and the traditional paraphernalia of distinction to Lachit. Initially appointed as the commander of ‘Simuluguri Phukan’ and ‘Dolakasharia Barua’, he rose to prominence for his military skills and leadership.

Mughal-Ahom Conflict

The state of Assam was ruled by the Ahom kings for about 600 years between the 13th century and to 19th century. It is noteworthy that from 1615 to 1682, the Ahoms had several conflicts with the Mughals. To regain the territories lost to the Mughals. a counterattack led by the Ahom King Swargadeo Chakradhwaja Singha. During this, Lachit Borphukan emerged as the most influential figure in the Mughal-Ahom conflict. The Ahom army was led by Lachit Borphukan against the Mughal forces under the Aurangzeb’s command. He was instrumental in the Ahom counter-offensive against Mughal forces. He was also a skilled naval commander, who used surprise attacks in the Brahmaputra valley.

Despite some early successes, the Ahom faced a renewed challenge when Aurangzeb sent Raja Ram Singh I of Jaipur in 1669 to reconquer these areas. This conflict ultimately led to the pivotal Battle of Saraighat in 1671.

Battle of Saraighat

Lachit Borphukan was most notable for his leadership in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. The battle of Sraighat shaped the history of the Brahmaputra valley and the north-eastern region of India. This battle was fought between the Mughal army under the leadership of Raja Ram Singh and the Ahom kingdom under the leadership of Lachit Borphukan. This battle took place at Saraighat of Guwahati on the Brahmaputra River on April 5 in 1671 CE. The Ahom kingdom was famous for its gold and salt and Mughals wanted to control both the resources. Whereas the Ahom kingdom wanted to remain independent and stop the expansion of Mughals.

This battle was the decisive turning point in the history of Assam. The Ahom army was outnumberedby the Mughals. Inspired by Shivaji’s strategies, Lachit Borphukan used guerilla tactics to counter the technologically advanced Mughal army. He was a distinguished military commander who made the Mughals retreat from Guwahati to the Manas River. In the battle. RamSingh, who was a distinguished worrior of the Mughal forces, and had won many battles from Kandhar to Bengal, got defeated by the Ahom forces under the leadership of Lachit Barphukan. This victory stopped the Mughals from taking over the Ahom kingdom for almost 100 years.

Lachit Diwas

The day, Lachit Diwas” is celebrated annually in Assam in the honour of courage and leadership of Lachit Borphukan. This day is commemorated on November 24th every year. It marks the victory of Ahom forces in Battle of Saraighat against the Mughal forces in 1971. After the victory at Saraighat, Lachit Borphukan passed away due to natural causes in Kaliabor. Lachit Miadaam was built by Swargadeo Udayaditya Singha at Haoolungapara, where Lachit Borphukan’s remains lie at rest. The day of his birth i.e., November 24 is celebrated as the Lachit Diwas statewide in the Assam to commemorate the heroism of Lachit Borphukan.

Lachit Diwas is celebrated with organisation of many events, cultural activities to pay the tribute to Lachit Borphukan, Generally, these activities and events includes seminars,and cultural performances, highlighting the military tactics and bravery of Lachit in the protection of Assam.

Lachit Gold Medal

The Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal is a prestigious award that is given or the exceptional contribution in various fields. These fields can be arts, literature, culture, social work, science and others. This award was started to be given in 1999. The best cadet at the National Defence Academy(NDA) is awarded with the Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal for the exceptional contribution. Present day, the brave soldiers are awarded with this award to get recognised and also to be inspired by this great worrior of the Ahom as well as Indian history.

Conclusion

Lachit Borphukan’s life and achievements are integral to Assamese history. His courage and strategic intelligence changed the history of the northeastern state. His victory in the Battle of Saraighat started the withdrawal of Mughalsl from the Assam state. Later, in 1682 CE Mughals were made to move out from Assam forever at Battle of Itakhuli under the reign of Ahom Swargadeo Gadadhar Singh.

Related Links

Ahom Dynasty

Ahom People

Frequently Asked Questions about Lachit Borphukan

Why was Lachit Borphukan famous?

Lachit Borphukan was famous for his victory at the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. This victory of Ahoms over the Mughals stopped the expansion of Mughlals in north-eastern state of Assam.

Who was the home king of Lachit Borphukan?

Swargadeo Chakradhwaj Singha was the Ahom king in times of Lachit Borphukan. Lachit was appointed as the Borphukan (commander-in-chief) of the Ahom army by Swargadeo Chakradhwaj Singha.

Who defeated the Mughals in Assam?

At the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, Mughals were defeated by the Ahom army under the leadership of Lachit Borphukan. Mughals were made to retreat from Guwahati to the Manas river.

How old was Lachit Borphukan when he died?

Lachit Borphukan was about 50 years old at the time of his death. He died about a year after the Battle of Saraighat, around 1672.

How did Lachit Borphukan impact the Mughal-Ahom conflicts?

Borphukan played a crucial role in the stoppage of Mughal expansion into Assam. Notably, his victory in the Battle of Saraighat marked a significant setback for the Mughal forces.

What challenges did Lachit Borphukan face during the Battle of Saraighat?

Lachit Borphukan was seriously ill during the Battle of Saraighat. But he continued to lead his troops, demonstrating remarkable courage and determination.