LACHIT : An Inspiration For All Generations!

GITASHRI KAKOTI

Lachit Borphukan was a legendary Ahom general and military leader in the 17th century, best known for his role in the Battle of Saraighat (1671), where he led the Ahom army to a decisive victory over the Mughal forces, ensuring the survival of the Ahom kingdom in Assam.

His Early life:Lachit Borphukan was born on 24 November 1622 at Charaideo in Assam. He was the youngest son of Momai Tamuli Borbarua and Kunti Moran. He was born in a royal family.

Momai Tamuli Borbarua was the commander-in-chief of the Ahom army, he was the 1st Borbarua (Phu-Ke-Lung) of upper-Assam and Commander-in-Chief of the Ahom army) under Prataap Singha. Momai Tamuli Barbarua was a founder of Paik practices.

His career: Lachit Borphukan was appointed to the post of commander of ‘Hanstidhara Tamuli’ by the then Minister of the state while he first held post of commander of the state of Ahom. He entered the politics of Ahom state for the first time holding this post at the level of personal assistant. He was subsequently next appointed in the position of “Ghora Baruah’.

While serving in the post as a Ghura Baruah, Lachit Borphukan introduce his talent and bravery by not overseeing the horse properly but also by subduing many great/formidable horse. For his smoothly completing the task of the post of “Ghora Baruah” he was appointed as chief officer of Shimaluguria games in post of Shimaluguria Phukan. Later subsequently he was appointed Dulakasharia Baruah. He had a task of controlling the king’s pali-paharia (sawdang) while king was taken to Dula.

At this time Swargadeuw Chakradhwai Singha got to know about the skill of Lachit Borphukan and was appointed’Commander-in-Chief. And Borphukan of the state of Ahom. In 1662, Army of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb invaded Assam under the leadership of Mirjumla and included the state of Ahom as a Tax-based state. Swargadeuw Chrakradhwa Singha took up efforts to salvage the glory of the past.

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This is the main reason Lachit Borphukan was entrusted with the responsibility of Senapati(general) by searching lbr a qualified Senapati (general). King Chakradhwaj Singha selected Lachit Borphukan the army in the campaign against the Mughals who held Guwahati.

The King presented Lachit with a gold-hafted sword (Hengdang) and the custmary paraphernalia of distinction, Lachit raised the army and preparations were completed by summer of 1667.

Lachit recovered Guwahati from the Mughals and succcssfully defended it against the Mughal forces during the Battle of Saraighat. In February 1669 AD Mughal troops led by Ram Singh came to assam to attack. Thus, the life of Lachit Borphukan reflects concentration on work, duty and bravery.

Battle of Saraighat (1671): The Battle of Saraighat is the defining moment of Lachit Borphukan’s career. The Mughal forces, led by the general Mir Jumla, had attacked the Ahom kingdom with a large and powerful army, intending to annex it.

Lachit Borphukan skillfully utilized the terrain, led his forces with remarkable determination, and even endured personal hardship to ensure the Ahoms’ victory. The battle was fought near the Brahmaputra River, where Lachit Borphukan’s forces used their knowledge of the river and local terrain to gain an upper hand.

Despite suffering personal illness during the battle, Borphukan led his troops from the front, and the Ahoms emerged victorious, forcing the Mughal forces to retreat.
This victory was not only a military triumph but also a symbolic moment that preserved the independence and sovereignty of Assam against Mughal expansion.

Lachit Borphukan died about a year after the victory at Saraighat due to natural causes. His remains lies in rest at the Lachit Maidaam built in 1672 by Swargadeo Udayaditya Singha at Hoolungapara 16 km from Jorhat.

Legacy: Lachit Borphukan’s victory at Saraighat is celebrated in Assam as a symbol of patriotism, valor, and the defense of the region’s sovereignty. He is regarded as a national hero in Assam and has been immortalized in various cultural representations, including plays, poems, and paintings. His leadership, commitment to his people, and unwavering patriotism continue to inspire generations in Assam and beyond.

He was the inspiration behind strengthening India’s naval force and revitalising inland water transport and creating infrastructure associated with it due to his great naval strategies. The Lachit Borphukan gold medal is awarded to the best cadet from the National Defence Academy. The medal was instituted in 1999 to inspire defence personnel to emulate Borphukan’s heroism and sacrifices.

24-11-2024

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